Alfresco Bites

Stomping Ground David Hyde

Shadowfax Wines Carmen Zammit Sebastian

Pontoon

Howler Sean Fennessy

Melbourne’s Neighbourhoods Alfresco Bites

Next time you’re catching up with friends and family, choose an alfresco dining option and top up your vitamin D levels while enjoying an excellent meal.

On the Waterfront

What’s better than some delicious food? Enjoying it with a view. It’s all about the base at family-friendly Teddy Picker 18 , where pizzas are on the menu and the shaded outdoor area overlooks the Werribee River. The terrace at stylish Sebastian 19 in Williamstown has sweeping views of the beach. On the menu are Basqueinspired tapas dishes cooked on the charcoal grill. At Pontoon 20 , you'll be so close to St Kilda Beach your feet will practically be in the sand. The deck is an amazing spot for a relaxing afternoon of drinks and casual meals. Oysters and cheeseburgers, anyone? +teddypickerwerribee.com +sebastianbeachgrill.com +pontoonstkildabeach.com.au

Beer Garden Brilliance

Say cheers. The local pub is the place to be, and if you can sit outside to enjoy a cool drink and low-key lunch, even better. The courtyard at Howler 21 is one of Brunswick’s most popular spots, serving up burgers, tacos, wings and cocktails. It has a great vegan offering, too. Stomping Ground 22 has spread its wings, taking over an old cigarette factory in Moorabbin. You can check out the brewers in action before taking a spot on the sun deck and ordering snacks, pizza and more substantial dishes. An old favourite is St Kilda pub The LocalTaphouse 23 . Why? Indie beers, good vibes, great food and a brilliant roof terrace. +h-w-l-r.com +stompingground.beer/

morrismoor

+thelocal.com.au

Where the Garden Grows

At Arundel Farm Estate 24 in Keilor, the wine you drink with your meal is produced on site. Everything on the menu is created in house and there’s an undercover outdoor area where you can enjoy the Italian fare. When you take the kids along to the Collingwood Children’s Farm, be sure to have lunch at The Farm Cafe 25 . Choose a table in the sun for all-day breakfast, quiche or a cooked lunch. Order one of the picnic boxes at Shadowfax Wines 26 in Werribee and you’ll be tucking into freshly baked bread, antipasto, cheese, sausage rolls, salads, dessert and more. There’s even a mini picnic box for kids. Just find a spot overlooking the vines to spread out your blanket. +arundelfarmestate.com.au +farmcafe.com.au +shadowfax.com.au

Teddy Picker

The Esplanade Hotel

Beer Garden Ain Raadik Mya Tiger

The Espy Kitchen

Life’s a Beach

Everyone’s favourite seaside pub is back. And with a huge range of dining, drinking and entertainment options, The Espy is the place to be this summer.

A landmark on the St Kilda seafront, The Esplanade Hotel – known to most as The Espy – has been slaking thirsts and entertaining the masses for more than 140 years. And it’s still doing that, but now punters have the choice of three onsite restaurants and 12 bars from which to choose. Arrive for lunch and stay for the rest of the day, exploring all that’s on offer.

Raise a Glass

On a sunny day, there’s no better place to sit than in the front courtyard or on the terrace of the main bar. You get views of the water and a relaxed vibe. As the night progresses, head upstairs to the third floor to find a cocktail bar inspired by the life of former resident Alfred Felton.

On the Plate

The Espy Kitchen is back with its own menu that matches its moody ambience. Executive chef Ashly Hicks has restyled the offering to elevate pub classics using the finest seasonal ingredients. Upstairs, Mya Tiger and its chef Sarah Chan serve up a fun-filled feast of Cantonese cuisine, including dumplings, as well as cocktails infused with Asian flavours and a side of spectacular sunset views. If you’re looking for something casual, the Espy Main Bar and Terrace has a menu of classics like wood-fired pizza, burgers and chicken parmigiana.

Keeping It Fun

It’s always been one of Melbourne’s favourite music venues, and the tradition lives on with the Gershwin Room hosting bands. Head down to The Espy for open mic night, local acts and DJ sets to get the party started. +hotelesplanade.com.au