Melbourne is famous for its vibrant nightlife, and if you’re craving a taste of Asia, you’re in luck! From flavorful cocktails to delicious snacks, the city is brimming with Asian-inspired bars that promise an unforgettable experience.
In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the 7 best Asian bars in Melbourne. So, get ready to experience a delicious journey through Melbourne’s eclectic bar scene, where the flavors of Asia come alive in every sip and bite. Let’s dive in and discover these hidden gems together!
Best Asian Bars in Melbourne
1. Asian Beer Cafe
Looking for the best Asian Bars in Melbourne? You definitely should check out the Asian Beer Cafe!
Visit Asian Beer Cafe, where every visit brings something new and exciting. They mix authentic Asian decor with a modern twist, creating a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The furniture, made from 70-year-old recycled materials, includes ironwood from a shipwrecked cargo ship, adding a touch of history and tradition.
Enjoy the menu, which combines fresh ingredients with traditional East Asian flavors, all with a unique twist that makes their dishes special. The cafe is designed with different areas, including five private dining rooms, perfect for Christmas parties, birthdays, business meetings, or just a casual drink after work.
Asian Beer Cafe balcony is a favorite spot in Melbourne, offering stunning views over Swanston Street and the State Library. It is a great place to relax with friends and enjoy the cityscape. The 20-meter-long bar and the cozy private dining rooms make the Asian Beer Cafe a popular hangout any night of the week.
They have a great selection of local and imported beers and a menu filled with pub classics, all with a bit of Asian influence. Whether you’re there for the food, the drinks, or the view, the Asian Beer Cafe offers a unique and enjoyable experience.
Opening Hours:
Monday: 3pm – 1am
Tuesday: 3pm – 1am
Wednesday: 12pm – 1am
Thursday: 12pm – 1am
Friday: 12pm – 1am
Saturday: 12pm – 1am
Sunday: 12pm – 1am
Location:
Asian Beer Cafe, 211 La Trobe St, Melbourne 3000
Contact Details:
Telephone: 03 9825 8989
Email: info@asianbeercafe.com.au
Visit and see why the Asian Beer Cafe is one of the best Asian Bars in Melbourne for a great time!
2. Manchuria Cocktail Bar
Welcome to Manchuria Cocktail Bar, a hidden gem inspired by traditional Chinese culture and nestled in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant Chinatown.
Named after the historic northeast region of China, this bar has been enchanting customers for over 15 years with its unique blend of old-world Asia and modern Melbourne.
Manchuria offers a classic cocktail experience with a twist, featuring drinks inspired by the rich and diverse flavors of Asia. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, something reinvented, or a completely new creation, you’ll find a drink that suits your taste.
Located just off Little Bourke Street on Waratah Place, Manchuria Cocktail Bar is a hidden, intimate venue perfect for relaxing and unwinding. The cozy setting, complete with ambient music and the soothing aroma of incense, creates an atmosphere where you can leave your worries behind. It’s an ideal spot for socializing, dating, or celebrating with friends.
Manchuria is renowned for its cocktail and charcuterie combinations, providing a delightful sensory experience. The bar’s intimate atmosphere makes it the perfect place to relax, sip on intoxicating cocktails, and enjoy the company of friends in a truly unique setting.
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 pm – 1:00 am
Friday: 5:00 pm – 3:00 am
Saturday: 5:30 pm – 3:00 am
Sunday & Monday: Closed (Open for private functions)
Location: Level 1, 7-9 Waratah Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000
Contact Details:
Telephone: 03 9663 1997
Email: manchuriabar@gmail.com
Discover Manchuria Cocktail Bar, where tradition meets modernity and every visit is a journey into the heart of Asian-inspired luxury.
3.Galok Bar & Restaurant
Located in the heart of the city, Galok offers a spectacular dining experience that blends the rich flavors of Pan Asian cuisine with the modern ambiance of a sophisticated bar and restaurant.
This elegant venue blends influences from across the Asia-Pacific, bringing a fresh and fun twist to traditional dishes.
At Galok, you’ll find a lively atmosphere highlighted by neon signage, an onsite gin still, and a menu of creative cocktails that elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Their talented mixologists expertly blend traditional Asian ingredients with modern mixology techniques, crafting unique and refreshing cocktails that pair perfectly with their diverse and flavorful menu.
The bar has an exquisite selection of handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and premium spirits. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic drink or something adventurous, the extensive beverage menu has something for everyone.
Opening Hours:
Sunday & Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Wednesday to Friday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday: 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: 148 Chapel Street, Windsor, Victoria 3181
Visit and experience the fusion of flavors and styles at Galok, where every visit is a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds and delights your senses.
4. Bobbi Pearl Bar
Visit Bobbi Pearl Bar, where the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asian fusion cuisine come to life. At Bobbi Pearl, they blend traditional recipes with modern twists, bringing you a unique dining experience inspired by the bustling streets of Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and Hanoi.
Taste the aromatic herbs, fiery spices, and expertly crafted dishes that transport you straight to the heart of Southeast Asia.
Their cocktail menu is truly one-of-a-kind, featuring drinks that tell a story and capture the essence of Southeast Asia. With ingredients like lemongrass, and exotic fruits, every cocktail is a journey of flavors. Whether you are a fan of classic tastes or adventurous combinations, the cocktails are sure to delight and impress.
Bobbi Pearl Bar is the perfect setting for any occasion. Whether you’re catching up with friends or hosting an intimate private event, their captivating atmosphere provides the ideal backdrop.
Enjoy the convenience of a private bar for your event, offering a diverse selection of beverages and signature cocktails that add a touch of sophistication and excitement to your gathering.
Bobbi Pearl is also a great spot for memorable photos. The stylish decor and welcoming atmosphere make it a place where memories are made. Plus, the space can be customized to fit your vibe, making it perfect for your next event or celebration.
Opening Hours:
Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Monday to Thursday, Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Contact Information:
Telephone: 03 9592 9458
Address:
131 Church Street, Brighton VIC 3186, Australia
Visit and experience the vibrant flavors and captivating atmosphere of Bobbi Pearl Bar.
5. Cookie
Visit Cookie Bar, where a beer hall, cocktail bar, and modern Thai restaurant come together seamlessly on one floor of Swanston Street’s iconic Curtin House.
A multiple “Bar of the Year” winner, Cookie Bar offers an unforgettable experience with its hidden cocktail lounge, palazzo balconies, and an incredible menu of Thai dishes that cater to every palate.
At Cookie, you will find a beer hall stocked with over 100 local and imported beers. Whether you are in the mood for a craft brew or a classic pint, there is something to quench every thirst. The beer hall’s relaxed vibe is perfect for after-work drinks, friendly get-togethers, or simply relaxing with a cold one.
Venture into their hidden cocktail lounge where expert mixologists create cocktails of all varieties. Enjoy your cocktail on one of their three street-facing balconies, each offering a unique view of the vibrant city below.
Their modern Thai restaurant serves up a fabulous menu of regional dishes, perfect for anything from quick snacks to grand banquets. Try share-friendly favorites like green papaya salad, banana leaf barramundi, cured kingfish, and grilled Thai sausage. The food is as versatile as it is delicious, making it ideal for everything from casual meals to special occasions.
Opening Hours:
Monday & Tuesday: 12 pm – 10 pm
Wednesday to Sunday: 12 pm – 11 pm
Location: Cookie, L1, Curtin House, 252 Swanston Street, Melbourne 3000
Contact Information:
Telephone: 03 9663 7660
Email: hello@cookiemelbourne.com.au
Given the popularity of their balcony seating and restaurant area, it’s a good idea to book ahead.
6. Ototo Bar
Visit Ototo Bar, a cozy, welcoming spot hidden in the basement of Akaiito on Flinders Lane. “Ototo” means “younger brother” in Japanese, making it the perfect name for this intimate izakaya-style bar. It’s a great place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy delicious food and drinks.
At Ototo, you can enjoy a variety of tasty Asian-inspired tapas and snacks, sharing plates, or their special Feed Me Menu.
You can sit and relax in their comfy couch booths with your friends or grab a seat at the bar where bartenders are ready to serve you some amazing Asian-inspired cocktails and drinks.
Follow the glowing red thread from the upstairs restaurant down to their moody, cozy space. The menu features Japanese snacks like Sydney rock oysters with ponzu and ikura (salmon roe), crispy Chinese buns, pork-and-prawn “cigars,” and Hervey Bay scallops with seaweed butter.
They also have savory cocktails that go perfectly with food, like a special Nori Martini or a sake spritz with homemade butter-fat-washed gin.
Ototo Bar has a cool, relaxed vibe with stylish exposed bluestone walls, a sleek black-stone-topped bar, and space for up to 60 people. They have kept some of the historical elements of the building, like the original ceiling beams, restored wooden columns, and heritage iron grating, which adds a unique charm to the place.
Opening Hours:
Sunday: 5:00 pm – 11:00pm
Monday: Closed
Tuesday to Saturday: 5:00 pm – 11:00pm
Location: 349-351 Flinders Lane, Melbourne 3000
Visit Ototo Bar and enjoy a laid-back, delicious experience right in the heart of Melbourne.
7. Kekou Bar
Welcome to Kekou Bar, a lively and inviting spot in a charming 120-year-old building right in the heart of Richmond’s bustling Bridge Road. Opened in 2019, just before the coronavirus pandemic, Kekou brings a unique fusion of contemporary and traditional flavors that elevate your dining experience to the next level.
At Kekou, you can choose between the bustling bar seating, where you’ll find an impressive selection of 18 craft beers on tap, or you can relax in one of the cushioned booths. These comfy spots surround tables and chairs made from reclaimed wood, adding a warm and rustic touch to your night out.
Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure with their menu that brings a spicy kick to almost every dish. If you love a bit of heat, you’re in the right place!
You can either share a few dishes from their à la carte menu or go all-in with a $79 per person ‘feed me’ menu, which offers a delightful array of their best dishes.
Kekou’s drink selection is as exciting as the food. They offer a wide variety of craft beers that pair perfectly with spicy dishes. The cocktail menu creatively blends Southeast Asian flavors with classic recipes, featuring drinks like the Yuzu Bramble, Ume Sour, and Thai Basil Bijou. For wine lovers, they have a diverse and ever-changing list of local and international wines that complement the cuisine beautifully.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 6pm – Late
Friday & Saturday: 12pm – 4:30pm & 6pm – Late
Contact Information:
Telephone: 03 9089 7299
Email: hello@kekou.com.au
Location: 396 Bridge Road, Richmond, Melbourne, VIC 3121
Come to Kekou Bar for a fun and flavorful night out, where delicious food and drinks await you in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
That’s our list of the best Asian Bars in Melbourne. Stay tuned for more helpful blogs like this.
Visit our website Top Bars in Australia to find about the best bars in Melbourne and Sydney: Click here.