Cafes With The Best Views In Melbourne

By: Katie Oliveira da Silveira, ellaslist

Do you go all giddy for a gorgeous view? Do you whip out your phone and take at least ten pics of a great vista to share with anyone and everyone? Well, if it’s a killer location you’re after, Melbourne is overflowing with them; you’ve got bush, hills, rivers, beaches, gardens and bustling city streets – and many cafes make great use of these unforgettable views to lure patrons all year ‘round.

Here are six of the best cafes and restaurants with an incredible view in Melbourne.

Republica St Kilda

Republica is a super-chilled beachside café and bar that attracts people of all ages and caters to many different types of events. With an outstanding location right in the heart of St Kilda, within the St Kilda Sea Baths arena, the atmosphere here is always ‘sunny’.

At Republica, you can sit inside or out, park the pram and catch up with a friend while enjoying the view of the St Kilda foreshore and bay. Whether it's rollerbladers or stand-up paddleboarders, there is always something to watch here. On weekends you’ll find live music at Republica, and there are great food specials throughout the week. It's open Monday to Friday from 11:30 am and weekends from 9 am.

Where: 10-18 Jacka Boulevard, St Kilda

Eureka Skydeck Kiosk

At 300 metres up, it has the undisputed best views of Melbourne – and serves a great coffee! Yes, Eureka Tower is not just about gazing out at Melbourne’s magnificence (although, it mostly is), it’s also a great place to make a pit-stop should you be in the city. One thing’s for sure, the kids will get a big kick out of sipping a hot chocolate 88 floors up, in a gold-plated building. Big wows.

Eureka Tower is open from 10 am until 10 pm daily (excluding some public holidays), and daytime entry to the Skydeck costs $23 for adults and $14.50 for kids. For fine dining and events at Eureka Tower, check out Eureka 89.

Where: Riverside Quay, Southbank

The Boatbuilders Yard

For first-rate views of Melbourne’s beautiful South Wharf, look no further than Boatbuilders Yard. This award-winning bar is spacious, casual and ticks the box when it comes to a scenic lunch or coffee-stop when you're in the city.

It's located right on the Yarra River, between Crown Casino and the bustling South Wharf DFO – where you'll find baby change rooms, a bargain or ten, and parking at 50 per cent off with a Boatbuilders Yard voucher. The Boatbuilders Yard is open from 7 am Monday to Friday and from 8 am on weekends.

Where: 23 South Wharf Promenade, South Wharf

Riva

Riva is one of St Kilda foreshore’s treasures. It sits right next to the water and dazzles visitors every day with spectacular views of Port Phillip Bay and the city skyline. You'll catch incredible sunsets here, too – which many young revellers do every New Year’s Eve.

But don’t be misled, it’s not all cocktails and dancing at Riva; the venue caters for all ages and there are options for private dining, group bookings and, of course, relaxed coffee and snacks out on the deck. Riva is open from 12 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and from 5 pm Wednesday and Thursday.

Where: 42B Marine Parade, Elwood

Poyntons Boulevard Café

The Boulevard Café is found at the long-standing Poyntons Nursery, right on the banks of the Maribyrnong River in Melbourne. Views from the café take in the lush nursery and the iconic river.

This is a casual and relaxed place in which to enjoy a coffee or have a meal as a family or a larger group. Kids are more-than-welcome here, there’s even a dedicated ‘Just For Kids’ menu that includes breakfasts they'll go bananas for – including fresh pancakes with maple syrup. Yum! Aberfeldie Park is nearby with a playground and heaps of grassy space for kids to run off those pancakes.

Where: 98 Vida St, Essendon

Out & About In Melbourne? Check These Out:

Where To See Jacarandas In Full Bloom
Best Cafes Near The Water
Best Playgrounds For Kids In Melbourne

 

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