Coming in to the city centre to experience Late Night Art? Be sure to stop into one of the many restaurants and bars in the area while you're here. For instagrammable dishes, exciting cocktail creations or an interior with flair, these are our top recommendations to complete your evening of Late Night Art exploration.
Le Chef | 13 O’Connell St
Everyone’s favourite French destination, Le Chef is renowned for their intimate atmosphere, authentic seasonal food. The all-day bistro serves all things French, from morning omelettes, midday salmon rillettes, or evening lobster thermidor. During Artweek Le Chef is a perfect dining experience, as it’s just as cultured as the art you’ll be viewing!
The Glass Goose | 78 Federal St
Escape the streets up a hidden staircase all the way up to The Glass Goose, the perfect post-show drink spot. Whether you’re there for a bite to eat or just some tasty libations, The Glass Goose has got you covered. There’s lots of amazing cocktails on the menu, where you can choose a favourite or something a little bit different. A few standouts are the Victoria St Sour, Espresso Martini, or a Dark Chocolate Negroni. Invite some friends out with you and make a night out of it, art and drinks all-round.
Mezze Bar | Durham St E
Mezze Bar has an unpretentious and welcoming atmosphere, where you can grab a drink and order a selection of tapas before a show. The space is large with ample seating and comfortable seating, and considering it's been around since 1992 you know there is a large number of loyal regulars. Tapas are an amazing option before you head off to an event, as they are packed full of flavour but still light and nibbly. We recommend starting with the hummus and warm pita bread, then the parmesan polenta chips, kofte kebab, and fresh ceviche.
Ghost donkey | 1 Queen St
Located in the bustling Commercial Bay, Ghost Donkey should be next on your list of dining destinations this coming Artweek. A Mexican-inspired tequila and mezcal bar hailing from New York City, you’ll immediately be transfixed by the lively and exciting environment at Ghost Donkey. The drinks list is experimental while still staying loyal to the old classics. We like the Donkey Fix, which is mezcal, yellow chartreuse, thyme, lemon, agave, and pineapple shrub. Or maybe the Stone Wall is more your style, with a combination of mezcal and tequila, pomegranate, habanero, and apple. Don’t miss out on the food menu of delicious Mexican fare as well.
Neo | 34-40 Queen St
Hidden away from the busy and sometimes chaotic Queen Street, Neo is an oasis, with covered outdoor seating, a gracious happy hour, and good food as well. Not everyone knows about this hidden gem, but once you go once you’ll definitely be back as it has such a special quality to it. Drinks are flowing all day, from local wine and beers to daily cocktail specials. The food is designed for sharing, which is perfect for Artweek as sometimes you aren’t after a huge and heavy meal. Some highlights include the house focaccia, organic chicken liver pate, and the calamari.
Confidential | 12 Vulcan Lane
Reminiscent of the laneways of Melbourne, Vulcan Lane is a cool little space tucked between busy streets. Confidential is a new bar which serves delicious European cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails in an intimate setting. If you are wanting the ideal date night spot before Artweek then this is your answer, as the restaurant is complete with atmospheric and romantic lighting along with a relaxed ambience. A standout dish is the market fish, which is continuously changing but consistently delectable.
House Bar | 2 High St
With a mid-century art-deco flair, House Bar may be the location that best fits the Artweek brief. Residing in Hotel DeBrett which is equally artsy and unique, House Bar has been in the heart of the city for a long while, and over that time it’s become a favourite spot for many. If you have some time before an event, then House Bar is here to accommodate you. Their cocktails stay true to the classics, from a martini, to a French 75, to a whiskey sour. These drinks are timeless, just like good art.
Le Garde-Manger | 466 Queen St
When you are having a night out on the town, with the end goal of going to a show or a performance, it’s only natural to want to go somewhere special for dinner. Le Garde-Manger is a quaint French restaurant, complete with red checkered tablecloths, a collection of French wine, and a food menu featuring an amazing selection of food, including savoury crepes (called Galettes). The best part about it is that you can choose exactly what goes into your galette. If you’re a lover of smoked salmon, goat cheese, or wild pork sausages, you’ll receive a customised crepe which tantalises your tastebuds.