Melbourne Gastropubs Guide 2025

Melbourne's gastropub scene has evolved beyond traditional pub grub to offer exceptional dining experiences without losing the relaxed atmosphere we love about our local watering holes. From historic venues serving modern Australian cuisine to innovative newcomers pushing culinary boundaries, here's your guide to Melbourne's standout gastropubs.

What Makes a Melbourne Gastropub Special

The term gastropub might sound fancy, but it simply means a pub that takes its food as seriously as its drinks. Melbourne gastropubs combine high-quality cuisine with the casual, welcoming atmosphere of a traditional pub. Think restaurant-quality meals without the white tablecloths and formal service.

Must Try Gastropubs in Melbourne

The Builders Arms Hotel in Fitzroy stands as a shining example of gastropub excellence. Operating since 1853, its bistro transforms pub classics into culinary masterpieces. Their silky whipped cod roe with toasted flatbread has become legendary among Melbourne food enthusiasts.

The Lincoln in Carlton continues to impress since 1854, earning its reputation for exceptional food and an impressive wine list. The kitchen team creates seasonal menus that attract both students from nearby universities and serious food lovers from across the city.

The Courthouse Hotel in North Melbourne recently reclaimed its position as a culinary destination. After earning two chef hats in its heyday, new owners have restored this historic venue to its former glory. Their rotating housemade pie selection showcases the kitchen's commitment to quality comfort food.

Lincoln

Carlton, VIC

The Lincoln Hotel in Carlton has been serving patrons since 1854, standing proud in Melbourne's university district. The pub has maintained its position as one of Carlton's most sophisticated venues, earning particular acclaim for its gastropub transformation. It achieved significant recognition when it won Time Out Melbourne's Pub of the Year award in 2017, cementing its reputation as one of the city's finest watering holes.

Today, The Lincoln perfectly balances its historic charm with modern dining excellence. The venue has mastered the art of being welcoming to all, drawing an eclectic mix of university students seeking affordable pints, academics hosting wine tastings, and food enthusiasts exploring its acclaimed menu. Its generous adaptability to diverse pub situations, from celebratory dinners to casual drinks, has made it a cornerstone of Carlton's hospitality scene and earned it enduring affection from Melbourne's discerning pub-goers.

Check out Lincoln here

Builders Arms Hotel

Fitzroy, VIC

The Builders Arms Hotel has been a cornerstone of Fitzroy's pub scene since 1853, making it one of Melbourne's oldest continuous licensed venues. Now part of the prestigious Trader House group, helmed by renowned restaurateur Andrew McConnell and Jo McGann, it combines historic charm with contemporary excellence. While the front bar maintains its traditional neighborhood pub atmosphere, the venue has evolved into one of Melbourne's most respected gastropubs.

The bistro at Builders Arms Hotel has earned a reputation for elevating pub dining to new heights. Its menu transforms seemingly simple bar snacks into culinary masterpieces, with dishes like silky whipped cod roe served with toasty flatbread soldiers becoming local legends. The venue strikes a unique balance, maintaining its identity as a beloved local watering hole while offering food that rivals Melbourne's fine dining establishments. This commitment to quality without pretension has made it a favorite among both casual pub-goers and serious food enthusiasts.

Check out Builders Arms Hotel here

Courthouse Hotel

North Melbourne, VIC

The Courthouse Hotel in North Melbourne stands as a testament to the evolution of Melbourne's pub dining scene. During its heyday, this historic venue proudly earned two prestigious chef hats, establishing itself as one of North Melbourne's most celebrated dining destinations. After experiencing a period of decline, the pub entered a new chapter when fresh owners took the reins, determined to restore the restaurant to its former glory.

Today, the Courthouse Hotel has successfully reclaimed its position as a culinary destination, with crowds once again flocking to its doors. The venue has become particularly renowned for its rotating selection of housemade pies, which have become a signature offering that perfectly represents its approach to elevated pub fare. The success of its revival demonstrates that quality never goes out of style, as both new patrons and longtime locals embrace this rejuvenated North Melbourne institution.

Check out Courthouse Hotel here

Best Gastropub Food Experiences

Many Melbourne gastropubs offer special food events and deals throughout the week. The Prince Alfred in Richmond runs themed food nights, including their popular Thursday parma night and Tuesday steak specials. The Albert Park Hotel's Happy Valley restaurant adds an Asian twist to the gastropub concept with outstanding Cantonese dishes.

When to Visit