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Sit: In Melbourne’s cosiest bars and restaurants.

One of our favourite things about Melbourne is its ability to cater for the cold weather just as easily as it embraces the warmth. Instead of hibernating throughout the frosty season, we Melburnians find refuge in the city’s cosiest bars and restaurants, where the open-fires are at full throttle and comfort food is in high supply. To help you plan your next winter outing, we’ve put together a collection of cosy, romantic nooks in which to warm the cockles of your heart.

Cam’s Kiosk
Cafe by day, wine bar by night, Cam’s Kiosk is a convivial yet intimate establishment nestled in a quiet wing of the Abbotsford Convent. The lights dim low in the evenings, where patrons slide in to booth seats to enjoy comforting farm-to-table fare. Order their Napoli pasta (an oft-plain dish surprisingly packed with flavour) and a serving of focaccia bread for the ultimate winter warmer.
Book here.

Neptune
Windsor’s favourite pasta, seafood and wine joint, Neptune is about as cosy as they come. Secure a seat by the crackling open-fire, surrounded by exposed brick walls and warm timber finishes. Tame the outside chill with a glass of German Pinot Noir, followed by spicy spanner crab spaghetti and deep friend banana pie.
Book here.

Neighbourhood Wine
Stepping into Neighbourhood Wine on a chilly winter evening feels a lot like coming home. The space is always heated to just the right temperature, the seasonal menu changes on a daily basis and the wine list is impressive yet never pretentious. It goes without saying that there’s also an open-fire in the main dining room. Once you’ve selected the perfect drop, tuck into a serving of smokey dishes served straight from the charcoal oven.
Book here.

Old Palm Liquor
Just the name ‘Old Palm Liquor’ conjures up imagery of cosy evenings spent sipping rich, velvety cocktails. From the same team behind Neighbourhood Wine, this homely haunt achieves a laid-back and inviting ambience, combining rattan fixtures, retro floor lamps and a smouldering open-fire. Stop in on a Sunday for their twist on the classic roast, featuring Braai-grilled lamb shoulder with wood fired flat bread.
Book here.

Borsch Vodka and Tears
For centuries, Vodka has been believed to warm the body – why not test out the theory at this 22- year old Chapel Street institution? Styled after a Krakow cellar bar, Borsch, Vodka and Tears is a bohemian enclave serving up Polish vodka, wormwood absinthe and Eastern European dishes. The Pierogi (Polish dumplings) absolutely must be tried, as too the potato blintzes and Ukrainian borsch.
Book here.