Melbourne Outdoor Dining: Alfresco Spots at Crown

It’s also about outdoor dining, alfresco-style: soaking in the sunshine and city views with a cheeky cocktail in hand.  

Want to experience alfresco dining in Melbourne at its best? Crown takes it up a notch with venues that leave a mark for all the right reasons. 

What Is Alfresco Dining?

Alfresco literally means “in the fresh air” in Italian, AKA “Let’s eat outside and enjoy life the way it’s supposed to be enjoyed.”  

Over the years, it’s turned into a full-blown global obsession. Think rooftops with killer skyline views, riverside terraces and gardens with a little extra magic. 

The best part? The vibe. Open-air dining is relaxed but social, casual but stylish and somehow makes even simple dishes taste like a treat. It’s food, people-watching and fresh air wrapped up in one neat, delicious package. 

At Crown Melbourne, alfresco means Yarra River views and Southbank's buzzing atmosphere. It's dining where the location works as hard as the chef.  

Why Melbourne Folks Love an Outdoor Dining session

Melburnians love dining outside, rain or shine, or even on those warm-one-minute-freezing-the-next kind of days. Spring and summer are peak seasons, but heaters and umbrellas make restaurants with outdoor seating an attractive option all year round.  

Sunshine, river views, the energy of Southbank and a little bit of social theatre all add up to why Melbourne can’t get enough of outdoor dining. It’s lively and just a little bit glamorous, like the city itself. 

This obsession with outdoor restaurants reflects Melbourne's lifestyle. Quality experiences matter. Social connection is everything. Making the most of beautiful urban spaces is non-negotiable.  

Whether it's a quick coffee on a terrace or a multi-course feast with river views, outdoor dining is just how Melburnians live. It's not a special occasion thing. It's a Tuesday thing. 

Crown Melbourne's Alfresco Dining Experiences

Crown Melbourne sits pretty along the Yarra River in Southbank: prime real estate for alfresco dining, and sophisticated without trying too hard. The atmosphere shifts from vibrant afternoon energy to intimate evening magic. Each restaurant puts its own spin on the outdoor experience.

Marmont

Already a favourite for Melbourne’s long-lunch enthusiasts and sunset seekers, Marmont has firmly established itself as a highlight on the Riverwalk. Partnering with international hospitality figure Grant Smillie, Marmont infuses a relaxed Californian vibe into the city, where delicious food, great tunes and stunning views come together effortlessly. 

Settle in for an alfresco lunch, enjoy cocktails as the sun sinks behind the skyline or catch up with friends to the sounds of an all-vinyl DJ set. 

Bistro Guillaume

Experience French cuisine with a contemporary twist at Bistro Guillaume, where alfresco dining adds a fresh-air dimension to culinary perfection. 

Guided by a paddock-to-plate philosophy, the menu highlights the best of local Victorian produce and evolves with the seasons. Savour fresh seafood in summer, a comforting vegetable risotto in autumn, premium wagyu beef during winter and a succulent roast leg of lamb in spring, all while enjoying the stylish outdoor seating as the sun sets. 

Baci

Live the Italian-style alfresco life at any time of the day or night at Baci, open 24 hours a day. Enjoy the flavours of traditional pizza, pasta, risotto and other mouth-watering dishes, complemented by a carefully curated selection of Italian and local wines. 

Take your meal outside and enjoy outdoor dining on the riverside terrace, where light snacks, coffee, cakes and gelato are also available throughout the day, perfect for a relaxed bite or a leisurely afternoon treat. 

Cervo

Step into Cervo at Crown and make the most of the extended outdoor riverside seating. Take your time to mull over traditional Italian favourites, including bruschetta, pizza and spaghetti Bolognese, and finish with classics such as tiramisu or cafe affogato.  

Pair your meal with carefully selected Italian wines or the finest coffee on this side of the Yarra, all while enjoying the vibrant riverside setting. 

Outdoor dining at Crown is about the whole package: seasonal menus, river views, live music and that unmistakable Melbourne vibe.  

For maximum effect, go at sunset or early evening, and book ahead to secure the best seats in the house.  

Combine great food and vibrant atmosphere in a way that makes every meal feel special. Take a seat, soak in your surroundings and enjoy all that alfresco dining in Melbourne has to offer.  

Explore our restaurants and start planning your alfresco adventure.