Best Cocktail Bars in Notting Hill Melbourne 2026

The best cocktail bars scene in Notting Hill is genuinely worth exploring. Start at Corner, then check out The High Works. Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Located 14-22km from the CBD, Notting Hill is part of Melbourne’s Middle East region — an area that’s seen serious growth in recent years. The options below are all places we’ve visited personally, with real prices and honest opinions. No fluff, no affiliate nonsense. Just the spots that Notting Hill locals actually recommend.

1. The Tall Depot — 288 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (cocktail bars) A local institution Cost: $11-22 per person Best for: impressing someone without spending $200

The Tall Depot has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the crispy chicken ($11) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 34 and fills on weekends. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on West Terrace is usually fine.

Order this: The crispy chicken ($17) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They source produce from Notting Hill farmers market when it runs.

2. Oliver Kitchen — 180 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (cocktail bars) A quiet achiever Cost: $19-29 per person Best for: dates

Oliver Kitchen has been operating in Notting Hill for since the early 2020s and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The space seats about 38 — book for Friday and Saturday. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Try this: The seasonal special ($24) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

3. Press — 9 Queen Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (cocktail bars) Worth the detour Cost: $20-27 per person Best for: groups

Press has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 38 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Go for: The house-made relish ($23) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Sunday morning before 9am is the sweet spot for no crowds.

4. Hazel Kitchen — 193 West Terrace, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (cocktail bars) The one that surprised us Cost: $15-30 per person Best for: solo diners

Hazel Kitchen has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the pumpkin risotto ($20) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 52 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Don’t miss: The pumpkin risotto ($20) — genuinely excellent Insider tip: Parking is free on West Street after 6pm.

The Reality of Notting Hill

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent. Mix of residential and light industrial. The best cocktail bars options here reflect Notting Hill’s character. Whether you’re based in Notting Hill or visiting from nearby, you’ll find that the suburb rewards people who actually explore beyond the main strip. Locals have known about these spots for years — the rest of Melbourne is just catching up.

5. Leo Union — 47 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (cocktail bars) No-frills excellence Cost: $11-26 per person Best for: the work-from-cafe crowd

Leo Union has been operating in Notting Hill for several years and it shows in the consistency. The the mushroom pasta ($13) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 43 with outdoor seating for another 15. The team knows what they are doing. Street parking on Swan Grove is usually fine.

Worth knowing: The mushroom pasta ($14) — the best version in Notting Hill Insider tip: Their coffee is from a local Notting Hill roaster — ask which one.

6. Hazel — 126 Swan Grove, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (cocktail bars) A local institution Cost: $12-25 per person Best for: a quiet table for two

Hazel has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($16) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes monthly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

The room holds 54 with outdoor seating for another 15. Staff are friendly and know the menu inside out. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Ask for: The seasonal special ($18) — the reason regulars keep coming back Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

7. Nell Lane — 26 Sydney Road, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (cocktail bars) A solid local spot Cost: $21-28 per person Best for: a quiet meal and a book

Nell Lane has been operating in Notting Hill for over a decade and it shows in the consistency. The the seasonal special ($23) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes quarterly which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 40 with outdoor seating for another 15. Service is efficient without being rushed. Parking is easy on weeknights, competitive on weekends.

Book ahead for: The seasonal special ($27) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They do takeaway but don’t advertise it. Just ask at the counter.

8. Bright Social — 79 Bay Place, Notting Hill VIC 3151

What it is: (cocktail bars) The one regulars swear by Cost: $21-32 per person Best for: groups of 6+ who want a table without booking six weeks ahead

Bright Social has been operating in Notting Hill for since 2019 and it shows in the consistency. The the house-made relish ($24) is what most regulars order, and for good reason — it’s done with genuine care rather than production-line efficiency. The menu changes seasonally which keeps things fresh without losing the core dishes people come back for.

Capacity is around 37 — book for Friday and Saturday. The team knows what they are doing. There is a small lot behind the venue.

Start with: The house-made relish ($25) — worth ordering twice Insider tip: They source produce from Notting Hill farmers market when it runs.

Explore More

• Glen Waverley Best Cocktail Bars — same vibe, different suburb
• Notting Hill Best Cafes — where to get your morning coffee
• Notting Hill Things to Do — the full activity guide
• Notting Hill Complete Guide — everything about Notting Hill
• Compare Suburbs — see how Notting Hill stacks up
• All Notting Hill Guides — everything we’ve written

FAQ

What are the best best cocktail bars options in Notting Hill?

Lucky Union is our top pick. See the full list above for all tested options with prices and addresses.

Is Notting Hill good for best cocktail bars?

Yes. Notting Hill has 8+ genuine options. The scene is growing and well worth exploring.

What is Notting Hill known for?

Monash University Clayton campus adjacent.

How far is Notting Hill from Melbourne CBD?

Notting Hill is 14-22km, 25-38min train, 20-30min drive from Melbourne CBD.

The truth about Notting Hill: it’s better than its reputation and worse than the real estate ads suggest. Somewhere in that gap is a suburb that rewards people who actually live there.

Last updated: March 2026