Fable Melbourne

Fable Melbourne opened in November 2021 on the 13th floor of the Greek Community Building at 168 Lonsdale Street, making it one of the highest rooftop bars in the CBD, with panoramic views taking in the Eureka Skydeck, the Arts Centre spire and the Bolte Bridge. Owned by Gehan Rajapakse, the room was reworked with an opened-up roof, heaters and a retractable awning so it trades year-round, seating around 70 or holding up to 100 for a standing cocktail event.

The kitchen, developed by chef Alex Xinis (formerly of the Press Club), runs a produce-driven Mediterranean menu of share plates - calamari with ouzo mayonnaise, lentil and eggplant moussaka, lamb shoulder with horiatiki and tzatziki - that is more than half gluten-free with vegan modifications available. The drinks program was designed by mixologist Alessandro Nardini (Nick & Nora's), and the same technique carries into the non-alcoholic list.

For non-drinkers, Fable pours three signature mocktails that Time Out Melbourne calls "original, balanced and painstakingly prepared," built with ingredients like watermelon cordial, alcohol-free spiced rum, mint and fresh fruit. The standouts are the Sancho Panza Vol 2 - watermelon syrup, lime, grapefruit, aquafaba and soda - and the Northstar, a lighter mix of ginger, lime, mint and cucumber, each around A$15.

Entry is via a small Fable sign at street level on Lonsdale Street, through glass automated doors and up the lift to the 13th floor. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from mid-afternoon (from 1pm on Saturdays), closed Mondays.