The Best Bars in Brighton, Melbourne

Established in the 1840s, Milano’s Tavern occupies one of Brighton’s oldest landmarks. Overlooking Port Phillip Bay, the two-storey venue features a bistro, alfresco courtyard, function room and terrace. Watch the sunset over the bay with a fine wine or imported beer at Milano’s Courtyard, or sit down at Milano’s Bistro, which offers a modern lunch and dinner menu, seven days a week. Milano’s Courtyard also hosts Live Shows and Morning Melodies, and there’s free pub Wi-Fi available.

The sophisticated twin to the Chapel Street venue of the same name, Mother’s Milk is a cozy bar where music and conversation coexist without contention. Leather couches and a fireplaces give the front bar a comfortable ease, while the middle lounge is better suited to larger groups. There’s also an all-season open-air deck. At the bar, Mother’s Milk serves all the usual suspects with a fully stocked bar fridge and Becks on tap.

Built in the 1960s, Half Moon looks like any other pub on the outside. However, inside the pub has had a rustically industrial facelift. Half Moon features six interconnecting social spaces across two levels, including indoor and outdoor areas linked by a magnificent timber staircase. The main 25-meter bar offers an extensive wine list as well as 16 craft beers sourced from the finest breweries in Australia. Half Moon also dishes up generous servings of sophisticated yet approachable pub grub.

Overlooking the pier, The Baths Middle Brighton was established in 1881 and now includes a street level café and bar, upstairs restaurant and sophisticated private dining room. With French-inspired contemporary Australian cuisine at The Baths Upstairs, downstairs the café menu is casual, with a breakfast selection as well as pizza, pasta, and seafood. At the bar you can order a tap beer, glass of wine or a refreshing cocktail.

If you’re after a tipple of wine in Brighton, look no further than Winelarder. The wine bar and bottle shop holds a collection of wines from small boutique vineyards across Australia and New Zealand, as well as their own label and a number of French varieties. The bar also offers snacks and is BYO food friendly, with the option to have food delivered. Wine Larder also hosts live music and functions.