There’s something undeniably seductive about a rooftop bar. Elevated both in altitude and attitude, they offer more than just a backdrop for your drink - they set the scene for long, lazy afternoons, golden-hour aperitivos and electric nights. When it comes to rooftop pubs that deliver not just on views but seriously good eats, a few key players are turning heads for all the right reasons.
From historic charm in Echuca to coastal cool in Burleigh Heads, here’s where to find the rooftop venues that marry bistro dining with the laid-back elegance of a good sky-high session.
Northern Star Hotel – Hamilton, NSW
On Beaumont Street in the heart of Hamilton, Northern Star Hotel balances the soul of a classic Irish pub with the breezy appeal of alfresco dining. This family-run institution is a local legend for good reason - whether you're soaking up live music in the beer garden, perusing the bottle shop or settling into the comfy bar for a pint, the vibe is warm, welcoming and unmistakably genuine.
The bistro menu nods to tradition with a hearty modern twist. From Southern fried chicken wings and pulled pork tacos to a standout chicken mignon smothered in creamy garlic sauce and nestled alongside seasonal greens and buttery chat potatoes, comfort food reigns supreme. For something punchier, the prawn and pancetta rigatoni in a vodka-spiked Napoletana sauce is a rich, peppery delight that straddles the line between pub grub and pasta bar excellence.
American Hotel – Echuca-Moama, Vic
Steeped in history and perfectly positioned near the Port of Echuca, the American Hotel is the kind of venue where past and present collide with style. Since 1865, it’s been a cornerstone of the local pub scene and its current iteration pulls no punches - rooftop bar, food truck, players’ lounge and an interior lined with vintage wine bottles, make this one for all occasions.
Harry O’s, the in-house restaurant, leans deep into barbeque culture. Think prime rib hot smoked and wood-grilled, then ladled with brisket gravy for that hit of smoky, umami bliss. Add a side of slaw and fat fries and you’re on the right track. However, it’s the coffee-rubbed lamb shoulder, paired with zesty salsa verde and a mountain of fries, that really elevates the meal - savvy, succulent and designed for sharing.
Pink Monkey – Burleigh Heads, Qld
Sitting pretty on the Gold Coast Highway, Pink Monkey is where rooftop reverie meets Burleigh’s creative pulse. The energy is effortlessly coastal - think salty air, vibrant cocktails and a soundtrack that rolls from lazy Sunday beats to upbeat sunset sets. The rooftop space is the jewel here, looking out over the surf with beachside bliss baked into every moment.
Food-wise, this venue walks the line between share plates and hearty mains with finesse. Flash-fried squid in chilli caramel offers a spicy-sweet hit that plays beautifully with ginger mayo, while wood-fired pizzas - like the ricotta and prawn combo dotted with chilli flakes and rocket - are a mainstay for good reason. The pappardelle with slow-cooked beef Bolognese delivers richness and depth, bolstered by Grana Padano and the unmistakable umami of San Marzano tomatoes.
Bar Ombre Rooftop – Sydney CBD, NSW
Perched atop the Gateway Building on Alfred Street, Bar Ombre is the CBD’s answer to urban escapism. It’s intimate and effortlessly cool, a place for aperitivo hour turned dancefloor as the sun dips below the city skyline. Whether you’re vibing with the resident DJ or curled up in a corner with cocktails and conversation, this rooftop hideaway captures the essence of Sydney’s nightlife with a distinctly Mediterranean twist.
As for the food, it’s all about chic Italian fare. Fried salted cod bites set the tone, but it’s the pizza menu that truly shines - particularly the Gamberi, with its medley of garlic prawns, cherry tomatoes and basil on a tomato base, all bubbling under fior di latte. Pair it with a Purple Haze cocktail (ink gin, pink grapefruit and orange bitters) and you’ve got yourself a rooftop rendezvous to remember.
Strato Melbourne – Southbank, Vic
Strato isn’t just a rooftop bar - it’s a multi-sensory experience that turns dining into something close to theatre. Located on Normanby Road in Southbank, this sky-high gem offers 360-degree views of the city and a Modern Australian menu shaped by the elements - earth, water, fire and air. It’s both polished and playful, ideal for date nights, celebrations or a luxe midweek splurge.
The culinary highlights are plenty, but the honey-glazed duck breast is a knockout: juicy, expertly rendered and paired with textural intrigue from bulgur wheat, pickled prunes and a fennel purée. The spiced jus ties it all together in a plate that feels part classic French bistro, part New Age culinary experiment. Finish with a dark chocolate cube filled with caramel and chocolate biscuit and you’ve entered a realm far beyond pub fare.
From laid-back beach vibes to skyline sophistication, these rooftop pubs prove that elevated dining doesn’t need to sacrifice soul. Whether you're chasing sunsets or just the perfect slice of pizza, these venues deliver sky-high satisfaction on every front.
Book your next visit by clicking on the venue's link!
