When it comes to dining out, sometimes the real magic happens beyond the plate. It’s the late-night laughter over cocktails, the comforting glow of a restaurant’s neon sign, or the sun-drenched courtyard buzzing with good conversation. These venues aren’t just about sensational food—they’re destinations where the atmosphere is just as memorable. Here are five standout spots where you’ll come for the food but stay long after for the vibe.
Bar Ampere – Melbourne CBD, VIC
Hidden down a quintessential Melbourne laneway, Bar Ampere on Russell Place invites you into its quirky, futuristic embrace where absinthe flows and vermouth stars on the menu. A late-night playground for cocktail enthusiasts, this stylish, art-drizzled haunt serves up housemade ginger beer, a curated selection of European wines and a distinctly eclectic spirit that captures the city’s after-dark essence perfectly.
Sip a Buster Keaton—peachy, slow-gin sweetness with a citrusy snap—or a Tejano Spritz, bright with tequila and rosemary, while sinking your teeth into a fried chicken burger layered with Gruyère and house slaw. For something more refined, the steak tartare crowned with a quail egg is a nod to European decadence.
Lock in your night of cocktails and culinary delights at Bar Ampere.
Nonna Rosa Family Restaurant – Glenroy, VIC
At Nonna Rosa Family Restaurant on Wheatsheaf Road, the warmth of home-cooked Italian fare meets an intimate dining atmosphere. Think stacked stone walls, soft lighting and a scent of simmering sauces that feels like a comforting embrace. It's a place where date nights stretch into long conversations and shared pizzas are non-negotiable.
Take a bite out of a prosciutto delight pizza, topped with bocconcini and silky slices of freshly cut prosciutto, or dive into a creamy chicken and avocado pasta perfumed with white wine and Parmesan. The Nonna Rosa's Special pizza, featuring a sesame crust and a garden of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, is the signature showstopper that ensures your night ends with a satisfied smile.
Reserve your table at Nonna Rosa and savour Italian hospitality at its finest.
Tucked away in Richlands, Viet Garden delivers an unexpected escape with its lush, vine-clad interiors and glowing neon touches. This calm, verdant retreat is a homage to authentic Vietnamese street food culture—think fresh, lively and bursting with big flavour and even bigger smiles.
Start your journey with peach green tea and pork rice paper rolls, then graduate to a crispy roast pork belly baguette that crackles with every bite. For something heartier, the Vietnamese crispy roast pork served with rice and bright, crunchy vegetables is pure soul food. Finish with a young coconut drink, thick with natural sugar jelly, or an avocado smoothie rich with condensed milk for a true taste of Saigon streets.
Plan your visit to Viet Garden and experience Vietnamese soul food.
City Extra 24 Hour Restaurant Circular Quay – Circular Quay, NSW
Since 1984, City Extra at Circular Quay has been Sydney’s go-to for round-the-clock dining, offering everything from breakfast classics to late-night comfort eats—all while gazing at those iconic harbour views. Open 24/7, it’s a sanctuary for night owls, shift workers and tourists alike, wrapped in a lively, newspaper-themed aesthetic.
Start your day—or end your night—with eggs Benedict layered with silky smoked salmon, or a char-grilled Wagyu rump steak accompanied by crisp chips and a rich mushroom sauce. For serious hunger, the Texan BBQ pulled pork burger delivers smoky, tender goodness in every messy, satisfying bite. Whatever you choose, know you’re in for a timeless Sydney experience.
Drop by City Extra any time for a meal worth staying up for.
The Sultan's Table – Enmore, NSW
Step into The Sultan’s Table on Enmore Road and be transported straight to the vibrant heart of Istanbul. Since 2004, this opulent Turkish haven has combined rich, authentic flavours with a festive, welcoming atmosphere that simply refuses to let you leave early. Settle into plush cushioned seating, sip aromatic Turkish tea and let the feast begin.
Dive into freshly baked warm pides or the decadent manti—delicate ravioli parcels swimming in housemade yoghurt and special red sauce. For a true Turkish banquet, the Iskender Plate with layers of tender beef and chicken kebab, Turkish bread and luscious yoghurt sauce is non-negotiable. Weekends here are an event in themselves—be sure to book ahead.
Secure your spot for a feast to remember at The Sultan’s Table.
The best nights aren’t measured in courses but in conversations, cocktails and the kind of energy that lingers long after you’ve left. These venues promise a lot more than just a great meal—they deliver an atmosphere you’ll want to return to again and again.
