A benchmark Fitzroy wine bar with a cellar to get lost in and food that overdelivers.

Marion Wine Bar: Fitzroy’s Quiet Icon

Located on Gertrude Street, Marion commands its space quietly but firmly. From the white-washed brick walls to the stack of wine-racks behind the bar, it feels like someone took all the refined elements of a fine-dining cellar and placed them in a neighbourhood wine bar. The identity is tied to its parent group – the team of Andrew McConnell – and yet it’s accessible enough for a walk-in drink or a deliberately curated evening. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The List, the Plates, and the Pleasure of Discovery

Marion’s wine list earns accolades not because it’s huge—it’s because it’s thoughtful. There are sections for Grüner Veltliner, Gamay, natural wines and the half-bottle lovers. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} On the food side the small plates punch above weight: mussels with ’nduja and fried bread, flatbread with fromage blanc and smoked trout rillette, roast chicken with seasonal vegetables. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} It links effortlessly with the wine; the service guides you, the pairings make sense, and very few places manage that balance so consistently.

A Room for Celebration and Casuals Alike

Marion manages to be both elevated and welcoming. The room has clean lines but warm textures. The chairs and stands invite you to stay longer or drop in for one glass. The staff effortlessly shift from recommending rare back-vintages to guiding first-timers through the best value by the glass. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} Whether it’s a milestone dinner or a spontaneous stop-in after work, Marion works. It’s a reminder that you don’t need heads-up or formalwear to drink beautifully—just the right wine and the right room.