Gigi Rooftop: Amalfi Spirit, Melbourne Altitude

Perched above Toorak Road, Gigi Rooftop captures the kind of energy usually reserved for long Italian summers. Sunlight floods through floor-to-ceiling glass, the marble bar gleams, and the hum of conversation rolls like waves. It’s an elegant mix of Riviera flair and Melbourne sophistication — whitewashed tones, lush greenery, and a view that stretches beyond the skyline. Whether it’s a pre-dinner spritz or a night that drifts into the early hours, Gigi feels equal parts escape and arrival.

The Menu: Coastal Italy, Confidently Local

The food follows a simple rule: vibrant, fresh and designed to share. Think burrata with heirloom tomatoes and basil oil, charred octopus with lemon and chilli, and handmade pasta rolled daily. Seafood is the star — delicate crudo, market fish grilled over flame, and signature lobster linguine that’s equal parts indulgent and balanced. The produce is local but the flavours are distinctly southern Italian — bright, zesty and sun-kissed.

The drinks list leans Mediterranean too. Cocktails like the limoncello spritz and negroni bianco are made for long afternoons, while the wine list celebrates both Italian varietals and boutique Australian vineyards that echo the same coastal terroir.

The Scene: Elevated Yet Effortless

Gigi Rooftop walks the fine line between sophistication and ease. The service is sharp but never formal, the crowd stylish without being stiff. As dusk settles, the space glows — golden light, clinking glasses and music that rises just enough to pull you in. It’s not just another rooftop bar; it’s a destination for those who crave atmosphere, flavour and that unmistakable Mediterranean warmth — right here in South Yarra.