Melbourne’s go-to for great wine, good food, and Parisian laneway vibes

Kirk’s Wine Bar is a Melbourne staple that keeps things casual, cool, and effortlessly welcoming. Whether you’re pulling up a laneway table in the sun, grabbing a seat at the beautiful bar, or settling in by the floor-to-ceiling windows, this spot has you covered. Owner Ian Curley—of City Wine Shop, The European, and Siglo fame—has created a wine bar that’s all about quality without the pretension. It’s walk-in only, which means no bookings, no fuss—just a well-curated lineup of European and Australian wines, featuring small producers, lesser-known regions, and some of the most exciting names in the game right now. The green-tiled walls scrawled with daily specials hint at what’s ahead, with a menu running all day until an hour before close. Freshly shucked oysters? Always a good call. Pro tip: add the signature hot sauce for an extra kick. Feeling adventurous? The pig’s ear doughnut and goat’s cheese eclair bring bold, unexpected flavours. And if you’re after something heartier, think pasta, steak frites, and whatever else the kitchen has up its sleeve.

A historic laneway wine bar with a story to tell

Kirk’s Wine Bar takes its name from the corner building’s first tenant back in the 1860s, Kirk’s Bazaar Hotel. Fast forward to today, and it’s still the kind of place where you can settle in for a glass (or a bottle) and let the world pass by. The wine selection walks the line between familiar and innovative, shining a light on small-batch European imports and cutting-edge Australian winemakers. The by-the-glass list is ever-changing, so there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re dining solo at the bar, sharing a bottle with mates, or soaking up the Parisian-style atmosphere outside, Kirk’s is the kind of place you’ll want to return to—again and again. No reservations, no stress, just great wine, good food, and that unmistakable Melbourne charm.