Towering 13 floors above the city, at the top of the Greek Community Building on Lonsdale Street, lies a fabulous Mediterranean rooftop bar. At Fable, you’ll find a story behind every drink, exquisite food from local producers, and breathtaking views of the city. This rooftop bar is now open until the early hours of the morning, from Wednesday to Sunday.
Fable – a shiny new rooftop bar
This new rooftop bar, which opened in the middle of November, is owned and designed by Gehan Rajapakse. Gehan has been involved in iconic hospitality ventures for over twenty years, including Sofitel, Crown Casino and Hyde Bar. So, this new bar was carefully crafted from expert hands.
“We have completely redesigned the structure of a 14th floor rooftop to create a destination bar experience like no other, where people can drink and dine until the early hours,” said Gehan. “Our vantage point of the city skyline is unique. Melbourne’s tallest skyscrapers seem to be gather around to reflect the setting sun, before they sparkle into the night.”
According to Gehan, being inside Fable and gazing at the city skyline will make you feel like you’re in New York or Tokyo. Three quarters of the venue has a retractable roof, so you can enjoy the rooftop bar during all four seasons. Take in views of the Arts Centre, Marvel Stadium and Bolte Bridge while sipping on a delicious cocktail.
Drinks at Fable
Venue manager and lead mixologist Alessandro Nardini (Beneath Driver Lane, Nick & Nora’s) is ready to take you on a journey with every drink.
“A cocktail is more than just a drink to me,” said Alessandro. “I like to consider elements beyond the physical ingredients, proposing a bit of history behind the drink and creating an experience for my guests. At Fable, storytelling is what we do. Our menu of signature drinks playfully pokes at memorable moments in European history, while also honouring the classics.”
At Fable, you’ll find drinks like Robespierre’s Faith, a spin on the Bloody Mary inspired by karma and the influential French revolutionist. The Birth of Venus is a cocktail that imagines what the famous Botticelli painting would taste like. And Borgia’s Plot, inspired by the Singapore Sling cocktail, riffs on the famous Italian family from the Renaissance.
The cocktail menu is predominantly gluten-free and vegan friendly.
“Since I became coeliac two years ago, I know all too well the uncomfortable feeling many people deal with when they can’t find anything on the menu that won’t make them sick,” said Alessandro. “I have curated our cocktail list to look after people with gluten free and vegan dietary requirements, without compromising on creativity and exceptional taste.”
For the designated drivers of the group, there are also alcohol-free cocktails so you can join in on the fun.
The food
Feeling hungry? Executive Chef Alex Xinis has come to Fable to serve up a menu inspired by Mediterranean cuisine. After helming a restaurant with two Michelin stars in Greece, and working as head chef at Melbourne Press Club, Alex is here to bring the Mediterranean to life, with a focus on local producers.
Pair your drinks with charcuterie, cheeses, calamari, halloumi and more.
“From Yarra Valley trout caviar on buckwheat blinis to a Jacks Creek marbled porterhouse and an always vegan Moussaka and dark chocolate mousse, our menu heroes local Victorian producers, blending decadence with dietary-consciousness,” said Alex.
Key info:
Where: Level 13, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Opening hours:
Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday – 5pm to 1am
Friday and Saturday – 5pm to 3am
Walk-ins are accepted, however, these are subject to availability. Therefore, it’s highly recommended that you book in advance. Group bookings are capped at eight people.