By Marie-Antoinette Issa.
There are countless ways to take in Melbourne. You can watch the city glide by from the window of a rattling tram, lose yourself in the graffiti-laden laneways or linger by the Yarra as the skyline reflects in the water.
To see Australia’s Sporting Capital in its full glory, you’ll need to climb higher - 22 levels high to be precise. This is where you will find Fleet Rooftop Bar, perched above Vibe Hotel Melbourne, inviting you to reach for the stars while sipping and snacking in style and claiming the crown as Flinders Street’s highest rooftop.
Naturally, when the sights are this spectacular, the bites need to be stellar too and Fleet’s kitchen takes this duty very seriously. The menu leans into Melbourne’s reputation as a gourmet capital, weaving seasonal produce with international flair.
The plates are as photogenic as they are palate pleasing. To snack, start with Smoky Bay oysters dressed simply with a ginger vinaigrette to let their briny freshness speak; half-shell scallops with shiitake mushrooms and XO lemon balm are tender and tangy, while the fried green chicken with a side of fermented chilli sauce will have you breaking up with Colonel Sanders forever.
More substantial share plates include charred WA octopus with sobrasada; kipfler potato and shaved fennel; grilled lamb skewers with almond cream; and a burrata with roasted pumpkin and golden raisins that is both vegetarian and omnivore approved.
Dessert lovers will struggle to pick between the lemon tart with vanilla Chantilly and kaffir lime meringue, or a hazelnut Snickers bar with a crunchy grapefruit crumble. Suggestion…save your mental energy for bigger battles and just order both.
It isn’t only the decadent desserts that keep you lingering until the stars come out. Fleet’s drinks menu is extensive - with a heaving international wine collection and a curation of creative cocktails - inspired by Melbourne’s multicultural palate and penchant - delivering an ode to the city itself.
The bartenders here aren’t afraid to have fun with flavours. A tiramisu espresso Martini that nods to the Italian influence of Lygon Street is bright and refreshing, while a smoky umami Martini tips its hat to the secretly adored streets of Chinatown. For those who want to stay sky high without the booze, the Blueberry shrub mocktail is just as thoughtful, making sure no one is left out of the toast.
Inside, the design balances modern luxury with a streak of urban grit. Think sleek marble tables, brass accents and mood lighting softened by floor-to-ceiling windows that keep the cityscape firmly in focus. Outside, the terrace is where the magic happens. On balmy nights, you’ll find groups clustered around tables, Spritzes in hand, faces lit by the last rays of the sun. It’s the definition of a Melbourne moment: stylish, social and just a little bit indulgent.
Fleet is more than another rooftop bar to add to the city’s ever-growing list. It feels like the kind of place you’ll come back to for different occasions: that first date cocktail, the birthday toast that needs to feel extra special or the after-work drink that turns into dinner because the night feels too good to leave.
With Spring unfurling and long evenings stretching ahead, Fleet has firmly planted itself as a destination worth climbing for.
So, next time you’re wandering Flinders Street and craning your neck to admire the skyline, remember there’s a new star at the top. Head 22 floors up, sip something sparkling and let Fleet remind you that in Melbourne, the sky really is the limit.
