Malvern East’s wine bars scene is affordable, diverse, developing — and the wine bars reflect it. Whether you want a quiet midweek drink or a full Friday night, there are options that don’t require leaving the suburb.
Standard prices: pint $10-12, cocktail $15-20. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. The Red Post — 180 Beach Grove
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Warm, busy, neighbourhood local Drinks: $14-23/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. The Red Post gets the fundamentals right — good drinks, comfortable room, staff who know the menu. The tap list rotates monthly, which keeps regulars from getting bored. The front bar is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($14-23/glass). When to go: Any weeknight for a quiet drink.
2. Mabel Pantry — 50 Johnston Avenue
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Hidden behind an unmarked door
The quiet achiever. Mabel Pantry doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The beer garden is the draw. The cheese board pairs perfectly with their wine by the glass.
Best night: Sunday sessions with live jazz.
3. Lena Place — 270 Johnston Avenue
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $14-23/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The cocktail list references classic recipes with local twists. The space is tighter than The Red Post — maybe 50 people before it feels packed — but that’s part of the appeal.
What makes it work is the attention to detail. The glassware is considered, the ice is proper, and the bartenders actually taste what they make before serving. The house negroni uses a local amaro. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: A glass of the pet-nat ($14-23/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Zara Social — 167 South Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $14-23/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10pm and the sliders are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The charcuterie board feeds three.
The drinks list complements the food — craft beers on rotation with consistent quality. It’s the kind of place where you come for one beer and stay for dinner because you smell the kitchen.
Best combo: Parma and a pint — the Melbourne classic, done properly. When to come: Any weeknight for a quick meal and drink without the weekend crowd.
5. The Long Larder — 370 South Place
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-12am Vibe: Hidden garden bar behind a bookshelf door Drinks: $14-23/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the garden setting creates an atmosphere the others can’t match. It’s the place to bring someone you’re trying to impress, or to photograph, or both.
The drinks list is heavier on wine and bubbles than beer. Food is limited to a small snack menu — olives, cheese, bread but you’re not here for the food.
Best for: Small group celebrations — book the corner section.
Comparison
| Venue | Best For | Drink Price | Kitchen | Live Music |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Red Post | Overall best | $14-23/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Mabel Pantry | Quiet drink | $14-23/glass | Yes | Sun sessions |
| Lena Place | New & trendy | $14-23/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Zara Social | Food + drinks | $14-23/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| The Long Larder | Atmosphere | $14-23/glass | Limited | No |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. The Red Post does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: Public transport options in Malvern East. Don’t drive on Friday/Saturday nights — parking is scarce after 6pm.
Dress code: None of these are bottle-service-and-bouncers. Clean casual everywhere. The Long Larder skews slightly smarter but won’t turn away anyone in jeans.
Age check: All venues are 18+. Bring ID if you look under 25 — they will ask.
Nearby
- Melbourne CBD Wine Bars
- Malvern East Restaurants — eat before or after
- Malvern East Things to Do
- All Malvern East Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in Malvern East
- Best Bars in Malvern East
- Nightlife Guide in Malvern East
- Best Cocktail Bars in Malvern East
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