South Yarra’s wine bars scene is upscale, polished, fashion-forward — 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 $13-15, cocktail $22-28. Happy hour (usually 5-7pm) knocks $3-5 off at most places.
Our Top Picks
1. Iris Commons — 356 Chapel Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Rooftop terrace, sunset views Drinks: $16-27/glass
The wine bar the suburb rallies around. Iris Commons 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 back room is the best spot — less crowded, better acoustics.
Drink this: The rotating craft tap ($16-27/glass). When to go: Tuesday for trivia and half-price pots.
2. Cleo — 80 Chapel Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Open-air, fairy lights, garden seats
The quiet achiever. Cleo doesn’t have a PR budget or an Instagram strategy — it has regulars who come three times a week. The snack menu is the draw. The cocktails are made with house-infused spirits.
Best night: Friday DJs from 9pm.
3. Remy — 179 Claremont Street
Hours: Wed-Sun 5pm-late Vibe: Cozy wine den, candlelit Drinks: $16-27/glass
Opened in 2025 and immediately became a regular spot for the under-35 crowd. The tap list leans towards Victorian craft breweries. The space is tighter than Iris Commons — 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 natural wine section is surprisingly deep for a bar this size. If you hit capacity, put your name down and walk around the block — turnover is quick.
Drink this: Whatever the bartender recommends ($16-27/glass). Pro tip: Arrive before 7pm on Friday to avoid the wait.
4. Rosa’s — 43 Toorak Road
Hours: Wed-Sun 4pm-1am Vibe: Modern gastropub with craft focus Drinks: $16-27/glass
The one for when you want food with your drinks. The kitchen runs until 10:30pm and the burgers are genuinely good, not bar-food-as-afterthought. The wings have a proper chilli kick.
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: Saturday from 5pm — it fills up by 7pm.
5. Pilgrim — 155 Chapel Street
Hours: Tue-Sun 5pm-11pm Vibe: Rooftop terrace with city views Drinks: $16-27/glass
The vibe pick. Not the best drinks on this list, but the candlelit basement 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 classic cocktails executed cleanly, no gimmicks. Food is limited to charcuterie and cheese boards only 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iris Commons | Overall best | $16-27/glass | Yes | Fri-Sat |
| Cleo | Quiet drink | $16-27/glass | Yes | No |
| Remy | New & trendy | $16-27/glass | Snacks only | No |
| Rosa’s | Food + drinks | $16-27/glass | Full menu | Fri |
| Pilgrim | Atmosphere | $16-27/glass | Limited | DJs Sat |
Practical Info
Happy hour: Most places run 5-7pm weekdays. Iris Commons does $8 house lagers and $15 cocktails during happy hour.
Getting there: South Yarra station, trams on Chapel St + Toorak Rd. 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. Pilgrim 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
- Toorak Wine Bars
- South Yarra Restaurants — eat before or after
- South Yarra Things to Do
- All South Yarra Guides
Last updated: March 2026
Keep Exploring
More in this area:
- Best Pubs in South Yarra
- Best Bars in South Yarra
- Nightlife Guide in South Yarra
- Best Cocktail Bars in South Yarra
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