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The Barre  - The Barre, Melbourne, AU-VIC

The Barre

4.3 (1170)
$A40 and under
Modern Australian
Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3004

Make a reservation

A photo of The Barre restaurant

The Barre

4.3
$A40 and under
Modern Australian
Southbank

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 11 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Lively
  • Great for happy hour
  • Good for groups
The Barre, Arts Centre Melbourne’s sleek space, offers a touch of luxury and hint of showmanship. You’ll find a lively pre- and post-show buzz that takes the bar and eatery from early evening to late night.

The modern Australian menu, with its emphasis on fresh seasonal ingredients, offers both small and larger dishes to be shared and enjoyed with friends. Choose from a well-considered wine list with prominence to local winemakers, an exciting range of craft beers and ciders, or a distinct selection of cocktails and small-batch Australian gins and single malt whiskies.

The world of booze, bubbles and beers is ever-changing and The Barre is excited to also offer a range of alcohol-free options.

From a pre-show sparkling with a share plate, a meal with a fine wine or a mellow late-night drink, we invite you to join us at The Barre.

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Southbank
  • Cross street
    St Kilda Rd
  • Parking details
    The Arts Centre Melbourne car park, owned and operated by us, is located just minutes from The Barre, our theatres, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and central Melbourne, with 24-hour car parking available at competitive rates. Please note: Our car park has a height restriction of 1.9m.
  • Public transit
    By Train - get off at Flinders Street Station in the Melbourne CBD and walk for a few minutes along St Kilda Road, over Princes Bridge and the Yarra River. By Tram - stop in front of Arts Centre Melbourne at the Arts Precinct stop number 14: 1, 3, 3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72. This tram stop is fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Lunch with Matty O'Callaghan, Pirate Life

    A$95.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Feb 8, 2026 only
    12:00 p.m.
    The Barre lunch series is back in 2026. Kicking off in February, we’re swapping wine for beer as Pirate Life Brewing takes over the taps, bringing sunny summer vibes, bold brews and big flavours to your Sunday lunch. Enjoy a four-course menu from our in-house culinary team, each dish paired with Pirate Life’s standout beers. From the iconic South Coast Pale Ale to the rare Limeburners Whisky Barrel Aged Stout, each pour is full of character. Hear the stories behind the brews from special guest host Matty O'Callaghan, Official Brand Ambassador at Pirate Life, and discover what makes each draft special. Spend the afternoon toasting the season, catching up with friends and savouring great beer in a flavour-packed summer setting. Limited spots available. Book now and make the most of a relaxed Sunday with bold brews and big flavours.
    Lunch with Matty O'Callaghan, Pirate Life photo
  • Lunch with - Leading the Charge Women In Wine

    A$120.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Mar 8, 2026 only
    12:00 p.m.
    This March, The Barres Wine Lunch raises a glass to International Women’s Day by celebrating the talent, leadership and influence of strong women shaping the wine industry today. Join us on March 8 for an inspiring afternoon featuring three outstanding women whose passion and expertise define modern wine: Narelle King, Chief Winemaker at Tar & Roses, whose bold, expressive wines speak of precision and place; Maddison James, Sales & Marketing Manager at Catalina Sounds Wines, driving one of Marlborough’s most exciting producers onto the global stage; and Hilary Fordham, respected wine expert and storyteller, bringing insight, depth and perspective to every glass. This is more than a wine lunch, it’s a celebration of craft, courage and women leading from the front.

Concierge
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What 1,170 people are saying

The Barre reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.2Ambience
  • 4.0Value

NoiseEnergetic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
The Barre offers a vibrant pre-theatre dining experience with "excellent service" and a "great atmosphere." Guests appreciate the "beautifully presented" dishes and "innovative menu," including seasonal options. While some find the menu limited, the "attentive staff" and convenient location make it a "trusted favorite" for theatre-goers.
1,170 Reviews
  1. A Raelene

    Melbourne1 review

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    It is in a great location going to Hamer Hall I think there choices were limited Could have had a few more things to pick from but the food I chose was good Loved Happy Hour

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  2. Marjorie

    Melbourne2 reviews

    2.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    I have dined at the Barre previously & it was okay, not exceptional but just okay, the prices though were a little higher than I would have thought. This time however, the food was very poor & prices have risen higher. In a word, I will not be dining at the Barre again for quite some time.

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  3. Judith

    Victoria1 review

    2.0

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Very poor menu selection especially for mains. I had lamb and meal was awful, snapper also revolting. Need to improve option and standard of meals to charge such high prices.

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  4. Gary

    Victoria3 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Salmon was great and with a salad it made an excellent meal..

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  5. Angela

    Melbourne1 review

    4.0

    Dined on January 7, 2026

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Simple but tasty food. Perfectly timed with the theatre time. Service was excellent. Attentive and water always filled up! Thanks for having us.

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  6. Dax

    Gold Coast4 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on December 31, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A really nice venue and a superb location so close to everything. Very pleasant staff and superb cocktails. Given we were a late sitting we did find the choice of food very restrictive with minimal shared plates but strangely a large number of sides. Overall though a nice experience

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  7. Jadie

    Melbourne2 reviews

    1.0

    Dined on December 31, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    Service was poor. No one approached us for close to 45 after our whole table arrived, We had to flag a waiter down to order food and wine. When we ordered the waiter had to check if the kitchen was still open as we had a menu in front of us. It wasn’t busy but overall it felt like we were an inconvenience for staff. Disappointing as I’ve been here a few times and always thought highly of this venue

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  8. Jane

    Victoria3 reviews

    4.0

    Dined on December 31, 2025

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 4
    Food was lovely. Waiter friendly however minimal interaction. Had to ask for water to be re filled, for wine and dessert menu.

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  9. Susan

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on December 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This was an excellent venue for an early New Year's eve get-together for four of us. Our table was tucked away further around from the bar and it was perfect. Service was excellent and our waiter, Jack, was a delight. No patronising attitudes here! The mood was welcoming and the food was delicious -perfect for our needs which included gluten free dishes for one of us. We will return.

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  10. Ana

    Melbourne1 review

    5.0

    Dined on December 31, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We all thoroughly enjoyed our drinks, meals, coffee and dessert. Staff were friendly and accommodating. Great menu selection and we'll certainly be back for more. We loved the recommendations made by "Mankustrap" and "Grizabella".

    Is this helpful?

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Southbank
  • Cross street
    St Kilda Rd
  • Parking details
    The Arts Centre Melbourne car park, owned and operated by us, is located just minutes from The Barre, our theatres, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and central Melbourne, with 24-hour car parking available at competitive rates. Please note: Our car park has a height restriction of 1.9m.
  • Public transit
    By Train - get off at Flinders Street Station in the Melbourne CBD and walk for a few minutes along St Kilda Road, over Princes Bridge and the Yarra River. By Tram - stop in front of Arts Centre Melbourne at the Arts Precinct stop number 14: 1, 3, 3a, 5, 6, 16, 64, 67 and 72. This tram stop is fully accessible for people who use wheelchairs.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Yes, The Barre is a solid choice for a relaxed, modern Australian date night, especially if you’re seeing a show nearby. Guests often praise the friendly, attentive service, elegant presentation and buzzy pre- and post-show atmosphere. Try arriving for happy hour for cocktails and starters, or pick a main like the venison or gnocchi for a more substantial meal. Note it can get lively and a bit noisy on busy nights, so book an earlier table or request a quieter spot if you prefer low-key conversation.

Portion sizes vary, the menu is built for sharing small plates as well as fuller mains. Many guests describe servings as generous or adequate, while others felt some mains were smaller or not good value on occasion. Expect shareable starters (pumpkin sourdough, flatbread) and mains in the mid-price range; bringing a side or sharing plates is common for pre-theatre dining. If you’re particularly hungry, ask staff for recommendations on heartier mains or add a side.

Yes, The Barre has a well-considered drinks program: wines (including local winemakers), cocktails (happy hour deals noted), craft beers, ciders, small-batch gins and single malts, plus alcohol-free options. Guests frequently mention happy-hour cocktails and a strong wine-by-the-glass selection, making it a popular spot for pre-show drinks as well as dinner.

Guests often single out a few favourites: the Pumpkin sourdough with Kalamata olive pesto is a popular starter, and mains that get frequent praise include the Venison loin, Gnocchi and the baked/whole Flounder or Snapper. The confit duck leg and chips are also commonly complimented. If you want a safe bet, ask staff for that night’s favourites or the seasonal special.

The Barre is open daily from 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, making it convenient for pre- and post-show dining. Guests frequently use it for early evening meals and happy hour before performances. If you have a special event or public-holiday plans, it’s a good idea to call ahead to confirm service times.

Yes, The Barre welcomes families and a range of guests (seniors and theatre-goers) and staff are regularly praised for being accommodating. Guests report family dinners, birthday groups and senior-friendly lunches. Specific accessibility features (ramps, accessible bathrooms, wheelchair policies) aren’t detailed in the available information, so call ahead to confirm any mobility needs or seating requests.

Best times depend on what you want: arrive early (happy hour, usually late afternoon/early evening) for cheaper cocktails and a quieter table; the venue excels as a pre-show dinner spot when you need quick, prompt service. Evenings just before performances can be busy and noisy, while later after the show or weekday lunches (including special wine lunches) can be calmer.

The Barre offers indoor dining with some outdoor/garden seating used for happy hour and early drinks; table styles include standard tables and some high stools/tables. The venue can handle private parties and special lunches. Space can feel busy on show nights, so if you need a quieter spot or a particular layout, call ahead and request a specific area when booking.

The Barre is lively, modern and polished with a definite pre-theatre buzz, warm and inviting but frequently noisy when busy. Guests praise the stylish room, friendly staff and energetic vibe that suits a fun night out before a show. If you prefer a quieter meal, request an early booking or a table away from the main rush.

The dress code is smart casual. The venue sits in the Arts Centre precinct and guests commonly dress neatly for pre-show dinners, think tidy, comfortable attire suitable for a night at the theatre rather than formal wear.

Yes, the menu includes vegetarian, vegan-friendly and gluten-free options. Guests mention vegan choices and that staff are accommodating with dietary requirements, though some diners ask for more vegan options. Check the menu for labelled items (VG, V, GF) and tell staff about allergies or preferences so they can guide you to the best choices.

Yes, the team is regularly praised for being accommodating, so it’s best to call ahead with special requests (dietary needs, seating preferences, early pre-show timing or celebration arrangements). Guests frequently report helpful staff who manage timing for pre-theatre services and accommodate late arrivals or menu needs.

Families do dine here, and guests report bringing teens or celebrating birthdays with children. The menu focuses on modern Australian share plates and mains rather than a kids’ menu, so for younger children consider an early seating or letting staff know in advance to discuss simpler options. The team is generally welcoming and accommodating.

There’s no formal waiting-list policy detailed in the available information, but the venue gets busy for pre-show service and guests recommend booking ahead. The staff are known to handle surges well and accommodate walk-ins when possible, but to secure a preferred time or seating it’s best to reserve in advance or ring the restaurant on the day.

There isn’t a single ‘best’ day, pick based on your plans. For theatre nights, any show evening works well; for a more relaxed experience try weekday lunches, Sunday wine-lunch events or Morning Melodies on Mondays. Happy hour deals are popular on early evenings, and special wine lunches are called out by guests as excellent experiences.

Yes, The Barre offers private-party options and has hosted wine lunches and special events. Guests praised organised wine-lunch events and the team’s ability to accommodate group bookings, though the venue notes it does not accept very large parties normally, so contact the restaurant to discuss private events and capacity.

The posted hours are Daily 4:00 pm–11:00 pm, which suggests The Barre operates every day of the week. For specific public-holiday openings or special hours, it’s best to phone ahead or check the restaurant’s official channels to confirm service on that particular date.

Yes, guests mention a garden/outdoor area used for happy hour and early drinks, as well as indoor dining. Outdoor seating is popular for pre-show drinks, but the main dining takes place indoors; if you’d like a garden table, ask when booking.

Yes, The Barre runs regular specials and events: happy-hour cocktails (many guests mention 5–6pm deals), Winemakers’ and Sunday Wine Lunches, Morning Melodies menus and occasional high‑tea events. These experiences are well-reviewed and a popular reason to visit outside of standard dinner service.

Yes, the menu is updated seasonally and the venue runs themed events and special lunch menus. Guests note menu changes and seasonal specials, though a few felt the menu hadn’t changed recently; overall the kitchen posts regular updates and offers event-specific menus for wine lunches and special occasions.

The Barre is rated 4.3 stars by 1170 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

How FAQ content is generated

  1. Home
  2. Australia
  3. Melbourne
  4. Inner City
  5. Southbank

Make a reservation

A photo of The Barre restaurant

The Barre

4.3
$A40 and under
Modern Australian
Southbank

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 p.m.
Booked 11 times today
Experiences are available.
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