Bar Rochford

Up a quaint set of stairs in the historic Melbourne Building sits a seriously electric dining room. Bar Rochford thrums with that perfect, buzzing energy—an open fire crackling, vinyl spinning, and a handsome timber bar anchoring the space. Industry heavyweights constantly point visiting palates here, and it instantly delivers. The kitchen drops wildly inventive plates. Think plump oysters hit with cherry blossom granita, rich duck rillettes, and impossibly tender roast lamb. Portions lean on the smaller, snackable side—ideal for crushing a wider cross-section of the menu. The beverage program? Absolute fire. Expect pitch-perfect stirred drinks, funky Riverland orange wines, and a shockingly flawless pint of Guinness. Service is razor-sharp but deeply unpretentious; they’ll guide you through a niche *amaro* selection like you're an old friend. Snag a cushy seat by those generous windows overlooking London Circuit. Just book ahead. Prime real estate in this joint vanishes fast.