Bar Lourinhã

Twenty years strong and still holding court on Little Collins. Bar Lourinhã is that rare Iberian-spirited dining room where the patina on the walls is as authentic as the Bolo de bolacha on the dessert menu. Ask anyone who haunts the CBD’s culinary circuit—they’ll point you straight to this eclectic, art-drenched space for elite tapas. Crisp kingfish pancetta tostadas. Jamón croquettes boasting structural perfection. Angus brisket drenched in a vibrant mojo rojo. The tuned-in crowd knows to show up early on Sundays for the elusive, single-batch prawn paella—a brilliantly clean, homestyle rendition that vanishes fast. Pair it all with a sprawling list of Spanish and Australian pours. Whether you need a flawless pre-theatre bite or an intimate, all-day grazing session, the incredibly knowledgeable staff ensure your glass is never empty. Salud to an enduring Melbourne heavyweight.