This autumn, we’ve teamed up with Aperol and some of our cities’ most convivial dining spots to celebrate the sheer joy of sharing meals and moments with friends—with an Aperol Spritz in hand.
To prove just how universal and transeasonal an Aperols Spritz is, we’ve created a list of Melbourne restaurants and bars you can hit up for not only enjoying a well-deserved post-work sip but some fine aperitivo food pairings as well.
Here are eight unmissable aperitivo dishes around Melbourne to pair with an Aperol Spritz.
Grill Americano
There’s a good reason why the Aperol Spritz is so strongly associated with Italian cuisine, its bright and bittersweet taste perfectly lends itself to the fresh flavours of Italy. So it would be remiss of us not to mention the handmade pasta and Italian classics at Grill Americano. But when it comes to aperitivo hour our go-to is the Oritz Riserva anchovies with focaccia and green olive butter teamed with an Aperol Spritz—it's the perfect way to unwind and kick-start an evening. Grill Americano’s focus on producing high-quality and authentic dishes makes it an idyllic setting for aperitivo hour.
Smith St Bistrot
For those who aren’t familiar, Smith St Bistro is a late-night French spot that serves up decadent French classics in the heart of Collingwood. From dry-aged steak with peppercorn sauce and Vol au Vent d’escargot to the quintessential creme caramel, Smith St Bistro has all your French favourites on tap. And while you might be inclined to pair it up with a glass of wine, try switching it up with an Aperol apéritif to brighten up your evening. The snack menu is where it's at. Our advice? Start with an Aperol Spritz and a plate of crudités with whipped goat's curd paired with oeufs mayonnaise with avruga caviar—divine.
Bar Carolina
If there’s one place where you’ll find Aperols aplenty, it’s Bar Carolina. The South Yarra staple is best known for serving up a modern Italian fare that even Nonna would approve of. Their barramundi baked in herb and salt crust and grain-fed scotch fillet are crowd favourites, but when it comes to an aperitivo dish to pair with an Aperol Spritz, we can't go past the burrata ‘nduja with spicy, spreadable salami, basil, oil and toasted sourdough.
Johnny’s Green Room
If you haven’t had a chance to check out Johnny’s Green Room, you’re in for a treat, because I’ve yet to come across anyone who doesn’t enjoy a drink on a rooftop that boasts nearly 360 views of Melbourne. While the view is a pretty big draw card, Johnny’s also serves up some of the best slices in town, alongside a range of snacks made for sharing, including our exclusive Aperol Aperitivo Pairing the Cicchetti, which features two Baccala mantecato toast, two Anchovies and lardo skewers and two Potato and baccala croquettes paired with two Aperol Spritz for just $35. You can't go wrong.
Connie's
Connie's, your local Italodisco diner, is a celebration of all things cool and comforting. Built to commemorate owner Michael Madrusan’s Grandmother, Connie, the venue serves up some of Melbourne’s best Grandma-style pizzas and homemade pasta, but Connie's Aperitivo hour (between 5pm and 6pm daily) is where you'll find us. Tuck into mozzarella sticks and wash them down with an Aperol Spritz for just $18—vibes guaranteed.
Mono-XO
Fitzroy’s Mono-XO, an intimate venue best known for serving up Japanese-inspired share plates, makes for the perfect place to partake in an aperitivo. Championing local produce that's transformed into distinctly Japanese flavours, the menu will take you on a surprising and explorative journey with nods to European, Middle Eastern and Korean influences too. Our go-to? Start the night off on the right foot with the beloved Thousand Island Scallop Sando—a tender scallop crumbed to golden perfection, drenched in thousand island sauce and wedged between a bed of lettuce and white bread—and team it with an Aperol Spritz.
Don’s
Prahran’s latest wine bar, Don’s, has been a very welcomed addition for Chapel Street foodies. Tucked in across from the Prahran Market, Don’s is an intimate venue centred around a 12-metre communal table and kitchen bar that cooks up a mean seasonal menu alongside its extensive drinks list. The communal setting is what makes Don’s feel more like a friend’s house than a bar, and that’s exactly why it’s the perfect spot for downing Aperols with mates. Come aperitivo hour, we'll be chowing down on the likes of spicy asparagus arancini with lemon aioli.
Rufio
St Kilda’s Carlisle Street is known for being home to some of the best restaurants South of the river. And it’s no secret that Rufio’s is one of those names. The restaurant features a Latin fusion-style menu, marrying Peruvian, Brazilian and Argentinian cuisines through gluten-free share plates and tapas. While their drinks menu offers an extensive list of options (including their famed Aperol and blood orange margaritas), you’d be hard-pressed to find a drink that matches the mood more than an Aperol Spritz. Team it with a few empanadas bursting with chorizo, cheese and tomatillo salsa verde.
While an Aperol Spritz is the perfect summer sip, it's our go-to no matter what the season. To uncover more about our exclusive Aperol Aperitivo Passport pairings, click here.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Aperol. Thank you for supporting the partners who make The Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.