Mate's Table
Subscribe
Create
Share with the community

What would you like to make?

Add a recommendationShare a place worth gathering around.Create a guideBuild a useful list for your city.
For business

Restaurant

Cabinet Bar & Balcony

11 Rainbow Alley, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Recommended by 14 people

Updated

Find Cabinet Bar & Balcony

11 Rainbow Alley, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Directions ↗
+61 433 080 042
HoursMonday: Closed Tuesday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Thursday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM Saturday: 2:00 PM – 1:00 AM Sunday: 2:00 – 11:00 PM

*Opening hours may differ during holidays.

Book Now

About Cabinet Bar & Balcony

Tucked one flight up Rainbow Alley, Cabinet Bar perches right over the Swanston Street rush—a breezy balcony built for watching the city roll by. Those in the loop slip in early to claim outdoor railing seats before the evening crowd piles in. The hospo crew keeps the pace with Hula Hooper martinis, crisp eggplant chips, and Cajun chicken flatbreads while buskers play below. Come winter, tables retreat indoors around steaming mugs of mulled wine.

  • Balcony Overlook: An elevated first-floor perch directly overlooks the pedestrian pulse and trams along Swanston Street.
  • Flatbreads & Tapas: Crisp eggplant chips, Cajun chicken flatbreads, and halloumi sliders anchor an unpretentious share plate selection.
  • Craft Cocktails & Pours: Happy hour specials alongside signature jar cocktails and house martinis keep city pours accessible.
  • Alleyway Hideaway: Discreet access via Rainbow Alley leads into an intimate first-floor retreat above the central business district.
RestaurantCocktailEuropeanBarCocktail BarRestaurantWine Bar

What's On at Cabinet Bar & Balcony

Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.

No events or specials listed right now.

Why Guests Choose Cabinet Bar & Balcony

Whether you want an open-air balcony perch over Swanston Street or a cozy laneway booth, reserve your spot today.

  • Balcony Perch Above the Bustling City

    The open-air first-floor balcony offers an intimate vantage point to sip cocktails and share dishes while watching the vibrant energy of Swanston Street unfold below.

    If you can nab a spot on the balcony it’s a perfect place to sit, eat, have a few drinks and watch Swanston Street roll by.

    Caroline Hamilton

  • Alfresco Drinks and Melodic Street Ambiance

    Bespoke martinis and freshly prepared flatbreads are paired seamlessly with live street buskers providing a natural soundtrack from the pavement below.

    It was very pleasant sitting on the balcony while listening to the saxophone of a busker below.

    claire drake

  • Seamless Pre-Theatre Gathering Spot

    Tucked steps away from the Regent Theatre and surrounding CBD arts venues, it provides the ideal staging ground for swift bites and pre-curtain refreshments.

    Fantastic little place for a drink or quick bite before a show.

    Deb Nicol

  • Cozy Winter Retreat with Warm Mulled Wine

    When Melbourne temperatures plunge, the intimate indoor lounge offers a sheltered sanctuary complete with spiced mulled wine and melted cheese snacks.

    This is the perfect place to come on a cold winter's night!

    Natasha Venizelos

  • The Serenity of a Hidden Urban Oasis

    Elevated above the foot traffic, guests experience the sensation of discovering an unexpected sanctuary right in the middle of Melbourne's bustling core.

    Despite having walked past the location countless times, the revelation of this hidden oasis was a delightful surprise.

    Xennial travel time

  • Transportive Parisian Laneway Escapism

    Entering from Rainbow Alley into the first-floor loft evokes the transportive romance and charm of a secluded European salon.

    Loved the whole vibe- walking down Rainbow Alley, heading upstairs to what felt like a little slice of Paris, and chilling outside overlooking Swanston St with a drink,

    Nena A

Guest-favorite drinks and shareable plates praised across customer visits.

  • Mulled Wine

    Excellent Mulled wine, perfect for a chilly Melbourne night

    Maria McInnes

  • Mushroom, Blue Cheese, and Spinach Flatbread

    We have also shared the mushroom, blue cheese, and spinach flatbread twice here. It was so good we got it the 2nd time we visited.

    Brett Cooper

  • Cajun Chicken Flatbread

    Had a very nice Cajun chicken flatbread, washed down with a couple of Hula Hooper Martinis on Saturday evening.

    claire drake

  • Eggplant Chips

    Eggplant chips were delicious as was the pizza.

    Paolo Bevilacqua

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you find the entrance?

Tucked just off the main street, entry is via Rainbow Alley (an alleyway off Little Collins Street behind Swanston Street) heading upstairs to the first-floor space.

Can you get a table on the outdoor balcony?

Seating on the balcony is limited and highly sought-after for its view over Swanston Street. Booking ahead is recommended, though early walk-ins may snag an open spot.

What type of food is served?

The kitchen focuses on casual shareable bites and tapas rather than heavy meals, featuring popular options like flatbread pizzas and eggplant chips.

Explore more places in Melbourne

Find familiar flavours, neighbourhood favourites and somewhere new in Melbourne.

Similar places

More places for the flavours and food you enjoy.

Discover more in Melbourne

Explore another side of the city's food and drink.

Browse all Melbourne venues