Restaurant
Gin Palace
10 Russell Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Find Gin Palace
10 Russell Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
Directions ↗*Opening hours may differ during holidays.
Book NowAbout Gin Palace
Tucked down a Melbourne laneway, this basement den has anchored the city's late-night martini circuit for more than two decades. Velvet nooks, dim lamps, and deep couches keep the acoustics contained—built for unhurried conversation rather than shouting over a crowd. The shelves hold over 200 bottles from across the globe, with staff steering drinkers toward rare pours like New Zealand black gin. Faithful patrons pair their drinks with the toasted chicken sandwich as the room fills after dinner.
- Vintage Parlour Setting: Plush velvet nooks, vintage lounges, and restrained acoustics built for intimate conversation.
- Curated Gin Collection: A backbar cataloguing more than 200 varieties from distilleries across the globe.
- Consultative Mixology: Bartenders tailor martinis and spirit pours to individual palates with encyclopedic ease.
- Late-Night Fare: Toasted chicken sandwiches that out-of-towners and late-night regulars treat as a ritual.
What's On at Gin Palace
Upcoming events, special menus and other reasons to plan a visit.
No events or specials listed right now.
Six Reasons to Settle In at Gin Palace
Why Gin Palace remains Melbourne's quintessential laneway cocktail sanctuary.
Plush Vintage Parlour Seating
Settle into secluded velvet armchairs and dark vintage nooks designed for unhurried ease and genuine comfort.
The hidden nooks and couches make for a very cozy and warm feel.
Emily May Contained, Intimate Room Energy
Enjoy an intimate, contained room acoustic where conversation flows naturally without having to raise your voice over ambient noise.
Youre in a room full of people but no one's invading your space or being needlessly loud.
Lily Shaw Curated Global Gin Catalog
Explore a dedicated backbar spanning rare international labels, boutique botanicals, and classic expressions.
The extensive gin selection is impressive, boasting over 200 varieties from around the world.
Amilliah Tailored Spirit Guidance
Receive attentive guidance from knowledgeable bartenders who tailor spirit and cocktail pairings to individual palates.
He recommended drinks for us based on our tastes and everything was fantastic.
Niall Effortless Post-Dinner Haven
Drop in following dinner or an evening show to unwind with balanced drinks and relaxed conversation.
Great relaxing ambience to go to after dinner with friends.
Miss Jen Refined Pre-Dinner Drinks
Step in for early-evening libations and start the night surrounded by warm lighting and polished hospitality.
Always feel so classy and luxurious when I come here.
David Gunsberg
Most popular items
Standout drinks and parlour classics celebrated by guests.
Chicken Sandwich
Not to mention I day dream about that chicken sandwich almost daily.
Jade Araujo 1951 Martini
My favourite is the 1951 martini. It won the world cocktail competition that year and the 3 anchovy stuffed olives and the glass lining of Cointreau gives it a special taste.
Mike A Williams Vesper Martini
I especially loved the Vesper Martini.
Prannay Kohli Trinidad Sour
They even made a fantastic Trinidad Sour, one of the finest I've experienced.
Michael Chapman
Beyond the menu
Above-and-beyond hospitality gestures that define the Gin Palace experience.
Bespoke Mocktail Profiling
Non-drinking patrons receive dedicated care, with bartenders inquiring about personal flavour preferences to craft tailored mocktails, including house kombucha creations.
Confectionery Drink Garnishes
Specialty gin serves are matched with unexpected culinary touches, including pairing strawberry and cream gin with sliced citrus and raspberry white chocolate.
Off-Menu Mixology Accommodations
Bartenders draw on deep mixology repertoire to craft complex, off-menu drinks on request, such as a balanced Trinidad Sour.
Empathetic Personal Hosting
Floor staff provide compassionate, family-like care during poignant personal milestones and solo memorial visits, personalizing the evening with quiet warmth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you book a table in advance?
Gin Palace accepts table reservations, which can be worthwhile on busy evenings such as Fridays, though walk-ins are also accommodated.
What kind of drink selection is available?
The bar features an extensive spirit library with over 200 varieties from around the world, alongside tailored martinis and classic cocktails. Bartenders are available to guide selections based on your taste.
Are food and non-alcoholic drinks available?
While the focus is on cocktails and spirits, the bar offers food options including toasted chicken sandwiches and cheese or charcuterie platters. Non-alcoholic options such as custom mocktails are also crafted upon request.
When is Gin Palace open, and what are the peak hours?
Gin Palace opens at 4:00 PM and operates until 3:00 AM daily, making it a late-night option. Early arrivals around opening time offer easier seat selection before larger crowds arrive later in the evening.
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