This quiet place delivers a smooth drinking experience without the rowdy humdrum of crowds. Sink into a leather banquette and succumb to an Uncle Chop Chop cocktail or three.
If you're walking down Melbourne's Crossley Street, chances are you'll come across Becco restaurant, but what you may not notice is the Bellavista Social Club sitting discreetly upstairs. An extension of the restaurant below, this bar is one of the city's best-kept secrets. It may be hard to find, but that's just part of its appeal. This is a cosy place for a quiet drink, even on Friday and Saturday nights.
A bar in which to enjoy the surrounds rather than the scene, Bellavista is intimate and well decorated. The modern decor is sophisticated, featuring dark wood finishes, comfortable ottomans and leather banquettes. A large projector screen displays images of the city, allowing punters to watch the goings-on outside while enjoying the seclusion and privacy offered within.
Some tasty bar food is available for those who prefer to graze, from stuffed olives and pasta to chilli flour-dusted calamari and flathead gougons. Wash it all down with an espresso martini.
Daniel Forsyth
