Glamorous views and a menu full of surprises: Melbourne’s newest rooftop bar Mid-Air is a must-try
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13.01.2025

Glamorous views and a menu full of surprises: Melbourne’s newest rooftop bar Mid-Air is a must-try

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Words by Kaya Martin

Ever since the much-anticipated Melbourne Place hotel opened its door in November, guests have been clamouring to take a peek at the inner-city luxury behemoth.

While the hotel houses two other venues – late-night underground bar Mr. Mills and Portuguese restaurant Marmelo – our interests were piqued by Mid-Air, the Mediterranean-inspired rooftop venue helmed by Young Chef of the Year Nick Deligiannis.

Passing apologetically by the long line that snaked its way from the elevators to the hostess stand (hot tip: make a reservation!), we found our table on the convertible indoor/outdoor patio. To be honest, I think it’d be impossible to get a bad table in this place.

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The uninhibited, all-around views of the city skyline are undoubtedly the pièce de résistance, especially at sunset when the buildings are bathed in hazy light, but the warm, terracotta-toned interior design is an achievement in itself. From the taupe sling chairs to the diamond-tiled floor, not a detail was spared.

Located on the 12th floor, the holiday-like feel of the venue was fitting. It’s the perfect place for visitors and locals alike to lounge and linger, working their way through the varied drinks list and spending the idle hours with great food and company.

Drawing from Deligiannis’ Greek heritage and French culinary techniques, the menu is full of playful gems. Take the tuna tartare, which borrows a flavour profile from a Caprese salad, with tomato, basil and a lemony vinegarette elevating the chopped yellowfin. The dolmadaika is another curiosity, coming encased in an Instagram-worthy zucchini flower.

Do not skip the towering, chive-topped waygu beef crumpet or the potato wedges. Yes, you heard me right, the wedges. I’ve had many a fry in my time and none of them stack up these triple-cooked, crispy, melt-in-your-mouth creations, especially when dunked in the sour cream and sweet chilli dip – a humble yet classy classic.

Of course, you could stop there if you were just in the market for drinks and snacks, but I’d strongly recommend against it. The small bites are just a warm-up for the skewers and large plates.

The Skull Island King Prawn skewer is a stand-out, dressed in taramasalata and a caramelised Allepo pepper oil that had us contemplating ordering bread just to soak it all up.

The same goes for the braised lamb neck, which comes buried under a bed of quinoa tabouli, its rich, flavourful meat elevated by zingy herbs. Served in a skillet accompanied by two pillowy-sweet milk buns (a peculiar yet delightful choice), it’s both filling and well-portioned.

You’d also be remiss not to try the adorable ice cream sundaes: swirled soft served dressed with adult toppings such as strawberries and olive oil. Go on, snap a pic, we know you want to.

With such a lovely ambience, Mid-Air is primed to become a hotspot for special occasions, date nights and sunset cocktails, but it’s by no means just a pretty face. It’s got culinary chops that would keep guests coming back time and time again, even if it was on the ground floor.

Mid-Air is located on the 12th floor of Melbourne Place, 130 Russell St CBD. To make a reservation, head here.