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Southbank is about to get a big glow-up, with Crown Melbourne pouring $200 million into a major redevelopment of the riverside precinct – with big restaurant and bar names joining the party.
Through to 2027, the long-planned transformation promises more than 15 new restaurants, bars and casual dining venues, alongside upgraded public spaces, outdoor terraces and a renewed focus on the Yarra River.
One of the most talked-about arrivals could be Mott 32, the internationally acclaimed modern Chinese restaurant making its Australian debut at Crown in March 2027. Expect contemporary Cantonese cooking and a seriously theatrical setting.
Then there's Brunetti Oro, set to expand its empire with a new opening on the waterfront in November 2027. The Melbourne institution is going big with a full-height cake wall, traditional gelateria, pasticceria, coffee bar, open pizza kitchen and Campari bar (so basically, the perfect excuse to turn a quick coffee into an all-day Italian affair).
For steak obsessives, Victor Churchill is also heading to Southbank, with the Sydney-born steakhouse – a butcher-restaurant hybrid once crowned by the late and great Anthony Bourdain as "the most beautiful butcher shop in the world" and also ranked in this World's Best list – slated to open in mid-2027. Its new venue will bring the brand’s proud butchery, fire cooking and bar-and-grill concept to the heart of Southbank.
But the biggest change could be happening outside the restaurants. Crown is giving its Riverwalk a major revamp, adding more outdoor dining, terraces, river views and upgraded public spaces in an attempt to make the Yarra waterfront somewhere to linger rather than simply stroll through.
There’ll be plenty happening after dark, too. Amaya Modern Mexican will sling fire-roasted meats, seafood, tequila and mezcal cocktails and DJs on the western end of the Riverwalk, while Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails will offer a hidden cocktail bar lounge.
Meanwhile, Crown’s existing Palms theatre is being transformed into Crown LIVE, reopening in November 2026 with room for up to 1,250 people and a program spanning concerts, comedy, theatre and even Broadway-style productions.
With an added focus on improving sustainability and creating jobs, this could help inject some new life into one of Melbourne's tourist destinations. Find out more at the website.
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