EDV Melbourne

A southern outpost of Sydney's much-lauded Eau de Vie, EDV Melbourne brings the same cocktail rigour and sense of humour to - where else? - a CBD laneway. An unmarked door leads to an expansive den of booths, hidden rooms and spirit lockers in which regulars can stow their own bottle to imbibe at their leisure. There's a lot going on, but it's all highly cohesive. The extensive cocktail list proffers great classics and groundbreaking originals (they have nitrous oxide and they're not afraid to use it) while an ex-MoVida chef delivers snacks and a cocktail degustation menu served around a communal table with a built-in ice well.