Melbourne outdoor dining bookings: 17 pubs and restaurants taking reservations

That's right, Melbourne: there's light at the end of the tunnel. If you've been fully vaccinated, you could be sitting down to dinner, a pot of your favourite beer or a glass of Champagne in the open-air before the month is out.

The number of venues opening up their bookings for outdoor dining from October 26 is steadily increasing. Below is a handful of pub beer gardens, city rooftops and street-side tables you can book now.

Keep in mind that almost all venues have time limits on reservations; others are limiting the size of bookings. Under government regulations, you will need to show proof of double vaccination to visit hospitality venues.

Pubs and bars

Harlow (Richmond)

Sip on cocktails and soak up views of Melbourne on the wraparound rooftop bar when the sun is shining. Or, if the weather isn't playing nice, book a spot in the beer garden where there's some cover. Pooches are welcome downstairs, too. harlowbar.com.au

The Mighty Moonee (Moonee Ponds)

Tables are open both street-side and in the front area of this sprawling new addition to Moonee Ponds, with food by Adrian Corigliano who has worked at Heston Blumenthal establishments in the UK and here. There's no trickery though; just the solid pub fare you've missed. mightycraft.com.au

The Plough (Footscray)

Soak up that pub atmosphere you've been missing over a couple of parmas and some jugs of beer at this family-friendly corner pub on Barkly Street. Some weather protection. ploughhotel.com.au

Back Alley Sally's (Footscray)

Tucked away on the backstreets near Footscray Arts Centre is not just Back Alley Sally's, but also sister venues Lickety Split and Slice Girls West. In short: there's more than one way to enjoy some beers and pizza in the sun (and a few umbrellas if need be). fourpeople.com.au

The Rainbow Hotel (Fitzroy)

Make a beeline for this backstreet pub with one of the best beer gardens in Fitzroy. The crew are opening the doors on October 26 and are ready to welcome you with open arms. therainbow.com.au

Bar Josephine (Footscray)

Enjoy all the craft beer you've missed at this tiny but mighty Barkly Street spot, which has 12 taps of hard-to-find and highly-ranked brews. The beer garden will be open for walk-ins as soon as restrictions allow. You can BYO food from nearby eateries. instagram.com/barjosephine

The Station Hotel (Footscray)

Kids, four-legged members of the family and everybody else is welcome in the beer garden. Head on down to get your steak fix, a burger (there's a vegan option, too) or fish and chips. thestationhotel.com.au

College Lawn Hotel (Prahran)

With plenty of greenery and umbrellas, the beer garden at this southside local is shaping up to be a post-lockdown oasis. Plan catch-ups over jugs of draught beer and plates of chilli nachos – these seats will go quick. collegelawnhotel.com.au

Restaurants

Farmer's Daughters (CBD)

The rooftop and outdoor terrace of this Collins Street spot will be open from October 26, serving the best of Gippsland's top-notch produce in a $75 set menu. It's a touch more casual than what you'd get in the dining room, but it's all about the company anyway, right? farmersdaughters.com.au

Cellar Bar (CBD)

A visit to this Grossi institution is like a warm hug. For now, you have to forego the cosy interiors and settle for the generosity and love that's in the food, but we think that's a pretty good deal. florentino.com.au/cellar-bar

Bistro Gitan (South Yarra) and L'Hotel Gitan (Prahran)

It's only human to have missed expertly cooked steak, roast chicken and creme brulee. Let two of the city's best French establishments satisfy those cravings and more. bistrogitan.com.au; lhotelgitan.com.au

Little Andorra (Carlton North)

Take your pick of charming courtyard or leafy streetside dining at this local wine bar where ex-Attica chef Mertcan Dogusgen is now on the pans. Outdoor diners will be offered a small set menu until the regular menu returns with dine-in. littleandorra.com.au

Marameo (CBD)

Head upstairs to the terrace for plates of perfect prawn paccheri, snacks such as wagyu beef cannoli and more from these seasoned pros. marameo.com.au

Asado Bar & Grill (Southbank)

Enjoy Argentinian-style meaty morsels straight from the grill at a table in the heart of the action in Southbank. asado.melbourne

Daughter In Law (CBD)

Cocktails, cracking wines, bright bites and more are on offer at this Little Bourke Street spot from Jessi Singh. daughterinlaw.com.au

Old Palm Liquor (Brunswick East)

Courtyard or kerb-side, the living is easy at Old Palm Liquor. The natural wine bar with plates of grilled everything is offering its usual a la carte menu with no minimum spends when they reopen on October 26. oldpalmliquor.com

Hope Street Radio (Collingwood)

Made for good times in the open air, the courtyard at this new arts precinct in Collingwood is the place to go for Med-leaning snacks, great tunes and low-intervention wines in spring sunshine. hopestradio.community

Park Street Pasta and Wine (South Melbourne)

Pull up a seat on the terrazzo and enjoy tender handmade tagliatelle, mafaldine and tortelli, Spritzes, antipasti and all the other things that signal summer is on the way. parkstreetpasta.com.au

City Wine Shop (CBD)

Let's face it: a table outside is always the best seat in the house at City Wine Shop. Watch the world go by as you sip something delicious the team has recommended and enjoy classic Euro fare. citywineshop.net.au