Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the sky-high views at ‘Fable,’ Melbourne’s highest rooftop bar. After all, memories are made with a combination of great food, sensational cocktails, and panoramic city views.
Madeline Slattery, Jo Hall and friend 
Cherry Dipietrantonio & Anjali Rao
The spectacular outdoor/indoor terrace is eclectic and warm, with salmon seating booths, an Italian green tiled bar front, and wooden accents. Three quarters of the venue has a retractable roof, for all season dining.
Owned and designed by Melbourne hospitality personality Gehan Rajapakse (Sofitel, Hyde Bar, Rah Bar, Club 23, Crown Casino) Gehan says, “the new Mediterranean rooftop has a unique vantage point of the city skyline. Melbourne’s tallest skyscrapers seem to be gathered around to reflect the setting sun before they sparkle into the night. It feels like you’re in NYC or Tokyo.”
Ankur Dogra and Sharon Johal 
Tim Kano
Fable also has extended hours for us to enjoy those balmy summer nights, channeling the much-loved Melbourne culture that enjoys a late-night drink without the midnight curfew.
Under venue manager and notable mixologist Alessandro Nardini (Beneath Driver Lane, Nick & Nora’s, Loch & Key), the “light and full of flavour” cocktail menu tells a story with every drink, uses aquafaba instead of egg white and is mostly gluten-free and vegan friendly.
“A cocktail is more than just a drink to me, I like to consider elements beyond the physical ingredients, proposing a bit of history behind the drink and creating an experience for my guests. At Fable, storytelling is what we do. Our menu of signature drinks playfully pokes at memorable moments in European history, while also honouring the classics,” says Alessandro.
Fable Melbourne is open from 5 pm-1 am Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 5 pm-3 am Friday-Saturday. As summer continues, trading hours will extend to accommodate Aperitivo time from 2 pm. Alessandro Nardini and his 2IC Alessandro de Gorgio grew up in parts of Italy where Aperitivo was “almost a religious thing”, so stay tuned for something quite special.
“We’re incredibly focused on providing really good service and really good food and drink,” says Gehan.
Fable is tipped to become another Melbourne institution, a destination for after work and late night get togethers, with an open-air vantage point that is unmatched.
@fablemelbourne
fablemelbourne.com.au
Written by Melinda Sullivan
Photography Sam Tabone
