Ps. They’re some of the city’s best date-night venues, too.

Melburnians are very good at reeling off the many things they think their city does best – sport, coffee, food… We get it. But there’s no denying that Melbourne’s venues do winter incredibly well. In a city that gets seriously chilly and has some of the country’s best bars and pubs, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. Whether that’s settling in by a fire, cosying up in a booth or catching up al fresco despite the weather, Melbourne’s top operators know how to heat a space and make it enticing year-round. Intimate and cosy, the following venues are also top contenders for the best places to take a date in Melbourne, too.

Inside Caretaker's Cottage in Melbourne's CBD

The CBD is full of gems. Caretaker’s Cottage (pictured) is an excellent bolthole – it’s number 19 in the World’s 50 Best Bars, after all. You may want to turn up as soon as it opens at 4pm to score a seat in this tiny bar. Choose from fresh Guinness and killer cocktails, and enjoy great tunes and the satisfaction of successfully nabbing a spot.

Apollo Inn, from top Melbourne restaurateur Andrew McConnell, is intimate and moodily lit – expect classic cocktails, top bar snacks and smart service. Gin Palace is another CBD must-visit. It’s one of Melbourne’s pioneering small bars (it’s almost 30 years old) and cocktails are a signature at this hidden bar, with plenty of inviting dark corners to disappear into here.

Eau-de-Vie is another city stalwart, tucked behind heavy wooden doors down Malthouse Lane. Head to this speakeasy for a customised cocktail and you’ll forget all about the chill outside. If it’s wine-bar vibes you’re after, you can’t go past Embla (pictured top). Stop in for a glass of wine, stay for a dish or two, maybe line yourself up at the bar in front of the wood-fired grill, and you’re in for a good time.

Of course, Melbourne is spoilt for choice with whisky bars, which especially suit a cold night. The CBD’s Whisky and Alement (pictured) is a narrow, darkly lit bar with more than 1000 whiskies on offer. Somehow, though, it’s not intimidating, so it’s ideal for whisky enthusiasts and newbies alike. Whisky Den is another great spot to settle in. It channels the bars of Tokyo and pays its respect to whisky from all over.

Inside Whisky and Alement, a Melbourne whisky bar

For anyone northside, Gerald’s Bar, in its new Carlton North location, is better than ever, serving up great wine, share plates and atmosphere for days. Neighbourhood Wine (pictured) is another venue that has a whole lot to offer. In this former underworld casino, you’ll find a plush fit-out, a 400-strong wine list and brilliant dishes.

In Fitzroy, you’re not short of inviting pubs to choose from – many with open fires, too. Add to your itinerary the Builders Arms Hotel (stick around for a meal – it’s not your typical pub grub), The Standard Hotel, where, even if rammed inside, you’ll stay warm in the beer garden, and The Napier, to name just three. Top food and drinks and a genuine welcoming atmosphere await. And if it’s cocktails you’re after in this part of town, head straight for Black Pearl – it’s an institution and continues to serve up some of the city’s best drinks.