Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, this party-starting bar is known for its highball cocktails with a Tiki flair. Made from freshly pressed fruits and vegetables and boasting clean botanical flavours, it doesn’t take much convincing to believe these boozy infusions are actually good for you. Head upstairs to check out the new rooftop gin bar set amongst tropical greenery. 13 Heffernan Lane, Melbourne. unionelectric.com.au.

We’re getting some serious Greek island vibes from this rooftop bar set above Oakleigh market. Soak in the sun and pretend you’re a million miles from where you need to be tomorrow while you share a bottle of assyrtiko with mates, or kick back with a cocktail like the Karpouzaki – with gin, ouzo and watermelon juice. Greek-style share plates abound, too – the fries come with a ‘secret’ kalamata seasoning that’ll make your tastebuds say ‘opa! But you should also try the taramasalata with Cretan olive oil and koulouri ( sesame bread rings), and those saganaki croquettes have our name all over them. Level 1,12-18 Chester St, Oakleigh; olympia.wine

With a backdrop of one of the jaw-droppingly best views of central Melbourne, this stunning rooftop bar attracts the new-wave Carlton Crew – the late twenty-somethings through to early 50s of the affluent inner north – who come for eats with beats, field-blend vino on tap and cool crafties in the sun. Expect innovative sips, from beer-splashed spritzes to strawberry G&Ts and jugs of Pimm’s upgraded with amaro and blood orange. Level 2/293-297 Lygon St, Carlton; johnnysgreenroom.com

The name says it all. One of the originals, and still one of the best, Melburnians have been huffing up seven floors to this laid-back spot atop Curtin House for nearly 20 years, even as rooftop bars mushroomed across the city. The largely exposed open-air bar offers little protection against the proclivities of Melbourne’s weather, but that never seems to dampen the mood. A playful yet seriously good cocktail list, with fruity jugs to please a crowd, regular guest DJs and a sky-high burger shack mean Rooftop is likely to keep upping our step count for many years to come. Curtin House, level 7/252 Swanston Street, Melbourne; rooftopbar.co

Cool dogs (and cooler cats) head to buzzing, dog-friendly Americana dive bar Lulie Tavern, where it’s always midnight inside. But those in the know will head up to the light, AKA the Full Moon Fever rooftop bar, which makes like a spaghetti western in the middle of the urban jungle. This laid-back saloon-style bar is inspired by the Tom Petty album of the same name, and even comes complete with cactuses. The food sticks with the American theme – from buffalo wings and mac ‘n’ cheese to fish tacos and cheeseburgers; a tight drinks list covers all the cocktail classics. 225Johnston St, Abbotsford; lulietavern.com

Few venues are equally geared towards fashionistas and meteorologists. But Beverly, a sweeping rooftop eyrie 24 floors above Chapel Street, nails the double threat thanks to its Instagram good looks and the reliable spectacle of Melbourne’s four seasons in one day rolling in across Port Phillip Bay. 627 Chapel Street, South Yarra; beverlyrooftop.com.au

Bomba’s rooftop bar rocks a come-hither bikini alongside a cracking Iberian cellar, making it the height of summer revelry. The bikini, of course, refers to Catalonia’s famous street food sandwich, a flavour bomb of jamon and cheese toasted on fresh white bread. Wash it down with a drop from the lovingly curated drinks list made up of small artisan Spanish producers. 103 Lonsdale St, Melbourne. bombabar.com.au.

This light-filled rooftop space atop an iconic Fitzroy pub features striped brollies and a tasty list of stubbies that are served out of a bathtub – house party-style. A few cocktails, like the aperitivo favourite Aperol Spritz, are also on offer, as are some knockout sunset views. 411 George St, Fitzroy VIC marquisoflorne.com.au.

With 360-degree views of Melbourne, The Roof brings a touch of Mexico to the seventh floor of The StandardX. Inspired by Mexico City’s famed Mercado Medellin, the openair space is filled with fringed umbrellas, cacti and greenery aplenty. Plus, to eat and drink, there’s ceviche, five different tostadas – topped with the likes of raw tuna, lamb belly and slow-cooked pig leg – Margaritas, Victorian lo-fi wines and churros. 62 Rose Street, Fitzroy; standardx.com.

Hotel Nacional has quickly become a haven for the coeliacs who want to enjoy a night out without the worry. Drawing inspiration from the heritage of the Oaxacan and Yucatan regions in Mexico, Hotel Nacional offers a menu that celebrates the best of Mexican flavours while ensuring every dish is entirely gluten-free. With multiple spaces across the venue (including a dreamy rooftop bar) this is the place to be whether you’ve got dietaries or not. 23-25 Hardware Ln, Melbourne; hotelnacional.co.

Joe Mammone, the restaurateur behind Il Bacaro, has expanded his South Yarra eatery, Bar Carolina, to include a stunning rooftop jazz bar, where swinging sets meet Champagne, stuzzichini and unadulterateded sun. Cocktails steal the show as part of a sophisticated drinks list starring classics, signatures and spritzes. 48 Toorak Road, South Yarra; tettodicarolina.com.au

With elevated views over Fed Square, the Yarra River and Melbourne’s CBD skyline, Transit Bar is the place to be. Transport Hotel Federation Square, Ground Level Federation Square, Melbourne; transporthotel.com.au/transitbar

Hidden away from prying eyes on level 11 above the Russell Street hotel, the rooftop bar at QT blends a pop-art mentality with classic cocktails, substantial snacks with a subtle Italian vibe and plenty of nooks, booths and perches from which to admire the panoramic skyline views. 133 Russell St, Melbourne; qthotels.com/melbourne.