Santana Rooftop in Melbourne

Santana: cigars and cocktails under the neon on a CBD rooftop

A discreet hideaway above a laneway

You need to know where to look: in Melbourne Place laneway, a “Rooftop Bar” sign marks the staircase climbing to the third floor, one level above Bouvardia cocktail bar, run by the same team. Opened in March 2024 in place of the former Pomelo, Santana cultivates a late-night atmosphere: red lighting, candles, bistro chairs and banquettes beneath a pergola, with glass screens, umbrellas and gas heaters that mean you can head up even in winter. Beyond the balustrade, the view runs between old buildings towards the city-centre towers, especially beautiful as night falls.

Cigars, South American wines and dark spirits

Santana is one of the few bars in Melbourne where you can buy cigars, from A$35 for a Cohiba Short to A$220 for a Partagás Serie D No. 4, or bring your own; smoking takes place on the terrace, so the food is limited to a few snacks such as olives or crisps. The cocktails, at A$28, play up Latin accents, from the Pode Crer with cachaça, tequila and habanero chilli to the Dominicana with golden rum and coffee liqueur, alongside a Clericó sangria at A$22 and spritzes at A$25. The wine list gives pride of place to Chile and Argentina, and whisky, rum or tequila lovers can ask for half pours to taste more.

Practical information

Open daily from 3pm to 1am. Walk-ins are always welcome; online booking is recommended at weekends. Strictly over-18s only; no wheelchair access. 15% surcharge on Sundays and public holidays. Getting there: Melbourne Place laneway, in the heart of the CBD; trams 86 and 96 on Bourke Street, a few steps away, within the Free Tram Zone; Parliament station within walking distance.