Railway Wine Bar

Set along a busy strip in Highett, Railway Wine Bar is a handsome wine bar by Matt Vero and Matt Ward, the team behind Teo’s Pizza next door. The pair have some serious hospo credentials between them – Vero has helped revamp The Orrong Hotel, Marquis of Lorne and a slew of other Melbourne pubs. Ward has been opening cafes since 2012 including Townhouse.

This 60-seat venue – previously an aquarium shop – features a mix of dark timber tables and chairs, benches dotted with olive green accents, a feature wall with white cladding and an indoor fireplace to dial up the cosy atmosphere. Guests can also relax at tables on the footpath or in the 20-seat courtyard.

The wine list showcases minimal-intervention styles from Australian vineyards. There are 24 wines by the glass, and around 60 whites and reds each by the bottle. Four beer taps pour the likes of Cheltenham brewery Bad Shepherd and 3 Ravens in Thornbury. Classic cocktails inlcude Espresso Martinis, Margaritas, Negronis and Aperol Spritzes. For those wanting a good time sans alcohol, there are botanical spritzes and a zero-alc chilled red.

For food, graze on a cheese board served with quinces, smoked almonds, olives, dried figs and crackers. Or order anything off the Teo’s menus. You could do a classic caprese salad, oven-baked gnocchi or woodfired pizza like the Matteo’s Special – topped with stracciatella, cherry tomatoes, prosciutto di San Daniele, parmesan and rocket.