Flinders Lane is getting a new late-night destination this week, with Tuscan-inspired wine and cocktail bar The Florence opening above The Meatball & Wine Bar in the heart of the CBD.
The new venue comes from Valarc Group, the team behind a growing list of Melbourne favourites including Tartine Bistro, Middle Park European and Ines Wine Bar. Inspired by the hospitality culture of Florence, The Florence is designed as a warm and elegant city bar where good wine, cocktails and shared plates take centre stage long into the night.
Located on level one at 133–135 Flinders Lane, the space has been created in collaboration with Melbourne design studio Bergman & Co, who also worked on The Meatball & Wine Bar 15 years ago. Inside, the venue leans into moody 1970s Italian styling, with deep red interiors, natural stone, timber finishes and intimate booth seating overlooking the buzz of Flinders Lane below.
A marble-topped bar anchors the room, alongside a custom wine display showcasing a drinks list focused on Italian varietals and cult Super Tuscan wines. There is also a strong local influence, including wines from Valarc’s own Sandhill Estate in the Macedon Ranges.
Cocktails take cues from the classics, shaped by bar manager Cameron Rogers and his time living in Tuscany. Alongside rotating Negroni variations, the menu includes drinks like the Piazza Rosa, blending Campari, hibiscus, gin and raspberry, and the Tuscan Manhattan made with rye, Chianti Rosso vermouth, Pedro Ximénez and balsamic.
The food offering is designed for casual grazing late into the evening, with the kitchen running until 1am every night. Expect elevated bar snacks including Parmigiano-stuffed fried olives, scallop crudo with caviar and Sangiovese-braised beef croquettes, alongside larger dishes like ricotta gnocchi with sage and pecorino.
Valarc Group founder Matteo Bruno says the location holds personal significance.
“Flinders Lane has always been the heart of Melbourne’s dining culture. I lived on Flinders Lane for ten years and opening something above my first restaurant, The Meatball & Wine Bar, feels incredibly special. Its somewhere people can drop in for a drink, share a few plates and enjoy great wine together,” he said.
The Florence officially opens from 30 April and will trade daily from 5pm to 1am.
For bookings and more information, visit https://theflorence.com.au/
