Top 5 up and coming Melbourne Bars

Forget Silk Road or Spice Market and all the other frilly places. Here are my fave Top 5 modish bars. Simple. Tasteful. Elegant. That's how they made my Top 5.

1. Berlin Bar
16 Corrs Lane, Melbourne, (03) 96393396

Walk up 2 flights of stairs, ring the doorbell and then be greeted by a concierge who will lead you to either East Berlin or West Berlin. The East is a little bit more grungy with bunk beds, converted bath tubs for tables, camouflage nets and army disposals. They used to have a voice over shouting "Achtung" meaning Danger every 5 minutes but I think it annoyed some of the guests (despite its authenticity) and was removed. Personally I think it was a good decision to do so. :) The West is classier with hanging crystal chandeliers, opulent white leather couches, velvety black carpets and intimate private booths - almost as they call it, suited to the more "bourgeois". Both East & West though offer the same comfort and service you'd expect at any fine bar in the city. Make sure you try the interesting array of cocktails including west side, east side and classic cocktails (each $20) - particularly the "Love Parade" with Vanilla infused Vodka, strawberry liquor, apple juice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, mixed with home made strawberry and apple jam, shaken and served in a tall glass with crushed ice and garnished with a pretty heart shaped strawberry lolly! Before you leave Berlin Bar, you will surely be "inspired by this city once divided and then reunited"!

2. Collins Quarter
86A Collins St, Melbourne, (03) 9650 8500

Not 3 but 4 unexpectedly different sections within one bar - this Collins St watering hole will cater to the most demanding of Connoisseurs. Featuring Colin's pub, Magnolia Courtyard, Blind Alley and a (rather unbeknownst to most) private cigar bar on the second level. Enter through the Collins St entrance and step into a "19th Century pomposity" of a gastro pub with solid wood tables and chairs for dining by a warm fireplace. Explore further into a relatively large courtyard and make your way through the throngs of after work crowds towards a modern cocktail bar at the back of the establishment. Here you can sit yourself down onto the leather couches and high bar chairs to enjoy some delightful cocktails of varied concoctions. From the classic chocolate martini to the more refreshing "Monkey Weddings". If you like cigars and a touch of sophistication, venture upstairs to a chic cigar bar with a modern leather interior, high ceilings and open windows to allow cigar smoking within the venue. It's fair to say no quarter will be spared at this lush milieu.

3. Left Bank
1 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank, (03) 9682 4500

This swanky upmarket restaurant bar in Southbank is a new player that's already giving other city bars a run for its money. Come on a busy friday and you would probably find the likes of your banker, accountant or financial advisor - from one of the many surrounding accounting and banking firms. What makes Left Bank contemporary is the welcoming warm woody interior, cosy intimate settings and friendly bar staff who are eager to recommend some fascinating new cocktail they have concocted that's NOT on the list. The food was adequate to say the least - with the likes of the exquisite soft shell crab sandwich entree - layers of crispy soft shell crab on delicate biscuit wafers as well as the fresh and lightly pan-seared scallops entree with morcilla sausage, sweet nut crumble and apple gel individually served on soup spoons. However, for the mains, my tip would be to avoid their grilled barramundi or similar pan seared fish dishes unless you can deal with bones. For the mains, go with the meat dishes to avoid disappointment - so far we have had rave reviews for the asian-style duck and ribeye steaks.

4. Siglo
Level 2, 161 Spring St, Melbourne (03) 9654 6631

Nestled above the Melbourne Supper Club, lies a trendy European inspired roof top bar called Siglo. You will be entranced by the sophisticated yet stylish atmosphere, breathtaking views of the Melbourne CBD and the small but succinct menu of cocktails. If you can, try to request for the cosy wooden benches at the far end of the bar overlooking the city. Here you can enjoy a signature espresso martini or sip on the classic french martini whilst having an intimate conversation with your friend , date or significant other. A really great place to unwind either before or after one of the many musicals you can catch at Princess Theatre (which is right next door to Siglo).

5. New Gold Mountain
21 Liverpool St, Melbourne, (03) 9650 8859

Tucked away in secluded Liverpool St off the top end of Bourke St (near Spring St) is a quaint little bar called the New Gold Mountain (NGM). You will recognise this place by a distinct bicycle hanging on top of the heavy wooden front door and as you walk in, you will find an intriguing array of black & white portraits of Chinese businessman and scholar types. I wonder why? Probably inspired by the theme of old Chinese Opium Dens from back in the day. Walk up a flight of stairs to reach the public bar with hanging bead curtains and an open fire place; or another flight of stairs to the private poppy rooms with cosy leather booths, warm red lighting & friendly hostesses (table service) to house private birthday functions, bigger groups and the like. Quirky and cool, you will no doubt find a cocktail to match this uniquely elegant experience.

* Sources of images include bar websites & author's own.