Florence Bar launches on 30th April with late-night service to 1am
The team behind Tartine Bistro, Middle Park European and Meatball & Wine Bar will open a new late-night venue, The Florence, on Flinders Lane on 30th April. The venue will operate daily from 5pm until 1am.
Located above the existing Meatball & Wine Bar site, the new opening marks the latest project from Valarc Group. The venue will focus on Italian-inspired drinks and small plates, with service extending through to closing each night.
The drinks offering centres on Tuscan wines, including a selection of Super Tuscan labels alongside locally produced Italian varietals. These include bottles from Sandhill Estate Wines in the Macedon Ranges.
Cocktails will highlight Italian classics, with a list featuring five variations of the Negroni. In addition, the menu includes house creations such as the Piazza Rosa, made with Campari, hibiscus, gin and raspberries, and the Tuscan Manhattan, combining rye, Chianti Rosso vermouth, Pedro Ximénez and balsamic.
Interior design and late-night food offering
The Florence has been designed in collaboration with Bergman & Co, the Melbourne-based studio previously involved in Valarc Group projects. The interior includes deep red tones, Italian stone finishes, timber accents and references to 1970s Italian design.
A marble bar and custom wine display form the centre of the venue, supported by booth seating and original artworks. Large windows overlook Flinders Lane, positioning the venue within one of Melbourne’s busiest dining areas.
The food menu will run until close each night, focusing on small plates and share-style dishes. Options include Parmigiano-stuffed olives, scallop crudo with caviar and beef croquettes braised in Sangiovese. Larger dishes include ricotta gnocchi with butter, sage and pecorino.
Dessert options feature chocolate Florentine semifreddo and a selection of Tuscan cheeses. The kitchen will operate continuously during opening hours.
A daily happy hour will run from 5pm to 6pm. During this period, pricing includes $8 beers, $10 wines, $14 spritzes and a $10 mini Florence Negroni.
Valarc Group founder Matteo Bruno said, “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. It’s somewhere people can drop in for a drink, share a few plates and enjoy great wine together.”
Following this opening, Valarc Group has confirmed plans for a Spanish-style wine bar in Albert Park and a future update to its Ned’s Bake & Bistro brand later in 2026.
Location: Level One, 133–135 Flinders Lane, Melbourne
Date: From 30th April
Time: 5pm to 1am daily
Walk-ins and bookings accepted
