Inside Melbourne’s Dazzling New Moondrop Bar

Moondrop bar is now open and active, and Fitzroy has already started talking about it. The team behind Sleepy’s Cafe & Wine Bar has created a venue that feels bold from the moment you step inside. It blends old-world Shanghai glamour with a very Melbourne sense of style. As a result, the space feels fresh, theatrical and instantly memorable.

Inside The World Of Moondrop Bar

Visitors leave the bustle of Gertrude Street and enter a foyer filled with Chinese hip hop and R’n’B. They’re greeted by Co-Director Steve Chan. He says, “I started in this industry because I love sharing experiences, and hospitality has always been such a beautiful facilitator of this. Over the years, I’ve really been leaning into my Chinese identity, using food and drink as a way to connect with my culture and share it with others.”

The main room sits behind the foyer. White drapery hangs from the ceiling and picks up the glow from a large moon-like orb. A long red mosaic bar stretches across the room. Mahjong tables sit against the original bluestone walls. Velvet drapery and Chinese ornaments add warmth throughout. Each detail shifts the venue deeper into its Shanghai-inspired atmosphere.

Cocktails That Champion Chinese Flavours

Co-Director and Head of Beverage Jesse Kourmouzis leads the drinks programme. He mixes Chinese flavours with modern techniques. Because of this, the menu feels inventive and approachable at the same time. Signature cocktails include:

• Me & Ube, a clarified oat milk punch with tapioca pearls, pineapple juice, ube, Licor 43 and three styles of rum.
• M.S.Gibson, a savoury gin-based cocktail with baijiu, MSG brine and sherry.
• Chanhattan, created with NIKKA From The Barrel, lapsang souchong tea infused sweet vermouth, Tempus Fugit, creme de cacao and bitters.
• Moondrop Negroni, featuring gin, tangerine peel-infused vermouth, Campari and Mandarin Napoleon.
• The 5 Spice Girls, a mix of Plantation 3 Star Rum, Umeshu, pineapple, lime, sesame and Wonderfoam.
• Sichuan Slipper, a punchy drink built around homemade hot sauce with Midori, Cointreau and Ancho Reyes Verde.

Each drink has a clear story. Each one brings something different to the table.

Food With Chinese Australian Flair

Head of Food Jacob Muoio brings the same energy to the menu. His food balances comfort, heritage and curiosity. Guests can move from prawn crackers to cheddar tartlets with quince and osmanthus. They can then try mushroom bao, pork and chrysanthemum dumplings or seasonal dumplings that rotate through the year. The caviar service adds a luxe touch. Dessert lovers can finish with a snowskin mooncake filled with vanilla and red bean ice cream.

Spaces Designed To Escape

Guests can sink into several cosy corners. The Drop Lounge offers upholstered burgundy seating. The Burrow is a small hideaway for twelve guests. Both spaces support the venue’s mix of elegance and intimacy. In addition, a private dining room called The Mahjong Room will open in early 2026. It will include a bar, Mahjong tables and space for large events.

The team says, “We’re so excited to share Moondrop with Melbourne; Chinese flavours in cocktails aren’t often seen, and we’re doing a lot of innovation with these ingredients, which has been a fascinating part of this passion project.”

Chan adds, “I want people to remember the hospitable part of hospitality… Whilst Moondrop is an elevated offering, we welcome everybody and want to be approachable, because everyone deserves to have an elevated experience.”

Moondrop Bar Details

Address: Level 1/150 156 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065
Opening hours: Thursday to Monday, 5pm to 1am
Website: www.moondrop.ba