Warm up by the fire at these cosy Melbourne restaurants

Henry Sugar is a slick wine bar and restaurant in the heart of Rathdowne Village known for its inspired range of natural wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages – because who said the designated driver shouldn’t have a classy drink, too?

The vibe is moody and understated but not at all unwelcoming with friendly bar staff and a cosy open fire using the same red gum wood that fires up the restaurant’s charcoal grill. On bitterly cold nights, it’s a tempting drawcard.

Beyond red gum, you’ll find other Aussie flavours on the contemporary menu, too. Think wattleseed focaccia, house-made vegemite butter, bush tomato harissa and kangaroo skewers.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Southern Ranges MB4 porterhouse with bone marrow gremolata ($44)

This opulent 19th century pub is Melbourne’s second oldest hotel. The Grace Darling was named after a lighthouse keeper’s daughter famous for rescuing survivors of the Forfarshire shipwreck in 1838. In the hotel named in her honour, the nautical theme persists.

On late nights, the pub tends to take on the air of a pirate’s old haunt with flickering candles and a fireplace. But the pub has buckets of appeal aside from its history.

Its impressive wine list spans reds, whites (plus oranges and pinks!) and too many quality craft beers to count. There’s a parma night, a burger night and a steak night, with a range of plant-based options to keep the veg crowd happy all week long.

Live indie bands add a measure of Collingwood cool to seal the deal.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Grace parma ($26.50)

At what could easily be crowned the most authentic Irish pub experience in Melbourne, The Quiet Man promises no-nonsense Irish pub fare, jaunty live music and a comfy dining area enhanced in winter by the dining area’s glowing log fire.

Beyond Aussie pub classics like steaks, parmas and salads, anticipate proper Celtic dishes from the Emerald Isle prepared with local and traditional Irish ingredients.

Try the golden-crusted Guinness beef pie, or Irish lamb stew served with plenty of warm soda bread for mopping up the juices. And on Sundays, word on the street is there’s a cracking roast.

Dish Cult’s top pick: The Quiet Man Sizzler ($30)

Picture a 70s-inspired log cabin and dive bar with a lounge room and pool table. That’s Leonard’s House of Love.

The restaurant serves up American comfort foods with cheeseburgers, juicy fried chicken and onion rings galore, attracting a vibrant dinner crowd all week long.

From the outside, you’d be forgiven for thinking Leonard’s was somebody’s old house. But step inside and it’s like you’ve entered a time warp back to the hippie era.

Stop in early to warm your mitts in the much-coveted spot by the double-sided stone fireplace. Then settle in to enjoy a night of retro tunes, games and finger-licking tasty grub (groovy fashions welcome, of course.)

Dish Cult’s top pick: Blue cheeseburger ($16)

The Marquis of Lorne is loved for plenty of reasons: it’s fascinating 150-year old history, a simple yet tasteful menu, and last but not least… its ultra-toasty dining room (credit to a roaring open fire.)

The revamped old-school pub with exposed-brick walls is fully stocked with craft beers and a range of interesting wines to choose from.

Start with a dozen freshly shucked oysters and a few artfully prepared dishes like pan-fried haloumi or venison tartare. For mains, you’ve got crispy rockling burgers, confit duck leg, sirloin steaks and more. A dessert you can’t go wrong with is the Charles Arnaud comte aged 18 months with accompaniments. Two words: cheese heaven.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Flinders Island scallops with pancetta, sweet corn and roasted chilli oil ($20)

If sipping on a glass of red by a crackling open fire sounds like your idea of a peak winter experience, make the drive out to Geelong Cellar Door.

The local wine bar and store hosts an array of cosy dining experiences, including regular wine tastings, special guest appearances, cheese and charcuterie share platters and even chocolate platters if you’re a sweet tooth!

The vibe at Geelong Cellar Door is relaxed with old-world charm meets minimalist chic décor. Hit up the takeaway bottle shop to continue the wine adventures at home.

Dish Cult’s top pick: ‘Le Grand’ platter ($80)

Welcome to The Woodhouse – Bendigo’s only dedicated steakhouse. With a unique red gum grill infusing natural smoky flavours and aromas into the locally sourced meat and a menu of fresh, regional produce, it’s easy to justify a day trip to Bendigo when a stop here is on the itinerary.

The 100-seater brick dining room attracts plenty of locals and tourists alike with its convivial family atmosphere and fragrant wood-smoked aroma.

Winter’s the best time to go too as it’s when the staff light up the ornate two-sided fireplace.

Dish Cult’s top pick: Wood-roasted Macedon Ranges duck breast, confit duck leg, tuscan kale, parsnip, wild fig and roasted pear, and bigarade sauce ($40)