Share This Article

Bar Lourinhã has long stood as a beacon of Iberian warmth in Melbourne’s heart, its yellow shopfront glowing like a lantern on Little Collins Street. Step through the mosaic-tiled threshold and it’s as if the rush of the city fades — inside, there’s the hum of conversation, the clink of sherry glasses, and the lazy curl of wood smoke wafting from the grill.

It was in the early 2000’s when I first stepped into Bar Lourinhã. A simple Spanish work lunch which started a love affair; with the delicious food, the slightly hidden location, the cosy ambience and of course the special selection of wines that were available by the glass, (I recall being fond of the Albariño at the time). Now some twenty years on it is still going strong, iconic Melbourne cemented in its location at the top of Little Collins Street, a stones throw from the Melbourne Club but the opposite end of the city’s fine dining scene.

AMBIENCE >

The room is a cheerful tangle of timber, Spanish tiles, and vintage curios—artefacts and photos that hint at travels far beyond Melbourne. At the bar, regulars jostle elbows with out-of-towners, all buoyed by the upbeat rhythms drifting from the speakers. The mood is relaxed and intimate, yet charged with the anticipation of shared plates and good stories—a true neighbourhood haunt with Iberian soul.

Not too fancy, but much more than casual. Space is always at a premium but everyone fits in.

FOOD >

The menu’s heart beats with a coastal Spanish-Portuguese accent, every dish playful and honest. Start with gildas—skewers of anchovy, olive, and guindilla that tingle with brine and fire. There’s the famed Ortiz anchovy with smoked tomato and the irresistible spiced chickpeas, still warm and fragrant. Clams in fino sherry and jamón fat arrive next, each shell brimming with ocean sweetness and a whisper of Montilla. Grilled octopus on potato or the ever-changing crudo deliver polish and flair, but it’s the Moorish lamb cutlets—charred and spiced, showered with fresh herbs—that capture the full swagger of the kitchen. House-made desserts, like crema Catalana, round out the meal with fragrant citrus and burnt sugar.

WINE & DRINKS >

The wine list is taut yet exciting, with bottles and by-the-glass options spanning Rioja to Rías Baixas and local trailblazers. Sherry is a calling card: from bracing fino to nutty amontillado, each pour well chosen and poured with enthusiasm. Cocktails borrow from Mediterranean classics—think gin & tonic with a sprig of rosemary, or a vermouth spritz to kick off the night.

SERVICE >

Staff manage the delicate balance of relaxed charm and sharp precision—happy to recommend dishes, generous with tastings, and genuinely keen to share the Bar Lourinhã story.

Service is fluid, plates appear as they’re ready, and there’s a sense that regulars are remembered and newcomers swiftly welcomed into the fold.

LOCATION >

Find Bar Lourinhã tucked snugly at 37 Little Collins Street, a few steps from Melbourne’s theatre precinct and always humming late into the evening. Its small size encourages bookings, but the bar is welcoming for walk-ins, especially early or late.

CHEF & OWNERSHIP >

Chef Matt McConnell and his partner Jo Gamvros have helmed Bar Lourinhã since 2006, bringing their travel memories and culinary curiosity to every plate. Matt is part of culinary royalty with brother Andrew McConnell at the helm of Cumulus Inc. Cutler & Co, Marion, Builders Arms Hotel, Supernormal, Gimlet and lots more. His other brother Sean McConnell owns and runs Rebel Rebel in Canberra.

The longevity of Bar Lourinhã (nearly two decades) shows in the restaurant’s continual polished yet personal spirit, with McConnell’s deft touch evident in every bold, sun-drenched flavour. Decades later I am still drawn back and the memories of those first few meals sitting at the bar and exploring fine Iberian wines remain to today.

Bar Lourinhã remains a bright arrow in Melbourne’s dining quiver: generous, vibrant, always a little bit wild, and never out of style.