Black Pearl

For nearly 15 years, this upstairs-downstairs venue on one of Melbourne's most popular streets has been setting the cocktail benchmark. It's a dimly lit space, dotted with sofas and ottomans, but the focus is definitely on the spirits, which are expertly mixed, modestly garnished, and served in vintage glassware. Upstairs, the Attic is table-service only and offers a condensed selection of top tipples.