Time travel to ‘80s Tokyo at Disuko bar, Melbourne

Your new late-night obsession has arrived on Melbourne’s Bourke Street.

Vinyl listening bars are having a moment. With their retro-cool appeal and low-lit ambience, it’s easy to see why a cache of the Japanese-inspired haunts are sprouting up across the country. Never one to ignore a trend, MAMAS Dining Group has debuted Disuko – restaurant, rooftop and record bar – on Melbourne’s Bourke Street.

Translated from the Japanese word for ‘disco’, Disuko delivers a dose of 1980s Tokyo disco culture with izakaya dining and vinyl tunes. It’s a sensation-swirling space that deals in cosy nooks, amber-lit lounges and hanging glow balls, making it an enviable hangout for specialty sakes and late-night bites.

disuko bar — Disuko is a multifaceted dining, drinks and disco venue.

The multifaceted venue opened last week, taking over the former Bourke Street institution Madame Brussels. It marks Melbourne-founded MAMAS Dining Group’s seventh restaurant, with their other venues including Hochi Mama 3000, Kiss & Tell and Suzie Q.

Disuko offers several dining and drink concepts: the Izakaya Lounge (main dining room), a vinyl cocktail bar, an eight-seat omakase counter and rooftop terrace, along with a private dining room.

Inside the 76-seat Izakaya Lounge, guests can savour bites from the hibachi grill and delicate nigiri in forest green booths. Interiors are a sultry mash-up of cherry ruched leather, back-lit glass and eclectic wall decor that give the space a warm retro feel.

disuko melbourne food — Enjoy izakaya-inspired dishes in the main dining area.

Food is treated as more than the supporting act. Leading the dining concepts are MAMAS Dining Group’s creative culinary director, Michael Stolley, and Hung Hoa, an esteemed ex-Nobu name who’s now whipping up a smattering of Japanese flavours as Disuko’s head chef. The two have spearheaded a menu of izakaya-inspired dishes available a la carte or via the ‘Disuko Setto’, where guests choose five share items for $65 per person. Try the wagyu tataki topped with crispy potato, kingfish dressed in citrus-yuzu soy, jalapeño and coriander oil, or the shoyu-yaki chicken – which is brined in sake for 24 hours, then flamed over the hibachi and brushed with chicken fat.

Those keen on a more intimate setting can slink into the Omakase Bar. With just eight seats, the counter offers a 12-course sushi and sashimi experience where guests watch their meals being prepared right in front of them. Seasonality and Japanese craftsmanship are at the forefront.

The heartbeat of Disuko is found at the Vinyl Bar. Here, mixologists shake craft cocktails and artists spin funky tunes, recalling the tempo of Tokyo’s nightlife. From smooth disco to hip hop and Japanese soul, bespoke boomboxes panelled with a traditional Japanese woodwork technique set the vibe.

disuko rooftop terrace — Linger on the Terracotta Rooftop for breezy cocktails and weekend vibes.

There’s more fun to be had on the Terracotta Rooftop. Lean into the rhythm of the weekend on warm nights while sipping spritzes and snacking on spicy edame, all backdropped by a skyline glow. This relaxed space is walk-in only.

Above, Disuko’s 30-seat private dining room, ‘The Tokyo Sky Mezzanine,’ is ideal for functions of all kinds, from milestone birthdays to family gatherings.

Disuko isn’t the quietest bar in Melbourne. But if you want to feel glamourous, uninhibited and fully plugged into the city’s current, this lively venue – lights humming, cocktails flowing – is waiting with open doors.

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

The details

disuko melbourne dining room — Slink into moody booths reminiscent of Tokyo’s low-lit lounges.

Location: Level 3/59-63 Bourke St, Melbourne 3000

Opening hours: from 12pm to late, seven days a week

Prices: Share plates $14-$42 or ‘Disuko Setto’ $65 per person, cocktails $21-$24

Capacity: 76 in the main dining room, 44 on the rooftop terrace, 30 in the private dining room and eight in the omakase bar

Website: Disuko

There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.

The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.

If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.

Where to stay

The Westin Melbourne

Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.

Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.

Where to eat and drink

1. Allegro

Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.

The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.

2. Lobby Lounge

the westin melbourne lobby lounge — Step into the Lobby Lounge.

Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge .

The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.

For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea . You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.

3. Other places to dine

diners at supernormal melbourne — There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet , the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.

Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.

Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.

While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.

Things to do

1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces

a bridge across yarra river — Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.

A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.

2. Browse the boutique galleries

two women looking at an exhibition in the national gallery of victoria — See the collections of NGV. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Independent art galleries are practically synonymous with Melbourne, and many of them are conveniently situated in the city centre. You can easily hop between Flinders Lane Gallery , Arc One Gallery , Outre Gallery , Caves Gallery , Gallery Funaki and D’Lan Contemporary , allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant art scene in a single day.

If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria . The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.

3. Catch some live music

live music at the cherry bar in melbourne — Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.

Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement , Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar , or larger ones, such as The Toff , Forum and Palais Theatre , for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.

4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG

three punters in big hats at the melbourne cricket ground — Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.

Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.

5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre

the inside steps of melbourne's regent theatre — Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.

Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.

Whatever draws you to Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne is at the centre of it all. Start preparing for an adventure at marriott.com.

Time travel to ‘80s Tokyo at this new disco bar in Melbourne

Your new late-night obsession has arrived on Melbourne’s Bourke Street.

The details

Melbourne’s newest hotel is a love letter to the city

Is it worth staying at The Royce hotel in Melbourne?

This new bathhouse in Melbourne feels like stepping into a rainforest

This Melbourne hotel has set the bar sky high

The ultimate spring and summer guide to Melbourne