Jimmy Watson's Restaurant and Wine Bar

"See you at Jimmy Watson's" is a very common saying in and around Melbourne. Since Jimmy took over in 1935, his wine bar has grown to hold a very special place in the hearts of Melburnians. Recently the Australian Financial Review recognised Jimmy Watson’s as quintessentially Melbourne and arguably one of Australia’s very first small bars.

Often referred to as an institution, the wine bar captures the essence of a European café - casual yet sophisticated; a part of society, a place to meet friends, to drink, to talk, to argue, to joke, to make deals, decisions, assignation's, to test a hypothesis, to change the world!
Changing little since the Robin Boyd renovation in 1962, the main restaurant features simplicity of bentwood chairs, polished table tops and views of the open kitchen with chefs busily preparing beautiful, fresh food.

The main bar has been untouched by the ravages of time, and maintains its traditional charm, having been unaffected by fads or fashions. One of the few places in the world where bottles of fortified wines from as early as 1919 lay on their side collecting dust, watching the passing parade. No matter if you are 18 or 80, you will find your niche at one of our many bars at Jimmy Watson's.