Love Letter — Restaurant in Melbourne

Love Letter is one of Richmond’s most stylish and exciting small bars — the kind of place that feels both intimate and effortlessly cool. Tucked away on Bridge Road, it’s a spot that’s perfect for a date night, a catch-up with friends, or simply enjoying a beautifully made cocktail in a sophisticated setting.

The cocktails are the real star here. Creative, balanced, and beautifully presented, they’re crafted with real skill and attention to detail. There’s a strong mix of classics done perfectly and inventive signature drinks that make every visit feel like a new experience. Each cocktail feels thoughtful rather than gimmicky, which sets Love Letter apart from a lot of other bars.

The wine list and spirits selection are equally strong, showcasing both local producers and interesting international picks. No matter your preference, the staff are excellent at guiding you towards something you’ll love — and their enthusiasm for what they’re serving makes the experience even better.

The atmosphere is intimate and moody, with soft lighting, stylish décor, and music that creates just the right buzz without overpowering conversation. It’s the kind of venue where you feel comfortable staying for one drink but also find yourself settling in for the night.

The service is consistently excellent. The staff are warm, knowledgeable, and attentive without being intrusive. They strike that perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness that makes you feel both looked after and at ease.

What makes Love Letter special is its sense of personality. It doesn’t feel like it’s trying too hard — instead, it’s confident in what it does: great drinks, great service, and an atmosphere that feels effortlessly inviting.

For anyone looking for a cocktail bar in Richmond with sophistication, charm, and consistently brilliant drinks, Love Letter is...

Highly, highly recommend Love Letter, from its unassuming and kitsch decor to the incredibly friendly waiters, to the fun list of cocktails, to the best T-bone steak I’ve had in Melbourne in the 15 years that I’ve lived here (genuinely, my compliments to the chef 🤌💋). You will not regret booking your next dinner with friends, special occasion, or date night at Love Letter, so get yourself a booking already!

I came with a mate, he ordered the scotch fillet with mustard sauce and fries, and obviously I needed to try that damn fine T-bone steak with the cowboy butter for sauce. The staff offered my friend a tasting sample of a red wine when he was uncertain which to get, which is exactly what you want so you feel confident in your drink choice. It was obvious that I had to try the Nono’s Chinotto cocktail with flavours of Italian cola, Amaretto and a cherry to top it off, and golly did I not regret that choice.

Our meals arrived in no time, with both cooked to perfection; the mustard sharp and the butter light, fluffy and smoky with its hint of paprika. I tell you, I was hard pressed not to pick the bone clean.

Once finished, we continued to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere, which wasn’t loud despite every table being filled. Best of all, the staff encouraged us to enjoy ourselves and take our time irrespective that we couldn’t fit another morsel in.

To think I had been recommended to come to Love Letter by a friend’s sister who lives in Saint Kilda and didn’t know I live nearby, so this place is known beyond their local clientele and hopefully continue to thrive. Thankfully, I don’t live too far so I will definitely be booking another visit, whether it’s special occasion or just because, because are many more delicious items on the menu that I (and now hopefully you)...

Love Letter is one of those Richmond gems that instantly makes you feel like you’ve found something special. The vibe is cosy yet stylish – dimly lit, intimate, and with a certain understated charm that makes it perfect for both date night and a relaxed catch-up with friends. It feels warm and welcoming without trying too hard, which is rare.

The drinks are the star here. Their cocktail list is creative and beautifully executed – classics done with care alongside playful, modern twists. I had one of their mezcal-based cocktails and it was incredible: smoky, balanced, and packed with flavour. My friend ordered something gin-forward with citrus and herbs, and it was just as good. You can tell a lot of thought goes into the bar program.

The food complements the drinks perfectly. The small plates are generous enough to share and are clearly designed to highlight quality produce. We ordered a few dishes to graze on and everything that hit the table was fresh, tasty, and beautifully presented.

The staff deserve a special mention – attentive, friendly, and happy to guide you through the menu without ever making it feel like a sales pitch. They’re clearly proud of the place, and it shows.

Love Letter feels like a local secret – the kind of bar you stumble upon and then can’t wait to bring people back to. It’s intimate, cool, and has all the right ingredients for a night you’ll remember. A must-visit if you’re...