@waxflowerbar Brunswick ✔️ House made focaccia, cultured butter ✔️ Appellation oysters, rocoto dressing ✔️ Kingfish, ahi amarillo tigers milk, fennel ⭐️ Baby snapper, salsa criolla ⭐️ Chargrilled octopus, persimmon, candy beetroots ⭐️ Beef cheek, celeriac ✔️ Double fried potatoes ⭐️ Brussel sprouts Waxflower is a neighbourhood wine bar located just off Lygon Street in Brunswick. The space is crossed between a European wine bar and a Tokyo-inspired listening bar. It features 1000’s of records stacked on its walls and DJ’s spinning whatever they feel, not limited to any genre whether its jazz, house or soul. Head Chef Dave Falvey serves up a hybrid of European and Peruvian influenced dishes which changes with the seasons, focusing on quality, local produce. We began with a few cocktails, the Smoke and Haze and Good Morning which tasted like Jaffa! All entrees were a hit, the fluffy flawless focaccia as well as the fresh oysters and kingfish. The octopus was so tender! The mains were even more impressive, with that Beef Cheek being so incredible it is possibly the best I’ve had. The crisp outer and bold flavours, enhanced by the red wine jus. The Fish was beautifully presented, it was a whole fish cut up, fried and reassembled together. Both sides were also delicious. ⭐️ Can definitely see what all the fuss is about, the food here is amazing, as is the vibe. The only qualms we had were that the service was very slow and hard to grab attention. The music was almost unbearably loud, to the point I could barely hear my friends talking across the table. Otherwise, almost perfect experience and we will definitely return. Maybe to sit outside. ⭐️ 4.5/5 $$
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

As a frequent patron of Waxflower I am delighted to share my experiences that have continually exceeded my expectations. Waxflower is a listening bar that seamlessly combines delicious cuisine, an exceptional wine and cocktail selection, and unparalleled service alongside funkadelic music from live selectors spinning vinyl from behind the bar.. very cool!! Don't fret to come here alone, sit at the bar and order a bespoke cocktail and just ask for food recommendations. It's all delicious and you'll no doubt be pleasantly surprised! Otherwise if with friends take a booth. Either way the ambience is amazing and makes for an interactive hangout spot. The menu offers a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary flavours, with a focus on using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Every dish is a delight for both the eyes and the palate. What truly sets this establishment apart is the impeccable service. The staff exuded a genuine passion for their craft, ensuring that every aspect of the experience was flawless. Attentive without being intrusive, they were always available to offer suggestions, answer questions, and cater to our every need. Their knowledge of the menu and wine list was commendable, making the experience not only pleasurable but also an informative one.
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fried Potatoes

Very strange vibes with this place. On one hand it’s great to see a venue pushing the zero zero wines/minimal intervention wines. On the other hand, put these on display rather than a wine list not the average person can read. If they had a walk in bottle room that would be clutch. It was incredibly loud and gave my partner a headache. We had to shout just to talk. The staff have this passive aggressive attitude. Very strange and stand off ish. The food was very below par. Not terrible just nothing special. Bottles are slightly over priced but according to the LUC price and what they were charging, they are doing better than most. By the glass price is always over priced in all venues. I would like to sit in the sun next time away from the music having a few good bottles. Hopefully the staff can be more welcoming next time.
Food: 2
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 3

Gorgeous venue and atmosphere. A favourite of mine. Food was fantastic. The sauce on the enoki mushrooms was really delicious and the eggplant’s texture was excellent. The makrut cocktail was very tasty and fragrant. Mussel and ceviche were perfect. Wonderful range of vegetarian menu items that don’t disappoint. The music was excellent and I enjoyed seeing the DJs enjoying themselves during the set. Lovely. Little notes: Couldn’t taste any rhubarb in the cocktail I had as it was overpowered by the absinthe. Yummy nevertheless. Host and brunette woman were excellent- personable, well dressed. Third waitress seems a tier below in professionalism. Sneakers and a singlet dress, disinterested vibe. Cauli dish tasted quite heavily of egg. Thanks again.
Price per person
$100–120
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Solid wine bar with super nice ambience and some good tunes to accompany some nice bites and drinks. Started with a ceviche with tigers milk - it was okay but the fish was cut a bit too thick and chunky for my liking. Bread was excellent - super fresh with a nice crunchy crust. Scallop dish was good - good sear on the scallops, nice sauce but maybe a bit busy on the plate. Rump was perfectly cooked and paired well with the jus. Potato’s that went with it were a bit over-sauced though. Overall pretty solid. I like the seasonality to the menu and the food mostly hit the mark. Minor of a mark down for service because it took a good half an hour for our order to be taken after we sat down on a fairly busy Sunday night. Stiff competition around Brunswick East at the moment for wine bars but I’d definitely come back.

My friends and I came to Waxflower last night and truly had the most incredible time. They hit all the marks for a fantastic venue: food, service, wine, and atmosphere, all incredible. Our waiter (sadly, I can't remember his name) was so helpful with the food and beverage menu. We asked them to order for us as we were a big group and had too much fun catching up. Well, everything that came out was spectacular, and it all complimented each other. For us, the stars of the show were the Ceviche and the whole fish, 10/10. We ended up with the perfect amount of food for the table. I will definetally be going back.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

went out for a drink last night, before we ordered i stood outside to have a cigarette and the waitress with the grating voice and short blonde hair came out and was glaringly rude about their imaginary "red line" for smokers, instead of asking me nicely (how am i supposed to know you've designated a crack in the concrete as the smokers section) she treated me as if i was actual dirt and it brought me to tears because of how jarring the experience was. Went to a MUCH nicer bar just down the road and was told that Waxflower staff are notoriously rude and condescending. Avoid like the plague unless you enjoy being demeaned by wait staff

Good vibes but food is not worth it. Food 2/5 Out of 5 things I ordered , only one I would order again (the eggplant is great!). The corn was overpriced and was not charred at all. Bread and chicken were average. Steak was sub par, expected better at this price level. Especially when you can get a better steak on any steak night in Melbourne for 20-25. Drinks were good but the best thing about waxflower is the atmosphere. Cool bar I’d come back for drinks but food was sub par at the prices they are charging. Can get much better for the price in Melbourne .
Food: 2
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5

Just had the best night at Waxflower. We arrived 30 minutes early and due to Covid restrictions we weren't able to be seated immediately however the staff were extremely attentive and had drinks in our hands within 5 minutes as we watched the night-life pass by from the outdoor seating area. Once inside, with fabulous music and atmosphere we were able to saviour the delectable dishes such as pork skewers (we actually ordered another round), duck, fish and yummy roasted pumpkin. Topped off with a beautiful mango cake dessert. Definitely a "Lygon Street" favourite and we will return.

$19 for a glass of wine, very limited wine menu- nothing great which is unfortunate for a wine bar. We asked some details about the wine and were assured it was what we were after. Alas it was not, service was very very poor wouldn’t even give it one star. Left my wine behind and moved on. Cool wall of vinyl. But Maggie’s snacks and liquor is next level in comparison and just across the road. Don’t waste your palette here, far too hipster without being able to follow through.
Price per person
$1–20
Atmosphere: 2

Waxflower has been on my list since I passed by walking along Lygon St. Loved the cosy space to have drinks but they also offer a food menu. I tend to check the menu online before I go anywhere in case I’m not a fan of the menu. Waxflower’s ever changing menu is not available online so I tried my luck. Lucky or unlucky for me, I loved everything on the menu but managed to narrow down to the bread, eggplant and duck. Food was amazing and wine list impeccable - one of my fav places in Melbourne.

Cute little wine and record bar in Brunswick East just off Lygon St. Great custom made interior on the inside, with turntables imported from London. Wide selection of delicious wines and tap beers. Chef Damon McIvor always whips up a great meal. Staff are very friendly and always have great wine recommendations. Solid record collection. DJs who play there are always amazing. 10/10 would recommend if you're in the area. Definitely one of my favourite Melbourne bars.

Wish I could rate this place 10 stars. Excellent from top to bottom. Staff are kind and knowledgeable, food down the last morsel was so delicious and impressive. The salt and pepper tapioca and the clams were a highlight. Wine list is humble but considered and perfectly complimentary to the food. Can’t finish without talking to the decor. It’s unreal. Felt like I was in Japan. The music is loud and it works. Loved the DJ set last night too.

It would be great if the staff could be a bit more welcoming. My buddies and I felt like we spoiled the waiter's night just by ordering a drink. Maybe it's just their trendy hipster vibe they're giving off or I didn’t use the correct pro nouns. Anyway, the place is awesome and they have some delicious wines.
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 3
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Chardonnay

Recently booked the atrium space out the back for a birthday party and it did not disappoint! Wonderful and warm space with a sound system that is a force to be reckoned with! Brilliant staff who had drinks flowing all day and the food was just exquisite. As other people have echoed, the main bar is fantastic but the atrium is the perfect space for your next event and can't thank the team enough for a memorable day!

Loved the minimalist interior and vinyls along the wall - very cool. Service was friendly and attentive. It’s a good, solid neighbourhood wine bar. 3.5 stars The food wasn’t a standout compared to other wine bars, but was a solid feed. A few too many pinbones in the garfish let the dish down. Also worth noting the music was extremely loud inside. Shouting across the table a must to communicate, which is not ideal!

Pros/ sweet sweet tunes, beautiful bar, and the lovely waitress who helped me! Cons/ the manger who acted like our whole table was a huge inconvenience, the list of rules to dine at this place like it’s the Versailles… not worth it. She very passively aggressively took our orders and generally acted like us being there was a huuuuuge annoyance to her. Sorry for a second I thought I was at Karen’s Diner lol.

Looking for a little slice of Europe with a twist of Japan in North-side Melbourne? Then look no further than Waxflower. Outstanding service, a fun wine list and locally sourced food cooked to perfection is all accompanied by a soundtrack of really great music. Stop by whenever you can and park up for a great afternoon or evening of beats and eats washed down with a glass of stunning wine.

Beautiful venue, with an incredible selection of wines, knowledgeable and passionate staff. Food is amazing, I had recently the lamb neck pasta and it was so delicious, literally could eat two bowls. The music aspect of the venue is definitely a stand out, very rich selection of music genres and the quality of the sound is awesome. Waxflower is one of my favourite bars in Melbourne.

Nice little bar to sit outside in a sunny afternoon! ☀️ The food was nice, small portions for the price but tasty, there is a bit of improvement to do but it was nice. They have a good selection of wines and the waiter was happy to recommend something to suit our palettes. The inside is very small but they do have a nice area at the front where you can enjoy the sun in summer.

The food was a bit mixed in terms of taste and quality, I loved some dishes, and only liked others, and 1 was pretty terrible, The staff were friendly and polite, the atmosphere was mostly good although the music got a little much after a while. The wine list was fantastic
Price per person
$180–200
Food: 3
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4

I recently dined at a restaurant that left me impressed. The amazing sound system and the concept of combining music and food created a vibrant atmosphere. The food was delicious, and the extensive wine selection was a great addition. Overall, it was a unique and memorable dining experience.
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

First of what is sure to be many visits to Waxflower! Honestly couldn't find a thing to fault this place on - everything has clearly been put together by people super passionate about what they do. The staff were super engaging and were able to guide us through some great food and wine choices from the extensive, impressive selection

Loved the interior and overall feel of the place. Staff were attentive and the cocktail was good. The only criticism was the volume of the music. I understand that the place is a listening bar and the music was good. But it was so loud that I could barely have a conversation and and it felt like my chest and bones were thumping.

Barrio chino octopus was absolutely incredible, highlight of the menu. Definitely something I’d come back for. Great place to sit out and enjoy the area. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a place for a drink and amazing feed
Price per person
$20–40
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4

Wow. Service was a ten, so accommodating of our larger-than-anticipated group and late orders. Among the can’t-miss items are the umeshu selections (especially the Nigori), the dadinhos de tapioca, the octopus nduja fettuccine, braised mushrooms and the almond cake to close. Just… bomb.

Music is always good & so are the cocktails but honestly the fooood - every morsel of food I’ve ever had here has just been chefs kiss perfect. The octopus skewers when they’re on the menu is a must, same with the mussels & also the bread!
Price per person
$60–80
Food: 5

Expensive, then they slapped a $10 "weekend charge" on the bill, on a regular Saturday afternoon without any warning, just found it on the receipt. Won't be going back, I feel ripped off... It's a bar. Why are you charging people to sit outside where you can't even hear the DJ music?!

My sister and I had dinner at Wax Flower last night. Fabulous food, wine and tunes. It’s got a great relaxed vibe and the service was excellent. I would highly recommend a visit, I doubt you will be disappointed.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Yummy, cosy wine and food bar with great music and friendly people.
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Fried Potatoes
Dietary restrictions
Mostly gluten free options! Coeliac safe!

Absolutely loved our experience at Waxflower. Delicious food, lovely service and great drinks - the bartender was fantastic and made my husband his own off the menu cocktail. The vibe is great, good tunes playing, beautiful lighting and gorgeous minimal interior.

Really nice wine, good place to for a date. Interesting atmosphere. Nice interior, minimalist with undertones of Japanese/scandi simplicity. Not sure if I'm the right audience for this bar but I'd recommend if you like wine with food that compliments it well.

The music was so loud and intense. Came to chill out and chat with a friend and we both walked out with an anxiety attack. And the cocktails def didn’t make up for it. Cool space and vibe but so bloody loud!! Not coming again. Nerves shot to pieces !!

A really nice and welcoming bar, Great beers on tap, a good wine list and extremely reasonably priced cocktails. Food was delicious. Staff were super helpful. The sound system and djs were the best part of the experience. Will be back for sure!

Wine small bar with regular guest DJs. Great drinks and food. indoor and outdoor seating
Price per person
$120–140
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Oysters Mignonette, Fried Potatoes

Absolutely fantastic wine bar! Great atmosphere, delicious food, an impressive wine selection, and live music to top it off. Highly recommend! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Price per person
$80–100
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

this place creates new boxes to tick. having a DJ entertain at a wine-bar WOW! tasteful beats, prompt friendly staff with food and drink so flavoursome it is to be enjoyed slowly.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Always have the best time at Waxflower. Great music, delicious wines (and always interesting beers on top) + the best food, with a menu that is contantly changing. Staff is as lovely as they come! Friendly vibe all year round.

I had a great night, the cool happy staff engaged in my banter… The DJ hit the spot setting the mood… it was just a fun place to be… would totally go back..
Food: 4
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

What a cute place! Very good table service too .. we had a delicious dinner here but my favourite one was the duck rice :)
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Holy Smokes!!! What a venue!!! Records and wine stacked to the heavens!!! Amazing tunes and good vibes galore!!! Lovely and talented staff!! And food for the soul! GO CHECK IT OUT... you’ll never leave ❤️

Lovely atmosphere, knowledgeable and polite staff. Fast becoming one of my favourite places for a cheeky wine, some lovely food on their rotating menu and to listen to some cool tunes …

New stunning wine bar at Brunswick. Excellent customer service and great wine selection, perfect dishes. The speaker is the best more than another nice music places. Definitely come back.

Nice vibe, friendly staff, and good food/cocktails. A few dishes missed the mark but mostly really well done. Waited a long time for a glass of wine on multiple occasions, though.

Second time was a charm. Food (amazing), wine (great) and service (Marcel) was professional and personal. Couldn’t have asked for more for my birthday, keep up with the great work

What a VIBE. Amazing atmosphere, incredible sound and music and tasty food. Excellent service. LOVE the combination of HiFi, music, wine and food. I look forward to coming back.

Great spot for vinyl & tasty vino. Small portions leave the extra room necessary to taste your way through the menu. The ambience is swell and the tunes link it all together.

An all rounder - my new favourite spot to unwind. Attentive service and awesome vibes.
Price per person
$100–120
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great wine selection, good music, ood vibes, and the dadinho is delicious. Hard to stop at one plate. Cost will add up for a full dinner here + wines, but worth the splurge.

Ok this place is extraordinary! Two items were off-the-scale. The eggplant & the octopus both had the most exceptional texture. Perfection. The wait staff nailed it!

Really nice place to go for a few drinks! reasonably priced, great food offerings! Staff were amazing, big thanks to Marcel for making our night amazing!

Omg had the best experience here!! Staff were so attentive, and our main server Will was hands down so friendly and personable! Definitely recommend :)))

The chicken was really soft and flavourful, kangaroo skewers were another stand out oh and the dessert! Lots of choices when it comes to drinks …

Best sound system in Melbourne. Also stock great Orange wines.
Price per person
$40–60
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great food, drinks and service. Plus a very stylish fit-out and of course, perfect tunes. Definitely going to become a Melbourne classic.

Great decour, upmarket food, not too much of a fan of how they write out their menu. Chips should never be referred to as fried potato.

Great addition to the neighborhood. Late night wine and snack available. Good range of wines on pour to please various wine palates.

Great Food, Service and ambience - loved the music too - would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a great night out

Attention to detail on every aspect of the place is outstanding. Food is delicious and staff are knowledgeable. Strongly recommend

Nice ambience, good music, excellent wines and attentive service. Unfortunately food too pretentious and way overpriced.

Visited for the first time last night. The food, drinks, staff and tunes were all exceptional. Can't wait to come back.

Top notch and attentive service. Great vibe. Highly recommend
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Beautiful room. Sound is incredible. Some pretty good wines on the go.
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Great music, amazing food, delicious drinks, great atmosphere! Would eat, listen, drink, enjoy over and over!

Wine was great Music was great Food was yummy A bit too pretentious. Might be back for a late night tipple...

The food was so damn tasty, amazing quality drinks, friendly and helpful service, good vibe, and rad tunes

Hypnotically overpriced. Food was simultaneously tiny yet flavourful… like eating in a dream or a memory

Great atmosphere, food and staff. Shout out to Paul for his great insights into the food and wine menu.

I asked for a non-alcoholic cocktail and was very happy with the result . Friendly Barman. …

In my hometown dialect we call it “familich”
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Amazing bar with amazing team! Make sure you get the team to recommend the wines! Absolute gem!

Great little listening bar. Nice staff, great sound system and good cocktails! Would recommend.

Just amazing! Cool staff, beautiful food and excellent wine. Will definitely be coming back.

Amazing food, great tunes and a varied (mostly local) wine list. Can’t wait to go back!

Beautiful! Brilliant food and music, fantastic wine and great atmosphere, will go again

It might be the wine talking but this place is incredible. You'll fall in love with it

Consistent food & cocktails with a great atmosphere thanks to the dj's playing vinyls

Go here if you like coffee, music, alcohol or food. It does all of these things well.

Great dinner and the service was fantastic. Marron was delicious and a standout.

Love the vibe & music and friendly service . Honeydew cocktail was delicious!

Fantastic music, awesome wine and top notch food, can it get any better?!

lovely bar! music selection was superb <3 will definitely be back

Great red wine from Mildura, good tapas like menu and great vibe

Drinks were excellent as well as the staff would come here again

Perfect tunes, amazing staff and great selection of wines

Excellent staff, food and atmosphere!! Highly recommend.

Super duper service, food and tunes. Highly recommend.

Absolutely amazing food, cocktails were in beatable.

Spot on drinks and fancy food - that's what I want

Great atmosphere, tasty food. Staff are great too

Such rude service from the girl seating people.

Good environment ☺️ Nice staffs as well …

Amazing menu, ambience and music!

Great space for music enthusiasts

I wanna be here alllllll the time

Place has really gone down hill

Great food, drinks and music

Two words: tiger's milk

Goooood post run coffee

Everything is delicious