Milkbar brings its community-first café concept to Southbank

Southbank has welcomed a fresh new addition to its buzzing hospitality scene, with the opening of Milkbar Southbank, the second venue from the team behind the award-winning Milkbar at HOME in Docklands.

Located at 260 City Rd within the HOME apartment precinct, the new café builds on the success of its Docklands sibling, expanding a brand known for blending nostalgic Australian milk-bar warmth with the elevated flavours and design sensibilities of contemporary Melbourne brunch culture.

Hospitality veterans Matt Ward and Matt Vero have driven the expansion, bringing their philosophy of “comfort, connection and good food done well” to one of Melbourne’s densest and fastest-growing neighbourhoods.

Mr Ward said Southbank felt like a natural next step after seeing how quickly a community formed around their first café.

“Docklands proved how quickly a real community can grow when you get those things right. Southbank felt like the obvious move, and we can’t wait to create that same energy here,” he said.

Milkbar Southbank offers an all-day menu that nods to nostalgia while pushing into modern, produce-driven territory. Early standouts include Biscoff French toast, chicken katsu sandos, and a strawberry iced-matcha, alongside Melbourne staples brewed with specialty coffee.

The venue carries through the distinct design approach that helped Milkbar Docklands earn accolades such as the 25th IFA Design Award and Silver at the Melbourne Design Awards 2025.

Designed originally by Elvin Tan, the look and feel have been adapted for Southbank while maintaining the brand’s clean, contemporary aesthetic.

Mr Ward said the Milkbar ethos was rooted in becoming part of the everyday fabric of the neighbourhood.

“Venues like Milkbar play an important role in densely populated precincts – we become the familiar faces, the meeting spots and the daily rituals that help turn neighbours into a community,” he said. “We want to be part of the rhythm of the neighbourhood, not just another place to grab a bite.”

With Southbank’s population continuing to surge and its residential–commercial mix deepening, Milkbar Southbank hopes to serve as a new local anchor for quick coffees, office breaks and relaxed weekend catch-ups.

Milkbar Southbank is now open at 260 City Rd, Southbank. More details at milkbardocklands.com.au.