Overview
Leonards House of Love is a South Yarra institution that defies its polished postcode with a refreshingly offbeat approach. Hidden down Wilson Street, it feels like stepping into a 1970s Canadian hunting lodge—with dark timber walls, mounted antlers, vintage sofas, and a roaring fireplace (when the season suits).
The venue is part bar, part eatery, part house party. There’s a relaxed, come-as-you-are energy, and the décor leans into nostalgia with just the right amount of kitsch. It’s the kind of place where flannel shirts mix with mullets, where locals mingle with creatives, and where no one is in a hurry to leave.
The beer selection focuses on independent and craft brews, including both local favourites and rotating specials. The cocktail list plays it fun and cheeky, with inventive spins on classics and house specials often named with tongue-in-cheek flair.
But Leonards doesn’t just ride on atmosphere—it serves some of the best burgers in Melbourne, consistently rated among the city’s favourites. The menu is short, sharp, and satisfying, perfect for sharing or keeping to yourself. Loaded fries, fried chicken, and other comfort-food bites round out the offering.
A leafy beer garden out the back opens up the venue and provides plenty of space for summer sessions, date nights, and group catch-ups. With DJs on weekends, strong tunes all week, and a crowd that skews young but inclusive, it’s a quintessential Melbourne haunt for good times without the pretence.
Last update June 2025
