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Seamstress Restaurant and Bar

113 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

4.5 (906)
Google icon

Bar

32 Seated
120 Standing

Within the dark mauve façade of 113 Lonsdale Street lies Seamstress Restaurant and Bar. What was once a former textile factory, 1930s sweatshop, brothel and Buddhist monastery is now home to one of Melbourne’s much loved restaurants and cocktail bar.

Split over four distinct levels, each mirroring the theme of the building, with draping rolls of raw fabric, a multicoloured collection of yarns, scattered Singer sewing machines and silk cheongsams hung from the ceiling which adds a quirky touch to the building’s décor.

The levels consist of The Sweatshop Basement Bar and Yard, Drystore Espresso, Dining Room and Cocktail Bar, each level different to the other.

Located on the edge of Chinatown and in the heart of Melbourne's vibrant East End Theatre District, Seamstress has something for everyone. It’s a quintessential Melbourne haunt, with interiors and a history to match.

From team meetings, long lunches, birthday celebrations and everything in between Seamstress offers everything you need to make your next event truly memorable.

Our function spaces and dining options allow us to cater for a variety of events, with stand-up cocktail style events to intimate private dining experiences.

Both private and semi-private room options are available with AV capabilities on request.


Seamstress Restaurant and Bar Function Rooms

2 Spaces Available At This Venue
Sweatshop Basement Bar & Yard

Sweatshop Basement Bar & Yard

In the basement underneath Seamstress lies The Sweatshop Basement Bar & Yard, a New York inspired self-contained function area with an urban and industrial chic vibe. A robust space allowing for complete privacy for sit down dinners of up to 32 guests, to stand up cocktail style events for up to 120 guests. Suitable for any daytime function or evening event from special occasions, corporate events and Christmas parties to networking events and product launches. We offer personal bar service, an extensive canapé and dinner menu with seating and table options to suit any occasion. Available any day and night of the week for exclusive hire.
32
120
Price on Request
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Cocktail Bar

Cocktail Bar

Perched at the top of the staircase, lies the Seamstress Cocktail Bar, a Prohibition-style bar inspired by the clubs of yesteryear where ice spheres are hand-carved for the selection of premium spirits. Jazz and blues play in the background while dim lighting adds to the venues ambiance, but it’s the colourful array of cheongsams hung from the ceiling that completes the picture. The Cocktail Bar is a perfect venue for networking events, corporate celebrations, milestone birthdays and engagement parties.
100
Price on Request
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Price Guide

Price TypePrice Per Person (Starting From)
2 Course Menu$ 55
3 Course Menu$ 70
3 Hour Canapes$ 35
3 Hour Beverage Package$ 45

Please note, that pricing may be subject to change without notice. We recommend confirming with the venue prior to booking to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.


Google iconReviews for Seamstress Restaurant and Bar

Chasing Pastry

February 10, 2026

What a delight! Seamstress is somewhat hidden restaurant situated upstairs above a basement bar and coffee shop on the Paris end of Lonsdale Street. Serving up modern Asian Fusion and a contemporary cocktail menu, it’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner meal, date night, or after work drinks. They’ve leaned into the theme with the space decorated with draped fabrics and floral arrays hanging from the ceiling and vintage sewing machines scattered about giving it a really cool vibe inside. The menu is designed for sharing and features a range of creative dishes from small bites to more substantial offerings. Almost every dish comes in multiple sizes so you can customise your feast, or opt for a banquet and let the chef make all the hard decisions for you. The food was all immaculately presented and full of flavour. It tended towards the milder end on the spice spectrum (which suited me perfectly) but those who like it hot might need to request extra chilli. Standouts for us were the sweet potato and snake bean wontons, the vegetarian betel leaf with peanut, cashew, shallot, coconut and mango, the Penang vegetable red curry, and the pumpkin and coconut custard dessert though everything we tried was delicious. The cocktails were also lovely with some very interesting combinations. Our faves were the Sunshine State of Mind and Rum Swizzle. Service was very friendly, and we appreciated the thorough explanation of how the menu worked and recommendations to suit our preferences (vegetarian). Dishes came out quickly and portions were on point. Overall a great spot I’d gladly come back to anytime.

this.is_melbourne

February 21, 2026

Had such a great experience at Seamstress. We went with the 3-course meal and each course was thoughtfully curated, packed with flavour, and perfect to enjoy together. The modern Asian fusion dishes were creative without being overcomplicated, every bite was satisfying. The cocktails were a standout too — beautifully crafted and a fun twist on familiar favourites. A special shoutout to their staff for their warm and attentive service. They made us feel genuinely welcomed. Definitely a spot I’d recommend for a special night out in the CBD.

Ananya Anand

March 30, 2026

I’m someone who goes out to eat for the experience as much as the food and this really delivered. Seamstress is layered in the way Melbourne does best different spaces, shifting moods, and a pace that lets the night unfold naturally. We went with the banquet, which I always prefer. It takes the pressure off choosing and lets the kitchen guide the experience. It starts fresh delicate wontons, bright, clean flavours, and small bites that ease you in. Then it builds into texture crispy elements, punchy sauces, things with a bit more weight and contrast. By the mains, it’s rich and satisfying braised short rib, pork belly, wok-tossed vegetables, all made to share. The cocktails were brilliant and they even did a proper mocktail version, which felt just as considered. And that chocolate cake at the end… exactly what you want to finish on. We had this massive, never-ending banquet and absolutely loved it.

Shine

April 16, 2026

Such a beautiful dining experience at The Seamstress! 🥢✨ The ambience is warm, moody, and elegant — perfect for a date night or a special catch-up with friends. The food was full of flavour and beautifully presented, with a great selection of Asian-inspired dishes meant for sharing. Everything we tried felt fresh and thoughtfully prepared. The cocktails were also a highlight — creative, balanced, and matched perfectly with the vibe of the space. Service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable. Overall, a stylish and memorable spot in the city that I’d definitely recommend if you’re looking for great food and a cosy, upscale atmosphere 🤍

Serena Kent

July 12, 2026

Loved this hidden bar! Great theme, nod to the history of Melbourne. Food was amazing, cocktails on point. I will definitely return. We had the Espresso Martini- one of the best in Melbourne.


Frequently Asked Questions


Amenities & Extras

Food & Beverage

Bar Tab

Audio Visual Equipment (AV)

Microphone
Projector
Speakers

Other Amenities & Extras

External Music or DJ
Free Room Hire
Furniture Hire
Lighting
Natural light
Outdoor Space
Restroom
Smoking Area

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