Eau De Vie

Drinks were fantastic but we felt rushed out of there. Were eager to get a third round but they brought us the check before we could do so. Not sure if we’d go back.

A very sophisticated and elegant cocktail bar, staff are friendly and extremely knowledgeable a wonderful experience

Lovely atmosphere no doubt. But the wait time is too long. We waited about 45 minutes for someone to take our order while we only have 1 hour seating time. Tried to order from the bar which we couldn’t as they don’t allow us to put through an order, which is fine, but it is frustrating when we can’t do anything but to wait for someone to take our order while we have 10 minutes left for the table. Ended up inhaling our cocktails quickly so we can leave before they kick us out.

My husband and I had previously come here for cocktails and really enjoyed our experience. So when they advertised for a cocktail paired menu night, we jumped at the opportunity.
The space is beautiful and felt very special as there were only 3 other couples.

If I had rhe cocktails separate, at rhe bar, I think they would have been quite enjoyable. The sangria was the best sangria I've ever had. However, the whole point of the night was that it was a paired experience with food and with that in mind, the night was a real let down and not at all worth the money.

Firstly, my partner and I felt none of the cocktails paired well with the meals. They weren't balanced at all and every one of them was overly sweet (this coming from a sweet lover). Normally a pairing beings out a particular flavour in the food, or it might juxtapose to cut through sweetness or fat. The cocktails were like drinking desert with every meal.

Secondly the food. Our menu was predominantly sea food and we could not eat at least 2 of the meals. The prawns were so fishy and not at all fresh that I actually (politely) spat it out of my mouth. Another dish had muscles that again, were not fresh at all. I was so sad! Gastronomy is my favourite and having had a good experience previously with their cocktails, I was pumped to have some good food.

Considering the night had 5 meals and we could only safely eat 3 let alone that we had to then go get more food because we were left hungry, it was a real let down.
Overall, I recommend going there for cocktails only.

Rather disappointed with their system. We were given 1 hour table seating but couldn’t flag someone to take our order for 45 minutes. I’ve heard great feedback about this place so I thought it’d be a cool place to bring my friend that’s visiting from elsewhere. We understand that the floor staffs were busy, so we tried ordering our drinks with the bartenders after 35 minutes but to no avail as the bartenders do not take order. That’s fair and we have no complains, but it is frustrating when we couldn’t even put through our drinks order in 15 minutes time it we’re given one hour seating time. We had to drink our cocktails like shots so we leave on time as they demanded. Overall rather disappointed because it left a bad impression to my friend.

Eau de Vie in Melbourne is a hidden gem for those seeking an exceptional and sophisticated cocktail experience. Located discreetly behind an unassuming entrance, this bar is a haven for cocktail connoisseurs and those in search of a unique night out.

The bar's ambiance is an enchanting blend of old-world charm and contemporary elegance. With its dimly lit, intimate setting and cozy leather armchairs, it exudes a vintage speakeasy vibe that transports you to a bygone era. The attention to detail in the decor and ambiance is nothing short of remarkable.

The cocktails at Eau de Vie are true works of art. The skilled mixologists are passionate about their craft, and their creativity shines through each concoction. From classic cocktails to innovative, handcrafted creations, the menu is a treasure trove of delights. The "Bartender's Choice" is a popular option, allowing the bartenders to craft a personalized drink tailored to your tastes.

While the cocktails are the star of the show, the food menu is equally impressive. The culinary offerings are designed to complement the drinks, featuring a range of delectable small plates and dishes that are as gourmet as they are delicious.

Service at Eau de Vie is impeccable. The staff is knowledgeable and attentive, and they take pride in providing a memorable experience for each guest. Their passion for mixology and dedication to customer satisfaction is evident throughout your visit.

In conclusion, Eau de Vie is not just a bar; it's an unforgettable journey into the world of cocktails and culinary delights. It's a must-visit for those who appreciate the art of mixology and desire a truly unique and exceptional night out. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a special evening, Eau de Vie promises a remarkable experience that will leave a lasting impression.

The overall experience at Eaude Vie was quite disappointing.

The lack of customer service was evident, and the noise level made it challenging for our group of 8 to have a conversation.

We ordered a variety of dishes to share, including finger foods, which were enjoyable, but the prices were on the higher side.

Unfortunately, when we ordered drinks, they were simply placed on the table without any explanation of what they were, leaving us confused.

To make matters worse, our booking was at 7: 45 pm, but we didn't receive our drinks until 8: 30 pm and the staff seemed in a hurry to rush us out which was rather frustrating.

The overall treatment felt impersonal and left us feeling like mere numbers.we won't be returning back

A bar that I think you must go to in Melbourne. The menu is unique and the staff's performance is amazing. It almost feels like watching a fire show.

If you want to experience a unique drink, this is definitely the place.

Speakeasy bar
service a bit slow given how packed it is

yuzu mule with rum? - one of the best yuzu cocktails I've had, yuzu x rum x ginger combo is
serpent song - decadent, indulging, alcoholic boba lol, pretty heavy cognac cocktail so beware

*did not try the food

Food and cocktails were delicious! Vibe of the secret bar is 10/10. Almost like you've walked into a period piece or a home of a monarch. The food and beverage service was rather slow, although it was quite busy so this likely played a part.
My group was scowled at by the person receiving people at the entrance/please wait sign, for wanting to pay, having not been made aware that we were supposed to pay from our table.

Love this place. Went there last weekend and they gave us two short drinks on the house because I had indicated that it was for a birthday celebration on my online booking. Lovely staff.

One of the best hidden bar I've been to. There is so many positives I wish to list here but the one positive that sits right on top of the list is their amazing service. One can compare their list of alcohol which is second to none or their delicious menu (the Salmon was amazing) but none can compare with their flawless service. I forgot to take the name of the girl who was serving us (short hair best attitude) your recommendations were brilliant. We'll be back.

Superb. The showmanship behind the bar and in service was excellent.
Just be brave and open the door.

Been over here several times.
My favourite cocktail bar in Melbourne.
There are so many unique cocktails to choose from. And each cocktail comes with a show.
Love their take on an espresso martini, next level - just like a dessert. Great for an after dinner drink.

If you haven’t been here, you’re missing out!
Highly recommend checking this place out.
It could be your favourite cocktail bar too.

(Note: it’s hidden, was a bit tough for me to find it the first time, but I saw people coming out of somewhere and followed them)

We had our friends 40th Birthday gathering at the whiskey room and it was fantastic.the style of the room, food, drinks and cocktails were so great. Staff are so friendly and professional and attend to every one on time and in very nice manners.thanks to all of them who made that night unforgettable.

Serious drinks with attitude, they chill down drinks with liquid nitrogen. A Rob Roy arrives under a glass dome, trapped with wood smoke that does add another alluring dimension to the already complex combination of whisky, rum and vermouth. Martinis are referred to as Noble Experiments, offering up a range of vodkas, gins, bitters, rinses and garnishes for a customisable classic, served with liquid nitrogen to sustain the perfect drinking temperature. Staff are very understated and polite knowledgeable and will speak to you if you give them the go ahead, add cool sounds piping through with killer decor

Eau De Vie is a hidden cocktail bar that is best kept hidden, as their unique, creative and theatrical cocktails are so damn good that it eliminates their need for marketing of any sort; the power of word-of-mouth is so strong that Eau De Vie doesn't even have a sign out front. It's embedded into a very cemented and utilitarian alley, and stepping through its doors feels like stepping through a portal.

Eau De Vie—translating to "Water of Life" serves up some of the most impressive cocktails in the world, and certainly in the city. Their drinks are not just delicious and wonderfully boozy, they're also showpieces. The Zabaione in particular is served en masse, which involves a beautifully complex espresso-based concoction topped with a delicate vanilla whipped creme, which is then frozen before your eyes with liquid nitrogen upon delivery to your table. It's insane, and it's delicious. Highly, highly recommended.

Their whisky list is also a compendium of absolute insanity. Browsing the list is dizzying, because it's not so much a list as it is a Bible; leatherbound almanac is thick and full of whiskies from all around the world, from an enormous range of processes and ages. You won't find a more impressive whisky list in the city.

Ambience-wise, the setting at Eau De Vie is both classy and intimate. Tables are candle-lit and comfy chairs surround the outer edges while taller tables sit nearer the bar. This is one of the few cases where it isn't bad sitting nearer to the bar, as you get a front row seat to some great work, especially when flames start getting involved.

Have fun! It's a tad pricey, but honestly not outrageously so. Excellent spot for dates or general hangouts with a group of friends.

Awesome cocktail bar, extremely entertaining watching the cocktails been made, an art form in itself, just as impressive as the taste of the cocktails
Maybe just need to work on the atmosphere a little, was a little like going to a football game which is unusual for a classy cocktail bar

Fabulous little gem of a bar, hidden away down a side street, dark curtains giving the feel of it being a speakeasy or a prohibition bar. It is very popular and I am unsure if you can book or not but if you can I suggest that you do as there is otherwise a queue to get in which does go down quickly but if you have dinner reservations elsewhere it would put you under pressure to get in and out quickly so just something to bear in mind. The cocktails are a little on the expensive side (around $22-$25 each depending on what you have) but they are really high quality and tasty and have a story to tell so I would definately tell you to give this place a go. If not just for an instagram post alone!

What an amazing place. The intrigue starts as you try to find the entrance and as you walk in and your eyes adjust to the low light the experience begins. Great place, great staff, great ambience. Highly reccomend. An absolute must do.