Ponyfish Island image

Ponyfish Island

Restaurant Bar Cocktail bar

Unique venue on a river island offering cocktails & seasonal bar snacks along with scenic views. People often mention drinks, river, spot, drink, bridge, good, pizza, Melbourne, service, night,


Address

Evan Walker Bridge, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia

Website

www.ponyfishisland.com.au

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (1.5K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 11 AM to 1 AM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 11 AM to 1 AM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (Easter Monday), 11 AM to 1 AM, Hours might differ

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: drinks (15) river (12) spot (12) drink (11) bridge (10) good (10) pizza (10) Melbourne (9) service (9) night (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Lucky & S. 1 year ago on Google
    Ponyfish Island was such a gorgeous venue to visit! We shared the trio of drips and some drinks while overlooking the river which was absolutely lovely. This is the perfect spot to take someone who is new to Melbourne or if you have a fancy date you’d like to impress 😉💕🐬
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher S. 1 year ago on Google
    A cool bar under the bridge with great views overlooking the river. Friendly service and a reasonable selection of wines, beers and cocktails. Not expensive and a great place for a scenic drink.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tony W. 1 month ago on Google • 1193 reviews New
    Love this spot under the walkway!

  • 5/5 james y. 1 year ago on Google
    One the best places in Melbourne to have a relaxing drink with nibbles at anytime of the year. Cool vibes, great beers and the best view at sea level you’re going to find.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniyeru 1 year ago on Google
    Daniyeru's Detailed Review: Start of Service 5/5 *Ordered via QR code, Drinks came out shortly after by the bar person, who is very polite, friendly and courteous. He even kept our umbrella we forgot at our table until the next 2 days! Thank you Danny, you're a legend in the making! Food 5/5 *Multi Cheese Pizza, was crispy, cheesey and delicious! Perfectly paired with some alcohol by the riverside, amazing vibes, food and atmosphere, what more does one need! * * * Value 5/5 *For the service you get, the view, the atmosphere, the vibe, it is completely worth it! Atmosphere 5/5 *Open air vibes, riverside, middle of the river, various drinks, food and ease of QR ordering from the menu, it's definitely a place to go on a date, out with friends or family End of Service 5/5 *Again, huge thanks to Danny who made our experience so pleasing, polite, respectful, friendly and courteous, thank you for keeping the umbrella for us!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ali Al A. 4 months ago on Google • 210 reviews
    Even though I haven't been inside the restaurant, the place has a vibrant and beautiful atmosphere.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lis 6 months ago on Google • 147 reviews
    Ponyfish Island located under the bridge of the Yarra river is always a good choice. Just love sitting at this venue under the heat lamps, surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Yarra river and skyline of the city buildings while grazing on a cheese platter, charcuterie, dips and olives with my favourite drink 🍹
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ruby C. 6 months ago on Google • 76 reviews
    Maybe I had mismanaged expectations but I found it strange that no one greets you when you come down the stairs and the tables weren’t being cleaned proactively despite there being few patrons around in the afternoon. The only human interaction you receive is when you pay at the counter or when they bring food to your table. Interesting cocktail selection. Uncomfortable high chairs. I recommend getting the ‘The Magellan’ pizza, it was phenomenal!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 keemekooh 5 months ago on Google • 75 reviews
    This is our third time, during our visit the weather is not in favor to us although the view still perfect with a cold windy rainy weather. Moving on, kind a bit disappointed when we ask one of the staff to give us an extra another blanket to cover up the couches due to super wetness but then she’s kind a impatient and bit rude the way she spoke with us and suddenly walked away🤷‍♀️ (when you work at hospitality industry, no matter what the situation, you have to be polite specifically on that day, its freezing, the heater is not enough to accommodate everyone, and one of them are broken, so whats wrong if we just ask an extra blanket ,we understand if it’s nothing at all but the way your attitude and face looks like uh oh , “she looks like an asian girl with an earring in her nose” ?) 🤔 anyway, there’s another staff man with a long hair and his really good and more easily to approach. In the end, still good place to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Barkha 4 months ago on Google • 56 reviews
    This is a place I always keep going back to for their amazingly curated cocktails with an incredible view pf Melbourne city. Go here for a classic touristy Melbourne bar experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt W. 3 weeks ago on Google • 4 reviews New
    Limoncello slice!! Looking for a relaxing drink for a cracker of a day. Look no further! This is in my TOP 2 cocktails I have tried. TOP 2. Honestly refreshing, amazing flavour and the crumbs remind you of a gay time ice cream. Childhood come back. Bang on guys, fantastic cocktail!!!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike W. 1 year ago on Google
    We have been visiting Ponyfish island for years and continue to come back. This year we came on a cold winter Saturday night at 6:30pm. There were a few spare tables and we managed to snag one near a portable gas heater. There are plenty of tables underneath fixed electric heaters available. We tried the mulled wine (which was a great treat given the weather) as well as some cocktails listed on the menu. The staff here is always pleasant and the drinks come out to the tables quickly after orders taken at the bar.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wander W. 1 year ago on Google
    A relaxing place to chill after work. Enjoy the waterfront view with a cool drinks and watch the sunset in the evening. The bar is under the Evan walker bridge, a short walk from the Flinder station on the river side.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael 2 years ago on Google
    ☆ Was one of the very few places that was still open at 10.00pm on a Monday night. ☆ Although the kitchen was (understandably) closed, we ordered drinks by scanning the Mr Yum QR code on the table. Our drinks arrived very quickly. ☆ Location was spectacular. It was so lovely to sit by the water and feel the evening breeze. There were heaters attached to the walls to keep us nice and warm too!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John S. 2 years ago on Google
    A great spot to enjoy the sun setting on a summers evening. Great vibe to chill and unwind with friends. Fantastic staff - super friendly. Delicious food and great drinks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jai g. 5 months ago on Google • 371 reviews
    Beautiful place below the bridge on the banks of yarra river. Romantic place in the evenings. Food is mostly non vegetarian and cool drinks available for quick bite lovers. Place is worth visiting n spending sometime.

  • 4/5 Luke B. 5 months ago on Google • 159 reviews
    Ponyfish Island offers an incredible riverside setting, but seating can be limited during busy periods. The menu boasts a variety of delectable dishes, although prices might seem slightly high. The attentive service and vibrant atmosphere contribute to an unforgettable dining experience, making Ponyfish Island a standout destination for anyone looking to savor delicious food while enjoying breathtaking views of Melbourne's Yarra River.

  • 4/5 Aaron L. 7 months ago on Google • 131 reviews
    Awesome location randomly under the bridge on the river! Heaters to keep you warm and a solid drinks menu to start the night! Would be good if they had a happy hour menu..

  • 5/5 Dianne C. 4 weeks ago on Google • 129 reviews New
    Pizza here was one of the best I've tasted. Thank you for putting my faith back in pizza.

  • 4/5 daezjn 5 months ago on Google • 126 reviews
    Great little spot under the bridge. Lovely, friendly staff and the drinks are not bad- we ordered a jug of sangria. On a nice night one can get a view of Melbourne by the river with the city lights. Cosy spot to watch Melbourne turn from day to night and spot the occasional boat or ferry pass by. Only thing is the place I not properly designed for rain… water was dripping all over the place which effected limited seating areas (chairs and cushions were wet in some places). My shopping got wet due to this.

  • 4/5 Mo B. 1 month ago on Google • 123 reviews New
    Great place for a drink by the Yarra during summer. QR code for ordering drinks which makes the experience comfortable and straight forward.

  • 5/5 Annette D. 1 month ago on Google • 90 reviews New
    Beautiful little bar under the pedestrian bridge.

  • 5/5 Gayatri S. 3 weeks ago on Google • 59 reviews New
    The margarita was fabulous especially the guava flavour. The pizza was good too, the reason I have given 4 stars to food: there was absolutely no salt in the spicy peanuts, it wasn’t spicy at all and too expensive for the portion. The pizza: the mushroom cut was way too thick for the bread to veg proportion ( I’m a chef so I’m picky about these things). But it didn’t matter really because the atmosphere is fantastic and the MARGHERITA was a hit!

  • 4/5 Belinda M. 1 month ago on Google • 48 reviews New
    It was a bit windy but a cool place to have a drink on a hot Melbourne day

  • 5/5 Benjamin C. 1 month ago on Google • 35 reviews New
    A fantastic spot for a drink on a nice day! Drinks are tasty, and service is fast! Definitely a favourite spot for me.

  • 4/5 Kimberley D. 1 month ago on Google • 34 reviews New
    Cute little spot! The portobello pizza and the pink grapefruit margarita were both delicious! Perfect spot on a summer evening! I only did find it odd that there is little to no service - you get the menu yourself and find your own seat, then walk to the counter to order and pay.

  • 3/5 Riana K. 2 months ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    NYE 2023 We booked tickets here to bring in the new year. Having not been here before it was slightly smaller than expected, but nice that it was in the middle of the river and not crowded. Service was attentive and friendly. Pizzas were good, and you had a whole pizza to your group fresh out of the oven, each time they came around. It seemed there were enough seats for everyone who had booked tickets and it wasn't too crowded (I think this is due to water safety regulations or something or other), which meant little to no line at the bar until later in the evening when they opened the venue up to the public (for an entry fee I'm assuming). The live music was a DJ, but don't expect to dance as there isn't really space for it. There was also no countdown to the NYE, which was disappointing as it would've added to the atmosphere. Was it worth the $250pp ticket? Personally, I don't think so (too expensive), but we had a good time - chill vibes. You would probably be better off getting there a bit later, paying an entry fee and then just paying for what you eat/drink. However, I spoke to others who felt like the ticket was worth it (this was the second year they'd booked), in part due to the central location/views, and capacity limit/lack of crowding.

  • 5/5 Mariadelmar R. 1 month ago on Google • 11 reviews New
    Lovely. One of my favourite spots for having a chill date or going for a reading session by the river. It will be amazing if they incorporate coffee or tea in the menu.

  • 5/5 Lilly D. 7 months ago on Google
    Came here for first time last night. Is a great place to hang out. Could've stayed here all night lol. Can get pretty cold so should wear warm clothes (in winter) even though there is heaters. The midori cocktail is really good to!

  • 4/5 Andrew L. 2 years ago on Google
    Cool little bar tucked underneath a bridge on the Yarra. Nice vibe with friendly staff. We order a couple of pizzas and drinks. The pizzas were pricey but they tasted pretty good. The seafood pizza was the group favourite

  • 5/5 Daniel M. 11 months ago on Google
    Had lunch here with my two boys, very unique little restaurant/bar in the middle of the Yarra River underneath the Southbank pedestrian bridge, very friendly staff and large undercover and alfresco seating areas, the bar has quite a large range of craft beers available as well as wines and cocktails🍸. We had ourselves the Australiana pizza and it was sooo good, a very relaxed feel to the place watching the boating activity passing by as you eat. Definitely worth a visit.

  • 4/5 Nirali C. 11 months ago on Google
    Great Margarita pizza and the La Violetta is a must try! We didn't really like the combination of 4 cheese pizza with honey, it wasn't that great but Margarita was delicious.

  • 5/5 Andrew F. 2 years ago on Google
    Unique Melbourne experience. My claim to fame is having the very first beer on this venture many moons ago! I knew it was going to be a hit from day one and have seen it go from strength to strength with some drama in between. Great spot for a beer on a nice day and the food and drink just keeps improving. Right opposite Flinders Street Station and under the bridge to Southbank. Well worth a try.

  • 3/5 El F. 1 year ago on Google
    Cute little bar on the Yarra River underneath Evan Walker Bridge. Food was ok, so were the cocktails. Good location. We were lucky it was a beautiful day which added to the experience.

  • 3/5 Peter S. 1 year ago on Google
    We stopped in for a night cap on the way back to our hotel. I can say on dusk, Yarra river level, this place is beautiful. We only had four drinks each, the cost of beverages was exorbitantly expensive. What is it with bars that don’t serve pints, but charge pint prices for something that appeared to be smaller than a schooner. We were ordering beers in 2’s to avoid having to wait again. We found the service to be slow and we were having difficulty having a conversation over the music. Regardless, there were people quite obviously enjoying their night and I don’t think this place is a “nightcap on the way home” kinda joint.

  • 5/5 Jess B. 1 month ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Fantastic spot for an evening drink or lunch time bite! The music was pumping and the vibes were immaculate 👌
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Liz Y. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Went to this place for a drink with friends after a show. Quietly enjoying our drinks when the senior bar tender - blonde curly hair came up to us to address a situation- a bar staff member was collecting empty glasses and she attempted to collect one of our unfinished drinks. S was hen my friend realised she told her to hold up she wasn’t finished- apparently this was relayed back to the senior member who came over to reprimand us for asking not to take the glass. We told him politely we didn’t yell at her at all we asked.. we are older women not kids. He then went on to insist and began to get aggressive with us. We told him not to worry we were leaving and wouldn’t come back. He didn’t care. As I was walking out I walked past and addressed with him the inappropriate way he addressed us. Asked him for his name he refused to give it told me he was the manager. We spoke about his lack of customer service and he said he didn’t care. He said you can call you can post whatever you want and NO ONE will care!!!! And became very very aggressive and I thought he was going hit me and I asked him if he was going to and he just laughed and said if I didn’t leave he would get security to escort me out. I was in absolute shock by the inappropriate behaviour by this young boy who had absolutely no manners or service experience. I left to remove myself and as I got to the top of the stairs there was a security man whom I asked who the manager was- he then followed signally the security man not to give me any information- this place was the worst experience I have ever had in Melbourne ever!!! Very bad behaviour and service - do not recommend at all!!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


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Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Happy hour drinks
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Takeout
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

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