The Empress Hotel is a renewed and revamped take on an icon. This classic inner Melbourne pub situated in the north of Fitzroy, has been serving thirsty locals since 1873.

At its soul, the Empress Hotel provides everything you’d wish for from your local pub, a relaxed public bar to share a beer with your friends, dining hall, pool room, beer garden, bottle shop and several functions spaces.

While the spirit of the refurbished Empress Hotel remains very much intact, the addition of an alfresco outdoor dining area and modern Australian, Italian contemporary menu, with some old classics, complete the pubs reincarnation. Tables may be reserved for groups of two, four, six or 12 people.

Doing away with the dingy and dank of corner pubs of the past, Publican Guy David has torn the roof off what was once a band room to reveal a sun filled beer garden perfect for long summer days and alfresco all-day dining. Now featuring a retractable roof, the beer garden can be enjoyed all year round, rain, hail or shine.

Offering live sports, craft beer and concise yet exciting wine list the Empress Hotel really sets itself apart from other local pubs.

We are a family owned and operated restaurant. That means that you are welcomed to our house and served as part of our family. We want you to have a wonderful time with us. We’ve created a little Argentina in the heart of Melbourne for you to feel transported 13,000 km into our traditions and enjoy the best meat in a pleasant Latin atmosphere.

“Gaucho” is the Argentinian version of the American cowboy. Gauchos were strong, honest and hard-working types. They would have very simple lives and have no more belongings than his clothes, his horse and his long knife. A Gaucho learns only by experience and is real expert in what he loves the most: friends and meat!

While Argentina was becoming a world-famous meat exporter, the Gaucho was the real expert in that matter. His diet was composed almost entirely of beef cooked with charcoal in the range.

These long years of experience and sharing is now our tradition, this is what represent us, this is why we are El Gaucho. We’d love to share it with you.

An iconic Melbourne hotel has been part of the North Fitzroy community fabric for almost 150 years.

Public Bar

The classic public bar offers the perfect place to catch up with friends or watch the footy. Enjoy the best of both worlds with the entire offering of craft beer plus the full dining space menu

Craft bar and Beer Garden

At the heart of the craft bar and beer garden is 16 rotating craft beer taps that match perfectly to our asian-inspired delicacies. Think crispy pork belly, fresh salads and steamed bao (not to mention the classics including Melbourne-renowned burgers and parmas).

Dining Space

Open for dinner every night from 6pm and lunch on Saturdays and Sundays, enjoy a seasonally-focused menu in the warm and inviting dining space. Head chef, Damon Philippakos has crafted a menu with an emphasis on sharing dishes and high quality steaks. We're talking the finest grass and pasture fed beef Victoria has on offer, plus a carefully curated wine list. Ask our friendly staff for the ideal wine to match your dish.

Sports Bar

Last but not least, the upstairs sports bar serves as both a 80 person function space as well as a lively sports bar on the weekends. The Terminus proudly plays every AFL game live, as well as cricket, rugby and soccer.

Come to Queen Margaret for Italian style thin crusted pizzas, a delicious selection of tapas, boutique beers and excellent wine list.