South Melbourne’s Favourite Pub
Welcome to the
Rising Sun Hotel
3AW Pub of the Year
For over a century, The Rising Sun Hotel has been part of the fabric of South Melbourne. Proudly family owned, deeply rooted in the community and run by people who live and breathe hospitality.
This is a pub with history & spirit. A place cared for by its owners and embraced by its locals. From prime steaks & classic pub favorites to a thoughtfully curated wine list & perfectly poured beers, good food & genuine service sit at the heart of everything we do.
We wear a lot of different hats — sports bar, dining room, alfresco local, live music venue & the spiritual Melbourne home of the Bloods. Grand Final day, Spring Racing carnival, business lunches or family celebrations — all walks of life feel comfortable here.
It’s why generations have gathered under our roof. And why they keep coming back.
All Roads Lead to The Riser
Bistro & Dining
Classic Favorites. Premium Steaks. Real Hospitality.
Our award-winning bistro delivers quality pub dining built around generous portions & carefully sourced ingredients.
From business lunches to celebration dinners, this is pub dining done properly.
Open 7 days a week
Serving food from 12pm – 9pm
Private Functions
Let the team at The Rising Sun take care of your next event.
From corporate lunches & networking events to milestone birthdays, racing days & Christmas parties, we offer flexible spaces designed to suit gatherings of all sizes.
Choose from one, two or three-course set menus, tailored finger food packages & beverage selections crafted to complement your event. Whether it’s an intimate group of 10 or a full-scale celebration, our experienced team knows how to deliver.
Private rooms. Dedicated spaces. No room hire fees.
Great food. Genuine service. Your event run the right way.
Live Music Every Week
From big band & jazz nights to rock classics & Sunday sessions, our upstairs stage has hosted some of Melbourne’s finest talent. It’s where the lights dim, the band kicks in & the room comes alive.
Downbeat Big Band
This 17-piece band brings classic big-band swing and contemporary jazz arrangements to life.
Featuring some of Melbourne’s iconic musicians, the Downbeat Big Band has been a mainstay at The Riser for over 30 years, becoming part of the fabric of our live music story.
Performing every second Tuesday evening upstairs.
Jazz on Thursdays
The hottest jazz gig in South Melbourne.
Join us upstairs for Jazz on Thursdays featuring the Joe Ruberto Trio & an exciting lineup of guest vocalists. Backed by some of Melbourne’s finest instrumentalists, this is live jazz at its best.
Your show ticket includes a reserved table upstairs, so you can enjoy dinner & drinks while watching the performance.
Sunday Sessions
Sunday afternoons are made for good music, great food & an easy atmosphere.
Join us upstairs for our Sunday Sessions, featuring a rotating lineup of Melbourne bands & special guests.
It’s the perfect excuse to gather friends, settle in for a long lunch and let the afternoon roll on.
Home of the Bloods
The Rising Sun Hotel shares a deep & proud association with the Sydney Swans. As the closest pub to Lakeside Oval — the original home of the South Melbourne Swans — The Riser has long been the gathering place for loyal Swans supporters in Melbourne.
For generations, it’s been where fans come to watch the game, share the stories & carry the legacy forward. When footy season starts, the wave of red & white is unmistakable & the atmosphere nothing short of electric.
This isn’t just somewhere to watch the game — it’s where the Bloods feel at home.
Celebrate the Big Moments
Annual Events at The Riser
Grand Prix. ANZAC Day. Spring Racing. Mother’s Day. Father’s Day.
The Rising Sun is where Melbourne marks its biggest dates. From time-honored traditions to family celebrations, this is where the big days are done properly.
Great food. Unmistakable atmosphere. Seamless on the big days.
