Babines Collingwood
1/8/25, 2:00 am
Right on Smith Street, Babines is hard to miss, and even harder to forget. Born from two old friends, both Juliens from France, Babines translates to “lips”—the part you lick when something’s that good. Fitting, really.
The cocktails? Sharp, layered, full of character—much like the space itself. Moody but inviting, modern but comfortable. And the service? Impeccable. Julien P. personally walked us through every detail of our drinks, and honestly, it shows.
What we had:
• The martini blanche d’armagnac is light but decadent. The salted white chocolate and summer flowers hit you softly, with that sweet woodruff adding this lush, herbal finish.
• The picante margarita leans smoky and green, with toasted corn, capsicum, and fermented chilli bringing a savoury, fiery edge. Fresh coriander keeps it bright.
• And the salade de fruits? Dessert in disguise: mango, clarified kiwi, cherry eau de vie, with pineapple guava and Geraldton wax tying it all together. Fresh, zesty, dangerously easy to drink.
Late-night bites run ‘til 1am—basically unheard of for a venue like this in Melbourne.
We’re giving Babines a solid 8.5/10, only because we haven’t tried the food yet… but based on the drinks? Lips thoroughly smacked.