Where to eat: the 50 best restaurants in Abbotsford

Amongst the best in Melbourne, the food is good with some unusual ones like the tasty cheese pie. The coctails are fairly good and the restaurant has an extensive drinks menu. We were seated on the the upper story seating in a room comfortable corner. The decor suits the restaurant layout and the service lady and manageress were excellent. The toilets on the landing was clean too. Parking in the precinct is a bit hard to find on weekends. And definitely need to reserve to get a table

I thoroughly enjoyed my dinner. The flavours are creative and everything was cooked really well. The staff was attentive and friendly. I really liked how they have half-portion options for some dishes so we could try more things on the menu. The highlights for me were the octopus, tuna, and lamb.

I celebrated my birthday last week and I had a very nice time there. Busy small venue but they can arrange your party if you are a big group. As we were over 7 people we had to do the set menu ($95 pp) The appetisers were very delicious, specially the anchovies one and the tuna tartare, then they served some extra things till the main dish.

What a wonderful experience and restaurant The food was amazing, the staff were so friendly and attentive and the atmosphere was warm with a buzz in the air. We experienced eating at the table over looking the chefs and it was great. The chefs served us and were happy to answer any questions. I was so excited to see some of Victoria’s wonderful wines on the list. Please add more I am so into supporting local industry! We will be back!!!!!!

Tuesday luncheon for 4. From greeting right through to exiting the venue, the professional conduct of all staff was exemplary. The presentation of the selected dishes was exquisite and truly inspiring. The flavours of the dishes we selected, were brilliantly crafted, noteworthy for the complimentary ingredients and nothing overpowered what was on the plate. The drink service provided was excellent and prompt. So pleased to have enjoyed such a delicious outing . Definitely choose the lamb!

When we told our server we’re vegan (which is usually bad news everywhere we seem to go lately) she gave us plenty of options off the menu including a golden beet almond salad, greens with sherry vinaigrette and a pistachio asparagus risotto. And although each dish sounded simple, they didn’t taste simple. My favourite were the roast potatoes soaked in a caper garlic sauce that permeated every crevice. And of course, who can forget their world class crisp martinis 🍸 that I’m convinced have healing powers. Especially on a gloomy day like today, Cumulus restored my spirit with warm service, cheery surroundings and deeply satisfying food.

The service staff were amazing and attentive. We ordered some small sides as snacks and the presentation was great. However we came specifically for the oyster happy hour, as I’m on the hunt for the best oyster happy hour in Melbourne. We’d heard good things about Cumulus and were excited to try it out. Sadly the oysters had not been properly shucked and were still attached to the shell. Not the level I would expect for a restaurant in this price point. Everything else was amazing, but we left kind of disappointed after coming specifically for oysters. If oyster happy hours are your thing I’d recommend pearl diver over cumulus, much better quality and variety.

My partner and I had dinner at Vue de Monde to celebrate our 5th anniversary, and the entire experience was absolutely exceptional from start to finish. It was clear that the team is passionate about every single detail. The food was extraordinary. Each course was a work of art, showcasing innovative combinations and visually stunning presentations that truly highlighted the quality of the ingredients. But what made the evening truly unforgettable was the personal and attentive service. The staff made our celebration feel incredibly special by presenting us with a personalized card signed by the team to commemorate our anniversary. A major highlight was the post-meal tour of their kitchen, where a staff member graciously showed us their operations and answered our questions. It was a fascinating look behind the scenes and a perfect end to the meal. It was a experience made memorable by a team that genuinely cares. Highly recommended for any special occasion.

Highly recommend for any special occasions. The experience starts from the moment you enter the foyer at street level where you are greeted and it continues as you take the lift to the 55th floor. The views are spectacular looking out to Melbourne high above the city at sunset. The wait staff were truly amazing and really did everything to break the mold of robot waiters,they added their own personal touch which was well received. The dining area was spacious and left the experience very intiment. The food was a absolute culinary masterpiece. The flavors and the textures and unique paintings of some foods left an orgasmic explosion in your mouth. We celebrated our 40th birthdays at Vue we made the most perfect choice of restaurants for this momentous occasion. The chefs tour of the kitchen added a whole new element to the experience, With Wealth of knowledge and overall experience every section of the kitchen was explaon in great detail by the Sous Chef who was a very funny yet very professional man. We enjoyed a photo with the chefs and the topped out the experience for us it was beautiful. After this we returned to our table to find beautiful personalized birthday cards signed by the staff. It was truly a night and experience that we will remember forever and pass on the message to as many people as possible. Highly recommended

We celebrated my birthday at Vue de Monde (2 Oct 2025), and the experience was exceptional from start to finish. The team (especially Silvia, Barbara, Mia, and Neil) were outstanding, attentive, intuitive, and genuinely kind. They struck the perfect balance between engagement and giving us space, making the evening feel effortless. From the lobby welcome to our farewell, every interaction was thoughtful and polished. They handled complex allergy requirements with remarkable care, never once making us feel like an inconvenience. Each of the 11 or so courses were perfectly portioned and timed. We had to decline the cheese course as we were so full! Every dish flowed into the next with thoughtful precision, each complementing the previous and what was to come. My highlights included; the garlic and leek tart, wagyu and damper, and the ice cream sandwich. The Million Dollar Baby cocktail was a heavenly must from Lui Bar. This paired with the views made the evening even more memorable. At the end, they presented a handwritten birthday card, which was a beautiful personal touch. It’s those small gestures, paired with flawless service and exceptional food, that make the Vue de Monde team truly world class. We are so grateful to the team for making the night unforgettable, and we will definitely be back.

One of the best restaurants if not the best restaurant in the Southern Hemisphere. From the time we got there till the time I left, the entire experience was amazing. The somm team, the wait staff were just exceptional. Explaining every single dish, element of the restaurant and the the inspiration behind. A special shout out to Raj, for being the absolutely lovely host and to the lovely team Barbie, Nicole, Danny, Ben, PJ, Cody, Maite and Fergus and everyone. (I couldn’t remember everyone’s names). The service, the atmosphere and the food were nothing short of exceptional. It was an absolute pleasure to visit this place and I can’t stress enough to visit it again! Much Love!

On Cloud Nine Dining at Vue de monde on the 55th floor of the Rialto in Melbourne is so much more than having "lunch" or "dinner"; you do not go there just to eat. You go to have a culinary experience unlike any other in Australia. Many celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and other special events there: indeed, you go there to celebrate life. While there are many fancy places to dine in Melbourne, what stands out here is the fusion of local ingredients, many unique to our land, locally-sourced produce, and boutique, artisan delicacies. There are a few other restaurants that feature local ingredients but what is unique about Vue de monde is the way these are combined in novel and often deceptively simple ways, and the whole is always greater than the sum of its constituent parts. There are so many highlights of my experience at Vue de monde; indeed, the smoked eel was a standout; a great introduction to what was to come. The sea snail on toast followed, dramatic in its presentation. The Sydney rock oyster came next, and paired particularly well with the Larmandier-Bernier Longitude Blanc de Blancs NV. The macadamia cream and caviar was interesting, if not a little too rich for my palate. But what came after - the marron - was absolutely delicious; the finger lime giving a subtle tangy twist. A much welcome mid-meal palate cleanser followed, in the form of a cucumber and sorrel sorbet. This helped to counter the richness of the macadamia and prepare the palate for the main course. Before the red meats was an interesting pea and lamb sweetbread concoction. Then came the red kangaroo with mushroom broth. The meat was topped with green ants, giving it a zesty, tangy note. The highlight of the meal, for many, would have been the Blackmore Wagyu with Koo Wee Rup asparagus. For me, there were already so many highlights this was just one of them. While I loved it a lot, I would have preferred the steak chargrilled or exposed to charcoal the way the damper was lightly toasted on a hibachi. Speaking of the Heritage wheat damper that accompanied the steak: that humble Australian bread toasted over hot coals was possibly the best I have ever had. Toasty damper and cultured butter: perfection in simplicity. The mains were followed by a selection of Australian cheeses, of which the blue cheese was sublime. Then came the sweets: the caramelised white chocolate and olive oil ice cream topped with saltbush was perhaps one of the most fascinating desserts I have ever had; its sweet-savoury interplay of flavours and smooth-crunchy texture disguised within a seemingly simple presentation. If you were not already fully satiated by then, you certainly would be after the chocolate soufflé with billy tea ice cream - a Vue de monde classic for a quarter of a century. It looked quite daunting but was in fact really light and fluffy. The meal concluded with a wattleseed madeleine and chocolate mousse lamington filled with raspberry jelly. By the time I was finished, almost 3 hours had passed, and I felt like I was - high up on the 55th floor of the Rialto - literally on cloud nine. *** Upon request, a printout of the menu signed by the Vue de monde staff was presented to me, and a pdf version was emailed afterwards, which also very thoughtfully included the wines I ordered by the glass paired with the various courses. Special mention needs to be made of the 2015 Lethbridge 'Allegra': a seriously stunning Chardonnay from Geelong.

Celebrated a milestone birthday at Vue de Monde. Exceptional experience from start to finish all of the food was balanced, creative and showcased modern Australian cuisine and native Australian ingredients. The kitchen, wait staff and restaurant presentation exuded fine dining excellence. A special shout out to our sommelier Neil who helped us select wines exactly to our palette and matched beautifully with our meal.

The 'Taste of Vue' experience last Sunday was absolutely amazing. We enjoyed six courses (we opted for the cheese as well) of exquisite food, each beautifully prepared and presented. We also opted for the paired wines which was also the perfect complement to the food. The service was impeccable with each staff member being extremely attentive, helpful and friendly, and the tour of the open kitchen to meet and speak with the chef and his team was a highlight. Every member of the team was clearly very proud of the dining experince they created at Vue de Monde - they have every right to be proud , it was an outstanding lunch Thank you!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ An unforgettable dining experience at Maha! From the moment we walked in, everything about Maha impressed us — the warm lighting, elegant layout, and inviting atmosphere set the tone perfectly. We chose the Soufra banquet, and it was honestly one of the best dining decisions we’ve made in Melbourne. Each course delivered an incredible contrast of flavours and textures — bold, rich, and beautifully balanced. You could tell every dish was crafted with real care and creativity. The staff were outstanding — friendly, professional, and genuinely passionate about the food. They made the whole experience feel effortless and special. Incredible Cocktails as well 🍸 For the quality, service, and attention to detail, Maha offers one of the best-value fine dining experiences in Melbourne, easily on par with restaurants charging far more. It’s the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression — we’ll definitely be back.

I had been wanting to dine at this restaurant for quite some time, largely because of its glowing reviews. We finally made it there last night to celebrate one of my wife’s personal achievements, expecting a memorable experience. While the venue, staff, and ambiance were lovely, the food quality and portion sizes were quite underwhelming. We opted for the $135 per person set menu. Unfortunately, the dishes didn’t live up to the hype. The hummus was bland, I’ve had better from the supermarket. The Mount Zero chickpeas were watery and lacked flavour. The four grilled chicken wings served were tiny, and the Lebanese garlic dumplings were little more than floury clumps with no filling. The slow roasted lamb shoulder, meant to be shared among four adults, was closer to a single main portion you’d expect for one person at a decent restaurant. The first photo shows the main dish that was meant to be shared among four people surprisingly small for a $135 per head menu. In total, we spent $650, but the experience fell flat and left us disappointed. Despite its reputation as one of Melbourne’s best restaurants, the food didn’t come anywhere near close to expectations. There are countless other places in Melbourne that can do far greater justice to Middle Eastern cuisine.

Just wow. We have dined at Maha before and it has always been exceptional. Their latest lunch bowls is a genius concept. We ordered the hummus with bread and the special lunch. The bread was mind blowing and together with the hummus was the highlight of the meal. Just outstanding. The rice dish was delightful, pork belly was cooked well.

Maha is a fantastic dining spot in Melbourne, though it can be a little tricky to find at first – you need to head downstairs, and the entrance feels dark at a glance. Once inside, however, the space is always bustling with energy and a great vibe. The food here is truly outstanding. I tried both the full vegetarian tasting menu and the four-course tasting menu, and every dish was beautifully executed with incredible flavor. While the team can be a little inflexible with menu adjustments, the quality of what they serve more than makes up for it. The ambiance is elegant yet lively, and the wine recommendations were spot on, complementing the dishes perfectly. Overall, a memorable dining experience and definitely worth a visit if you’re in Melbourne.

We had the pleasure of dining here for our anniversary and it was unforgettable. Amazing service and the food was perfect. All the little touches like warm hand towels just added to the experience. I am a pescatarian and they catered all the dishes to accommodate.

This is one of the best Middle Eastern restaurants I have ever visited. The service was impeccable and the food was exceptional. The atmosphere was also remarkable. I would like to commend the team at Maha for making my birthday dinner memorable and ensuring I had a wonderful day.

Amazing service and great food. Jack was fantastic, very attentive and professional throughout our visit. He made the experience truly enjoyable and pleasant. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. Highly recommend this place and Jack's excellent service.

Although wasn’t intended to visit as my son just needed to go to the toilets but the manager was very nice and kind so we stayed for lunch after knowing it’s an Asian fusion restaurant. The dishes were amazing. Very well plated and cooked. We had a pleasant time.

Top 5 restaurant globally for me. They have a branch in Brisbane, but nothing beats the Melbourne kitchen. Absolutely a delight each time dining here. Modern Australian with a hints Asian flavours. Spoiling my tastebuds every time I visit. This should be an Australian institution. Go for cappacio, the duck baos, lobster roll and the fish (we had the flounder) damn!!!!! All sooo good. Died and gone to good heaven. I hate the crew for making me miss their food this much. Will be flying back sooon!!!

This is my second time at this restaurant, and the food is still just as good. We ordered the lobster burgers and sticky rice cakes again, like last time, and also tried some new dishes. I highly recommend the roast pork—it’s perfectly cooked, soft, juicy, and full of flavor. The dumplings, on the other hand, were a bit too plain and not very impressive. The flounder was an interesting surprise for me. It came with a type of Japanese kombu I hadn’t tried before—it looked grey, turned a little slimy when eaten, and had a very strong taste. Personally, I enjoyed it, but I can see how it might not be

***** Supernormal: My Go-To for a Fantastic Night Out! Supernormal is, quite simply, my favorite spot in the city. After five visits, it remains consistently excellent. Everything, from the moment you walk in, is top-notch. The food is always the star, and I can never go past the lamb, it's always incredible, perfectly cooked, and a dish I look forward to every single time. And let's not forget that amazing little complimentary touch: the soy-roasted pumpkin seeds they bring out at the beginning are addictive! Beyond the food, the ambience is buzzing yet comfortable, the service is always great (attentive but never intrusive), and they truly nail the drinks. Their cocktails are inventive and delicious, and the wine selection is broad and thoughtful. Supernormal delivers a fantastic experience across the board. If you're looking for an unforgettable meal and a great time, this is the place. I can't wait for my sixth visit!

My colleague and I had lunch on Saturday, September 27th. We thought it was a very pleasant venue to get together. The menu is somewhat limited, but we didn't worry about it. The quality was great. We had double portions of the Lobster roll ( 2 each), the Duck leg, and the Scallops. Prepare to pay premium prices. We were seated at the counter which isn't convenient for personal conversations. ( hence 4 stars). The staff were very accommodating ( The manager (?) in the black suit and glasses was a typical and a professional host. Compliments to the Sommelier. Delightful wine list and the Medhurst Chardonnay 2024 ( Yarra Valley) was such a great accompaniment with the lobster rolls.

My wife loved Supernormal and we visit each time we are in the vicinity. We loved their XinJiang ribs and dishes but this time we did not have an enjoyable time. We sat at the cramped counter and there was none of the ribs as it was only for a short time. Among other dishes ordered, we also ordered from “Dumpling and friends” menu, the prawn toast and wagyu beef bun at $12 each. Although the price was reasonable, the size of the prawn toast and wagyu beef were too small. The prawn toast was just a bit bigger than 50 cents coin. They could have included another one and I would not have complained or write this review. The wagyu beef bun was nothing special. It was not in keeping with SuperNormal excellence. If you are dining there after reading this, don’t order the “dumpling & friends”. However, we did like the Sichuan chicken and flounder. I wish they had more sense than to put out such an “ordinary” dumpling & friends menu.

a supernormal dining experience at Melbourne's hottest spot @supernormal we started with the Korean Rice Cakes with sesame and sweet chilli $12, the perfect combo of soft and sticky with a crisp outer shell. Prawn Toast $12 was a savoury bomb with thick, generous pieces of prawn wrapped in a shell of crunchy sesame toast. The Shark Bay Scallop roasted in kelp butter $14 so rich and delicious, couldn't get enough of that sauce in shell goodness. For shared mains, we got the Short Rib Bun with aged vinegar & fermented chilli $15, stuffed with protein and with a melt in your mouth tenderness. The chilli was a nice kick of freshness to cut through the heaviness. We also got the Duck Bao with twice cooked duck leg, black vinegar & plum sauce which was unfortunately a bit of a letdown as the sauces were quite watered down. The duck was cooked well but it was a bit bland so I wouldn't order this dish again. everything was great except the duck so it was a shame to end on that note, but I would highly recommend ordering all their snacks and entrees!!

First experience at the much heralded Flower Drum and overall the experience was a good one. The service and atmosphere of the restaurant are truly first class. Found the food to be a little hit or miss. Some dishes were exemplary and then others lacked a bit flavour. Obviously this is a small sample size so not doubting the restaurants reputation for outstanding cusine. However given the eye watering prices of all dishes the hope would be 10/10 flavour on all orders. All this being said, this was an enjoyable experience and would recommend to anyone looking to have a truly authentic Cantonese dining experience in Melbourne.

Great place for celebration. We had three course lunch today. Food was nice. Service was attentive. Not your typical Chinese restaurant. But if you are looking for something bit more up scale and finer this is one of the best restaurants in Melbourne.

Absolutely wonderful dining experience at Flower Drum. The staff were attentive without being intrusive, and the food was exceptional in both quality and presentation. My friend and I enjoyed the signature banquet, and every dish was a delight. It’s not the kind of place you visit every day, but it’s worth every visit for a special occasion. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a truly memorable Cantonese meal in Melbourne.

I had dinner at the venue last Sunday for my Birthday Celebration but they did not include any special offer, so to mention in advance your special occasion does not make any difference. We ordered the chef selection ($300 pp + $60 pp, wagyu upgrade) and it was very average overall and it did not feel that the experience was fine dining. For that price you can go to Vue de Monde, Amaru or Minamishima and adding the beluga caviar for some extra bucks and you will definitely have a much better experience. Table was dirty when we arrived and we got probably the worst table at the venue (corner table with very little space, I recommended that table should not exist) but this point for me was not an issue as I had high expectations for the food, unfortunately the food totally disappointed us. Maybe the highlights were the Peking duck and wagyu dish, but what could be wrong with very safe dishes, right? As I said before food was extremely average and very pricey for the food quality. I felt that all dishes were very oily, and the presentation was not detailed as plate came dirty or very disorganised. There is not a non-alcoholic pairing for chef selection as well. Service was friendly.

Amazing restaurant with absolutely delicious food! I highly recommend trying the black truffle fried rice and the duck noodles — both were outstanding and full of flavour. The staff were incredibly accommodating and super polite, making the whole experience even better. The atmosphere and vibe feel like they’re from another era, but it adds charm and character to the restaurant rather than taking away from it. Definitely worth visiting!

Everything was perfect. We were a big group for my son’s birthday and the waiter was very helpful helping with the menu choice. We had a variety of chicken, pork, beef, seafood and duck. The cocktails were delicious and the food exceptional. I didn’t take a photo of everything that came out because we had so many little servings at the beginning and we were all so hungry. But I highly recommend flower drum.

Had dinner with a reservation and ordered a selection of dim sums and appetisers. Started of with the dim sums which included the mud crab siu lung bao and scallop siu mai (both had a nice seafood sweetness, not a common filling you would find in a yumcha restaurant), prawn har gao, pork siu lung bao and pork jiaozi. Then came the large seafood soup dumpling filled with a large piece of scallop, mud crab, mushroom and bamboo shoots in a clear chicken broth. This was warm, hearty and clean tasting. This was followed with the appetisers. The pearl meat dish is sautéed with spring onion, garlic chives and asparagus, served on a beautiful shell plate. It was soft and delicate; tried the oyster and fermented shrimp sauces that came on the side but they were both too strong and overpowering. For the dragon boat prawn dish, it is a butterflied king prawn topped with minced prawn and scallop meat, served with a spicy prawn bisque which has some heat and intense savoury seafood flavour; the sweet snap peas was a nice palate cleanser for the dish. The lamb spring rolls was crispy and piping hot but the meat was quite gamy. The peking duck comes with two pieces; pancake wrap had a soft chewy texture, roast duck meat was tender, skin was not crispy but was good enough with the contrasting texture from the cucumber and spring onion, and the sweet plum sauce tied everything together. Overall a decent meal, highlight was the seafood soup dumpling and the scallop siu mai. Service was good; the staff was checking in occasionally and refilling the tea. Price is on the higher end.

The food we had here was alright, felt like the flavours and seasoning weren’t as potent on the night we visited. However it was an unreal dining experience in terms of the quality of service we got here. Excellent team working the floor provided us with great insight on the dishes and made our stay here much more enjoyable. Bread was phenomenal tho.

We visited this restaurant to celebrate a friend's birthday and had a mostly pleasant experience. The entrées and antipasti were absolutely delicious, and the drinks were well-made. We really appreciated how attentive the two male servers were; one of them even noticed I didn’t enjoy my drink and kindly swapped it out for something I'd like better, which was a lovely touch. However, the experience did have some inconsistencies. While the mains were okay, the off-menu tiramisu we ordered for dessert was quite disappointing. It was overly sweet and didn’t have that classic espresso flavor we were hoping for. Additionally, the presentation was a bit messy. When we mentioned this feedback to another server, the response we received felt a bit dismissive, which was a noticeable contrast from the otherwise great service we had earlier in the evening. In the end, it left us a bit disappointed. Overall, we’d say it’s a place with some really good highlights, especially on the appetizer side and thanks to some of the staff who went above and beyond. But there’s definitely room for a bit more consistency in both desserts and service attitude.

I reserved my birthday dinner on 27/06 here seeing the good reviews. However, my experience did not reflect any of the above. First of all, I am not allowed to bring my birthday cake in to share, which if fine and when I asked whether I can bring it in to take a photo, the lady over the phone was very hesitant so I just didn’t bring the cake at all. We were warmly greeted in the beginning and the nightmare begin when we started ordering. The restaurant light was very dim and it made us a bit difficult to see the menu, when the waitress in the black frame glasses, brown hair, ponytail came up was the real nightmare. My parents don’t speak or read English very well. Hence, my brothers and I are translating for them. It was a bit difficult for us to translate as the menu was hard to read with the lighting and with all the Italian words. The waitress came up and she was very impatient she sped read through the menu and the special menu and just took off. The restaurant was not the most quiet and with all the Italian mixed in her spiel it was very hard to follow. She left after she did her spiel we were there left dumbfounded. Afterwards we decided to ask her whether there is any recommendations so we can order according to that. Again she was very impatient and rude. She also asked previously whether there is any allergy and I advised her I was allergic to mango. However, my mum didn’t feel like seafood that day so she advised me before we asked for her recommendation. She was in a very condescending tone stating:” you should’ve told me before this is why I asked you if there is any allergies.” I was too shocked to reply as I felt like I was being scolded like a child. I didn’t know not feeling like seafood and allergic to seafood falls into the same category. However, I continue to let her recommend, she again spoke at a ultra fast speed and said all the none seafood is on the special menu. When I asked where is the special menu she said it’s in her head. I do recommend that there is a physical special menu as I cannot understand a single word coming out of her mouth. She also had quite an unpleasant breath, which really affected the experience. A gentle reminder about personal oral hygiene could really help maintain the restaurant’s excellent standards. After ordering I was left feeling really disgusted by her attitude. I can’t believe this is the service coming from a chef hat award restaurant. The first dish took forever to arrive. A simple lemon lime bitters took 20 minutes to service. The time in between each dish is way too long. The ravioli was quite salty and when I mentioned the food was alright to that same female staff she was unhappy with my response and again very rudely said, “ what’s wrong” I had to say the ravioli was quite salty and she seemed very upset about it. The final wagyu was too raw for my parents. I was never asked how we prefer the wagyu to be cooked. I’m not sure whether we are never asked or there was not preference for how the wagyu is cooked. The duck was quite dry and hard to chew. We were never offered the dessert menu as well. In addition, I personally thought she was just having a bad day hence the attitudes. However, she also served the table behind us and because the tables are very close and she is very loud I can hear her voice. I found out she is capable to being respectable and nice to the two caucasian lady sitting behind her which leaves me wonder why here attitude is like this with us? I do hope it is not because of a racial preference. On the contrary, all the other staff I have encountered in the restaurant are very nice, respectable and patient, that’s why I gave one star for service. Overall, it was a very unpleasant experience and it was the worst birthday dinner I’ve ever had. The service really makes up a big part of the experience. Overall I would not recommend to any of my Asian friends out there or friends who doesn’t understand Italian as it seems like it is a prerequisite to understand Italian to order otherwise you will be looked down by the waitress.

Came here for dinner with a reservation and had the 'Gran Four' tasting menu which included seven dishes as well as some starter snacks, sourdough bread and pre-dessert palate cleanser which was not listed on the menu. Most of the dishes were very tasty; highlights were the scallops encased in a light crispy coating, the lobster risotto which has a condensed seafood and cheesy taste with a few big pieces of lobster to enjoy, and the duck tortellini which was rich and savoury with a nice al dente texture. The strawberry sorbet was also very good with a naturally sweet and refreshing taste. Service was friendly and attentive, each dish was explained in detail and the course took around two and a half hours to finish.

Amazing food, service and atmosphere, not to be faulted. After so many years, still the best Italian food in town.

Dinner at Grossi Florentino was such a lovely experience. The atmosphere felt warm and welcoming from the moment we arrived. The service was friendly and professional without ever feeling over the top, and every course was full of flavour and care. The pasta was fresh and delicate, and the desserts were just beautiful. It’s one of those places where you can relax, enjoy great food, and really take in the moment. Everything flowed perfectly, and you could tell the team genuinely enjoy what they do. A wonderful spot for a special night out in Melbourne.

Had an amazing experience especially Eris was so professional,witty and friendly as well as all the dishes were delicious especially Tiramisu was out of world yummy

My family and I were in Melbourne for a week and there were no reservations but we were lucky enough to nab a table as a walk in and we were not disappointed. Tipo00 lives up to the hype. We had a great waitress from NZ. The food oh the food. It was faultless. It was delicious. The flavours were incredible. I love this place. The chef's really know what they are doing and that reflects in the dishes. The produce they used was excellent. For such a small kitchen the dishes are superb. This place deserves the excellent reputation it has. Thank you Tipo00. You more than hit the spot x

I love this place for its consistency, always elite service and exceptionally high standards for food. I enjoy trying new restaurants, but I just know I’ll have a great meal every time I go to Tipo 00. It’s a smaller restaurant, so I don’t bring my kids here as the tables are quite close together, but that actually adds to the cosy, intimate atmosphere. The squid ink pasta is divine, and the octopus was perfectly cooked. The dessert was decadent without being too rich, the perfect end to a meal. Their Negroni is always spot on, and the staff never disappoint. It’s super easy to get to in the CBD, great if you’re visiting Melbourne and staying nearby. For locals, street parking can be tricky, so I’d recommend using Melbourne Central or another nearby parking garage and walking down. I’ve also had a ceviche here (I think it was kingfish?) that was wonderful. Highly recommend this spot, a true Melbourne gem!

Tipo 00, aptly named after the finely milled flour at the heart of great pasta, continues to prove why it’s one of Melbourne’s most beloved dining experiences. We started with freshly shucked oysters with shallot vinegar and the king prawns with yellow tomato puttanesca and pickled shallot — both beautifully balanced and full of flavour. But the veal carpaccio with shimeji mushroom and parmesan was the undeniable standout — delicate, refined, and utterly delicious. For mains, we shared a selection of pasta dishes (each one showcasing perfect texture and depth) and the Wagyu rump cap with heirloom carrot and karkalla, accompanied by a crisp cos, radicchio, honey and persimmon salad. Every dish was executed with precision and flair. Dessert was the perfect finale — the pannacotta with bay leaf, pear and almond was delicate and fragrant, while the crespella with vanilla, rhubarb and fennel pollen was truly exceptional — inventive, comforting, and utterly delicious. Service was brilliant — warm, attentive, and effortless — and the atmosphere was buzzing without being overwhelming. Tipo 00 remains a wonderful staple in Melbourne’s dynamic food scene — refined yet approachable, and always a joy to return to.

Tipo 00 had been on my list for quite some time, and with how busy it gets, booking in advance is definitely required. It’s known as a true institution of Italian dining in Melbourne, and overall, it lived up to its reputation. We ordered five dishes plus the complimentary focaccia. Complimentary Focaccia (4.5/5) – I didn’t expect much since it was complimentary, but it was fantastic. Served warm, with a pesto and cheese combination that worked beautifully together. Simple but so well done; I’ll definitely be recreating that at home. Tuna Crudo (1/5) – This was on the specials menu, and we decided to try it out. The price wasn’t mentioned, but it turned out to be around $60 (if I remember correctly) for six small pieces, roughly $10 each. The dish itself was very average, nothing out of the ordinary, and definitely not worth the price. Felt like a bit of a rort, to be honest. Grilled Ox Tongue (3.5/5) – As a big fan of ox tongue, I had to try it. Unfortunately, it was just okay. The thinly folded slices lacked that chewy texture I enjoy, and the sauce was a little overpowering, masking the natural beef flavour. Linguine with Moreton Bay Bug (4/5) – The linguine was spot on; perfect texture and bite. The sauce was rich and full of flavour, though I would’ve preferred the bug served in its shell for presentation and juiciness. Some pieces were a little dry from being mixed into the pasta, but still very tasty overall. Pappardelle with Braised Duck (4.5/5) – The standout of the night. The pasta was beautifully al dente and clung perfectly to the sauce. The duck was tender, and the porcini added great depth of flavour. Tipomisu (3.5/5) – Tipo’s version of tiramisu was enjoyable but overly sweet. The chocolate overpowered the coffee flavour, and I think a bit more mascarpone would have balanced it better. Overall, Tipo 00 delivered on quality and craftsmanship with a few standout dishes, but also a few misses. Despite the disappointing crudo, I’d still come back for their pastas and that focaccia.

A reliable old favourite. Tends to get very busy, but for a good reason. Their pastas and risottos are so good that I’ve never gotten to other mains… The starters and desserts are also great. Quite often the menu fails to convey all the complexity and intensity of flavour in simply-sounding dishes. And the staff is just so lovely and helpful!

Tipo 00 deserves a 5 out of 5 rating for an exceptional dining experience. To start, I ordered the Lingua (ox tongue, balsamic & pink peppercorn), which was rich and flavorful. For the main course, the Tagliolini al nero (squid ink tagliolini, squid and bottarga) was perfectly cooked with a delightful depth of taste. We also tried the daily special, sea urchin and abalone spaghetti, and were thrilled by the freshness of the seafood. A tip for fellow visitors: there is often a queue outside the bistro about 15 minutes before it opens at 11:30am. It’s wise to either make a reservation (deposit required) or arrive early for a chance at a walk-in table.

Tessa is AMAZING 🤩! We had such a brilliant time with DIVINE food ( well worth the wait as I had missed out dining here previously), urban service & spectacular company! EVERY dish delivered moorish praise. I can’t wait to come back! Thank you so much Tessa for reading our table impeccably! So fabulous to have such an engaging & efficient server .. from Ex-Hospo peeps U Rock 🤘🏽!

This is my second time dining here and its remains one of my top restaurants in Melbourne. The waitstaff is always amazing, even though our waiter had only been working there for two weeks he was super professional and friendly. My favourite dishes from this visit were the whiting and the apple tart tartin, I would highly recommend getting these two dishes. I also appreciated there were lots of interesting mocktails to try. Would definitely recommend Cutler and Co for a fancy dinner and lovely evening.

My fiancé and I had the pleasure of dining at Cutler back in July. The food, service and ambiance were immaculate. We loved our experience so much that we are returning next month for our post elopement dinner. Special shout out to our server who never rushed us, gave us amazing recommendations (side of fries to dip in the sauce with the fish!) and was all around delightful.

A classic Andrew McConnell restaurant - great quality and consistent food. While the menu is never ground breaking, the consistency of quality and consistent execution is something to be marvelled We dined on the chefs menu which was very generous on portion sizing. Tuna entree was delicious, fresh and clean The main of steak could have had a much better sear. Pavlova for dessert you can’t go wrong. Service was lovely & wine list very good.

It became the best memory of our trip to Melbourne✨ All the staff were so kind and welcoming! Even about me bringing my little plush friend along🐰 One of them even asked for its name, which made me so happy🥹💗 The staff member who served our table had amazing knowledge of the menu, and we followed his recommendations — every dish was absolutely perfect for both me and my partner🍽️😊Especially, the duck we had...It was the bestes...🥰 From the moment we stepped inside to the moment we left, everything was just beyond words. Truly an unforgettable experience💖

Fine but uncomplicated dining, Cutler’s menu is elegant, delicious simplicity. The whiting and venison dishes were both lip-smacking, but our fave was the little bowl of humble anchovy & sage fritters. Like a fancy beer snack, I could’ve easily scoffed 50 of these tasty morsels alone! The space is gorgeous, an old metalworks factory with marbled walls & intimate candlelit booths. Service was seamless and attentive, with table crumbing between courses. Would definitely chomp again when next in Melbourne!

Dining at Cutler was an experience I won’t soon forget. From the moment we arrived, everything was seamless — warm, professional service, a beautifully designed space, and a menu that strikes the perfect balance between creativity and comfort. The ambiance is modern and elegant without feeling pretentious. Soft lighting, thoughtful décor, and just the right level of background music made it ideal for both conversation and relaxation. Now to the food — absolutely phenomenal. Each course was executed with precision and heart. The ingredients were clearly fresh and of high quality, and the flavor combinations were inventive yet familiar. I had the seared duck breast with roasted fig and truffle jus, and was blown away. Every bite was perfectly cooked and balanced. Even the sides and small touches, like the house-made bread and butter, were memorable. The service truly stood out — attentive without being intrusive. Our server was knowledgeable about the menu and wine list, offered great pairing suggestions, and made us feel genuinely welcome. Cutler isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a dining experience. Whether you're celebrating something special or simply want a night of exceptional food and atmosphere, this place is a gem. Highly recommended.

Andrew McConnell’s flagship restaurant Cutler since inception 2009 has always been busy and bookings are always essential. Similar menu arrangement as cumulus, small bites to entrees moving on to mains and larger mains accompanied with sides. Degustation menu can be sampled to try his craftsmanship. Time of visiting the seating was quite dark although by the large front window dinning can be enjoyed thoroughly whilst watching the world go by on Gertrude St. Try the house warm donuts chives and salmon roe and sour cream. Mushroom pithivier. From the grill the O’Connor Sirloin cooked perfectly paired with glazed onions and condiments to enjoy with. Dessert the dark chocolate tart with liquorice and fromage Blanc you cannot go past to finish off. Great food but not too sold on half looking serves on the pithivier and tart.

Our waiter didn’t take our order correctly, so we missed out on one of the dishes we really wanted to try. We also felt the service was quite rude at times. That said, the steak with mushroom sauce was delicious! The white wine mussels and shredded duck were also really good, but very salty (which, judging by other reviews, might be a recurring issue). The Crème Caramel was a bit average and underwhelming. The atmosphere is lively and the menu is huge — lots of interesting dishes to explore. I’m open to coming back to try more — hopefully with friendlier service and a bit more balanced seasoning.

The true definition of a Melbourne institution. I’ve only ever heard people rave about this place — and after dining here, I completely understand why it’s been thriving for over 40 years. What’s already charming is that bookings are only taken over the phone — no online reservations — which adds to its old-school appeal. The moment you walk in, you can feel the buzz. The atmosphere is electric yet classic — white tablecloths, mirrored walls with menus and specials written across them, and a retro bar greeting you at the entrance. The waiters, dressed in crisp black and white, move gracefully through the space, creating a seamless dining experience. Service was exceptional — attentive, fast, and friendly throughout the night. The food was absolutely exquisite. We started with a dozen oysters, mussels in white wine and cream, and the house-made pork sausage with mustard sauce — all perfection. For mains, we had the Entrecôte, cooked to perfection and served with fries, salad, and our choice of sauce. The portion size was generous, the quality outstanding, and at $53, incredible value. We paired our meal with cocktails followed by a bottle of rosé — the perfect match. France-Soir is one of those restaurants that stays with you long after you’ve left. A place I’ll always come back to and dream about returning to. It’s fun, timeless, and everything you want from a classic French dining experience. I hope it continues to shine in Melbourne for decades to come.

A hidden gem serving French cuisine. Its quite packed and always crowded, best to make a booking. Friendly staff. Food was served quick. The escargot was delicious. They serve excellent bread as well. Duck was cooked nicely. Chips were crispy. Steak was good, wished it was a bigger portion. The dessert was exceptional. Pear tart was amazing, chocolate mousse was rich.

I had an absolute fantastic night, no words can describe the time I had at France soir, Milan our waiter was caring and took time to make our night so special! John, Cedric, Justin and Gaspard did their part beautifully! Can’t wait to come back to our own little France here in Melbourne!

Nice French Restaurant - food are delicious and well prepared, staff speak french well. A bot busy but understandable as it is so popular. Only thing is that when I called to reserve a seat, the waitress seems a bot inpatient

There is a reason that this is a beloved Melbourne institution, the food is delicious. The service is quick, attentive and friendly, the wine list is extensive. I love the steak tartare its perfect, the escargot is tender and packed with garlic, sopping up that butter with the fresh warm bread a delight. I had the rabbit special which was rich and moreish and the profiteroles were an obscenely generous serving.

Have been coming here for more than 30 years. Never ever been disappointed. It's a classic French bistro with bluntly a very extensive menu. There are moderately priced wines and shall we say more expensive ones so if you think the wine is overpriced choose something lesser.. What to order? Anything! But I need the steak au pouivre at least once a year. Been coming so long never had a disappointment. And the rude staff thing is something I have never experienced. It's just so good

We had a 7-course tasting menu, but unfortunately, many of the dishes were below average. Some were overwhelmingly sour or sweet to the point where I couldn’t help but scrunch my face. The King shrimp with squid ink was served cold and felt overly greasy. While I enjoyed the duck, parts of it were so chewy that I had to spit some out. Both desserts felt like a random mix of flavors that didn’t complement each other. Overall, it didn’t feel worth the price for a fine dining experience. That said, the staff and service were excellent.

One of the best in Melbourne, classic Japanese French, the chief is great, the wine list is amazing too. Definitely a Michelin star worthy restaurant!

Highly recommend giving this place a try if you haven’t already! It’s been a few years since our last visit, and happy to say the food is still just as yummy. Every dish was beautifully plated and full of flavour — you can really tell they put care into both the presentation and the taste. The atmosphere is lovely too, making it a perfect spot for a date or special occasion.

High level, intricate and delicious Japanese meal. Presentation was impeccable. Service was subtle, excellent wine suggestions. Every course was superb - we could not choose our favorite. Highly recommended for a memorable, special occasion

Extremely good fine dining restaurant with a Japanese and French inspired kitchen. We had the 7 course menu. We "upgraded" to the wagyu beef. Highly recommended. The price per person was around $270 with only a glass of wine. The service was very professional.

Great dining experience! The food are delicious: > the appetizerssssss were amazing and I especially like the salmon ikura tart > the seaweed butter is creative and taste very good > the grill prawn is the most delicious dish of all, the seasoning, the grill is just perfect > we like the lamb main dish more than the upgraded wagyu but both of then are good The waiters are very welcoming and I can see them serving from the bottom of their heart. Online /phone reservation is needed.

We came here for my birthday back in April 2021. Last night we were in the area and decided to do an impromptu drop in to see if we could get a table. We were seated and we ate the 7 course meal for $220 pp. Everything was phenomenal. The meals were delicious. They were a nice fusion of French, Australian and Japanese styles. Masa and his crew were incredibly kind and the service was top notch. This is not one of those restaurants that make dishes that look good for social media posts with disappointing flavours. The flavours in the 7 course menu were adventurous and they all complimented each other so well. The scallops and lamb were so good! Can't wait to return again!

What a great plant-based dining experience in such a beautiful, vibrant space! The staff went above and beyond to ensure we were well taken care of. The food and drinks were absolutely incredible. The menu has something for everyone to enjoy together. It was a perfect dining experience all around. I’ll definitely be back soon!

Good vibes and lovely service – it’s definitely the place to be! The food was amazing: we had several starters, one main, and still found room for dessert. Every dish was impressive, and we truly appreciated the chefs’ hard work in crafting a great dining experience. Unfortunately, each plate had a few small flaws that kept us from having that real “WOW” moment. Still, it’s absolutely an amazing place to enjoy food in Melbourne! Great job, guys!

My mates and I (you may remember us as the 3 guys with the funky t-shirts!) came by this past Sunday, and what an experience it was! Every single dish we tried was absolutely fantastic. Honestly, there wasn’t a single dish we didn’t enjoy, which was such a pleasant surprise. The staff were incredibly welcoming and made us feel at home. Huge shoutout to them for being so kind and attentive. We had such a great time that we’re already planning our return. Next time, we’ll be bringing t-shirts for the team as well. Food, service, and value: all 5 stars! The only reason I’m giving 4 stars for atmosphere is because it was a tad chilly. Thank you for making our Sunday so memorable!

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Smith + Daughters, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I stepped in, the warm, vibrant atmosphere and the welcoming staff set the perfect tone for the evening. The attention to detail in every dish was remarkable. The flavors were bold and beautifully balanced, with each plate thoughtfully presented to delight both the eyes and the palate. The aromas alone were enough to make the experience special, drawing you in before even taking the first bite. The cocktails were crafted with precision, offering unique and refreshing combinations that perfectly complemented the meal. Opting for the set menu was an excellent choice—it showcased the creativity and expertise of the kitchen, with each course flowing seamlessly into the next. Smith + Daughters is a true gem, proving that plant-based dining can be just as indulgent, satisfying, and exciting as any other culinary experience. I can’t wait to return! Alex from Perth

Unreal food, and I’m definitely not vegan. Incredibly friendly staff that squeezed me with no reservation and awesome chefs enjoying themselves in the kitchen! A real treat!

Staff here are super lovely and help to create a wonderful atmosphere to eat and relax. The food was delicious - we had the 4 course banquet of the middle eastern menu reboot and it didn’t disappoint. The salad was nice but the ‘charred’ aspect didn’t do much to the flavour of it. This was my second time dining here and Id definitely recommend, and will probably be back in future!

Delicious and wonderful as always. I had the kofta for my entree which was so devine and then pumpkin ravioli for my main, unfortunately a bit too sweet for my liking but that may be personal preference, if you like super buttery food you will enjoy this dish- I'm just not used to that very buttery taste anymore. I do wish they still did the vodka pasta way back when they were at their old location! One of the tastiest dishes I remember having. Please bring it back hehe Thank you Smith and Daughters

My partner booked the five course decongestant with wine pairing and each meal just kept getting better and better. Every plate was full of flavor and I could have liked the plate at the end of each meal. The wine pairings were phenomal and the customer service was beautiful. Not only having our own waiter but each person who either brought a drink or meal was friendly and explained everything perfectly

It was amazing! The atmosphere was so lovely, and the staff were nice too. We ordered appetizers and main dishes, everything was amazing! The portions weren’t big, but every plate was tasty and full of flavour. The wine was so good, and it paired perfectly with the food. Really recommend 💗✨

One of those nights you wish you could give 6 stars…. From the minute you get to the high doors in the laneway you feel like you are in Italy The staff are so lovely and we had the best waiter. He was professional yet fun and the pace was perfect. The prosciutto Gnocco Fritto were as good as anticipated after seeing them on social media and the great reviews here. Literally insanely delicious combination of warm pastry, delicate warm cheese and superb prosciutto. We picked a delicious bottle of wine which always helps! The special pumpkin ravioli was fantastic shared as an entree. The fish collar was again really to die for, so much meat and lots of good fish oil. Out of the meals we chose for mains the Tagliatelle Ragu was unpredictably the highlight. The Tagliatelle was so delicate and thin and the sauce was so so good. An amazing atmosphere….. loved the artwork and loved how every space had been considered with plants on window ledges and those fantastic stainless steel shelves that house the alcohol on those lovely tiles. Bravo Bravo!!

🇮🇹 Trattoria Emilia – A True Taste of Italy in the Heart of Melbourne What an incredible dining experience! From the moment we walked into Trattoria Emilia, it truly felt like we had been transported to a cozy trattoria in Italy. The warm lighting, rustic decor, and the sound of Italian conversations in the background created the most authentic and romantic vibe. Our server Matteo made the evening even more special. He was genuinely kind, professional, and had such a great sense of humor. He gave thoughtful recommendations and explained each dish with so much passion — you could tell he truly cared about the guest experience. Grazie, Matteo! 🇮🇹 Now, let’s talk about the food… Absolutely delicious. Every dish was beautifully plated and bursting with flavor. We ordered the handmade pasta, which was cooked to perfection, and barramundi , which melted in our mouths. The wine pairing was also spot on — you can tell they know their stuff. Whether you’re celebrating something special or just craving authentic Italian food, Trattoria Emilia is a must-visit in Melbourne. Between the food, the atmosphere, and the exceptional service from Matteo, it was one of the best meals we’ve had in the city. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Can’t wait to go back!

Had dinner with my gf tonite. Ordered a carpaccio, the spanner crab spaghetti, the prosciutto tortellini n a side sautéed vegetable. We ended the meal with a tiramisu. Food was spectacular. The seasoning was perfect. Didn’t need to add any salt n pepper. Both pasta were cooked al dente which way we like. The tiramisu was their “own way”. Not what we expected but it was very good in their own way. Service was fantastic. Our side came late n they were v apologetic n for that, they didn’t charge us for it. Highly recommend.

Attentive, knowledgeable staff from entry to exit. Delicious dishes with balanced and unique flavours and textures. Perfect al dente pasta and various starters. The tiramisu was genuinely unique unlike other restaurant’s to the point that it didn’t resemble tiramisu. It had an Anzac-biscuit like cookie inside and frangelico poured on top. Worth ordering if you’d like something unique but don’t order expecting similarity to tiramisu. Not a drawback but didn’t meet expectations, still delicious. Will definitely come back again!

My brother and I had dinner here Saturday night. We just couldn’t fault anything. Food was amazing with good vegetarian options. We had 3 courses each and every dish delicious, so fresh and seasonal. Wait staff were charming and professional (with beautiful Italian accents and charm), there with good ideas re our selections but not hovering unnecessarily. Restaurant has lovely vibrant atmosphere – good acoustics, we had no trouble hearing each other. We will definitely be returning!

Wonderful service from the start till the end. Flavours were spot-on and the cucumber snack was definitely a highlight - mostly hits and no misses! Was celebrating my birthday as a solo diner and really appreciated all the small gestures and compliments that were generously provided during my meal. Kudos to the team!

If I can give this place 7 stars I would happily acquiesce to my restrained giddiness. From the moment we stepped in what was a typically miserable Melbourne day and into the warmth nee bosom of L F H we fell in love. The restaurant itself had a genuine and welcoming ambience. The food was some of the best I’ve had and we travel all over the world for fine dining over the last 20-30 years. Our waitress for the evening was the incomparable Lawrence 12/10. She felt like she was part of our group. We talked, we laughed then talked some more. Great spirit and wished that all waitressing staff were like Lawrence!!! Vote 1 for Lawrence. Definitely back again!!!!

I would travel far and wide to taste the sweet, crispy and wonderfully sticky eggplant, the intimate and mood lit dining room where we travelled through a delicious series of dishes that were impeccable! I loved everything about this place, from the copious cups of fresh tea, strawberries and pork and Peking duck. Continuing onto desserts which were all so wonderfully cleansing! I have now joined the list of people who’s favourite dining experience is Lee Ho Fook because let’s face it, after that I don’t think I would be the only one! I cannot wait to come back

Went here for the restaurant's 10 year anniversary for a nice date night, but had to wait 20 minutes to be seated even with a booking. Servers were not proactive in attending to us when we got in. Must admit, the food was incredible and really took us on a journey which brings my rating up. One of the servers was quite nice, he gave us some tea to take home and offered to take a picture of me and my partner. So the experience ended in a positive way. Hopefully won't have as long of a wait if I go on a different night. Would still recommend you try it just for the food

Dined here two months ago for their one night special dinner celebrating 10 years at the CBD location. The menu included 16 popular dishes from 2015-2025 served over seven courses. I was seated at the counter where all the action was happening which was nice. Most of the dishes were very tasty, you get to experience so many flavour and texture combinations and spices. The amount of food was just right. Favourites were the pickled mussel, baby cucumber with cashew cream, prawn cutlet, scallop with silken tofu, crispy eggplant, wagyu beef with black pepper sauce, and both the desserts. Also service was great; staffs were friendly and attentive, and pacing of the course was good considering how busy it was.

This was SENSATIONAL !! The best dinner I’ve had in Melbourne, completely and totally in love with how simple everything was, simple is hard to do well as there is no room for error. This was 10/10 in every sense, I loved the tea pairing with the food - a wonderful point of difference. Wow, wow, wow, I cannot wait to be back 🦆 I’ll be dreaming of crispy eggplant until that day !

One of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a while — absolutely worth it. The Peking duck was incredible with perfectly crispy skin, and the toothfish was light, delicate, and delicious. We enjoyed our date night here on a Wednesday, and the bonus of BYO with no corkage made it even better though we ended up spending 350+ because the food is sooooo delicious! We feel so lucky to have discovered this gem

I’m dreaming about this food. The dips are the best I’ve had and the most fresh falafel. So so delicious. Recommend booking a table as it is a busy restaurant, which shows how much love this food gets! Beautiful restaurant

Surprisingly underwhelmed with our dinner last night at Abla’s given the highly rated reviews on here. The restaurant itself was dated with a stuffy smell (we sat downstairs). The food was mediocre and the meat dishes came out warm at best. We ordered beers first and my glass was dirty - with a dead fly floating on the foam. Not great The server was nice but mistook our orders. Maybe it was an off night but was a shame.

Had a wonderful dinner at Abla’s! The food was absolutely delicious—hearty, homely, and full of flavour. There was a great variety of dishes, including plenty of gluten-free options, which made it easy to find something for everyone. The service was warm, attentive, and made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend for anyone looking for comforting cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.

ORDERED FEB 2025: 🦕 Mixed dips: combination of labnee, hummous and baba gannouj ($21.00) 🥔 Lebanese Potatoes/Batata Harra: Potatoes fried with garlic, coriander, chilli and salt ($16.00) 🥗 Fattoush: A green salad with radish, tomato, cucumber, capsicum and Lebanese fried bread ($18.00) 🍡 Kafta Mishwee: Four skewers of minced lamb, seasoned with parsley, onion and spices, grilled and served with tabouleh ($34.00) It was $45.17pp between two people here. REVIEW: Minor price increases on the mixed dips & lebanese potatoes compared to last year. ❤️ The food is still delicious and plentiful. The lebanese fried bread within the fattoush salad was crunchy and adds incredible addictive texture. Service is still second to none, offering more pita if you've still got some mixed dips remaining on your plate! Definitely still book before you go. It packed on a weekday! ------------- ORDERED 2024: 🦕 Mixed dips: combination of labnee (home-made naturally thickened yogurt), hummous (Chickpeas blended with tahini, garlic and lemon juice) and baba gannouj (smoked eggplant blended with tahini, garlic and lemon juice) ($20.00) 🥔 Lebanese Potatoes/Batata Harra: Potatoes fried with garlic, coriander, chilli and salt ($15.00) 🥗 Fattoush: A green salad with radish, tomato, cucumber, capsicum and Lebanese fried bread ($18.00) 🍢 Lahem Mishwee: Two skewers of lamb fillets, marinated and grilled, served with tabouleh ($32.00) 🏺 Jug of limonda: Home-made lemonade with rose water ($14.00) It was $40.60 for my portion! REVIEW: The food was fantastic. It was filling and flavourful. A couple of my favourite F words 🥰. Shoutouts are for the mixed dips with its refreshing olive oil and its generous pita servings which you can request for more once it runs out! Then, the crispy lebanese potatoes which isn't shy with its spices, and the fattoush with its crispy fried bread. I think fried food has a soft spot in my stomach 🤣. 💓 It's great food to share between friends, with a jug of limonda refreshing to have with our food. The food in general gives home cooked food vibes without compromising on the restaurant quality! Abla's has tight steep steps and I'm unsure if there's accessibility access. The area is well decorated with a bathroom upstairs as well. When you go, it's worthwhile booking at Abla's because they get PACKED out! 📕

home-style cooking that truly tastes home! abla’s boats four decades of food that never bends from authenticity. we enjoyed devilishly luscious and thick labnee, which will make the perfect dip for any dish here, with smokey baba gannouj and hummus that was on the stronger side of tahini. the fried bread was as crisp as it looks, even better when soaked in the glorious oils of the fresh fattoush. the chicken and rice is famous for a reason…gorgeously aromatic rice that smells like grandmas kitchen, delicatey shaped with tender chicken breast and golden almonds, this dish was a joy! the cabbage rolls were as rustic as ever, thinner and denser than what im used to. similar to their housemate pickles, a more bitter and tougher variety compared to others i’ve tried. for home-style cooking, prices are on the higher-end. but if you’re wanting to experience the authenticity of lebanese food, it’s worth it. abla herself says “anything you do with love you can’t do wrong.” she’s right! only good exists here at abla’s, that is good food cooked from straight from the heart!

This is my first time here and it didn’t fail to impress me with their incredible delicious filo pastry lamb roll. For the mains, we ordered the lamb skewers and the chicken rice. The lamb was grilled to perfection with the right marinade. So tender and tasty. For the chicken rice, I somehow enjoyed the spice rice more than the chicken. The chicken breast seemed dried and tasteless. We came on a Tuesday night so the restaurant was not too crowded. We were seated upstairs where service was slow as the waitress was downstairs most of the times. However, it is quieter upstairs. Overall, I enjoyed the meal

We needed a place that serves halal food to bring our guest and gave Abla’s a go and it’ll be our first taste of Lebanese food. Upon entering, love its coziness . Menu has heaps of lamb dishes - great if you’re a fan but I’m not. These were what we ordered and my view: ▪️The trio dips was good, but wished that they’ve toasted / heated the pita bread. ▪️Lamb ladies finger (spring rolls look alike) - not for me ▪️Falafel, nice and crispy, with similar dipping sauce with one of the trio ▪️Baked fish was too salty and again have similar dressing with one of the trio dip Wish we had a better experience esp that we brought our guest. Could just be what we ordered or that we are ignorant of Lebanese cuisine.

Had the chance to try their omakase recently and it was such a memorable experience! 🍣✨ Every dish was beautifully prepared and thoughtfully presented - each course felt like a journey of flavours 😋 The service was excellent, and the attention to detail along with the explanation of each dish really added to the experience 😊 It is a great spot for a special night out. The price is reasonable for the quality and creativity offered. Definitely recommend if you are looking to treat yourself to an authentic Japanese omakase in Melbourne 😋

Everything about our experience was perfect. The food was beautifully prepared, exceptionally fresh, and a true delight to enjoy. It made for a wonderful and memorable evening, and I very much look forward to visiting again.

Best omakase you can find in Melbourne. Pro tip: book the sushi counter! Also, please don’t ask for soy sauce or wasabi because each nigiri is perfectly seasoned 👍 Price is $$$$ but cheaper than a plane ticket to Japan

Minamishima is truly a standout omakase experience in Melbourne. The interior feels warm and intimate while the sleek, modern exterior sets the tone for a special night. The staff are incredibly attentive—they notice even the smallest details, which makes the service feel personal and thoughtful. I’ve been lucky enough to try six different omakase restaurants this winter, and Minamishima has earned a spot in my top 5. The seasonal ingredients, creativity, and flawless execution make every dish worth savoring and every cent well spent. If you love sushi or omakase, this is one of those restaurants you have to try at least once. Highly recommend!

Experience of a lifetime at Minamishima. Everything from start to finish was perfect. Service was above and beyond, I've never been treated so well before. The food was delicious - as expected.

Ordered: 🍣 Omakase ($295.00) + ✨ signature tuna belly wrapped in gold foil (4 pcs for $100.00) Including tea, this was just over $350.00 for my portion. REVIEW: To establish some credibility, I've been to at least 8 omakases around Melbourne over the years. I found that Minamishima was closely tied to the traditional style and presentation. Focused more on the quality of food, there wasn't much modern creativity. 💖 Of the 19 dishes we had, my favourite was the starter dish. Snow crab dumpling with turnip sauce was a fragile, delicate dish that was beautifully executed. When I can taste the subtle sweetness of the crab, I am a happy gal. 🫚 Their pickled ginger is also the strongest I've ever had. I'm talking about a potency about where one chunk is enough to clear you, your kid & your grandkid's sinuses for the rest of their lives. Needless to say, 19 dishes had me rolling out the door. Every dish was executed to perfection. What really differentiates omakases and leaves a lingering impression (for me) is the education that comes behind it. E.g. What considerations did the chef put into while forming the rice? Tell me how much about the elements behind these dishes in more detail. Unfortunately, while the chefs do hand the sushi to you - that's where the introduction starts and ends. ☎️ Also the pain of calling to make a booking, at a certain time, with no obvious queue is a barrier for me. For all these reasons and taking into account the hefty price... Minamishima fell short of my expectations.

First for atmosphere very noisy and not a very pleasant space for omakase . For the service , the waitstaff named Emily is very rude and unprofessional, we came 30 mins early and she just said u can’t go inside and there is no seats for waiting areas and the dinner will start 6 hour straight then close the door with loud tones. Very unprofessional. (As it could explain in better and friendly tone) . Also the foods are served very slow as they took not only counter seating but also back tables with the same menus and most of the people come not in one time just arrived randomly and the chef just busy doing those (as most premium omakase set a specific time and seating time ) to keep up the standard and to pay more attentions to the guests on counter. For the food, is ok but it could be better with 300 charged and for the tap water must pay 10 dollars per person. Overall experience is unpleasant and not worth the money for experience.

Amazing birthday experience. We had the six course and the drinks pairing menu - it’s worth the money. The wines are chosen to bring out the flavours impeccably. The food was divine. The bathroom has Le Labo soap :) it’s hard to get any more fancy than that

Had such an amazing experience at IDES! Every dish was creative and full of surprises, from cracking open a black shell with a little hammer to the glossy red tart that was almost too pretty to eat. The flavours were spot on, the service was friendly without being over the top, and the whole vibe felt really special. Definitely one of those places you remember long after dinner.

Every course presented was interesting, fun and most importantly full of flavour. The homemade butter was just divine. I would buy a jar of it to take home. Service was friendly and attentive, but not over the top.A lot of care and attention by the team to ensure a truly enjoyable experience. Will definitely be back again!

A late review, but a must. We had a lovely experience at Ides. There was no menu, as each dish came as a surprise and was explained upon serving. We enjoyed every course, from the presentations to the beautiful flavours. The dining room is small, intimate, with a romantic atmosphere that makes it suitable for date nights or special celebrations. The service was good; the staff were attentive. Overall, we enjoyed our evening here and would recommend the experience.

Went there for Steak night (every Wednesday) - I felt that was really good value and a nice intro to ides. Always wanted to check them out but unsure about committing to the degustation so this was a nice compromise. Drinks were delicious too. Given the popularity of steak night, advice to ask for dessert menu fairly quickly as the table covers were pretty strict. Overall, great option and highly recommended.

Such an amazing experience! Everything on the menu was incredible and absolutely perfect. The wagyu and King fish were our favourite dishes. Not overly pretentious, but the attention to detail in every bite was there. Lovely ambience and service. We will definitely be back again soon. Thanks IDES team for making our anniversary special ❤️

Absolutely fabulous food, great atmosphere, and affordable for fine dining. The cream of celeriac soup was possibly the singular best dish I've ever had at fine dining establishments. They did great catering for vegetarian, gluten free and nut allergy requirements! Oh and the persimmon dessert was divine. We also loved the puzzle box at the end!! Highly recommend.

I’ve eaten in some great places, but nothing quite like this. At Amaru, it’s not just one chef hidden away in the kitchen- the whole team comes out to present their creations. Every course is introduced by the person who actually made it, their eyes lighting up as they explain the flavours and techniques. It’s intimate without being awkward, like being let in on a secret each time a plate hits the table. Each dish was a masterpiece, the kind you admire for a moment, almost hesitant to break its perfection, before surrendering to flavours that make you wonder if anything else will ever compare. Service flowed with quiet precision, every element appearing at exactly the right time, as though the staff could read the room’s every need. And the atmosphere… refined yet warm, wrapping the evening in an unmatched charm. They made our anniversary a very special and unforgettable evening. To everyone at Amaru- may your traffic lights always be perfectly green, your pillows forever soft and blissfully cold, and the closest parking spot always waiting just for you. 😇

I went there alone, after my business trip ended. The chefs, waiters/waitresses and sommeliers are friendly, helpful and passionate about what they do. The chefs and waiters also explained each dish and beverage pairing very clearly, highlighting Australian produce, and did it with passion and joy. Go for the chef’s counter, you won’t regret it!

I’ve dined at some of the world’s most renowned restaurants, and Amaru has topped them all. From the moment we walked in until the moment we left, the experience was perfect in every way. From the simple yet elegant setting, professional & warm service to the creativity of each dish; we were blown away. Every dish left us genuinely impressed. Each time we thought the food couldn’t get any better, it did. The food was incredibly fresh, with flavours that were so beautifully balanced you could taste the thought and care behind each plate. Nothing felt heavy or overwhelming — just pure creativity and harmony on every level. We walked out feeling not only satisfied but amazed by the entire journey. We came to celebrate a friend’s birthday but left with an amazing dining experience we won’t forget. Thank you to the team for your hospitality.

Crowned the best in Melbourne for a reason. From the moment you walk in you know you are in for a night of amazing food. Every single course is well thought through, and the choice for wine pairing is exquisite. This is the epitome of culinary art.

Had an amazing dinner at Amaru. The food and non-alcoholic pairing was very thoughtfully and went very well with the beautiful food presented. And the service was impeccable and friendly, everyone took the time to have a chat without interrupting the flow. Love it!!

This restaurant is phenomenal. I went in expecting to be disappointed due to the high price point and rave reviews, but their food, service and attention to detail clearly justifies the prices they are charging. We had 18 courses, with one extra special birthday cake surprise at the end, and each and every one of them was more mind blowing than the last. Highlights included the marron dish served with the potato bread, the beetroot and eel tart, the quail, blue fin tuna, steak and the sorbet and tonka bean ice cream desserts. What makes this place extra special is its commitment to culinary excellence. The kitchen is open and bustling and the food is ran to the table by the chefs themselves, ensuring that we as customers fully understand and appreciate what we’re eating. The service from the FOH was also outstanding, they were very knowledge about wines and friendly and personable throughout. This is the best restaurant in Melbourne, and i imagine if it was located anywhere else in the world it would receive 2 or 3 michelin stars. Save up for amaru, it’s worth it

By far the best food I’ve had in a long time! Every dish was packed with flavour and beautifully presented. The service was just as impressive—attentive, friendly, and genuinely warm. It was one of those rare experiences where everything just felt perfect. Highly recommend!

Not cheap but very unique Vietnamese dining experience in Melbourne. It was $130 per person (food only) and initially I was dubious as I had never heard of Anchovy prior to my friend organising our meal. Safe to say that I was very impressed. So much food. The highlight for me was the pippies and the market fish which was so fresh! There was not enough sides to eat this with however - the sauces were delicious. As for the dessert - wow. I had to unbutton my jeans to drive home. A special restaurant and one I recommend.

We went for Pipis Hut night on Wednesday and tried both pipi flavours with all of the sides, handmade egg noodles, Banh mi and Chinese Donuts. We also ordered the prawn papaya salad. Everything was delicious! Our server was so lovely, well timed service, friendly and gave us the perfect little descriptions of the food. The space was also beautiful. Can't wait to come back and try their regular menu.

Modern Vietnamese restaurant situated on Bridge Rd Richmond, abundance of flavour, cooked and presented well. Balanced flavours of sweet, salty and sour from their very own fish sauce garlic, chilli, sugar and lemon/lime with some accents of tamarind depending on the dish. Try the goat rib, pork shoulder and tea smoked duck. Flavours of authenticity from the bbq coals reminisces the streets of Saigon. Dessert choices are limited as their seating capacity. Try the coconut sorbet with strawberry granita and yellow rice wine and the Paris-brest with banana, hazelnut praline and toasted rice sorbet. Both delicious and worth sharing and returning on a different season.

An experience we will remember for a long time Restaurant staff (2) were excellent,explained each dish ,right down to how it was cooked. We love Vietnamese food but Anchovie's food was way above the norm. We will be back next time we are in Melbourne.Thank you

Great night, the pipis were unreal, the service was great, super friendly, wines were well researched and interesting. I would love to come one day and try the full menu, everything we had was delicious. Will be back, bravo! Jose

Had a really nice night at Anchovy. Service was really friendly and I really liked the background of each dish. The lamb ribs and grilled pork were our favourites!

⭐☆☆☆☆ Very Disappointing Experience I was really looking forward to dining at Anchovy in Richmond, but unfortunately, the experience was very disappointing. First of all, the service was poor. One of the staff took our order incorrectly, and I only realised it when I saw the bill. I had ordered two of each side, but the portions were very small. The staff member didn’t repeat or confirm our order, which led to confusion later on. The waiting time for food was also unreasonably long. We ordered three appetisers — the first one arrived after 30 minutes (and it wasn’t even a busy time), the second came 15 minutes later, and the third never arrived at all. After waiting over 45 minutes, I had to follow up myself, only to be told that it wasn’t available. For a one-hat restaurant, I expected much better service and organisation. The food was okay, but definitely overpriced — the pipis dish had less than 20 pieces, the sauce was too thick, and the noodles tasted like they came from a packet. I understand how hard hospitality work can be, but when customers pay a premium, we expect both good food and good service. Sadly, this experience was far below expectations.

We held our wedding at the Collingwood Children's Farm and are absolutely over the moon with our experience - especially with Alice and The Farm Cafe who handled both our catering and event planning. They were integral to making our wedding day so incredibly special. Collingwood Children's Farm was the perfect location for our celebration. It truly felt like a beautiful slice of the countryside, which resonated deeply with both of us. Despite its peaceful and natural atmosphere, it was also incredibly accessible for our city-based guests – the best of both worlds! The barn itself was simply stunning and provided the most wonderful backdrop for our ceremony and reception. Beyond the beautiful venue, the food provided by The Farm Cafe was an absolute standout. Our guests haven't stopped raving about how delicious everything was! From the canapés to the main meal, every dish was exceptional and clearly made with care and quality ingredients. On the day itself, Alice and her team were absolute superstars. They kept everything running smoothly and perfectly to schedule. We didn't have to worry about a single detail, allowing us to fully relax and enjoy every moment of our wedding day. Their professionalism and attention to detail were truly outstanding. We wholeheartedly recommend Collingwood Children's Farm as a venue and The Farm Cafe for catering and event planning. Alice and her team provided us with a magical setting, incredible food, and seamless organisation. If you're looking for a unique and charming venue with exceptional service, look no further! Thank you, Alice and The Farm Cafe, for making our wedding dreams a reality!

Great place to enjoy the fresh air and little farm with a cup of coffee. Been here a few times but a long time ago. I even attended a wedding held here. It's an amazing place to have little stroll at the back of the farm away from the bustling city. The coffee and food were good.

This spot is all about rustic charm with a relaxed, outdoor vibe. Sitting amongst the trees and weathered wooden stalls gives you the feeling you’ve stumbled onto a countryside hideout in the middle of the city. The food is wholesome, fresh, and generous. The falafel and roast pumpkin bowl was hearty and beautifully spiced, with pops of crunch from seeds and grains, while the farmer’s breakfast came loaded with smoky beans, poached eggs, and crisp bacon – proper fuel for the day. Even the little touches, like the organic cola, felt on-brand with the earthy, wholesome atmosphere. It’s family-friendly, chilled, and a great spot to slow down over a coffee or hearty plate. Service can be a bit on “farm time” (relaxed), but that just adds to the laid-back atmosphere. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – a solid 4 stars for great food and the unique setting.

Great place with some good food. Ordered the special of the day, it was definitely a very unique combination of flavours on a pastry but kudos to the chef cause all the flavours came in beautifully together. The surrounding was really relaxing as well along with some good service.

Extremely Disappointing Experience - Not Worth the $20 Entry Fee This was by far one of the worst ways to spend $20. Apart from a few animals, 2 goats, 3 chickens, 2 ducks, and 5 guinea pigs, there was nothing else to see or do. The entry fee is extremely overpriced for what’s on offer. The café was another terrible part of the experience. The customer service was very poor. The staff had clear attitudes, were unhelpful, and made us feel unwelcome. Everyone seemed bored and uninterested, as if they didn’t want to be there. No one mentioned that you could access the café without paying for entry to the farm, which added to the frustration. We arrived at 2:30 PM, thinking we had time to eat since the place closes at 4 PM. However, we were told the kitchen was already closed. When we asked if sandwiches or anything else was available, the staff seemed uninterested in helping. We figured we’d at least get a coffee but to our surprise, they didn’t even have almond milk. In 2025, in Melbourne, that’s hard to believe. This place badly needs a management overhaul, better-trained staff, and a serious reduction in the entry price. I usually don’t leave reviews, but this experience was so poor that I feel compelled to warn others. Don’t waste your time or money here.

Wow what a dining experience! The waitress Ava was so delightful and helpful! My salad sandwich and coffee was perfection. Thanks to the chefs too, that whipped cream and scones were to die for xx

Our wedding at Collingwood Children's Farm was absolutely magical with thanks to the CCF team. The setting was beautiful and our guests raved about the food, bonfire and vintage games.

We went to this restaurant for a birthday celebration and enjoyed every single dish from the set menu we had. The highlight of the menu was the duck, which was absolutely delicious and full of flavor. Overall, it was a modern and refreshing experience. I was looking for a set menu where steak wasn’t the main course and there was a touch of creativity — and this place delivered it perfectly.

Love this place! Nice modern cuisine and focus more to modern asian cuisine. Love the raw beef tartare. The sriracha added a nice taste to the beef. Their spanner crab toast taste fresh, crunchy & creamy. Their cheesecake desserts not only pretty but also delicious. Love it! On the pricey side, but still worth the value.

Every bite was full of surprises! The dishes captured Southeast Asian flavours perfectly, authentic yet creative, with great depth and richness. Highly recommend the Wagyu tongue and bone marrow, simply outstanding! The atmosphere was lively but comfortable, and the staff were super friendly and accommodating, they even helped us store our belongings. It was a busy day, yet we never felt rushed. A truly enjoyable dining experience!

By far the best restaurant we’ve visited in Melbourne ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ we opted for the tasting menu and it did not disappoint. Each course was packed with great texture and delicious flavors. The sourdough bread and claypot rice were favourites! Service was amazing, our table was comfortable - just wow. 100% will be coming back - thank you for making the last night memorable!

I had the Kris menu at ARU and it was absolutely incredible from start to finish. Every bite was full of surprises — the flavours, textures, and presentation truly amazed me. You can feel the creativity and effort behind each dish. The portion sizes were generous and the price was surprisingly affordable for the quality and experience you get. The service team was friendly, professional, and made the whole evening even more enjoyable. I’ve heard so much about their famous duck, so I’ll definitely be coming back to try it next time. If I could rate 100 stars, I honestly would! Highly recommend ARU to anyone who appreciates great food and exceptional service.

My friend and I went for a dinner to Aru Restaurant and it was the best night. Food was delicious, service was impeccable, not one complaint! We tried the signature set menu + added oysters, with a couple cocktails and it was delicious. Flavours were lovely, dishes came out in a timely manner, waiters/waitresses always checking on our table & serving us very well.

My partner and I dined here last night and, while our waitress was absolutely delightful and attentive throughout the evening, the overall experience fell short of expectations. There was an unusually long interval — close to an hour between our entrées and main courses, which was surprising given that the restaurant did not appear particularly busy at the time. Although the food itself was quite enjoyable, the duck, oysters, and spring rolls were all well-executed, the service lacked the same level of polish. When the bill was presented by one of the tall men who worked there, it was followed almost immediately by the EFTPOS machine, without allowing us the opportunity to review the charges first. We also didn’t understand a word he said, he spoke so fast and almost without care that we didn’t catch a word he had said to us when he would sometimes serve us. This interaction felt rushed and very uncomfortable. My partner even got up to pay, yet the staff member still returned to the table with the machine, whilst we had got up to walk towards him, which only added to the awkwardness. (Just rude tbh). Overall, while the food and one member of the service team were commendable (the little lady) , pacing and manner of service would benefit from a more considered and measured approach.

Panda Hotpot has a stunning venue and probably some of the best service I’ve experienced at a hotpot place — constant check-ins, fast turnaround on dishes, and the staff are super attentive. But for me, the food just didn’t hit the spot. While the variety is definitely there and everything came out fresh, I felt the quality of the meat didn’t match the price point. Some of the cuts just tasted a bit average once cooked in the broth, and it made it hard to justify the spend. Maybe I’m more into the cheaper, fattier cuts that pack more flavour, but here it just felt like style over substance. The sauce station is well stocked, with plenty of condiments and small sides — but even that’s an added cost (around $5.90–$6 just for the oil base). The space itself is huge and clean, and there’s a great energy in the room, but in the end, the food missed the mark for me. Not a bad experience overall, just not one I’d be rushing back for personally.

From the moment you walk in, the décor is stunning—every corner has been thoughtfully designed with unique touches, and different rooms give larger groups a sense of separation. The restaurant is spotless, and service is excellent with friendly, attentive staff. Even the bathrooms were sparkling clean. The hot pot experience itself is fantastic. The menu is extensive and even includes recommended cooking times for each item, which is really helpful. I highly recommend adding the dipping station for an extra $5.90 per person—it gives you access to a wide variety of condiments, sauces, herbs, soups, and even a cheeky ice cream at the end. There are two stations: a smaller one upstairs and a larger main one downstairs with more options. Overall, good quality food and service, and a beautifully designed space. Definitely worth a visit! P.s: if you don't enjoy hot pot, it's definitely not the restaurant for you as they only offer this food style.

The largest hotpot spot in Melbourne — and it’s insane! 🐉🔥 Love the dragon-themed interior, it totally blows you away the moment you walk in. So grand and vibrant! Tons of soup base varieties to choose from — every one packed with flavour. The ingredients are super fresh, especially the wagyu and seafood 🥩🦞 Such a fun, lively vibe — perfect for group dinners or celebrations. Definitely a must-try hotpot experience in Melbourne! 🙌🍲✨

Decoration impressive! Ingredients also fresh and delicious! Service superb! We both surprised how one waitress can handle more than 8 tables at such incredible efficiency! That is called China speed isn’t it! We went there for lunch, we did not go for the set menu, the a la carte menu is much better as the price is also reasonable.

The largest hotpot spot in Melbourne — and the dragon-themed interior is incredible. It feels grand, vibrant, and almost theatrical the moment you walk in. Tons of options for soup bases, meats, seafood, and veggies. Perfect for groups or celebrations. Definitely a must-try hotpot experience in Melbourne!

🥢 Melbourne Panda Hotpot – A Feast of Flavours! 🐼🔥 If you’re looking for a hotpot experience that ticks all the boxes, Melbourne Panda Hotpot is the place to be! The moment you walk in, you’re greeted with quick and attentive service, making you feel welcome and well taken care of from start to finish. The menu offers a diverse selection of fresh ingredients — from premium meats and seafood to an impressive range of vegetables, mushrooms, and noodles. Pair them with their rich, flavorful broths and the amazing sauce bar, where you can mix and match to create your perfect dipping sauce — absolutely delicious! 😍 With its vibrant atmosphere, high-quality food, and friendly staff, Melbourne Panda Hotpot delivers an unforgettable dining experience that’s perfect for sharing with family and friends. If you’re a hotpot lover, this spot is a must-try!

Absolutely the best hotpot experience in Melbourne! The environment is beautiful and comfortable, and the service is outstanding. Ambrose and Cassie were incredibly friendly and attentive, and the lovely hostess at the front desk made us feel so welcome from the moment we arrived. This place is also the perfect spot for gatherings with family and friends. Highly recommend – definitely worth a visit!

Gave Serai a go after hearing Gordon Ramsay called it his favourite spot in Melbourne — had to see what the hype was about. Overall, a solid 4/5 stars from me. Started with the Karekare hashbrowns — crispy, golden, and topped with salted duck egg. Simple but elite. The Sisig tacos (Ramsay’s pick) were packed with flavour and texture, definitely a highlight. The McScallop burger (2 for $24) was like a refined seafood slider — tasty, but not mind-blowing. The crispy chicken skin flatbread delivered exactly as expected: crunchy skin on toasted bread, rich and satisfying. The charred cabbage ($26) was surprisingly good, but hard to justify the price. For mains, we had: Pork Belly ($58) – great balance of flavours, not too sweet Chicken ($58) – cooked perfectly, juicy and tender, but definitely expensive King Whiting ($50) – very strong smoked/gamey flavour, lots of bones; not for everyone Wagyu ($62) – enjoyable but not particularly standout We finished with two claypot rices ($28 each), which worked well to balance out the richness of the mains. Service was great and the food was well-executed overall. The flavours were bold, the plating was clean, and the vibe had a modern Filipino-Australian fusion feel. I’d just come back from Bali (where the fine dining scene is strong), so expectations were high — and Serai held up well. ✅ Worth a visit if you're after something different in Melbourne CBD, just expect to pay a bit for the experience. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We spontaneously dropped in for a few drinks and ended up staying for dinner. We had the most unique and delicious dishes, everything was truly incredible! We were very impressed with the service from Nick and the wine recommendations too. Highly recommend Serai for your next dinner with friend or date night!

Never had perfect food until now. Coming from a filipino background the food was astounding as they fused it to a western setting. So much flavour in each bite and thought of carefully. And to top it off the chefs table and the chef jason was just an amazing experience, so engaging and just genuinely nice. Such a great insight into filipino culture for those that have never experienced it.

Absolutely loved this modern Filipino dining experience! Every dish was full of flavour and creativity — from the tender grilled squid and melt-in-your-mouth pork to the perfectly caramelised flan that ended the meal on a sweet, silky note. The plating was beautiful, and you can really taste the care in every bite. Cocktails were stunning too — vibrant, balanced, and made the whole dinner feel special. The service was warm and attentive without being intrusive. A perfect spot for sharing plates, conversation, and a little indulgence. Can’t wait to come back and try the rest of the menu!

This restaurant focuses on local ingredients with a Filipino twist in terms of the cooking. The result is a combination of ingredients that locals are familiar with but new ways of tasting them! We ordered a few things, and we have to say they really know how to cook their proteins. The lamb and the duck were both so wonderfully juicy, and the sauce they served went perfectly with them without overpowering the flavors of the meats. Our favorite thing, though, was probably the prawns - they were just bursting with flavor The claypot rice also great, but could be better if we got some of those cracked/burnt rice. Honestly, the portions are a little small for the price you're paying. The service was really friendly and knowledgeable, but it did take a little longer for the food to come out. Food - 7 Service - 8 Vibe - 8 Price - $$$

Absolutely exceptional! The best Filipino-Asian fusion I’ve ever had. Sitting at the chef’s table made the experience extra special, and the staff (Noah, Senan, Kisha, Renee) were incredibly warm, kind, and informative. The style is unique, cooking each dish over a wood fire while honoring Filipino roots, and every dish was superb and truly exceptional in taste. Highlights for me were the pork shoulder with savory monggo, oysters with wagyu fat, cassava cake with ice cream, the claypot tocilog, and the squid with charred cabbage—they were all outstanding. The cocktails, including the homemade gin, were amazing. Highly recommended—I can’t wait for the spring menu and will definitely be coming back!

Such a great spot which I don’t if it counts as a hidden gem anymore? Went there spontaneously for lunch and the vibe of the place is great, the kitchen is visible and the service was fantastic. We started with the kangaroo Kilawin and I was impressed that the flavours were familiar and yet slightly elevated. The other dishes followed the same theme but the standout has got to be the sisig tacos. Gordon Ramsay himself liked these and I definitely agree. It brought the familiar sisig flavours and textures in a taco format and the unique combination of the egg butter just elevated the dish significantly. We liked it so much we ordered it twice!

My boyfriend and I had a wonderful dining experience at Ishizuka. The food was beautifully presented and tasted just as good as it looked. Each dish felt like a thoughtful work of art, with delicate flavors and a beautiful sense of balance. The pacing between courses was perfect, enough time to appreciate each one without feeling rushed. I highly recommend the non-alcoholic drink pairing, it elevated each course and was absolutely worth it. We will definitely be returning!! One small note: we arrived less than 10 minutes early, as did a few others, and it felt a bit awkward having to stand and wait to be seated. It would be great if there were a more welcoming protocol for early arrivals.

A great experience from the moment you walk in. Everything from the food, presentation and service was amazing. The Kaiseki menu was a perfect amount of food with each dish carefully prepared and explained upon serving. Would highly recommend for a special occasion.

Great experience with an exceptionally well-curated collection of dishes. Although I’ve been to fine dining restaurants of different cuisines around the world, I’d still place Ishizuka at the very top after what I experienced last night. If you enjoy Japanese omakase, this is the place you’ll want to visit in Melbourne.

We were here six years ago and were impressed by the experience, this place continues to deliver great food and great service. Their seasonal menu is packed with interesting dishes that includes oyster, Otoro sushi, caviar, tempura, crab meat, A5 wagyu beef from Kumamoto, green lip abalone (for those chose not to have beef), Murray cod, duck and dessert. They have a good wine and sake selection, we went with two types of sake that complement the dishes well. They are using a bit more local ingredients like seafood but still getting some top products from Japan (like beef and blue fin tuna) There’re only 12 counter seats, the chef and team cook right in front of us so it’s really enjoyable to see how it’s all done. The service is attentive and polite, really feel pampered. It’s advisable to be slightly early as to enjoy the whole experience, there’s a nice waiting area. We’ll be back for the next season’s menu.

Cannot rate this place highly enough. The food was so surprising and unique. The chefs are a joy to watch and the atmosphere is so exclusive. Highly recommended to anyone looking for amazing Japanese food in Melbourne.

Loved the Kaiseki winter menu at Ishizuka. The miso soup with grilled mochi was my favourite; warm and full of flavour, perfect for the winter weather. The wagyu was also amazing.

Came for the kichi kichi special collab. Very well organised and presented. Love the drinks pairings and wished for more

Good Vibes!! Great food and the staff were so nice and fast with service!

Dear potential customers, I'm looking through different venue options at the moment, and I've never in my life been more glad to read through negative reviews before making a commitment. Every single one I've read so far mentions service not being what was expected, surprise charges, and particularly, pushy management. There have been many cases of customers raising concerns about personal data collection, which I'm sure any sane person can agree, is a perfectly reasonable concern to have. However, the most consistent pattern I've noticed was is the responses to these aforementioned negative reviews. Regarding personal data concerns, I've seen at least a half dozen cases of this staff member referring to customers using their full names, sarcastically, and in a clearly desperate attempt to mock their reasonable frustration and use intimidation tactics. I've seen nothing that reasonably justifies the collection of mobile numbers and email addresses, and I would be loathe to find myself threatened by anyone for providing an honest review. Many of the responses read, in my opinion after dedicating the last hour to reading them, as only appropriate for a diary entry. The closest thing I can think of to compare it to is immature primary school bullying. I truly hope by now that this person (if it was only one) has since been removed, as I never wish to deal with a business that is satisfied with treating their customers in such a blatantly disgusting and inappropriate manner. The only reason I am taking the time to write this today, is that unless the business agrees that the behaviour displayed online is in fact an acceptable representation of the business, these replies would have been removed a long time ago. I urge you to read through negative reviews before you make a wrong decision.

Great place to chill. Outside has heater so it's nice and warm.

I had my birthday here and we had the best time! Really nice space and they let us in early to decorate. The staff were super friendly and helpful. Definitely recommend this place :)

Great bar for drinks & shisha + pool table! Great service too :)

Fantastic vibey venue, lots of options for drinks and food 😄

Really cute venue, especially for events the rooftop is really good, service is good and prices are okay, love the vibes!

Loved the food here – every dish was so tasty and just hit the spot. The staff were super friendly and professional at the same time, which made the whole experience really enjoyable. Definitely a place I’d come back to!

Last night we celebrated my mum’s birthday at Al Dente Enoteca on Nicholson Street, Carlton, and the evening was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the service set the tone — coats taken, a stool for my mum’s bag, and staff who clearly cared about every detail. The atmosphere was refined yet welcoming, even down to the artwork and boujee vibe in the amenities. My amaretto sour was one of the best I’ve had — smooth, balanced, and perfectly made. For entrées, we shared the stracciatella insalata and croquettes — both phenomenal — but the standout was the homemade bread and butter. Such a simple touch, yet utterly exquisite; the salted butter on warm bread could have been a dish in itself. For mains, everything looked stunning, but my cacio e pepe tortellini was on another level — rich, perfectly balanced, and finished beautifully with a scarpetta of bread. We wisely saved room for dessert: the latte miele and their signature tiramisu. Now, I’ll never admit anything beats my mum’s tiramisu, but this came incredibly close. Hands down the best I’ve had dining out — generous in portion, bold in flavour, and refreshingly confident in not following social media gimmicks. The chef from Verona clearly brings both passion and pride to the table, and it shows in every dish. Thank you for making my mum’s birthday so memorable. We’ll absolutely be back — especially to try the specials!

Good Ambience, Good Food, Good Wine list but the standout was Elena the manager( if she isn’t she should be!). Our bad that we made a mistake with our booking and booked the wrong day for dinner, but Elena swooped in and saved the day. Instead of just saying bad luck as the restaurant was full and buzzing; She juggled things around and made space for us on the bar. She turned what would have been a disaster as we were visiting from interstate to a really top night! It’s service like that that makes the place stand out. The scallops were lovely with the sauces enhancing its natural flavours. The pasta’s were cooked al dente and the richness of the ragu and sauces were excellent. Finally the duck and beef were done very well. Overall superb! One last word on the wine list, well curated though I would have appreciated a larger selection by the glass, but still good. Well done!

Excellent service and very welcoming staff. The scallop entree was fresh and delicious, the sauce paired beautifully with the crispy fried shallots. The duck breast was juicy and tender with rich aroma from the duck oil and a nicely crisped skin, very satisfying. The only disappointment was the Wagyu M9. We ordered it medium, but it was served almost well done, which ruined the expected tenderness and texture. It ended up dry and tough to chew. The portion was little small, still had room for dessert after meal!

Had the most brilliant, spontaneous dinner at Al Dente tonight. We sat outside, soaking up the first truly warm evening of the year, and everything about the experience was perfect. The service was outstanding, the food as incredible as ever, and we even shared some wonderful conversations with Andrea and Michelle, the owners. They’re such an inspiring young couple – hardworking, passionate, and a true example of what genuine hospitality is all about. Wishing them every success in their future endeavours, and I’ll definitely be back again soon.

Delicious food and friendly service. The outdoor setting is lovely under the sun and the indoor have a fancy vibe around. Definitely we’ll be back to try the other items on the menu. PS: the handwork on this pasta shape is absolutely incredible

We celebrated our anniversary at Al Dente and it did not disappoint. The staff were lovely and attentive and the food was some of the best we’ve had in Melbourne. We had the fresh sourdough with whipped butter, Sydney rock oysters with blood orange, truffle spaghetti and the beef cheek. The beef cheek was the standout dish, full of flavour and so tender! Highly recommend and will definitely be back

A really interesting mix of flavors—balanced, creative, and full of surprises without trying too hard. The food looks simple, but every bite packs a complex and satisfying punch. Service wasn’t the best, but the dessert totally stole the show! Also, we couldn’t help but notice the menu was loaded with tofu dishes—maybe it’s tofu season? Either way, it was a fun and tasty experience!

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Melbourne. The food is exceptional. The service is outstanding and warm. It's a pretty small restaurant with a menu of only hits. Their beef tartare is my favorite version I've had anywhere. The wine list is small, and changes regularly. They do a great job curating the list and I'm always pleased.

I had a great experience at Lagoon Dining in Carlton. The staff were fantastic, attentive and knowledgeable, making the evening even more enjoyable. I opted for the $78 set menu, which was well worth it. The portions were generous and everything was served at a good pace. Standout dishes for me were the char siu and the steak tartare - both were exceptional in flavor and presentation. I also appreciated that each course was accompanied by a fresh greens dish, perfectly complementing the meats. The only downside was the outdoor seating. While comfortable, it doesn't have the same charm as the indoor space, which is more visually appealing. Overall, a great dining experience with a solid menu and excellent service. Would definitely recommend!

Did a mid week chef's menu here and it exceeded expectations! Food was delicious and inventive. I think it's easy to go overboard on a tasting menu but the amount was perfect and excellent value. Nice wine selection. Enjoyed the vibe of the place. Will be back.

Great food, rude staff. This would have been the third time visiting this restaurant. Food had always been great. This is however the most memorable visit. We dined in as a group of 6. The service we received weren't great. The worst was when the man that served us responded unprofessionally back to us on how we haven't been waiting as long as we were for food. I'm definitely going to consider very carefully if I would want to come back again as I prefer to have a nice meal with nice staff. This incident has definitely dampen the night for the group.

This place is a must-visit in Melbourne. The design and architecture are clean and inviting, encouraging you to enjoy every moment. The food is incredibly fresh and expertly curated by the chef. We highly recommend trying the raw beef

ORDERED: 🥒 Salted cucumber, black fungus, toasted sesame, preserved olive vegetable ($11.00) 🥔 Hot & sour shredded potato, chinkiang vinegar, pickled enoki ($12.00) 🥓 Raw beef, sambal vinaigrette, laksa leaf, creme fraiche, tsubu arare ($27.00) 👅 Ox tongue crepe, jalapeno sambal, cream cheese ($21.00) 🍚 Salted fish fried rice, morning glory, scud chilli, fried anchovies ($30.00) 🥩 Charcoal roasted char siu, spring onion relish, tare ($44.00) 🍵 Jasmine pearls green tea ($5.00) It was $78.43pp here! REVIEW: Bless an establishment that doesn't charge card surcharges! 🙏 ❤ Our favourite dish at Lagoon Dining was their raw beef from the entrees. A perfect medley of textures (crunchiness from the tsubu arare, softness from the raw beef) and flavours (tanginess from the sambal vinaigrette, creaminess from the creme fraiche) that worked HARD to deliver a dish that was interesting, unique and light on the palate. We'd get two of these next time. 🤞 💛 We also appreciated how the Salted fish fried rice, a staple at Vietnamese restaurants, wasn't overly salty. It still imparted the necessary flavours, but also allowed us to enjoy the sweetness of the charcoal roasted char siu. 🧡 Service was outstanding. We happened to meet one of the owners, who passionately explained the menu and gave some context behind the dishes that couldn't leave the menu, as well as his favourites (all). 🤣 With dishes well timed one after the other, we were continuously being introduced to our next item but at a pace that didn't drop even as the restaurant was filled up. 💚 They were also lovely enough to keep re-filling the tea, so definitely got more than $5 worth. Lagoon Dining is a modern Asian establishment that's worth visiting to treat yourself right. Definitely recommended if you want to have a great night! ✨

Good customer service from F&B attendants and nice ambience; however, the food was SHOCKING. We both had diarrhea after we left the premise and had to call sick at work on Monday. The quality of the food is definitely not up to standard for a fine dinning restaurant. Feedback has been shared in the post survey; however, it looks like management does not really give a damn about what the safety and wellbeing of their customers. We will definitely wont be returning.

A really good fine dining experience with stunning views. Impeccable service. We had a set menu for a birthday party, which was excellent. The standard dish was the duck. Although the dessert was definitely worth mentioning. A great choice for a special occasion or for a splurge. If you're from out of town it's probably got the best views of Melbourne that you'll ever see

The service was amazing loved the views as the sun was going down. Wine was amazing and the food was meticulously cooked and presented. The food was perfectly cooked but rather bland. Probably the least tasting wagyu been I've ever had. Very boring green salad. The dessert was the best thing we ate which was not what we were expecting.

The venue is stunning and staff were lovely. However the food whilst looking very pretty, was a great disappointment. Most of the food and beverages did not taste very nice. We have been to many fine dining establishments and unfortunately would have to say that this is the only one, where we did not enjoy any part of our 5 course meal. Combining certain flavours together, wasn't very pleasing on the palette. And unfortunately within 30 minutes of leaving, I had become quite ill.

Firstly the service was excellent and Catherine was very accommodating and friendly, along with the rest of the hosts. The atmosphere was nice on Lvl80 with the panoramic city view at night which was lovely. We had 3 appetisers each with the sourdough. 2 entres and 2 mains and the food was sufficiently filling with no room for dessert. As for the food, whilst nothing was bad, it lacked the flavour we'd expect from a fine dining establishment. Standout dish was the octopus appetiser.

Joanne took such lovely care of us throughout our night!!! Had the 5 course set, duck is a must try a lovely blend of sweetness in contrast to the duck. Additional birthday cake was beautiful and despite the pricier tag is very much worth it - so rich and divine. The view is worth paying for and perfect for a special Occassion. Staff are all very attentive and friendly.

Overall, this is a good place for fine dining with nice, not over stuffing your face tasting menu with great city views. There is room for improvement but let's start with the good stuff. This restaurant is located on the 80th level of the Ritz Carlton. It has great city views of the Yarra River, crown and down Lonsdale street. I'd rate this even better than Vue De Monde. You enter the floor with the bar and you walk to the other side of the building for the restaurant. Service is good, fairly attentive. Felt that the waiters could improve on their dish/wine explanation with a bit more enthusiasm if that's the word? More gusto perhaps? Perhaps passion is a better choice of word. Food itself is great, but not outstanding. Every dish was good, including the duck which was very generous. Would have preferred a single slice of the breast and maybe one more entree to be honest! For $180 and a $130 pairing, it's not bad for the price and is definitely worthy of a nice dinner date in the city!

Visited on 7-June-2025 This Italian restaurant serves good enough variety of dishes. The vibe is warm and cozy. Only number of dinning area seats are very limited. So better to book long in advance. The staff are caring and professional. Constantly checking on you and polite and knowledgeable. We found dishes not made with very fresh ingredients. However steak was good quality and grade beef. Cocktails was good, only too much Ice which make it very unpleasant to sip. The disappointment part was dessert. Very basic with cafe standard presentation. Quality of food: 3.5 Staff and behaviour: 5 Vibe: 4 Parking availability: 4 Value for money: 3.5

The atmosphere was very fun, late night vibes with cocktails. The food? Quite disappointing, what we ordered: - focaccia: the focaccia was good, quite oily and the whipped honey butter was very creamy but too sweet - mushrooms - no complaint here, was good! - tartare - too salty, needed a cracker or crisps to cut the saltiness - potatoes - way too salty, we advised the watiresss and they provided us another serving which had no salt whatsoever and it was undercooked - the mortenbay bug pasta was cooked perfectly, but again was way too salty

The atmosphere was lovely, tucked away on a corner in the Fitzroy neighborhood. The staff were friendly and welcoming! The food was great overall, though the beef tartare was a bit salty — it’d be better paired with some crackers. The focaccia was slightly oily. The main pasta dishes were on the heavier side, but they actually went quite well with the lighter cocktails.

Tucked away in the heart of Fitzroy North, Lagotto brings a slice of modern Italian elegance with a touch of soul. From the moment we walked in, the ultra-friendly service and cozy yet sophisticated ambience set the tone for a perfect evening. We started with the Sourdough focaccia with smoked honey butter - that butter deserves its own award . Then came the Doughnut with tuna crudo, a daring and delightful mix of savoury and delicate textures. The Gnoccho fritto with wagyu bresaola was rich and indulgent, followed by the Tortelli with morels and Jura Comté, a beautiful balance of earthy, creamy, and comforting flavours. The Market fish of the day tied it all together - fresh, perfectly cooked, and full of character. And let's not forget the Carosello cocktail, a passionfruit-cynar blend that's both refreshing and refined Lagotto nails that sweet spot between relaxed neighbourhood charm and fine-dining finesse. A spot you'll want to linger in - and definitely return to.

Lagotto is a lovely, relaxed dining room that offers a range of Italian-inspired modern dishes. Their extensive menu is sure to cater to anyone. We opted for the tasting menu for lunch, and were not disappointed. Each course was perfectly timed and portioned, with over two hours of dining time flying by. The standout was the Moreton Bay bug pasta - the vodka sauce was fantastic, coated perfectly over each strand of pasta. The cocktails were great, save for the Corleone which I would not order again. Staff were lovely and attentive. The freshly baked focaccia was fantastic!

UGHH I LOVE THIS PLACE WITH MY WHOLE HEART. They always change their pasta menu and every single pasta dish I've tried, sooooo goood!! Best pasta in Melbourne ❤️

Amazing dishes and fresh ingredients. Great ambience and good for dates and small gatherings. Would definitely recommend to friends.

Kafenion is a gem! The standout for me was the cod roe—so fluffy, light, and packed with flavour. The beef cheek was melt-in-your-mouth tender and beautifully done. Great food, warm service, and a lovely atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit!

Yes it’s more expensive than every other Greek restaurant but - it’s better quality than every other Greek restaurant! You won’t be disappointed with any of the dishes on the menu and great to have service with attention and care. Will be back!

The ambiance of the restaurant was truly inviting and created a warm atmosphere. The service provided by the staff was exceptionally friendly and made us feel welcome. We were highly impressed with the quality of the food and its authentic flavors. The meatballs were cooked to perfection, offering a delightful taste that lingered. The sausages were equally outstanding, showcasing a wonderful blend of spices and textures. Every dish we sampled was prepared with care and attention to detail. Overall, it was a fantastic dining experience that left us wanting more. We highly recommend this restaurant to anyone craving delicious Greek cuisine.

If you’re thinking about going here, just do it. Homely, authentic, and great service. I genuinely thought my grandma was in the kitchen cooking. Some of the dishes took me back to childhood. Maggie, our waitress, was top notch and helped make our experience special. Thanks team!

My husband and I went to Kafeneion for dinner on a Friday (we made a reservation) and absolutely loved it! The place is tucked away on the 2nd floor, so it’s a bit hidden, but once you’re inside, it’s such a lovely spot. The large circular window adds so much charm to the space. The food was super tasty; the whipped cod roe was hands-down our favorite! We ended up pairing it with almost everything we ordered (please don’t judge us, it was that good 😂). Everything else we had was delicious too. It’s a bit on the pricier side, but honestly, worth it. The staff were also amazing; really friendly and helpful with food and drink suggestions. Definitely one of those places you’d want to come back to for a relaxed, quality dinner. Highly recommend!

Fantastic Greek food in a lively setting! Must try all the dips in particular the fava dip was served warm, paired with crusty bread was delicious.

My wife took me to kafeneion for my birthday before the theatre, we had the banquet. The restaurant itself has lovely atmosphere. We sat right by the big window and it was very romantic. The food was delicious. The thing that really made it for us was the staff. They were so warm, friendly and attentive. We didn’t quite get to dessert before the show, so they arranged for us to come back after to finish, this made for a lovely end to the night. Big thank you to the team.

Very cosy, authentic Italian dining experience. Food was excellent, fresh, though just a tad bit salty for some dishes. Variety of dishes, good vegetarian options too. Service was quite slow (understandably it was a public holiday), but they seems a bit understaffed for the day. Overall - recommend to try! Food is awesome

Gorgeous Italian dining with true Piedmontese trattoria vibes. Insane rich yet simple dishes. Loved all pasta dishes as well as their little texturally beautiful entrees. You will be gladly missed as this restaurant journeys down south for a Sicilian focus (my fave Italian flavours!)

What a beautiful spot guys you have.. I felt like to be back in piedmont where i come from, just for a night in Melbourne Incredible authentic piedmontese food Excellent service and really good wine list We found you casually on google and i can t believe you only have 4.4 ⭐️ You really smashing it guys Well done Thanks for your hospitality We really really appreciated

My bestie loves Alta, so obviously we had to go together! Unfortunately on this night it wasn’t as good as other times he’d gone. This menu was from earlier in the year (not current) Highlights - fig carpaccio, focaccia and anchovies, the thinness of the pasta work and the tasty fillings. Lowlights - the Riesling I had was not good and the drinks/wine list could use a revisit - it does not stand up against other restaurants of similar quality. The reduction on the ravioli was inedible - SO salty. Service staff changed over half way and was a clunky experience. I will be back so I can have the experience my friend raves about, but even he admitted this night it was not the same.

Very cosy Italian trattoria. The vibe and interiors were great. I was craving for pastas so the set menu to try 4 types of pastas was exactly what I needed. Two starters. Four pastas. One dessert. Such great value! I loved their focaccia! And my favourite pastas of the 4 were the prawn and the veal. Amazing balance of flavours and textures. All pastas were perfectly al dented. The dessert did impress me as well as I am not a fan of dark chocolate with citrus flavour. Service was excellent. Staff were respectful and professional. Would love to try their upcoming new Sicily restaurant!

We called in here last month for a last minute Friday evening booking. After being on planes for 24 hours heading in from London, it was so good to eat something fresh and delicious! The team were really welcoming and ready to explain the menu in the sort of detail that just made us want to order everything! Had a superb Tasmanian cider, some superb pasta dishes and the most chocolatey tiramisu in the world! Absolutely great and would recommend and return!

Late last year we dined at Alta Trattoria and this is our honest review on this 2 hatted award winning restaurant. 🍞 Focaccia, Frantoio Olio ($5) 🥒 Zucchini Flower Fritti, Formaggio, Lemon ($11ea) 🐟 Brandacujun, Salted Cod, Potato, Olive, Crostini ($18) 🫓 Barbagiuan di Patate, Sage, Pecorino ($16) 🥩 Battuta di Manzo, Artichokes, Parmigiano ($32) 🦪 Acciughe al Verde, Mussels ($24) 🍝 Ravioli Del Plin, Brasato di Manzo, Sugo di Arrosto ($42) 🍝 Gnocchi Della Val Varaita, Salsiccia di Bra, Chicory ($38) 🥬 Ramarro Farm Mixed Leaves Salad, Radish ($12) We need to talk about the foccacia. It was so thin, so crusty and dripping with oil. Since we ordered 2 servings, we felt even more cheated having to finish it. I just want thicccc floofy bread, pleaseeeee. The rest of the dishes were just okay I guess. Like fine but nothing that stood out or made us think damn that was yummy. The pastas were nice but again no wow factor that we were expecting. They have an extensive wine selection and the Riesling we had was excellent. Given its accolades, we had quite high expectations. We left feeling a bit underwhelmed and low-key had a second dinner across the road.

The guy manager was very attentive and very nice, and the short hair waitress was always smiling throughout the night. She definitely made our night! All the food tasted great, thought the yellow fin tuna tartare had a little too much overpowering seasoning that we can't taste the fish much And the Otoro was not fatty enough, barely had any fat on it which was disappointing. However everything else tasted good

Be prepared to be blown away by impeccable food, presentation and service. Bansho completely surpassed my expectations. The food was SO incredibly tasty and delicious, but also fresh and delicate and presented so beautifully. I pretty much can't fault a thing (other than the fact they don't have regular Coca Cola). The service was great and friendly and everything was efficient. I highly recommend the Salmon Tartare; it was scrumptious. And as delicious as the trout was, it was the Miso Veloute and Dill Oil that stole the show. That sauce was so incredible that I could have just ordered it in a bowl and drunk it with a straw. For dessert I had Pavlova, and it was phenomenal. Inside is a clean, fresh and refreshing lemon sorbet with a rhubarb base with citrus segments in it. It was almost too pretty to eat, but I had to get that in my belly as I couldn't wait to try. Be warned though, that this is a bit of a pricey restaurant, and not the kind of place you go to on a Tuesday night for kicks (unless you're wealthy). Unsure if the prices were just a tad too high, or the portions were a tad too little, but I could have eaten more. You're probably not going to roll out of there super full. With that all said, I am so very glad I found Bansho. If you love Japanese, and want to try upscale, fine dining, this is the place to go. It's my absolute new fave and I cannot wait for another special occasion just to come back here again.

Bansho is an Armadale local gem, with an inventive Japanese-French lean. The food is consistently good, and the service is warm and lovely as well. Strangely enough, one of our favorite dishes is the side of brussel sprouts - so good. The beef croquettes are a winner, and the duck is tasty too. Would recommend this place for a great dining experience.

We had a great experience at Bansho. The atmosphere was very warm and welcoming, and the staff were extremely attentive and accommodating. The croquettes were the star of the night, and the Macha and Hojicha desserts were phenomenal. In terms of room for improvement: we did find ourselves waiting quite awhile between dishes, and the sides (crispy brussels sprouts and sautéed mushrooms) were both a little over salted. Overall it was a great night and we are looking forward to coming back to try the rest of the menu

Good pick in ingredients, but taste was average. Some of the dishes were quite heavy which means to be lighter. I won’t recommend their duck breast.

Bansho recently received one hat from the Good Food Guide - so it was a must try for us - especially for since it was an interesting combo of French and Japanese cruisine! Let's start with the food we had: Edamame - Grilled! Nicely grilled with some smokey flavour to it. Next level Edamame. Dobin Mushi - Just like drinking Dashi soup! Yum. Wagyu Beef Skewers - These were ok, nothing special. Creamy Mayo? Aburi Scallops - Yum again nicely grilled. Chawanmushi - A creamy Chawanmushi - interesting experience Beef Croquette - ok, nothing to shout home about Duck Breast - Good falvour Angus Steak - tender, taste was ok Wagyu Steak - super soft and fat, melts in your mouth A5 Waygu Sushi - Quit expensive for one sushi and was ok. Brussel Sprouts - Yum! Desserts - These were amazing. Choux Matcha, Creme Brulee, Bombe Alaska. Service: Service was ok, attentive at the start but as the night went on we felt like we kept being asked if we needed to order anything else (about 3-4x in a span of 5mins each) and it felt like they wanted us to leave? Odd as we checked and there was no seating after us and there were others still seated.

The food and service were average. I had better ones with the same price. Restaurant was new and nice.

Our latest favourite dining experience. All staff were wonderfully professional, elegant and graceful and ever attentive to our comfort. The dishes were prepared with skill and passion. It was effortless and natural and a feast not only for the pallet but also for the eyes. We’re definitely booking another evening here very soon.

Tried Warabi Japanese restaurant today and was overall a bit disappointed—perhaps my expectations were too high. The restaurant has a nice environment with refined decor, but the dishes didn’t quite meet the expected standard. The service was very good. At over $200 per person, the value for money isn’t great. It feels like you’re paying more for the ambiance than the food itself. Might be worth a visit for photos or a one-time experience, but I probably wouldn’t return.

Absolutely incredible omakase experience at Warabi. This was my second time here, and I enjoyed it just as much — if not more — than the first. Every dish was beautifully presented, using the freshest ingredients and showcasing the best of seasonal flavours. The raw seafood was exceptionally fresh and delicately prepared — you can truly taste the quality in every bite. The chef was warm and engaging, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere while carefully explaining each course. It’s clear that a lot of thought and passion goes into every detail of the menu. I really enjoy this place — both the food and the overall experience are consistently excellent. If you’re looking for a refined yet relaxed Japanese dining experience in Melbourne, Warabi is a must-visit. Can’t wait to return again!

I recently had an omakase meal at Warabi. While the food itself was decent, the overall experience was seriously undermined by one issue: the restaurant charged $16 person for still water without any prior notice. This price is far beyond what one would normally expect, and had I been informed in advance, I would have opted for tap water or none at all. Transparency is especially important in fine dining. Failing to inform customers about such high charges feels misleading—borderline deceptive. This practice completely eroded my trust in the restaurant. I won’t be returning and wouldn’t recommend it to friends.

We went to @warabimelbourne for Omakase and whilst we enjoyed each other's company, the food was not very special for the $$$. The restaurant was also lacking atmosphere. No sashimi course and only six nigiri in this Omakase menu! There are now so many options that you really need to offer remarkable flavours and produce or present something of a value proposition. $40 add on for one piece of otoro nigiri topped with caviar kinda gives you an idea. There were also many flavours that overpowered the main characters of certain dishes. The pork and mussel on sesame leaf with pickled radish was a good example where the delicate pickled radish would be the perfect balance for the fatty pork, however the proportion of radish just took over the flavour and the mussel was totally forgotten making its presence pointless. I would have expected to see a sashimi course here but that was also lacking. The nigiri was made with care, but the flavours were standard and the produce was not remarkable. The best mouthful for the night was the chutoro hand roll but that was it. The meal was nice enough to try but there are definitely better Omakase options in Melbourne.

Treated ourselves to this chef’s hat omakase last week and ya girl was definitely impressed! The moment we walked in, we were instantly greeted by the most friendly staff and the venue itself is just drop dead gorgeous. This 13 course mid-week sushi experience is priced at $185pp and is situated at the chefs counter. Highlights for me include the deep fried shrimp wrapped in knafeh, charcoal seared A5 wagyu nigiri and their signature unagi hand roll. The deconstructed cheesecake also deserves a shout special out. I’m even inclined to say it’s one of the best desserts I’ve had in an omakase! Overall I thought each dish was very well executed including the pace at which they were served. Would happily come back here again for sure. Highly recommend checking this place out if you haven’t already.

The entire dining experience was like being in an interactive art piece. Well crafted food and seevice

Went to MoVida expecting one of Melbourne’s top-tier tapas experiences, but honestly the food just didn’t hit the spot for me. I wasn’t drinking that night, which maybe plays a role (perhaps the flavours pair better with alcohol), but a lot of the dishes leaned overly sweet or unbalanced. The anchovy dish went from a nice salty crunch to being topped with something that felt like ice cream sorbet — and for me, it just didn’t work. The bug paella/risotto was either too salty or too sweet depending on the bite, and I really wished it had more rice to ground it. A few of the other dishes felt similar — beef, potato, little biscuit-type things — textures and flavours that leaned far too sweet for my liking. On the flip side, there were a few highlights. The croquettes were the clear standout — the butter corn one was delicious, and the special brisket croquette was bloody amazing. The tasting meat plate was also a winner — simple, clean, and exactly what you want without being overworked. But beyond that, the O’Connor steak was just okay (faint in flavour), and the ox tongue, while dressed nicely, was far too chewy with little distinct taste. Service was excellent — friendly, attentive, and professional. Just a shame that for me, the food missed the balance and depth I was hoping for. The churros were great at least, but the cheese and biscuits felt overcomplicated — too many random toppings and textures that distracted from what should’ve just been good quality cheese and crackers.

MoVida is a truly delicious and exciting place, offering a creative take on Spanish cuisine with a wide variety of dishes to explore. Almost everything we tried was outstanding. The goat with cheese was an absolute masterpiece — rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The pork neck was also excellent, tender and packed with taste. The octopus sausage was on the heavier side and quite greasy, but still enjoyable. The tapas here are unique and full of character, definitely different from the usual offerings you find elsewhere. The only real letdown was the scallop — it was burnt and ended up dry, which was disappointing compared to the otherwise high standard of the food. Service, however, left something to be desired. One of the waiters who served us was abrupt, condescending, and even tried to tell me how I should be eating my food and what to pair it with. That kind of attitude is simply unacceptable in a place of this caliber and definitely took away from the overall experience. In short, the food is fantastic, creative, and mostly unforgettable — but the service needs improvement. For that, I’d take off one star.

What a restaurant! We tried a few of the tapas, and all of them were excellent. You can tell that each dish is made with great care and attention to the ingredients. We had a wagyu croqueta from the specials menu that was top-notch, as well as the black paella with calamares — both were fantastic. They also have a great drink list with some excellent spanish wines and great sangria. Service from Liza could have been better and we appreciated her recommendation to visit MoVida next door. We ended up going two days after. Overall, I highly recommend this place!

Food is good and there are some creative tapas dishes but not cheap. It’s nice to pay a visit to this restaurant as the ambience is great. I will definitely skip the beef cheek since it’s quite dry if I go there again.

Behind graffiti walls and wine bottles in windows we found this lovely Spanish style tapas restaurant. Really nice atmosphere, super friendly staff and very well composed dishes. We asked the waiter to just surprise us and we t was marvellous.

Over ate, over indulged in everything from entree through the main dishes. All shared like good food should. The tapas were so good, we have gone to heaven. Must visit institution if you visit Melbourne.

The most phenomenal place for Spanish food in Melbourne, hands down. It's very much an institution and I would most definitely come back. The lions mane is okay but everything else is incredible and a massive hit!

This was our second time back at Farmer's Daughters. The food was just as amazing as our first time — fresh, flavorful, and beautifully balanced in taste and texture. Our hostess, Bridget, made the experience even better with her attentive, considerate, and friendly service. Even on a very busy night, she remained warm and welcoming, and took the time to chat with us about the food (especially the delicious alpine trout and the soda bread!) and our experience. Her genuine care and hospitality made the evening truly memorable. Thanks Bridget and the rest of the Farmer's Daughters team!

Had a great time at Farmer's Daughter. Service was very warm and personable and the food was all well prepared. The beetroot salad and the cured fish were a touch acidic, however that's easily fixed. The scallops, dry-aged ribeye, soda bread, and fennel burrata salad were highlights. Nice place to drop by for cocktails and food.

Overall dining experience was good and appreciated the Gippsland farm ingredients. Personally loved the trout and the soda bread. But the portions aren’t much for the set menu, I think an average man would walk out still feeling hungry. They do give you an option of adding another main throughout though but wishing they notified about this at the start of the dining too. The venison was quite chewy and the dessert was a bit disappointing where the chocolate mousse tasted very waxy and the orange flavours were too sweet and overpowering. Good service and atmosphere, gets very busy on a Saturday night, just happy to try once.

Food: Ate at the rooftop bar. Menu is misleading. "Mains" means tiny portion snack with basically 1 item served on a saucer. Extremely overpriced. Expect ~$37 minimum for 1 sausage, ~$47 for several fish fingers. Plates in my photos are tiny plates not mains as you'd expect for a menu's Mains section. Ordered $20 side salad which exclusively had two types of leaves. It wouldn't fill a toddler Service: It took 7 phone calls across an hour to reach an operator between 2-3pm. Cancelling 24 hours ahead costs $50 for rooftop bar. Atmosphere: 2nd level was entirely empty around 5pm. Rooftop was very quiet & Exhibition St car horns disturb the peace. Bad location for parking, pub vibe, gross toilets & modify booking is only over phone/walk in. There is a web chat feature too but no-one responds. To change the booking time we had to call the function option and then try the main line to finally get through to someone. Would never go back or recommend to anyone

My girlfriend and I went here for her birthday. I have dined at many restaurants and Farmer's daughters is now one of my favourites. The flavours were simply sublime! We did the 5 course degustation. Each course was unique and stimulated different taste sensations. It is hard to describe the party that was going on in my mouth. The bread was an absolute standout! The cocktails were also flavourful and delicious. We had some tea at the end to finish the meal and we both enjoyed the chance to sit back and relax at the end of the meal. The wait staff were attentive and were able to give us brief but useful introductions to each course. I would highly recommend this place!

Booked last minute on arrival in Melbourne for a big birthday weekend including Vue de Monde. We were upstairs in The Restaurant. This meal was excellent indeed, service great, value also great and all round it's a 15/20 experience for mine. We had: Lake’s Entrance fish (crudo), cucumber jelly, smoked buttermilk; Baked Noojee alpine trout, mountain pepper cream, trout caviar. Lots of dill; Ramarro Farm Jerusalem artichoke, Parisienne potatoes, lemon & bayleaf broth. Added Truffle; Grilled Terramirra Park venison, bone marrow, pickled cumquat, confit leek; Fruit Forest fig leaf parfait, poached fig, almond tuile.

I went here for a business meal. Reservations are a must and if you go on a Sunday there is 10% surcharge. The Sunday surcharge was new for me, but seems to be common in Melbourne with many restaurants closed on Sundays. The staff were super professional and friendly, ensuring we were comfortable and taken care of. The server was knowledgeable and answered all our questions. The quality, preparation and presentation of the food was outstanding. This is a high end restaurant and the prices reflect that, but you won't be disappointed. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and drinks. I would definitely go back again.

Maison Batard @maison_batard - Asortiment de Pain 🥖🧈$15.5 - Lobster Omelette🦞🍳 $49.5 - Tartare de Thon et Avocat 🥑🐟$39.5 - Rib Eye Steak 600g 🥩 $95.5 ⭐️ - Purée de Pommes de ferre 🥔$18.5 - Gâteau au Chocolat 🍰 $24.5 ⭐️ - Domaine des Aubuisieres Cuvee de Silex Vouvray 🍷 - 2018 Domaine de Brondeau Lala🍷 Birthday Dinner #6 I have heard mixed reviews of Maison Bâtard so I decided to experience it for myself and I was pleasantly surprised. We started with the sourdough and baguette, served fresh and warm. The lobster omelette was rich and flavourful thanks to the crayfish bisque, although the omelette itself was slightly overcooked. The spicy tuna tartare was fresh with a nice kick, a bit of crunch would have elevated the texture. The standout was the rib eye steak, perfectly cooked and well seasoned. The peppercorn sauce was my favourite. I also enjoyed the chocolate cake. It was decadent yet not overly rich or sweet. Maison Bâtard has an extensive wine list with many old and rare bottles. I appreciated the thoughtfully curated short list for those who might find the full selection a little overwhelming. The interior is stunning and the service was friendly. It’s definitely on the pricey side and I’d expect a bit more for this price point. But you’re paying for the whole experience — the food, wine and atmosphere combined.

@maison_batard is a four level French restaurant fittingly at the Paris end of Bourke Street in Melbourne CBD. It is brought to you by @thelucasgrp (@chinchin, @kisume_au, @grillamericano). They were just awarded one of Australia’s Best New Restaurant by @gourmettraveller! We dined in the main restaurant (which spans across the first two floors) on a Saturday night, it’s lively, more formal, with an open kitchen, oyster and caviar bar and smoked mirrors. It also connects to their bar but I wouldn’t recommend booking this section for dinner unless you’re only ordering a couple of things, as the tables are very small. Next level up is Le Club which runs late Thurs-Sat with live performances and a reduced menu, while on the rooftop you’ll find La Terrace, my personal favourite - brings all the Parisian vibes, with its own slightly different menu. ✔️ Crab et Caviar en Brioche Toastée Finger Sandwich - lovely but teeny tiny!
✔️ Chopped Spicy Tuna Tartare, Avocado - a good combination and plenty of tuna!
✔️ Confit Ora King Salmon - perfectly cooked fish
✔️ Entrecôte Scotch Fillet - flavourful, charred, juicy!
➖ Eye Fillet - not as tender as usual for the cut
✔️ Pomme Frites
✔️ Mixed Green Leaves - simple, nice dressing!
🍫 Chocolate Mousse - served tableside for a little extra theatrics! I love this. It’s delicious, very sweet so share! I’d skip the small bites unless you’re happy to splurge - they really are tiny. But overall, we had a really lovely night. It’s not cheap but the food was good, the service was fantastic and the atmosphere was the cherry on top. It is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Melbourne, for sure.

We decided to visit this spot on a Sunday afternoon as a group of three to celebrate our birthday month, and ended up ordering the comté cheese gougères, the le cheeseburger, and the mousse au chocolat. The cheeseburger was $29.5 which I thought was steep considering the size, but we ordered one each to try. The cheeseburgers were an hour wait, which we weren’t informed of, otherwise we would’ve ordered more entrées while we waited. We also noticed that everyone else at the restaurant ordered the cheeseburger, so we assumed that it must have been a popular meal. I don’t think I’ll be running back here any time soon, but the terrace seating is beautiful, so if anything, I might come back for just drinks and dessert.

Maison Bâtard offers a truly magnificent view — every angle is picture-perfect and beautifully designed. The ambience is elegant and relaxing. The food was decent, though not particularly outstanding. Service was mixed — one waiter was exceptionally attentive and polite, while another came across a little abrupt when handling payment. Overall, it’s a lovely venue to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere, but the overall experience was just average.

Maison Bâtard wants to be something. You feel it the moment you walk in. The place hums with energy. Dim light, chatter bouncing off the walls, the right kind of crowd for a Friday night in Melbourne. The room looks good, the vibe hits right. You expect a solid night. The waiter greets us and seats us. He’s polite, eager, but raw. The wine list is long, clearly built by someone who knows what they’re doing. The menu is short, tight, confident, at least on paper. Nobody explains it though. When I asked if the steak was dry aged, the waiter froze, blinked, and confessed he didn’t know what that meant. He ran to the kitchen, came back, and said it wasn’t. You can tell the staff hasn’t been trained deep enough to live and breathe the menu. Starters hit the table all at once, crowding the space. Then a long wait. Then mains. The rhythm was off, like a band that hadn’t rehearsed. The food was fine. You can see what they’re chasing, a bit of Reine & La Rue polish, but they don’t have the same finesse, precision, or soul. Maison Bâtard wants to play in the big leagues, but the small cracks show fast. For the price, you expect more than promise. You expect delivery. Would I go again? No. Not until they figure out who they really are.

Visited for lunch and ordered several bite size snacks and starters, followed by a main dish and a dessert. The snacks came out pretty fast which included: - Spanner crab tart and king prawn crumpet were both fresh, topped with caviar which was a nice bonus as it was not mention on the menu. Crumpet was a bit dry though which was a minor setback - Crab and caviar brioche toasties was savoury, soft and buttery with a bit of sweetness from the brioche - Lobster and leek croquettes has a crispy exterior with finely chopped up lobster filling which was pretty good but the leek sauce was a bit overpowering with the tangy citrus taste The starters were served shortly after I have finished the snacks: - Lobster omelette has a good amount of lobster meat which was soft and springy, not overcooked, and the crayfish sauce has a nice concentrated seafood flavour, though I think some pasta or risotto would pair better than with omelette - Crispy potato omelette consist of crushed salt potato chips wrapped with a thin omelette, drizzled with mayo and topped with caviar; very rich and flavour packed For mains, had the snapper en croute which is a snapper fillet baked with a crispy sweet brioche on top, paired with a buttery beurre blanc sauce. There was a few small pieces of pineapple which was interesting, adding a burst of sweet tartness to the bite. The fish was meaty and tender and paired well with the contrasting texture of the brioche. For dessert, there was quite a lot of choices but I went with their signature chocolate mousse served tableside. It was sweet and decadent, balanced with some chantilly cream, and the chocolate shards added some texture and blends nicely with the mousse. Overall it was a tasty meal with friendly and attentive service from the staffs.

Really really nice vibes upstairs (the terrace) but food was questionable? for the price. The steak frites was good, the king prawn linguine was so bland and the pomme de terre was the worst. The mousse saved the whole meal it was really good. Would come back just for the vibes….

I went to Etta in Brunswick East with my friends, and we had an amazing time. The restaurant has such a warm and cozy vibe — perfect for a relaxed night out. The staff were super friendly and helpful, and they made us feel really welcome. We ordered a variety of dishes to share, and everything was absolutely delicious. You can really taste the freshness and quality in each plate. The flavors were creative but still comforting. Overall, it was such a great experience — from the service to the atmosphere and, of course, the food. I’d definitely recommend Etta to anyone looking for a lovely dinner spot in Melbourne.

Incredible menu. Great incorporation of Asian flavours. I’ve eaten (too) many Zhong Zi (rice dumplings) in my life and this was so well executed, well seasoned with all that umami from mushrooms. That and the chrysanthemum tofu had me in a chokehold. Celebrated my birthday here and I’m so happy to have made that choice!

We visited Etta with a reservation and tried their spring menu. The restaurant’s setup, staff, and ambience were all top-notch, and they offered a great selection of fusion dishes. We started with starters and small plates, and then shared a main dish and desserts. Overall, the food was well-prepared, but the Cantonese roasted pork was a bit too fatty for our taste. It would have been perfect if the meat was leaner. If you’re looking for a great dining experience, don’t miss out on Etta!

I had a great time at Etta—it’s easily become one of my favourite spots in Melbourne. The service was friendly and well-informed, which really added to the experience. We went with the set menu and ordered our own drinks on the side. I’m glad we did, because while I might not have picked those dishes myself, everything that came out was a pleasant surprise and beautifully executed. The space itself had a warm, welcoming feel that made the whole experience even more enjoyable.

Extremely good service, all staff were proactive and seemed to be exactly where you needed them when it was time to order another glass of wine! Food was excellent with a Indonesian twist. I loved it

We came for laksa night and it did not disappoint! Best ever laksa! The tofu was like an incredible pillow will be retuning to taste the whole menu! We also got to taste the ginger cake dessert (so delicious)

One of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Australia so far. The food was nothing short of incredible and inventive. The asparagus dish was an explosion of flavours, the tartare was originally brilliant, and the pork was one of the best porks I’ve had in recent memory. Super kind staff as well. Can’t recommend enough.

Came from Cairns to catch up with mama and this is the place we wanted to try out. I can honestly say everything about this restaurant is 5 star. What a modern way to bring in Polish cuisine to Australians. Guy the owner is a very lovely man and all the staff were excellent. Oh and the food was amazing. I highly recommend this place for everything food and drink. Don't forget to catch their pierogi van at the Polish Festival at Federation square this month!!!!

Delicious comfort food start to finish. The potato and sauerkraut fries were so good we ordered a 2nd serve, the Kielbasa pierogi were moreish and the house made smoked cheese with cranberry sauce was incredible, salty rich and smokey, and a shout out to Magda our waitress for suggesting this dish when I asked if there was anything we hadn't ordered that was a must try. We had no business ordering desert because we were full but I'm glad we did, neither were overly sweet and both were super tasty. Loved the polish smoked wheat beer and the sour cherry sour. The service was fast and friendly. 10 out of 10 would recommend !

Absolutely Incredible. I was extremely excited to travel to Melbourne to try this place as I had heard great things. As a Ukranian growing up with the food and culture, I've always missed those traditional meals my grandmother used to cook for me. As soon as I walked in it's like I stepped into a time warp and back into her kitchen. From the atmosphere, the absolutely lovely staff, and the food.... my God the food its absolutely indescribably Incredible. I ordered many dishes all from my childhood and was not disappointed, from the pierogi to the baked cheesecake, polish mountain cheese, beetroot salad, herrings, and the potato sauerkraut fries, each dish took me back and was Incredible. The entire experience made me WISH I lived I melbourne so I could visit more. I seriously cannot recommend this place more whether you want a chill family dinner, or a night out with drinks, eat pierogi make love delivers. Thank you again to the incredible staff and I look forward to visiting again soon!

First time in Melbourne from NZ and knew I had to visit this restaurant as I’m half polish and never had polish food! Went on a Sunday night and it was buzzing luckily dining solo I was able to get a spot straight away at the bar. Staff were lovely and recommended me lots of different dishes - I played it safe this time with some pierogis, smashed potatoes and a salad next time I would like to be more adventures but I loved the Pierogis and the cheese was to die for! Tasted like a proper European cheesecake, save space for that! Can’t wait to come back in the future and try more. Also great spot to read your book!

Great name, great Pierogi! We just popped in for a quick lunch, there was a whole bunch of us but the service was quick and the pierogi delicious! They tasted a lot better than my terrible photo make them look, truly! We were going back to class so didn't drink anything from the amazing looking cocktail menu but I'm sure they would be as delicious as they sounded!

Love this place! Been here twice and it doesn’t disappoint. I take all my interstate friends here as there isn’t anything like this in Brisbane. The food is great, who doesn’t like potato or dumplings. Love the vibe, gives the Melbourne vibe in a restaurant and the staff are lovely and accommodating. Will be back!

Absolutely loved this place! Food and drinks were excellent. We had the potato and cottage cheese, sausage and potato pierogi, mushroom pierogi, trio salads and for drinks the kompot. We loved everything, the highlight was the potato and cottage cheese. We will be back!

Fri 3/10/25 lunch. Absolutely exquisite lunch. Beautifully cooked, fantastic presentation, friendly and attentive staff, and wonderful decor. Oh and yummy cocktails… it did not disappoint and we will be back. Highly recommend.

The moment we walked into Lucia, the staff were so welcoming, friendly and service impeccable. The food was equally exceptional and wow...deliziosoooo!!! Scallop was cooked to perfection, duck so moist and tender and packed with flavour and my saffron seafood risotto, oh so buttery and rich. What a delight. The lamb ribs were also just as impressive. Fries were hot and nicely seasoned, just a wee bit on the saltier side. To end the night, we had the lemon tart and the warm apple crumble with spiced caramel. Not even one crumb left. Such unique flavours. Big shoutout to Maria who was super friendly, funny and so lovely. We had a beautiful night. Marvellous work guys!!!!!

I had the pleasure of celebrating my birthday at Lucia Melbourne and it was absolutely fantastic! Every bite was full of flavor and presented very well. What really stood out though was the service. The staff were incredibly attentive and friendly. They really made the evening special. I wouldn't hesitate to eat here again if given the opportunity

What an amazing experience at Lucia. The food was absolutely Devine, every bite hit us with a different flavour, presented so lovely in every plate. Our waiter Christian, so lovely and wonderful at his job. The owner Elvis, made us walk out of this restaurant feeling like family, like we had known them for so long. We shared stories and had a great laugh, finishing off the night with a beautiful glass of frangellico. Thank you to Elvis, Christian and the team at Lucia. We will be back again, and cannot wait to try your other restaurants! Thank you again. Josephine & Nadia.

Some dishes were genius - the lobster “taco”, quail, and the lamb (which was cooked to perfection). The sauce on the king prawn pasta, however, was extremely salty and didn’t have any crustacean flavour & the prawns felt overcooked. The pasta itself was al dente and had a good bite.

Visited for lunch and ordered a number of small dishes, a main and a dessert. Started with the seafood dishes; the scallop was lightly pan-seared, soft and savoury with the pumpkin hot sauce and pancetta; the lobster taco was a bit overwhelming with the sour citrus dressing, couldn't really taste the natural sweetness of the lobster; and the kingfish has a nice cured flavour paired with sweet and crisp sliced apple and a light fragrant Geraldton wax dressing, can do without the tapioca pearls. Then came the hot dishes; the wagyu hanger skewer was tender and beefy with some tangy flavour and a hint of spice from the rojo verde dressing; the braised beef short rib was also very tender with a nice chargrilled taste, paired well with the briny salmon roe and taramasalata; and the mushroom croquette was soft and creamy with a perfectly crumbed coating. For mains, had the gnocchi with roasted zucchini which was ok; the gnocchi was very doughy, maybe a higher ratio of flour was used, stracciatella was nice and creamy, but the basil pesto sauce was a bit too salty even without the black olive crumb. Finished the meal with a chocolate, coffee and bourbon meringue cake which was pretty tasty and not too sweet; it was satisfying to watch the sauce slowly poured with precision onto the meringue. Besides the lobster taco and the gnocchi, everything else was tasty; highlights were the beef short rib and the mushroom croquette. Staffs were friendly and service was great, appreciate the manager who promptly resolved the minor issue with the bill.

Nice looking place with decor but the atmosphere wasn’t as welcoming as others on that level. Good presented well but unfortunately not all tasted good. The steak tartare was quite dry needed more moisture, the crisp that came with it was stale. Squid ink pasta was nice and chewy except for the crab sauce which was quite rich to the taste it ended up being sickening. The star of the dish was the beef ribs and the dessert the whiskey, caramel coffee and meringue, their version of tiramisu. Would I return? Don’t think so

Overall, food was delicious and charred perfectly. However, VERY long wait times due to only 1 chef cooking for the entire restaurant. First entree (not pictured) - bread with bone marrow butter. Absolutely delicious, light crispy yet soft bread paired with melt in your mouth butter. 2nd Entree - arrived after 1 HOUR wait. Blue eye tataki - little bit too sour, and for the price, small portion of fish provided. It was good but not worth the price. **Waitress came to ask us how the entrees were, and we asked for an ETA for the mains since we waited one whole hour for the second entree to come out. She very kindly offered to expedite our mains and it indeed did happen.** Pork chop - delicious flavour pairings with the pickled apple, however again it was too overly sour. The pork was a little on the dry side but the char was amazing. Lamb - absolutely divine. Perfectly cooked, soft, tender and flavourful. Favourite dish of the night. Possibly favourite lamb I’ve had anywhere too. Carrots - if I didn’t know the concept of this restaurant I’d think the carrots were burnt. The exterior was completely black. However it tasted great and paired well with the sauce. Although the sauce was again overly sour Overall a decent experience. Props to the one singular chef for busting her ass in the kitchen cooking up delicious food. Though I noticed a common factor of overly sour components in each dish. Needs improved time management to cut down the incredibly long wait time for food to come out. And thanks to the waitress for pushing our mains through, but I can only imagine that meant another table had to wait even longer for theirs. It’s a vibe to see one chef cooking up everything, so if that’s your thing and you have a few hours to wait for your food then it’s fantastic.

We've just gotten home from our five year anniversary at Flint and the whole drive we couldn't stop talking about this experience. From the moment you walk in you are hit with warm candlelight, smooth jazz, laughter and the amazing smell of fire, blessing food! The menu is curated spectacularly, every bite is sensational and to watch the incredible chef move in her kitchen is a show to behold. She's kind, warm and generous with her food and her attitude towards her customers. We had all of the starters and standouts have to be the smoked oysters and the pickles...though everything was incredible! For mains we had the pork chop...just wow and the carrot dish...I love carrots but that was insane, I've never loved carrots so much! The service was prompt, warm, friendly and sassy with great banter and even better cocktails! Thank you again Flint, we cant wait to see you continue to flourish!

Hands down one of my most favourite restaurants in Melbourne. Eccentric owner, amazing staff. Food was sooooooo goooood. That Bone Marrow butter? Outstanding!! Love love the burnt carrots and lettuce so much too ❤️

Went to Flint for my birthday and it was absolutely perfect! The staff were immediately so accommodating and helpful- made adjustments for dietary restrictions and helped us with all our ordering! We started with the smoked oysters and they were MAGICAL. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. The Burnt Lettuce was also incredible I’ve never tasted anything like it. If you like fermentation PLEASE GET THE PICKLES. We got the steak and pork for our mains. Absolutely speechless. Best steak I have ever had. The pork was great as well, but complemented with the Apple and leak- incredible. And I cannot forget the star of the show… the carrots!!!!! Best carrots I’ve ever had- genius dish! Overall I cannot recommend this restaurant enough. From the food that I will DREAM about to the welcoming and kind service- do yourself a favor and see it for yourself!

Known for their charcoal smoked dishes, Flint did not disappoint. Recommended dishes: - The carrot carrot 🥕 🥕 - Lamb rump - Burnt lettuce, yeah I didn’t know this was a thing? - Rainbow trout 🌈 🐟 The servers were great with their wine recommendations and friendly banter. The look of the restaurant had a fancy look but still a casual vibe. Smith St is also a trendy street to have pre or post dinner drinks.

(September 2023 update - Second time here now and still all the comments below apply).We had been recommended this new restaurant and we were super impressed on every level. The concept of creating dishes just with smoke and fire is not new, but the execution of their dishes is simply outstanding. The flavors, textures and overall taste of every dish we ate, were next level. Coupled with excellent friendly service and a great drinks list, Flint is setting a very high benchmark in Melbourne restaurants. An absolute must go.

I had such a great experience at Flint this week. Sitting in front of the kitchen was a real treat. The food was great from the bread, to the main, to dessert. Wonderful service, we were made to feel right at home. The staff demonstrated great wine knowledge, and helped me to select two glasses that I very much enjoyed. The wine list has an excellent selection of local, and international varieties. Highly recommended, and I am looking forward to my next visit.

Fantastic night, amazing place with superber food and service. The feed me menu was defiantly worth getting with the price tag. Highly recommend the Ramen scotch eggs and defiantly upgrade to the porter house steak. The cocktail menu had a great range and something for everyone.

We are thinking of visiting for a while and few nights ago we made it there. Arrived a bit early (7PM-ish) and there were just few other tables but it got filled up very quickly. We've ordered Mushroom skewers, Pork & Pistachio Brawn, those amazing potato squares (like gratin), Honey Roast Chicken, Porterhouse Steak and Fresh & Pickled Veggies with beautiful Curried Onion dip. All prepared and presented well It does seem a simple dish but that Honey roasted chicken was simply AMAZING!!! as everything else indeed!! Very well presented, tasty to the brink, service was really friendly and attentive, not intrusive - so all in all - We must go there again! We are in out late 50's and what got us also was the music!!!! Blast from the past from probably nicest and safest era that was....80's & 90's Starting from Talking Heads, Morrisey, Joy Division, B52's, you name it!!!!! We were truly entertained and accompanied with few glasses of Sangiovese we were Done!!! We will go there again for sure and would encourage everyone to give it a go, no disappointments available!!! .....Relax and enjoy Reed House hospitality Jana & Boris

Had a fantastic set menu Sunday roast today and it was delicious! Lovely atmosphere, welcoming and relaxing. Will definitely be back, drinks and bar snacks also great!

We had a fantastic Sunday Roast experience at Reed House! The ambience, service, food, and overall experience were top-notch. We opted for the sharing Sunday Roast set, and every dish was delicious, except the dessert was a bit disappointing. Overall, I highly recommend this place.

Great food but the thing that takes this place to the next level is the hospitality. The lovely lady who runs the place is welcoming and attentive and the chef came out a few times to serve and get feedback. The potato side dish is amazing - I’ll be back many times for that!

Good food and nice building. However, it can be pretty hard to read the menu and sometimes the explanation is not clear enough as we mistook the salad to be a side for the main plate when its meant to be an actual dish by itself.

Reed House – Two Englishmen and a Greek Walk into a Building was a great night out. The food was incredible, and the venue was sophisticated and full of quality. The cocktails were very well balanced, perfectly complementing the menu. Loved the concept of having multiple chefs take over for one night — it made the experience feel unique and creative. The menu was original and beautifully executed — such a fantastic idea done perfectly.

I threw a party for my boyfriend let's just say it was alright he had a great time more venue clarity would've been great. Pros: Atmosphere was ambient it was pretty spacious for 30 guests, the food was great (heard from my guests), service was good and friendly the bartender/security were nice, and the music tablet was cool to have during the event. Cons: I wasn't told that the red seated area was closed off, which I assumed as I paid for the venue, I'd be getting the whole access to it? And throughout the night there were a group of people entering that area having drinks and a shisha chatting with the security?? Which I thought was pretty unprofessional as I didn't know who they were and wasn't made aware of this prior by any of the staff. The tab disappeared really fast, as expected I paid more but I wasn't expecting for guests to be charged $7 for a cup full of ice and half a can of soda each. Which is not comprehendible as it's not alcohol so there shouldn't be an issue with RSA for this- why dilute and overcharge? While decorating, I noticed the tables at the back were just stacked next to each other and it was really cluttered there, there was no notice of this beforehand and it made it hard to roam around tables thus also the accessibility around the venue was bit more difficult. Extra seating back there should perhaps be removed beforehand? Overall it was okay, after decorating the place looked great and I could get pass some things I just wish I had some more clarity given on food/drinks slash venue hire.

We celebrated my daughters 18th birthday in July. The manager and staff were very easy to deal with from the outset. The planning and organising was easy and the rules were clear and well enforced. The venue was perfectly set up, there was plenty of food and the service was great. Highly professional operation.

The first (and last) bar I attended where I needed to scan a QR code then read pages of legalese and agree to terms and conditions before I was allowed inside. All this after I'd already bought a ticket. Nobody scanned the ticket. Upon going to order a drink, they didn't know what styles of beer they were selling. I asked where the sauvignon blanc was from - they didn't know, and showed me the bottle to read, as if it was my job. The bottle didn't say. Even trying to visit the bathroom was a pain - one bathroom for everyone on the dancefloor. I had to wait for 4 girls to go in together and finish their gossip before I could pee. Who gave this place 5 stars? All fake accounts. This place should not exist. edit: Despite being told that my data would be deleted after I left, I ended up receiving SMS messages asking me to delete this review

Amy and Noah best bartenders. They are lovely and I hope they are appreciated.

My new local bar… very exotic inside.. service was great.. staff was very friendly..

John and Noah took great care of us and our group. We’re always there to entertain all our needs and made it a great experience

noah and amy makes a great drink, super fun venues, absolute legends!!

Great menu. Awesome staff. Good vibes! Dined here recently - and whilst it was a little chilly sitting outside, there weren't too many other options given how busy the place was! Regardless, the hot chicken burger was perfect - tasty and filling! Coffee wasn't my favourite blend - but it was drinkable (but, hey that's all subjective, right!). Staff were ever so friendly and attentive. 10/10

Chill vibes, friendly staff, good food. Pulled pork benedict - Pulled pork so tender and melts in your mouth - potato hash is house made, crispy and full of flavour - Red cabbage and apple slaw pairs well with the dish, has a robust taste with the olive oil. It might have been better to leave on the side as it was overpowering and the poached eggs were hidden under it. Hot fried chicken sandwich - spicy seasoning packed a pick - chicken was juicy with a crispy batter - toasted milk bun - chips were crispy Hojicha latte - So aromatic and smooth. - love how we could pour it ourselves

Amazing food, amazing service and good atmosphere. Would rate the Chilli 🌶 scrambled eggs (9/10) coffee (9/10). Highly recommend a visit. Thanks Oscar, for looking after us and making it an awesome experience.

Weekend brunch has become a little luxury for our family. A moment to pause, reconnect, and make memories. It is a spot I hadn’t been to in almost 9 years. It still has that warm and comfortable feel, with quality coffee and a relaxed atmosphere that made it easy to unwind. We ordered a mix of brunch staples. 🍳 Turkish Breakfast 🌶 Chilli Scrambled Egg 🥐 Ham and Cheese Croissant ☕️ Flat white 🫖 Sticky Chai Latte ☕️ Babychino Something for everyone. The little one loved her babychino (and a sweet chat with Evie, who was so lovely with her 💛).

Popped in for brunch today and loved the buzzing vibe as soon as I walked in. Staff are super friendly and full of energy. If you’re into fried chicken, the Hot Fried Chicken Sandwich is a no-brainer — just get it!

Great coffee, delicious brunch and so flavourful, and such a cozy vibe! And friendly team are very welcoming. One of my top brunch spots in Melbourne!

Absolutely loved this spot, from the charming exterior to the warm and cozy atmosphere inside. It had such a welcoming vibe! It was quite busy on a Saturday, but luckily, we managed to get a table right away. A special shoutout to Eva, who took care of us the entire time, she was incredibly friendly and made our experience even better. We ordered the Cheesecake French Toast, Turkish Breakfast, and Bacon & Egg Roll, and honestly, everything was delicious. My personal favorite was the Bacon & Egg Roll, but I’d definitely order the rest again next time I visit.

Came here for a friend’s birthday and had a really nice time in the outdoor area out back. It was a busy day but I thought the staff were doing great at keeping up with demand. There was also a live DJ using actual records which was awesome! All I’ll say is that the bathroom was tiny (admittedly only went to the outdoor one) and is quite claustrophobic when it’s a busy weekend. Would come again!

Bit of a let down as this place used to be a favourite of ours! The man serving us was very lovely and knowledgeable and even gave us a drink on the house. However, the high seats are just not a vibe and I think the menu needsss work. The food was good but not the vibe - why have 10 pasta dishes when there is a busy Italian right across the road? My partner and I agreed that they should add some more pub classics to the menu (e.g burgers and parmas) and stay more true to the local vibe rather than the small overpriced meals.

I’ve been coming to this fine Restaurant/Bar since I started working at a local office near by and they never disappoint. Food is always cooked with lots of love and lots of flavour. The wait staff are incredibly friendly and very down to earth. It pains me to see this fine establishment empty around lunch time. So if you are in the area come in and get the best bite to eat in the Collingwood/Victoria Park area. Very LGBT friendly as well with is a definite plus in my book 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️. Keep up the great work 😃😊🏳️‍🌈🦄.

I’m not a Melbourne local but I was so happy to stumble in here. The food is amazing (order the friend bread), the staff are incredibly lovely and welcoming, and the atmosphere is lovely. There was such a mix of people and they were all laughing. Well worth the stop

Only popped in for a quick catch-up of chips bread and some drinks last night but love the vibe, service staff were fantastic, attentive and friendly. Wintertime so it wasn't too crowded and the perfect place for a good chat without it being overwhelmed with noise! Excellent place for a good gasbag amongst friends.

Excellent food, amazing music @ great vibes. I like how they gently pipe in the music from the dj’s into the whole bar. I also like how warm, covered and cozy the beer garden gets when it’s raining.

Staff great, but crowd here are very homophobic. we all had separate experiences where we felt unsafe due to comments made from patrons here. management here needs to seriously consider their policies towards safety here because I don't see myself ever come here again.

Very friendly service and nice atmosphere inside. The food have interesting combination, who knew crispy chicken + waffle + maple syrup + cream = bliss 😻 The coffee tastes lighter than it looks but super smooth 👍🏻

Breakfast vibe so much loved it! Ordered Full English Breakfast, Acai Smoothies, Edamame Smash, and Chilli Pop Chicken with Waffles. Amazing taste! Fresh, sweet, savoury, and perfectly prepared. One of most instragam-able foods in town. Place is nice, bright, located just right before the river. Customer service was great, friendly staff!

Was really exited to visit Kitty, location is lovely and quiet away from the main road... coffee (mocha) was probably the only good part about the experience. I had the French toast which was a cold over cooked pear which turned to baby food and soggy sad looking bread with jam in the middle. Partner had chilli scramble which was soggy and wet with a weird watered down flavour. Service was slow and they turned heaters on then sun came out and they came back and turned heaters up again higher? Took 10 min for them to figure it out and everyone had to move from under as it became unbearable. Won’t be going back. Wouldn’t bother.

This cafe has a good outdoor dining area which is perfect for those who has dogs with them. I’m disappointed with the waffle! I was so excited at first, but when the food arrived I was sad. After the first bite, I’m even sad 😩 due to weird taste of the waffle and also the tasteless fried chicken (eventho they taste healthier lolll) Other than that, the pork Benny was great. Nicely flavoured pork slices with the hash.

Cafe with a beautiful setting at an apartment complex by the Yarra River with a variety in menu. Service and food is average imo. Came in a group of 11 and have pre-ordered our meal. Yet it took a while before lunch is served. Would have also preferred more warmth from our wait staff. Food wise, my group is ok with their food but… …Chicken from the Buttermilk Chicken Burger lacked seasoning. The bun did not hold the sauce well and got pretty soggy …Ordered extra egg for one of the salad dish but came as hard boiled eggs rather than poached (not in photo)

Kitty Burns had a good variety of brunch/cafe food and coffees on their menu, although the sweet options were quite limited (there were only granola and French toast at the time). So I went for their French toast, and I quite enjoyed it - the sweet brioche/Nutella maple cream were balanced with the freshness of the saffron-poached pear. Would have enjoyed it more had it been served with a scoop of ice cream :) Coffee was great and so was the turmeric latte. Service was prompt, although it helped that there was no other customers apart from our group at the time!

Wow! What a surprise ! 😋I heard about this place from @masterchefau , so I took my wife& my cousin there , and oh! The ambience of the place, the flavours , the designs of the dishes , and the coffee! It was definitely one of the best experiences I had in our beautiful Melbourne 🙂🙂 @kitty.burns

Omg this place was amazing…exceeded my expectations by miles. Me and my partner went for steak night, and we could even bring out little dog in! The beer garden is beautiful, spacious but also enclosed so it’s warm and nice during winter. They also have a little doggie menu. Steak was the best I’ve had, still thinking about it till today. Love it!

Visited on a Wednesday with a group of 15 (recommend booking) and unfortunately it was pissing down rain so the booth we were in was leaking from the ceiling. Not their fault but asked for a tea towel to wipe the water mess and had to do it myself with tissues. Steak was fine, actually medium rare with good gravy. No steak knives provided. Generous servings of chips and salad though. Pretty steep steak and they don’t have a weekly steak night so it’s an ok pub once in a while. Glad they’re on The Pass too 👍🏻

Great venue for classic pub favourites and good music. Special shout out to the manager Tyson who always welcomes us with a smile and goes above and beyond to make sure everything is okay. We especially love the events they host, with the Paws and Pints days being a personal fave!

It's a pretty cool pub, with good vibes and good food. Trivia night is super fun and there's always events happening - Pints & Paws is a favourite. Dogs are allowed in the beer garden, which was refurbished recently and has a bunch of toys for them! My dog loves it!

Great Father’s Day dinner with my family. Had the steak sandwich and the sweet and spicy chicken wings. Excellent food and great service.

Sunday roast was the worst iv had, meat was big blobs of fat cold peas and pumpkin. No spuds

Scored a free feed using The Pass app this afternoon. The steak sandwich had some gristle to contend with, but the chips were spot on, and the sandwich was flavorsome. The interior is industro-chic & it features a great internal garden area. Waitress had zero personality. Great spot along route 12 tramline. Guessing it’s popular with people who shop at Victoria Gardens.

What a lovely experience me and my family had here! The staff were delightful and attentive. There were 12 of us and we all ate together while we ordered. The coffee was delicious and the environment was bright and spacious and not very noisy. Parking can be a little hard but next door, at the shopping centre it’s $4 per hour after the first hour (which is free). I had the lobster roll (the name escapes me) with fries and aioli. I will be returning!

The food was absolutely delicious! Every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The ingredients tasted fresh and the portions were generous. A truly memorable dining experience, I can’t wait to return and try more from their amazing menu!!!!!

Had a lovely brunch at AU79! The coffee was smooth and the pastries were fresh and delicious. The tiramisu and basque cheesecake were both a hit—light, creamy, and not too sweet. Beautiful setup, great vibes, and friendly service. Will definitely be back! ☕🍰🥐✨

The sheer size of this cafe is the standout feature here. Lot of airy space with a slightly gilded maximalist design aesthetic that isn't too overwhelming. The location, close to the Hive, feels just tucked away far enough from the occasional chaos on Victoria Street. The range of food is somewhat playfully bougie but well worth it. The late breakfast offering with specialist Mork hot chocolate was certainly appreciated. The only thing missing was Livenpay wasn't available, but that tends to be par for the course. As I currently suffer some dizziness the benches near the entrance are also highly welcome.

AU79 Café in Abbotsford has it all—diverse menu, delicious flavors, top-notch service, and seriously good vibes. Whether you're craving brunch classics or something new, they’ve got you covered! 🍳🌮🍰