Estivo Restaurant

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  8     

Our weekday lunch here was most enjoyable. The scallop entrée (which we shared) was good, and the duck and veal main courses were excellent. The food was definitely up to the “one hat” standard, but of course this is reflected in the prices. There’s quite a good selection of wines, too, but again no real bargains! Good service and nice ambiance as well.

Jul 06, 2011 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  10      Value  7     

My husband and I went on a Thurday night and both had the salmon with potatoes as the side. We also had a red wine each. We were thoroughly impressed with the service and of course the food was incredible, except we felt the portions were a bit on the small size. Overall, a great restaurant.

Apr 30, 2011 

8 Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  7     

My wife and I both ordered the duck for dinner, and it was perfect. I don't use that word lightly, it simply couldn't have been done any better. My only disappointment is that I couldn't lick the plate afterwards! The Chocolate Creme Brulee was a nice follow-up for dessert. The service was friendly and the atmosphere quite casual for this type of dining.

Jan 05, 2011 

6.3 Average

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  1     

This restaurant serves excellent quality food, well cooked and presented, but the servings, as far as mains are concerned, are very small. The wine list has many unknown vineyard names, so I suspect they may be catering trade brands, and the wines are expensive. Expect to pay well upwards of $40 a bottle, and more, for a recognised vineyard.

However, having said that, the service is superb, the ambience is good and with a full house on a week night they must be catering to their market. It is just that there are lots of restaurants in Melbourne serving food just as good, but at a far better value.

Aug 21, 2010 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  10      Service  9      Value  7     

I dined here about two years ago around christmas time and enjoyed the meal and service. Unfortunately, I was with two children and two parents who were not so impressed. The waiter didn't have anything to offer the children who weren't exactly jumping for joy over the menu.

All in all, I would go back for an intimate dinner with friends or a partner because the ambience is wonderful. The food is delicate, yet satisfying (especially if you order an entree and a main). I've been working around Kew for a couple of years now and I can confidently say I would go back. If you enjoy restaurants like this, I highly recommend Svago and Mamma's Boys which are also found in Kew on High Street. Centonove on Cotham Rd is worth checking out as well.

Aug 18, 2010 

7 Recommended

Food  6      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  3     

We have been to Estivo twice before, and were keen to return recently, with friends. The befores were ok, the puddings were good/very good, but the mains. We weren't there for a major tuck-in, but there was damn-all to eat, and parsimony doesn't leave a good feeling. And it's pointless, considering that the ingredients are surely a minor contributor to their costs. What a shame, they have spoiled it for me.

Jul 23, 2010 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

Great restaurant, fantastic, attentive (not overbearing) service. The wait staff recognised that we were not able to be seated at the time we booked so proceeded to set us up at the bar with a complimentary glass of prosecco and an appetiser. We were treated like royalty after that for the entire night and the food was fantastic (make sure you try the risotto!). We'll be coming back again for sure.

Jun 07, 2010 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

Nice little restaurant with really great food. Went here for lunch recently and had a most enjoyable meal. The appetizer of deep fried goats cheese with caramelised onion and honey was divine. The beef carpaccio with mushroom and shaved truffle was really good as was the medium-rare duck with a confit of duck and caramelised onion on a spiced carrot puree. I had a taste of the Moreton Bay Bugs entree which also was great.

Nice, friendly and attentive service. I would love to see a website for this restaurant so that a menu can be viewed for changes, they don't seem to have one at the moment.

May 17, 2010 

9.8 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  9     

Superb restaurant. All food, service and ambience was faultless. Very highly recommended.

Mar 12, 2010 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

Went to Estivo and had a great dinning experience. Our waiter was a master of his craft- great knowledge of the menu and individual ingredients, attentive but not imposing. The restaurant is also very accommodating of vegetarians and they were only too happy to adjust and make anything on the menu in a vegetarian fashion.

Their Balsamic vinegar is to die for ( I don't use that term lightly and I'm actually not a big balsamic vinegar fan). The combination entree plate was fantastic beautiful full flavoured ham, Oyster was plump and tender. The main of duck was moist and juicy with just the right amount of fat on it and cooked just right. Really had a great night at Estivo and good value for money considering the quality of food and service. I will be going back for sure.

Jul 25, 2009