Fresh User Reviews for Romantic and Intimate in Melbourne

1.5 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  3      Value  1     

I have never written a review about a restaurant but I felt so strongly about the meal I had last night at the Flower Drum that I felt I should warn others. This place is Totally overrated. We had the banquet which consisted of 6 bland under seasoned courses. The sauces had too much corn flour, the fried rice was dry and the presentation, there was none. It was such a huge disappointment, I have had better Chinese from my local takeaway in Sydney.

I am trying to comprehend how they justify the cost as the service was also lacklustre. The waiters were clearing plates away while some of us were still eating. Will never go back there again.

May 27, 2012

6 Average

Food  8      Ambience  5      Service  7      Value  4     

Dined at Sapore twice, both times had lovely experiences. Waiting staff attentive, but, perhaps, could have been a little less suffocating.

Meals were impeccably presented and flavours of each dish worked brilliantly together. Recommend the Duck and Barramundi. The chocolate desserts are slightly sparse but to die for, bring back the marquise!

May 25, 2012

4 Below Average

Food  7      Ambience  5      Service  1      Value  3     

This has for many years been my favourite restaurant in Melbourne and I have taken many visitors there over the years, however, when there on Friday night for a birthday celebration, we could not have been more disappointed, not by the food, but the service, which was surely the most apathetic, disinterested and rude in all of Australia. No one seemed to care, we had to ask for our drinks 4 times before they finally arrived, half way through our main course. What a huge letdown for such a previously great restaurant. I am sure that Cath Claringbold would be very sad indeed.

May 22, 2012

9.2 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Drinks  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  7     

My fiancé requested Italian for his birthday dinner and I choose il bacaro based on the raving reviews. We weren't disappointed. I liked the place from the moment we walked in. Tables aren't cramped together like at some other restaurants, and it had a romantic feel.

Food is amazing, highlights being the prawn filled zucchini flowers, the special pasta of mud crab tortellini, and the cheesecake dessert. The servings are a touch on the small side, but they usually are at restaurants of this caliber. It's not cheap, but it's definitely worth the money and we will be coming here again.

May 20, 2012

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  9     

My companion and I stumbled by chance onto this new Thai restaurant on Thomas Street, in Dandenong. Actually, the only reason I suggested getting dinner in Dandenong that night (last Saturday) was that I wanted to avoid the Freeway, where there had been a major traffic incident.

We were surprised to see this Thai restaurant there. Although there were no customers inside, we decided to be brave and try it anyway. Luckily we were not disappointed. Actually it exceeded our expectations.

The service was very attentive, without being intrusive. (Yes, it's easier when you're the only couple dining, but still, it was good). We ordered fishcakes to share as an entree, which were very good. I had a main of lamb curry, which was very nice. I ate this with steamed rice, and also roti. The roti turned out to be a single item, and had an oily appearance, but tasted fine.

My companion had some kind of sour steamed fish dish, which she liked. I should mention that although she is not Thai, she is well familiar with authentic Thai food, and has high standards, and she was satsified with the food. The only matter she could deduct points for was that they didn't have a couple of less-common items on their menu that she enjoys eating when she can find them (one was a main, and the other was a dessert involving mango).

At the end of all this we were pretty full, and couldn't face dessert. However, I had a flat white coffee, which was also fine. Made on a Gaggia machine, using Coffee Mio coffee.

The only thing really to complain about was that initially the heating was set to 24 degrees C, which we found much too warm considering we were dressed for the cold night. However, at the time of placing our order we asked if it could be turned down, and the adjusted setting of 20 degrees C was just nice.

May 14, 2012

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  9     

As residents of Mt Eliza my wife and I are delighted that we have access to Spoon, a true quality restaurant. We have dined there over a dozen times and we have been delighted to see the ongoing development of Spoon.

The food has always been first class, fresh ingredients, well prepared, beautifully presented and delicious. Over the last 12 months the service has gone from being okay to excellent. We are always made feel welcome, every need is anticipated and met and everything takes place in a timely manner.

The wine list offers great value for money with a surprisingly low mark up on most quality wines. Without doubt Spoon provides a great dining experience unlike some of its pretentious competitors.

May 14, 2012

4 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  3      Service  5      Value  4     

2nd visit (1st 4 years ago) Not very impressed unfortunately. Booked for Mothers Day, was not told when booking that it was a set menu. Arrived and was told it was 'a set' after saying that I wasn't informed when booking and not particularly happy, was told that the senior staff would come and have a chat with me. That didn't occur.

The set menu was for 2 persons based on $42.00 per person, we paid $45 person plus drinks. Admittedly didn't check the bill till after paying. There was no separate bowl of olive oil (normally served at Greek restaurants for dipping). The dips though tasty were small in portion. The octopus was not tangy with lemon as expected. Which brings me to the point of having a set menu, what if people are allergic to certain foods, or come to a lunch with a budget? If I had been told, I would have gone elsewhere.

The baklava was burnt on the bottom. The corkage $4.50 per bottle (love that as we opened and poured our own drinks, so $4.50 for the cost of a glass on the table). All in all disappointed with the outcome. The way we show a restaurant we like it is to return, sadly we won't.

May 13, 2012

4.5 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  3     

Came here 12 months ago and had an excellent risotto. New chef and just had one of the worst I've ever tasted. Cheap and Nasty cuts of chicken, poorly presented and over priced. Avoid, avoid, avoid.

May 09, 2012

6.5 Recommended

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  7     

Went here on business trip last month. Tried the Nasi Uduk Komplit (Coconut Rice Complete package) and Soto Jakarta.

The Nasi Uduk need a bit more flavour and aroma, the combination is a bit strange, which comes with Grilled chicken, plain boiled egg, fried potato and peanut and... Mee Goreng! The soto jakarta taste similar to one of the one you can made using pre-made seasoning powder, but still taste good.

Anyway, the ambience is nice (but a bit confusing cause you have to order on the counter even if you seat on the 2nd floor), but the waitress are nice though. She's friendly and helpful with the menu.

May 07, 2012

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  9     

Pleases my Thai wife to have a decent Thai place locally. Much better and more authentic than other local Thai restaurants.

May 06, 2012

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

Food was awesome but the only thing the service is very bad.

May 06, 2012

7.4 Recommended

Food  9      Drinks  8      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  7     

We went on a gift voucher, so can only go by that! We thoroughly enjoyed what we ate for all 3 courses! Although they were short staffed, we could not complain of the lack of service, in fact I think because of that, they went that bit furthur to give us the best service. If I was paying cash, I would not like to pay the full price, but we enjoyed it, and the experience!

Should add, that the location was not easy to find, and that they do need to open it up more some how to draw attention!

Apr 29, 2012

1.8 Not Recommended

Food  3      Ambience  1      Service  2      Value  1     

I was not a fan of this place.

Our group was placed in the back corner, with poor lighting. The rest of the restaurant was illuminated, whilst we were in very dim lighting. It was that dim we couldn't even see the colour of our food.

We were also told they had no gyros meat. How on earth does a Greek Restaurant not have gyros meat! If we had known there was no gyros meat, we wouldn't have eaten there.

They forgot one of our platters, and we had to wait 20 minutes for it to come out, by then nobody wanted any. We were told it was only going to be 5 minutes.

Service was also poor. The food is extremely overpriced, with little value.
We will never return to this restaurant, next time we will go somewhere else, which we know has amazing Greek food and service.

Apr 23, 2012

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  9     

Best breakfast place I have been to... ever! and being a big food lover such as myself, that's a massive statement. I discovered this place with my partner about a few months ago and have been there a dozen times at least. Absolutely sensational chef who makes his hollandaise sauce and poached eggs to perfect. I honestly believe I could eat an entire meal of mushrooms at Broozed, they're unbeliable! definitely a must try restaurant. Not too sure how their lunches are. Every time I try to go for lunch I always end up craving their amazing breakfasts!

Apr 22, 2012

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  8     

We arrived late for our booking and the staff were really friendly and easy going about it and even ordering our food they gave us space and enough time. The waitress had a vast knowledge and was great help when choosing drinks and food as this place has qite the variety to choose from. Food was delicious and the portion sizes were done really well. A all round good place to eat then down stairs to charlies bar to keep drinking.

Apr 22, 2012

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

Great food, service and good atmosphere. Average cost for the area, but pricey for an overall meal. Expect about $30 per person minimum for a full meal with drinks. Was pleased with food. Risotto was nice. Good portion size. Service was attentive.

Apr 15, 2012

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  6     

I think this is my favourite venue in the city. The floors practically burst with personality, and the staff are always eager to give you the lowdown on what each room was, and is designed to be.

I think the food has been better in the past, which isn't to say it isn't lacking a punch now, more that it has stepped back from chefs hat aspirant to comfortable 14.

Service is great, but I feel sorry for the staff member running food up and down stairs all night!

Apr 15, 2012

8.2 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  8      Drinks  8     

Good to see a greek restaurant not neglecting fish, as happens all too often in this city! Top notch food with good service. Definitely deserves a return visit.

Apr 15, 2012

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  7      Value  6     

Despite the initial 'not Another tapas place" the food was enjoyable and well prices. Service polite and friendly. I would go back if I was in the area again
Thanks.

Apr 15, 2012

7 Recommended

Food  7      Service  7      Value  7     

Food and service was excellent. No kids menu but the pizza worked well. Really fast service for a Sunday lunch. I was happy with the choice. Recommended.

Apr 08, 2012