Renzo's Bar Cafe Italiano

1.8 Not Recommended

Food  3      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  2     

We went for a birthday dinner here with 2 other couples. Once we were seated outside it became quite apparent that the table plans weren’t created based on ambience, but rather money making. We were squashed in like sardines. We then waited over 10 minutes just to get a waiters attention to order a drink.

My friend and I ordered a coke, and after taking a sip it was obvious that their post mix machine was broken, as this wasn’t coke, it was just brown soda water, we sent them back and asked for lemonade. When the drinks came back out, I almost laughed out loud when I saw the amount of ice crammed into the glass. Just to make a point I took the ice out to see how much drink was left, and I would say not more than 80ml of drink. Wow $4 for 80mL, what a bargain.

We ordered bruschetta entrée`s which were nice, and after finishing half a slice, my Main turned up! First of all, very bad timing as we had barely started the entrée, second of all, why would they just bring out one persons main in a group of 6? Off to a terrible start.

One person ordered the steak, which was a hunk of gristly chewy meat on a bed of char grilled sloppy roasted capsicum, that set you back $30. The barramundi was about a handful of meat and that was $34! The person eating the fish had to then order a large pizza because his meal was so small!

Aside from all these issues, the service was just terrible in general, staff looked like they were purposely avoiding you, and they were also clueless as to where the tables were. Nothing worse than watching your dinner get a tour of the restaurant and offered to several tables before reaching you. And being in a group of 6, you should be able to hear each other, but the acoustics were so bad (because we were essentially seated in a tent on the footpath) that we had to practically yell to hear each other. Waste of money and never again.

Mar 14, 2012 

5.3 Average

Food  5      Ambience  4      Service  7      Value  5     

We ate out here during our stay in Melbourne, and found it to be average.

The service was good, as it was relatively quiet, and the owner was training some new staff it seemed.

The food we found to be pretty average, both in it's taste and cooking.

Considering the cost, there are better Italian restaurants to visit.

Oct 07, 2011 

4.3 Below Average

Food  6      Ambience  5      Service  1      Value  5     

Appalling service, we were actually abused for requesting the heating in the outdoor area be turned on (on a winters night at 8 pm). The place was busy and he was clearly under pressure, however, that is no excuse. The entrees and mains also came out together and the service was slow. Put a real downer on what was supposed to be a good evening out. Surly service (although some of the wait staff were very friendly), mediocre meals and all round bad experience, won't be visiting again anytime soon or recommending at all.

Jul 11, 2010 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

This place is ideally located within the funky-new Docklands Water-front Precint, offering fine Italian Cuisine, that is reasonably priced and tastes great. So if you're looking for some fine Italian Cuisine, don't dismiss Renzo's Bar-Cafe Italiano at Docklands, Melbourne.

Jun 28, 2008 

3.8 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  5      Service  2      Value  4     

Apart from the fact that they wanted us to just eat and leave (from an 8 pm booking), the level of service from this restaurant was just atrocious, if you pay peanuts, you'll get peanuts.

Despite our repeated requests (and assurances from the staff) that our main meals would NOT come out directly after our entrees, sure enough, some of our mains came out before we had actually finished our entrees!!!!

The fish and chips specials came through without any fish inside the batter and were dutifully returned. The crab meat pancake was semi-cooked and clearly not the way it was described. The duck and porchini risotto, whilst adequate, certainly did not fill expectations. We will not be rushing back to Renzo's.

Jun 01, 2008 

6 Average

Food  8      Ambience  4      Service  5      Value  7     

I love Renzo's. I go there whenever I want to enjoy the Dockland's ambience, good Italian cuisine, and not have to upset my wallet too much. Renzo's can sometimes be the victim of it's own success i.e it is too popular (and noisy). However, the food is always excellent and value for money. The Atlantic salmon is always excellent and I love the traditional Italian baked potatoes served in a bowl as well as the bruschetta. Always reliable and a great dining experience. You can't go wrong at Renzo's.

May 15, 2008 

5.3 Average

Food  5      Ambience  7      Service  5      Value  4     

Walked past and the place was crowded so thought I might have come across a popular place to eat - so many people could not get it wrong, or so I thought. Well I did. The curry rigatoni was poor to say the least and waiters kept bringing drinks and other tables food to ours....should have taken the booze and got smashed - may have made it seem more worthwhile.

Jan 29, 2008 

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  9      Value  7     

Service was top and friendly, food quality was very good, ambience for open restaurant was as expected and was good value. Would recommend without worry.

May 06, 2007 

7.3 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  9      Value  6     

Food was very nice, and there was something for everyone to order. The waiter was very attentive to our needs. The atmosphere was a little noisy, but this was outweighed by the overall experience. Definitely a good restaurant to go to!

Jan 02, 2007