Deanery, The Melbourne

The Deanery Details

The Deanery Address

13 Bligh Place
Melbourne VIC 3000
Map
The Deanery Menu
The Deanery Website

The Deanery Contact Info »

Cuisines

Middle Eastern, Modern Australian, Vegetarian

Chef

Luke Willoughby

Prices

Average Meal Price $43 - based on one entree & main course only
Entrees $12.50-$15.00
Mains $24.00-$34.00
Desserts $13.00-$35.00

Rooms & Capacity

No of Seats 60

Hours

Lunch
Mon to Fri from Noon
Dinner
Sat from 6pm

The Deanery Awards

2010

The Age Good Food Guide 2010 - One Chef's Hat

User Reviews of The Deanery, Melbourne

Displaying: 1 - 5 of 5 reviews

5.3 Average

Food 5 Ambience 3 Service 8 Value 5

Generally underwhelming given expectations based on a number of recent glowing media reviews. The only diners when we arrive for a 7 pm booking on a Saturday night. We are taken to a small side table, just ok for 2, thinking the rest of the crowd will be rolling in soon.

The next couple 30 minutes later are offered a choice of larger tables, change seating when they're not happy, change table after 10 minutes, then harangue the staff for the restaurant's "lack of atmosphere". This rendition of musical chairs was one of the nights highlights. A third couple arrive as we complete our meal at 10 pm. Six covers for the night!

Servings were uniformly small. An amuse bouce of grapes on a disc of balsamic jelly had a sprinkling of tasteless "olive oil powder". Eel done two ways was given contrast by being served on a tart jelly. Veal sweetbreads were baked in brioche and served with walnuts, beans and a piquant tarragon mustard, which was the only flavour of note.

Mains were rabbit loin, cabbage pie and rillette, with little sweet carrots on a sour carrot base. A nice pie but little else of interest, literally. The john dory with scallops was served on a fennel and saffron veloute with pea puree, which was difficult to eat due to the shape of the plate and the high risk of splatter.

A spoon was provided promptly. Service was attentive, enquiring as to our enjoyment of the meal, but clearly not under any duress. Our waiter must have sensed our disappointment, as he sent out a complimentary course which was the highlight. St Helens oyster with cucumber white gazpacho and frozen yoghurt had great mouthfeel and depth of flavour.

Dessert were mandatory because of significant hunger. The pineapple consomme with tiny coconut ravioli, sorbet and chilli involved much work for little dividend. "Violets & roses" comprised a selection of nougats, creams and dried flowers which was a visual and gustatory delight.

Impressive winelist with typical markups and some interesting wines available by bottle and glass. But not enough to recommend returning. Why are diners not eating here? Too expensive? A kitchen staff with pedigree who didn't always deliver on the night.

Feb 03, 2010

merlot
248

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 9 Service 10 Value 10

The meals were Middle Eastern inspired and were incredibly unique. I am Middle Eastern and very much used to the traditional meals cooked at home and the deanery really pulled it off well. I had a lamb tagine, the lamb was cooked to perfection it just melted in my mouth. The service also was fantastic! Definitely worth checking out. Also perfect for couples!

Aug 25, 2008

Rahway
2

8 Recommended

Food 8 Ambience 9 Service 7 Value 8

We live near The Deanery, so we may be biased. The service is not necessarily the best, but the whole night experience cannot be based on the service alone.
We enjoy The Deanery on a Friday/Saturday night, we are often the last to leave, but the select range of entrees and mains are wonderful.

The meals are not huge, and the wines are not cheap, but a group of 4 or 6 can have a wonderful night here. In comparision with some of the other 'must-visit' Melbourne City restaurants, I'd choose The Deanery over many others, you can start at 7 pm, and spread out till 11.30 pm, and not feel you are outstaying your welcome.

Enjoy the sanctuary of The Deanery, get the waiter/ress on side and you will have a wonderful night.

Jun 01, 2008

Silent
11

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food 10 Ambience 9 Service 10 Value 9

I can't say a bad word about The Deanery. Met for pre-dinner drinks and was met with great, friendly service with a smile. Dinner was fantastic from the word go. I had kingfish carpaccio and the slow-cooked duck. There was not a dirty plate in sight at the end of the meal.

Possibly my best all-round Melbourne dining experience. Five Stars!

Apr 30, 2008

K4LAL
8

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food 8 Ambience 8 Service 9 Value 8

Wow, this was a fab experience. The food was great from the first bite to the dessert. I had zucchini flowers followed by lamb tangine and passionfruit to finish. All this washed down by a fab French shiraz grenache recommended by staff and was as good as they said it would be. I savoured every bite. Service was impeccable, knowledgeable and attentive. Did I say wow. Top of my list when I'm in Melb next.

Dec 20, 2007