AlwaysACritic

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

Came here for breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the Cumulus Inc breakfast which was simple but perfect. The coffee was great and I had the most perfectly boiled egg. It is quite basic but they do it well which is all that matters. Better than having an overreaching menu like most but failing to deliver.

Service was also friendly and competent which is rare these days. Would definitely return next time im in Melbourne for an all round great experience.

Oct 06, 2011

6.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  6     

This place is obviously well known so had somewhat high expectations. The food was great, if on the smaller side, even for fine dining. Best pork belly I've ever tasted.

The service, however, is that old school pretentious service with unchangeable protocol. Cannot bring bread until entrees are ordered etc. and make you feel like the fate of the world would change if they did.

Besides that the view was great, and would be a perfect place for a special occasion. Could probably use a staff update. It is possible to still be professional without being condescending.

Upon finishing and paying the bill I found it a little strange that we were not farewelled. We simply got up and saw ourselves out passing multiple staff members on the way. We actually said goodbye to the girl at the front desk as it seemed weird to just walk out.

A slightly strange evening at times but enjoyed it nonetheless.

Oct 06, 2011

1 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

Do not eat here! That is the best advice you can take. If there was a 0 score that's what this place would get. For someone that eats out up to 7 times a week I have come across some bad places but this is unmistakeably the worst meal I have ever eaten.

On our last day in Melbourne we were advised to check out some of the 'laneway' eateries. I'm sure some must be good but stay away from this one.

The waitress had no idea what I was talking about when ordering a glass of red wine. There are only about 5 on the menu so I don't think it would be that hard to learn them. Upon ordering the wine the bartender proceeded to hand someone the bathroom key then bring over my wine with his fingers directly around the rim of the glass where I was meant to put my mouth? disgusting.

Then our food arrived. I ordered gnocchi bolognese and my partner fettuccine marinara. Mine was a soup with which I played try find the gnocchi. The watery, tasteless meal in front of me was the worst thing I've ever eaten. My partner, who eats everything always, could not eat his. The mussels smelt fishy and off and should not have been served let alone eaten. His also was in a tomato sauce with the consistency of water.

It was around 4pm last Saturday, missing lunch, we were starving so attempted to eat what we could but had to leave. Upon paying I had to give my feedback to the young guy behind the counter. I said it was inedible and the worst meal I've ever had. He said sorry but nothing else. He did not seem to care and proceeded to charge me full price.

My warning is if you want to eat italian food, or any food for that matter, steer clear of this place. Inedible food with inexperienced staff pretty much sums up this place.

As someone who is a foodie, works in the industry, and revolves my life around great food, I would have preferred to go to McDonalds for my last meal in Melbourne instead of here.

Oct 06, 2011

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

Loved this place! Amazing home-style food, eclectic furniture and great atmosphere. Service was very friendly and was a reasonable price. We enjoyed everything especially the pork neck and pashka - cheesecake. Will definitely return.

Oct 06, 2011

6.3 Average

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  2      Value  6     

Went here on a Monday night Expected to wait for a table. Did not expect to be ignored for the first 25 minutes we were seated at the bar. When I finally asked for a cocktail list and then ordered we got a call that our table was ready. We hadn't even received our drinks yet. Same when were seated. We were ready to order for ages and had to call the waitress over.

Then we received our food (which was great) and the service flipped. She was always coming over, trying to clear plates we weren't finished with, asking us how it was (way too much), and, finally, whilst my partner was finishing his food asked if she can start clearing! Including the plate he was still eating off!

By this time it was later with many spare seats and I don't think someone was waiting for ours. We felt extremely ignored, then extremely rushed. The decor is beautiful, food delicious and immaculately presented, atmosphere has a great vibe, the service is just amiss. Disappointing when the total experience can be ruined by something so simple.

Jan 11, 2011

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

Came here for breakfast and thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the Cumulus Inc breakfast which was simple but perfect. The coffee was great and I had the most perfectly boiled egg. It is quite basic but they do it well which is all that matters. Better than having an overreaching menu like most but failing to deliver.

Service was also friendly and competent which is rare these days. Would definitely return next time im in Melbourne for an all round great experience.

Oct 06, 2011

6.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  6     

This place is obviously well known so had somewhat high expectations. The food was great, if on the smaller side, even for fine dining. Best pork belly I've ever tasted.

The service, however, is that old school pretentious service with unchangeable protocol. Cannot bring bread until entrees are ordered etc. and make you feel like the fate of the world would change if they did.

Besides that the view was great, and would be a perfect place for a special occasion. Could probably use a staff update. It is possible to still be professional without being condescending.

Upon finishing and paying the bill I found it a little strange that we were not farewelled. We simply got up and saw ourselves out passing multiple staff members on the way. We actually said goodbye to the girl at the front desk as it seemed weird to just walk out.

A slightly strange evening at times but enjoyed it nonetheless.

Oct 06, 2011

1 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

Do not eat here! That is the best advice you can take. If there was a 0 score that's what this place would get. For someone that eats out up to 7 times a week I have come across some bad places but this is unmistakeably the worst meal I have ever eaten.

On our last day in Melbourne we were advised to check out some of the 'laneway' eateries. I'm sure some must be good but stay away from this one.

The waitress had no idea what I was talking about when ordering a glass of red wine. There are only about 5 on the menu so I don't think it would be that hard to learn them. Upon ordering the wine the bartender proceeded to hand someone the bathroom key then bring over my wine with his fingers directly around the rim of the glass where I was meant to put my mouth? disgusting.

Then our food arrived. I ordered gnocchi bolognese and my partner fettuccine marinara. Mine was a soup with which I played try find the gnocchi. The watery, tasteless meal in front of me was the worst thing I've ever eaten. My partner, who eats everything always, could not eat his. The mussels smelt fishy and off and should not have been served let alone eaten. His also was in a tomato sauce with the consistency of water.

It was around 4pm last Saturday, missing lunch, we were starving so attempted to eat what we could but had to leave. Upon paying I had to give my feedback to the young guy behind the counter. I said it was inedible and the worst meal I've ever had. He said sorry but nothing else. He did not seem to care and proceeded to charge me full price.

My warning is if you want to eat italian food, or any food for that matter, steer clear of this place. Inedible food with inexperienced staff pretty much sums up this place.

As someone who is a foodie, works in the industry, and revolves my life around great food, I would have preferred to go to McDonalds for my last meal in Melbourne instead of here.

Oct 06, 2011

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

Loved this place! Amazing home-style food, eclectic furniture and great atmosphere. Service was very friendly and was a reasonable price. We enjoyed everything especially the pork neck and pashka - cheesecake. Will definitely return.

Oct 06, 2011

6.3 Average

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  2      Value  6     

Went here on a Monday night Expected to wait for a table. Did not expect to be ignored for the first 25 minutes we were seated at the bar. When I finally asked for a cocktail list and then ordered we got a call that our table was ready. We hadn't even received our drinks yet. Same when were seated. We were ready to order for ages and had to call the waitress over.

Then we received our food (which was great) and the service flipped. She was always coming over, trying to clear plates we weren't finished with, asking us how it was (way too much), and, finally, whilst my partner was finishing his food asked if she can start clearing! Including the plate he was still eating off!

By this time it was later with many spare seats and I don't think someone was waiting for ours. We felt extremely ignored, then extremely rushed. The decor is beautiful, food delicious and immaculately presented, atmosphere has a great vibe, the service is just amiss. Disappointing when the total experience can be ruined by something so simple.

Jan 11, 2011

4 Below Average

Food  1      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  1     

I wish I had read the previous reviews before eating here. A bondi local, I had been meaning to try this place for a while. I don't mind paying a decent amount for a meal if its worth it. North Bondi Italian definitely isn't. The service was quite good as were the drinks. However, the food was a major disappointment and not because of expectations, just in relation to edible food. One pasta was over salted, burnt, and a ridiculously small portion. The other huge, and tasteless. Arancini was average but overcooked. Starter bread was good so thats where the point goes. Overall, not worth the $115. Would of been an ok price if the food was well cooked and flavoursome but it was barely edible. Will never return.

Nov 14, 2010

1.8 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  3      Service  2      Value  1     

Came here for coffee and cake. Was overpriced for a small piece of cake. Mediocre coffee. Would have been ok with it except the cake was possibly the worst I've had. Small, dry and tasteless. Waiters made you seem like you were inconveniencing them by being there. Would never go back for so much as a coffee.

Oct 26, 2010

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  10     

I went here for the first time on Wednesday for lunch and will not forget the amazing experience I had. The location and service was great and the food was absolutely amazing!

Baked buffalo ricotta was a divine starter followed by a perfectly cooked Wagyu beef cheek. The highlight, however, was the chocolate Barbajada. Words cannot describe how good this dessert is. I will definitely be back to sample the remainder of the menu!

Aug 08, 2010

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  10     

I love this place. The sushi is fresh and the staff extremely friendly. I visit here multiple times a week and always have a pleasant experience. If there is something not on the train, the staff make it up in 2 minutes. This place gets busy, but not overly crowded like others in the area.

On top of everything, the pricing is reasonable. They charge accordingly for the various plates of sushi and you walk out full for a fair price which is sometimes hard to come by in the way of sushi restaurants. And they give you green tea free!
Without a doubt, my favourite sushi restaurant in the eastern suburbs!

Mar 13, 2010

9.8 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  9     

They must have picked up their game recently because moo coogee is just as good as bondi if not better! And they have a really good courtyard with outdoor seating. Great place! Will continue to go back again and again.

Feb 19, 2010