Jaisalmer Palace Restaurant Review

98 Bourke Street
MELBOURNE 3000

A brand new restaurant at the time of this review. We were unable to obtain a business card from them so do not have the telephone listing as yet. They did not yet have credit card facilities available either, though I believe that is coming soon.
Food
Traditional Indian. Generous servings, but not living up to my expectations of the high standards of indian cuisine in melbourne restaurants. An unusual start with a tomato based soup before entree. A rather dodgy tasting sausage in the entree dish. The sauces in the dishes of the mains didn't have the intoxicating spices and flavours I so treasure in traditional indian curries. A couple of the dishes I just didn't like too much - and indian is usually my favourite of all cuisines!
Service
Some peculiar waiters. Once we were seated they then told us to get up and stand aside while they reset the table. They asked my partner if they should bring dessert out while I was still in the bathroom, then they took away our drinks while we were still drinking them. Very flighty and fidgety serving. They were attentive but bizarre and out of sorts at times.
Value
Good value banquets available. All reasonably priced.
Decor and Atmosphere
The reason I was attracted to this restaurant is that the interior is very impressively set up. Some wonderful decorating, gorgeous carved wooden chairs (and tables upstairs). A delightful interior. No airconditioning which was a bit stifling on a hot summer night.

Chine on Paramount Restaurant Review

Shop 9 & 10, Paramount Centre
101 Little Bourke Street
MELBOURNE 3000
Ph: 03 9663 6556

Food
Chinese Cuisine. The standard type of chinese fare found in most chinese restaurants in Melbourne. The banquet was quite small compared to most, not entirely fulfilling. The presentation was very meticulous. Live fish and lobsters swimming in tanks to choose from if that's your cup of tea.
Service
A La Carte service, very professional with great attention to detail.
Value
Not great. Most dishes were quite expensive for chinese. The wine prices were out of this world. The banquet wasn't great value.
Decor and Atmosphere
Beige invasion with brown wood panels. Quite simple and plain. Easy listening elevator style background music. Probably more suited to the older folk.

Melbourne Vietnam Noodle House Review

251 Swanston Street
MELBOURNE 3000
Ph: 03 9639 4911

Food
Vietnamese Pho style noodle house. Being so close to Mekong (a couple of doors further down Swanston Street) it draws inevitable comparisons, though not favourable ones. A good selection on the menu, but the food I had didn't overly impress me. Not more than a couple of pieces of meat in my special combination dish. The drink selection was interesting, but my drink was very thick and powdery and had to be eaten with a spoon.
Service
Ok. The man at the counter where you pay was quite grumpy looking :(
Value
The value is good, all very reasonably priced.
Decor and Atmosphere
Clean and neat, nothing exotic.

Bali Bagus Restaurant Review

85 Franklin Street
Melbourne
(03) 9662 1474

Food
Indonesian Cuisine. The reason I wanted to try this restaurant is that Bali Bagus had a stall at Albert Park Lake for the Indonesian fun walk recently. The food from their little stall on the day was very unusual and funky delicious. We had sweet little jellies with coconut and sticky rice, and rendang pie. I was very keen to try the restaurant when they displayed their business cards there. Unfortunately the restaurant was a bit of a let down compared to their little stall at the fun day. It was mostly bay marie food and my meal was not quite reheated hot enough. A bit dry and bland. No desserts or side dishes on the menu.
Service
Friendly service, prompt.
Value
Reasonable value, no banquets or set menus available.
Decor and Atmosphere
The atmosphere seemed much like a univerity cafeteria, pretty drab and small.

Colonial Tramcar Restaurant Review

Departs from tramstop #125 Normanby Road
near the corner of Clarendon Street,
adjacent to the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and Crown Casino.
Reservations office Ph:03 9696 4000

Food
Set menus are offered, there is not a huge range of choice, but this is a small mobile kitchen. With the limited facilites, they do a great job with the food and it's well presented and tasty. Some great wine too, or your choice of drink with the meal and journey.
Service
Efficient, well presented and informative.
Value
Ok, you'll pay a fair bit more than your average restaurant, but you are paying for a journey and an experience here unlike any ordinary restaurant.
Decor
Delightful, beautifully restored old trams. Reflecting a bygone era. Small but gorgeous.

Blue Train Café Review

MR5 Mid Level,
Southgate Landing,
Southbank, Victoria, 3205
PH: [03] 9696 0440

Food
A variety of different dishes available in different cuisines, as well as some of your standard fair like fish and chips or pizza
Service
Hip young waiters, good service and you won't wait too long for a meal
Value
Fair, prices have gone up a bit over the years
Decor
Casual atmosphere, not ritzy. A view over the yarra toward the city that can't be beat! I recommend a seat out on the balcony

Mekong Restaurant Review

241 Swanston St
Melbourne 3000 VIC
Phone: (03) 9663 3288

Food
Vietnamese, mainly Phở. Large servings of lovely rice noodle soups and a great selection of vietnamese dishes. Some very unusual and interesting drink choices. Extras on the side and tea always laid out for you at no extra cost.
Service
Prompt service. This is a very busy little restaurant but you'll be seen to quickly.
Value
A small restaurant/café that is great value. Not your full class act, but awesome for the price to stop in for a great lunch.
Decor
Nothing flash to look at. You'll come here for the food and good value.

Gaylord Indian Restaurant Review

4 Tattersalls Lane
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Tel: (03) 9663-3980

Food
Great food, all very enjoyable dishes.
Service
Very good service, attentive and polite waiters. Pappadums and water served up front without even asking. I like that.
Value
Reasonably priced dishes and well priced banquet available
Decor
Very different and unusual, very very 70's! Part of the entertainment is to look at some of these far out 70's decorations.