Punch Lane - Melbourne

Dinner and wine for two, mid-week, early sitting, without a booking. One terrific steak (Rare). One very nice light-&-fluffy cheese soufflé. (Small portion size - not suited to the very hungry). Three glasses of wine and a large bottle of sparkling water. A dish of succulent mixed olives. A generous portion of dark bread served with unremarkable olive oil.Lots of wine by the bottle, but a quite limited selection of wine-by-the-glass available. Very limited traditional cocktail list which could do with some updating.Cosy, dimly-lit venue surrounded by wine bottles. Clean glasses, cutlery and plates; a large white napkin provided.Two affogatos - (poor flavour coffee with no crema; which was barely warm when brought to the table) served with one scoop of ice cream - would not recommend the very mediocre affogatos).Busy with pre-theatre patrons and after-work social groups. Bill approx $160.

I discovered this fabulous wine and dine venue 2 months ago whilst visiting Melbourne and just had to return. The whole dining experience appeals to all the senses. The mood lighting, the decor and choice of background music set the scene prior to entering into a gastronomic indulgence. My daughter and I selected the degustation which was chosen for us after discussing food preferences. The five course meal that followed was well matched with 5 delightful wines, some Australian and some Italian. All courses were beautifully presented and comprised a number of elements to delight the palette. Pietro, our Italian waiter, was very friendly and knowledgeable without being intrusive. The management obviously do a great job in selecting staff and they should commend the chefs and wait staff on their fine service. This wine bar /restaurant is a hidden gem in Melbourne for an interstate visitor but it is well worth the search. Once discovered, it will become a guaranteed favourite.

Heading out for a good place for dinner in Melbourne is always hard because there are so many great choices. I am pleased to conclude that Punch Lane contributes to that difficulty. We ordered the tasting menu with wine-pairing. Take note that the tasting menu is to be ordered by the entire table (this is also noted in the menu). The dishes were more than capably rendered by chef Gisele and we were delighted by the salmon entree as well as the steak main. Punch Lane has a variety of alcoholic beverages to complement your meal and my starting negroni was more than acceptable and I could not help but have a second glass. There is a respectable list of cocktails and I regret not having more time in the city to return to sample the rest. The Australian wines served with the food did not disappoint; someone has obviously done their job here.Service quality at the restaurant was top-notch, and we were well-served by Jessica, Lawrence and Derek who were warm, helpful and attentive. I would easily recommend this establishment for couples and small group dining.

We chose the degustation menu with matching wines. The food was very good and the wine selection terrific. My one complaint is that we advised our waiter that one of our party has a shellfish allergy (quite severe) and yet one of the dishes was barramundi with scallops and mussels. When we advised the waiter, he took the plate away and then brought it back without the shellfish, but very obviously the same dish otherwise. It took some convincing to get a fresh meal. I would return, but would be very careful about anyone with allergies.

I will say it is weird in favor. The place is cool but the food is bad. I think you better take it as a place for drink only.