81 Bistro & Taphouse — Restaurant in Melbourne

Dinner tonight Friday (peak time -packed house) – Vibrant, social, happening/popular, aesthetically appealing both with dining and food. So let’s break it down:

Order: [2 Tapas] Calamari, Mozzarella Sticks | [4 Mains] Original Parma, Mushroom Risotto, Linguini Carbonara and Calamari Salad.

Average Price PP: $28-35 for mains only – Entrees ($15-$18) and Alcoholic beverage ($9 +) are very pricey!

Customer Service: Was little confused about the main entry and the side entry; and where I was supposed to wait to be seated. However; at the side entry, I was saved at the side door after 3-4 minutes lingering with my confused stare by an apologetic representative who was pleasantly overwhelmed by how positive and busy the night was (+). Was shown to my table respectfully and with charm (+) I wasn’t told directly but was informed by my seated friends that it was “Bar Service” – No issue – so we all ordered at the bar. Hats off to the cooks for timing, from our (2x2) 4 person order, the entrée’s were delivered within 7-10 minutes with time to settle, the mains followed 8-10 minutes after. (perfect) The amazing part, that considering the 125+ people that were there – the table service to clear empty plates was within 5 minutes of anyone finishing their plate. Exceptional. No asking after the food, “was the food ok?” – but it was exceptionally busy! Would have been a nice touch though.

Vibe/Ambiance: It was hard not to look around an admire the internal decor! It really does encourage you to explore the venue! WD! The space utilisation was incredible, there were levels that just seem to mould into the background, pleasant interior features that distracted you from your conversation. Plus Live Music! – Massive win! Acoustic talent on a Friday evening dinner is just always special – WD!

Food (why we are here): (refer to pictures) Tapas (Calamari): Delicious and great dipping sauce – But over priced for what it is Tapas (Mozzarella sticks): A MUST TRY – and the tomatoe80%/Sriracha20% sauce compliments it so well – Recommend for anyone hitting the booze in celebration – but again very expensive for the quantity! Main (Original Parma): The sauce was amazing and it was cooked amazingly well – I was disappointed because this looks like a big piece of chicken but half of it was deep fried breadcrumbs. Also I wasn’t a fan of the salad dressing. Main (Mushroom Risotto): Delicious if you love a strong Garlic taste – I love garlic, but it was heavy handed. Great otherwise. Main (Linguini Carbonara): Delicious Main (Calamari Salad): Was a little heavy handed with the pepper but the calamari and salad were a perfect compliment.

Overall: It was a busy night and the food let us all down a fraction and was a little over priced for the satisfaction we were expecting – however this is not a place to look over – seeing their Meat Platter – OMG! I will definitely come back to try to demolish that Bad Boy by myself (okay, maybe with friends).

This is definitely an exciting place to gather with great friends and have great night with exceptional customer service – Definitely give it a try and soak up the vibrant atmos over a (possible) too few many! Don’t drink too much you crazy...

Went to 81 highly recommended. Received the entree scallops and prawns.....so much salt it left the burnt sensation of peeling skin on the roof of the mouth, in addition the seafood was dry and stringy, makes me wonder what they were trying to hide with the salt. My partner had the trout which was bland and tasteless. I left half my entree and my partner ate hers in the mere principal we paid 20 odd dollars. I refrained from saying anything in hope the mains would make ammends, it didn't. My rare steak was served medium rare at best and my partners medium rare was well done. The potatoes were cold and crunchy and the jus overloaded with salt again. Without touching the main we asked for the bill and the manager. Explained the issues. No apology given he offered to cook the steak again, i replied that after the entree and not being able to cook a basic steak we had had enough. He said we do steaks well here, I replied obviously pointing to my partners. They didn't refund the entree because we didn't complain. We went and got take away from Shanikas, 5 star meal again. The management has alot to learn and could take some valuable tips from other eateries...

Firstly I was given a Red wine instead of a point gris like I ordered. Then when I nicely informed the barman . He said I was wrong! Lucky another lady behind the bar realised he did pour me the wrong one.( she poured the red wine back into the bottle , not knowing if I had drank from the glass or not 🤮 Then when ordering our meal. As we were ordering 7 different tapas menu items . I asked nicely if we could start with the dips , then please bring out the other items NOT all together. I suggested maybe in 2 lots of 3's . He was totally confused, even started asking questions if id like them as an entree or main ???? I reminded him we were ordering off the tapas menu . I asked again nicely 2 more times on what we would like. To cut a long story short.... nope we didn't get what we wanted . It all came out together and the bread n dips came out last 🤦‍♀️🤣. Food wasn't to bad . Hubby and I just had to laugh it off expecially when the young waiter kept trying to take our drinks and plates that weren't empty yet , on...