Conservatory — Restaurant in Melbourne

We attended the Bulgari high tea which was essentially a fancier version of their standard high tea which I loved. It was incredibly filling and felt quite luxe. The desserts were beautiful and intricate and just delicious. Would love to see Conservatory hold more of these fun events

Most recent The price has increased since my last visit but the variety has decreased. They no longer make naan (or anything) to order and I found the offering less than impressive in comparison with its competitor Melba. The desserts however were exceptional and I loved each prettily presented delicately delectable sweet treat. Breathtaking ambiance and if you are a seafood lover it’s certainly value for money

Recent Back for my mums birthday and sadly there were no macarons on the buffet. When I enquired to the wait staff they very kindly got me some from the kitchen. Sadly by the time this happened I was so full but given they had made the effort I selflessly gobbled them up. I mean did you even go to a buffet if you aren’t disgustingly full afterwards?

Update We were given a Crown voucher for our engagement party and what better place to use it than a delicious lunch. I dipped about 40 strawberries in the chocolate fountain and had the greatest time ever

Newest I was told to organise a celebratory work lunch so naturally I thought of the happiest place I could. Everyone had a delicious time though I did miss my parents peeling the prawns for me!

Newer Birthday lunch for me complete with surprise interstate guests who are complete converts for Conservatory! Being first timers I schooled them in the art of pacing themselves as it takes a seasoned eater here to really know how to make the most of your stomach space ensuring you get to enjoy every station from the cheese to the chocolate fountain. Hot tip don’t be afraid to go from savoury to sweet back to savoury again, you don’t want to get too full on the main and miss out on dessert

New We had dinner before going to see a show at the arts centre and were literally enjoying our meal so much we missed the opening number! There are no wait times because everything is there ready for you but it’s all so tasty you keep going back for more and more! Ticket holders beware!

Latest We had dinner for my sisters 28th birthday whereby I threw down the challenge that she should eat 28 macarons from the dessert section. We had a pretty decent crack because those salted caramel delights are just the tastiest little morsels. Very happy customers

Another update I came to dinner with my partner and was surprised by a secret birthday party with a large group joining us to celebrate. It was such a special and delicious evening. I have the greatest memories at this amazing restaurant. It’s so lovely and elegant inside it makes the perfect spot for a special occasion

Further update A colleague chose this venue very wisely for their farewell lunch and I delighted in inhaling everything in sight on the company’s Amex. Surprisingly it was just as busy of a weekday lunchtime. I guess the people know quality when they eat it

Update A delicious celebratory lunch after my sisters graduation at the nearby Melbourne uni. I thoroughly enjoyed the Indian section pumping out fresh naan made to order much to my fathers dismay that I was filling up on bread when there was such gorgeous fresh seafood in abundance

Original review I can't believe I've never reviewed the Conservatory I've been here at least twenty times over the last ten years and it's always been brilliant and even more so since they renovated a few years ago. The interiors are absolutely stunning the dessert bar is sensational and the food utterly delicious.

The selection encompasses a wider variety of cuisines, Japanese being my favourite with a yummy sushi station. If you can score a window seat your view is going to be pretty...

Does Conservatory deserve one-star or two-stars or three-stars? Depends if service means more to you or interior design. Can confirm Samantha Glenis' review, Crown Conservatory has the reputation (covertly) as one of the most overhyped buffets globally. It's very much a glorified Pizza Hut Buffet that serves cuisine from around the world of Pizza Hut quality and offers you bottom-shelf or semi-midshelf boose.

If I didn't see Samantha's review, I wouldn't have the guts to write this. They charge you astronomical prices for horrid service and even more horrid food. I did notice during my multiple visits that some customers like the charming-looking waiters or gorgeous-looking waitresses (not all of them are good-looking) so I guess that saves them from a poor service review. Samantha's review is genuine, and you can tell from her other Google Reviews, she usually doesn't write such scathing reviews. Their staff engage in disgusting gossip about customers and co-workers between each other as well — including their management. They seem to not be able to mind their own business and remember they're being paid to be non-partisan. The toxic culture has been reflected in the service they provide as well. Unfortunately their parent company is cutting down their budget and for patrons to expect them to return to their previous standards is most definitely a pipe dream to say the least. I have gave up on their restaurant ages ago. It's a casual dining experience at a premium restaurant price point.

I would strongly advise people to take their business elsewhere and try Langham's Melba Restaurant instead. Not the most glamorous view of the Yarra but the food and most definitely the service — is much more consistent. At the very least they don't engage in gossip when near customers either.

It's a pity such a beautiful venue is being wasted by such ignorant two-faced people.

Final verdict: Would never recommend unless they take on their feedback seriously and make adjustments to their restaurant operations and solve their health and...

Absolutely Degrading and Humiliating Experience – Crown Conservatory Has Lost All Class

My partner and I came to Crown Conservatory for lunch today — something we were genuinely looking forward to after working incredibly hard and barely taking time for ourselves. We booked the Free-Flow Package expecting a relaxing, luxurious afternoon where we could finally exhale and enjoy each other’s company. Instead, we left feeling humiliated, judged, and completely dehumanised.

A waiter approached us during the meal and told us we needed to “slow down.” Excuse me? We weren’t being loud. We weren’t causing a scene. We were simply sipping champagne and enjoying our well-earned break. It felt patronising and unnecessary, but we let it go.

Until it escalated.

We raised this concern with the manager, Indy, expecting professionalism — instead, he doubled down, implying we were intoxicated and needed to be watched. He even told my partner, “Look at her face,” as though I were some kind of problem to be examined and controlled. Not only is that deeply degrading, it’s completely out of line. My partner, Zach, was stunned. We were both spoken to like misbehaving children, not paying customers.

Indi then threatened us with security. SECURITY. For what? Quietly enjoying a drink during lunch? We were left feeling publicly shamed, scrutinised and completely stripped of our dignity. And the best part? The only refund offered was $25 for the free-pour package we barely got to enjoy.

This experience was not just disappointing — it was violating. We came in feeling proud of how hard we’ve been working, looking forward to a treat — and we walked out feeling humiliated and judged. The entire tone was cold, condescending, and shockingly unprofessional for an establishment that claims to be premium.

If Crown Conservatory wants to be seen as a luxury destination, they need to start by treating their guests with respect, dignity, and basic human decency. We will never return — and we’ll be sharing this story with...