Counting House Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Melbourne

Nice, but not worth the price.

After hearing rave reviews, we were excited to try this place out. Got there and the staff were very friendly, took our water order then disappeared.

We finally waved someone over 10 minutes later and ordered the spicy meatballs, Wagyu steak special, duck fat roast potatoes and rocket and pear salad and a bottle of Shiraz, and politely reminded the waiter that we were still waiting for our water.

The water arrived, then the waiter turns up with the $80 bottle of shiraz, doesn’t show us the bottle to confirm it was what we ordered, no opportunity to taste it, just pours 2 glasses and walks off. And, unfortunately, for $80, the wine was really nothing special at all – just an average glass of red, in my opinion.

The meatballs came out super quickly, which was great, but there was definitely no ‘spice’ in the “spicy meatballs”. They were nice enough and cooked well but certainly nothing fancy for $25.

Then the mains arrived and it was all beautifully presented and perfectly cooked but, honestly, very bland. The steak was sinewy and chewy in parts and had very little flavour. And, the ‘rosemary and garlic’ potatoes had the slightest hint of rosemary and no garlic that I could taste – in fact, if it wasn’t for the steak sauce to dip them in I wouldn’t have eaten them at all.

Now, these reviews are, of course, totally subjective but, in my mind, there are many better dining experiences around, and certainly those with a lot more flavor, so I wouldn’t recommend paying the fine dining prices for what I consider to be average...

Lovely place in Mornington town to stop in for a nice lunch. It is full of heritage and homestyle appeal with its rustic woody walls and flooring with modernised-old fashioned finishings telling age old stories of the town bank it once was. Family-friendly yet a diner that one is able to enjoy a quick or slow meal if you will, alone. Many beers on tap available, outdoor and indoor seating, as well as a bar with high stools for the sports fan. It is a proper steakhouse with its cuts proudly displayed to spoil you for choice, and a steak sandwich and wagyu burger are daily specials, pork chops (no more lamb on the new menu) but it also has amazing fresh seafood of the day which included nicely flash fried five-spiced calamari, barramundi butterflied wings, a grilled fish and chips, and for the meatless diet - salad, garlic buttered brocollini, vegetarian soups and a wicked bread and butter pudding. Oolala! I believe they took away the mediterranean inspired food as well like the baked eggs and tzaziki. Free parking for 2hrs if you can find any lots upfront. Additionally it overlooks the park with beautiful trees, a cricket pitch, the local playground with an expansive shipwreck theme, and if you veer beyond, the Foreshore boatshed harbour overlooking a quiet beach bay. Find the ice cream...

We visited Counting House Bar & Grill last night for our Thursday night dare night, and it was an absolute delight. From the moment we walked in, we were impressed by the warm ambiance and inviting atmosphere.

The service was outstanding—attentive without being intrusive, with staff who were friendly, knowledgeable, and always available when needed. It’s clear that customer experience is a priority here.

Now, onto the food—exceptional in every way. We started with the crispy whitebait entree, which was light, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned, setting the tone for the rest of the meal. The steak was cooked to perfection, packed with flavor, and paired beautifully with its accompaniments. The seafood dish was fresh and well-balanced, while the broccolini side was a simple yet delicious complement to the mains. Every dish showcased quality ingredients and excellent execution.

Yes, the prices are on the higher side, but for the quality of food, service, and experience, it’s absolutely worth it. This is the kind of restaurant where you know you’re getting value for your money.

We will definitely be back, and next time, we’re bringing friends! Counting House Bar & Grill is now on our list of...