Dunyazad — Restaurant in Melbourne

This is not the first time eating at Dunyazad. Out of the 4 times, 2 were good and 2 were bad so it's like a hit and miss. Our last bad experience was this past Sunday. We were celebrating Orthodox Easter and booked a table for 10. On the booking there was no mention to specify the type of table to choose. They put us on a big rectangular table next to the entrance door. When we saw the big round tables, we requested to be moved so we can communicate more effectively. The waitress said we are fully booked and the remaining couple of big round tables are reserved. Then she sent the manager and repeated the same thing. At least one of the tables remained empty from around 6pm when some of us arrived to 10:30pm when we left and they were about to close soon after. That sitting configuration ruined the whole evening as we were trying to find the best arrangement for everyone. On top of that, we chose the open banquet but we were offered food that doesn't add up to the bill. Yes you can keep re-ordering but you feel like you are begging to get the right and adequate amount for 10. Plus we specified that we didn't want an item, but were forced to take because the chef decided so. We asked for plates of Lebanese sausages and yet every time it came with a plate full of chicken wings and only few sausages with it. The menu was missing any kofta item because apparently someone failed to plan for a long weekend with Easter Sunday. They ran out as the waitress kept saying the whole evening. Everything we ask for is like begging with your own money. I understand it was busy but I am a paying customer forced to opt for the banquet for 10 people, I deserve to be treated better. At the end the waitress came and apologised that the dessert mhalabiya ran out. She said there is maybe 1 left so we will offer you halva instead. Seriously? We looked at her in disbelief. Halva is a spread you eat a small piece for breakfast mainly, not a dessert. Yes some make halva ice cream as dessert so we thought it's that at the beginning but it was halva from the box offered on a plate. Such a disappointing...

Worst service you will ever see. Never go there to experience very upsetting and angry feelings and ruin your nights by trying to eat at this restaurant. Beware, you will lose your temper there because of these waiters and service.

Tonight 9-5-2025, We arrived (two people) at the restaurant at 6.30 - 6.40 pm. Ordered our food starters, drinks, and main dishes. Starters came first with our drinks. We finished them and waited for about 20-25 mins for our main dishes to come. They never came, and when we called one of the waiters to complain, after all the apologies from them, only one main dish came at 7.40 pm. We waited for about 10 more mins for the second one to come, which never came. We did eat our dinner, our drinks became warm after all thay long time waiting, our night was ruined because of some arrogant bad service.

So, I went to complain to the manager. They told us there is no manager tonight. So, I told the waiters that we would pay only for starters' dishes and drinks we would not pay for the rest of the food that never came. They wanted us to pay for everything and offered to take it away with us. I got really angry about the service. They obviously forgot our food or gave it to other tables. The service is zero. The way of waiters dealt with us is very bad and ridiculous as if we are supposed to eat one main dish and the other person with me should wait and look at me while eating my main dish. The waiter looked at me as if I was some kind of garbage for asking not to pay for food that never came and wanted me to pay for everything. As I was getting angry, he removed the main dishes of the receipt, and I paid only for the items we ate.

I am the one who told the waiters there that I will be the reason to shut this restaurant down by telling everyone around...

We had a lovely evening dining at Dunyazad Lebanese Restaurant. The ambiance was warm and inviting, with attentive service that made us feel welcome throughout the night. The menu offered a rich variety of traditional Lebanese dishes, and we decided to try a generous selection to share among the table.

The meal began with some excellent starters — the tabouleh was fresh and zesty, full of crisp herbs and a well-balanced lemony dressing. The baba ghannouj was creamy with a beautifully smoky flavor, and paired perfectly with the warm bread. The falafel was also very enjoyable, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a nice touch of spice.

For mains, we had the shish kabab, which was nicely grilled and seasoned, and the Sheherazad Shish Tawook, which turned out to be one of our favorite dishes of the night — tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. The Kabab Sultan was rich and satisfying, and the kibbee had a lovely texture and traditional taste that rounded out the meal well.

To drink, we ordered a jug of blossom lemonade, which was refreshing with a hint of floral sweetness, a perfect complement to the rich flavors of the meal. We also appreciated the reasonable corkage fee for bringing our own bottle, which added to the relaxed and accommodating atmosphere.

Overall, the experience was memorable and the food authentic and full of flavor. While a couple of dishes could have been served warmer, it didn’t take away too much from what was otherwise a delightful night. We’d be happy to return and recommend Dunyazad to anyone looking for an elevated Lebanese dining experience...