Elevation @ Emerald — Restaurant in Melbourne

We have been dining at Elevation since it's opening in 2014. However, over recent visits, it continues to decline and after reading their low Google reviews, it is sad to see they're not interested in taking genuine customer feedback on board, with many similar statements dating back over 18 months. Firstly, the kitchen staff need much better training around food allergies. As a person who suffers anaphylaxis, I have been assured that dishes I have ordered would be made fresh. However, I have been contaminated with salads where the food allergen is simply picked out rather than a new salad made as promised. This is unforgivable when somebody has a life-threatening food allergy.

Secondly, after dining there today, I no longer feel the need to return or recommend the restaurant to friends. The restaurant was quite full for a lunch service with only ONE wait staff on the floor and one behind the bar. After ordering, we waited nearly half an hour before any drinks or entrees arrived at the table. We could hear the kitchen bell frequently being rang for food being ready but when I went up to query where our food was, I could see all the dishes lined up and had not been served to tables. The only explanation I was given was that the restaurant had received only THREE bookings for lunch and hence only put one staff member on the floor but with almost full capacity in the lower part they would have received more than that in bookings.

When the polenta chips finally arrived they were stone cold. I have ordered this dish many times and they have never been less appealing than they were today. Not only were they cold, the coating was so oily and had that rancid taste that suggests their oil in the deep fryer is not being frequently cleaned and replenished. We had to request a fresh serve that was hot. When they were brought back to the table it was quite clear that they had just been redipped through the deep fryer.

The calamari dish was lacklustre with old rocket leaves and overcooked calamari.

Again the wait times between the courses was incredibly lengthy.

Suffice to say, Elevation is now a tired and old establishment, and looks as beat as the chef did sitting by the door upon...

🌟 A Night We’ll Never Forget at Elevation! 🌟

We celebrated our marriage at Elevation on March 14th, 2025, with our families, and it was honestly one of the most special nights of our lives. From the moment we walked in, the staff made us feel so welcome. They accommodated a wheelchair with ease and made sure our whole group could sit together, which meant a lot.

Our waitress was an absolute sweetheart—so kind, patient, and upbeat, even with our big group. The other staff members took the time to congratulate us, and a few even told me I looked beautiful, which was such a lovely and unexpected touch. It really made the night feel even more special.

And the food? Incredible. Everything came out at the same time, piping hot and delicious. We had a mix of pizza, pasta, parmas, ribs, and tapas, and every single dish was spot on. The cocktails and drinks from the bar were also top-tier.

After dinner, we stepped outside onto the elevated walkway and caught the most stunning sunset—it was the perfect moment to soak everything in and take some beautiful photos.

But what truly left us speechless was what happened next. Out of nowhere, the waitress pulled me aside and told me that an anonymous customer had paid for the entire party’s meals. 25 people. I was completely overwhelmed with gratitude and couldn’t hold back the tears. The only message they left was that they wished us a lifetime of happiness.

To the kind stranger who did this—if you ever happen to read this, please know that your generosity meant the world to us. You’ve given us a memory that we will cherish forever.

Elevation isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a place filled with warmth, kindness, and unforgettable moments. If you’re looking for a fantastic meal with incredible service and a beautiful atmosphere, this is the place to go.

Thank you, Elevation, for a night we’ll always remember!

P.S I was so wrapped up in the moment and didn't get a chance to take any photos of the food or drinks but will add them after...

We have been going to Elevation in Emerald for many years and it has of course changed some in that time.

SERVICE. As you walk in you are greeted by the bar where you let them know you have a booking and can order your drinks. The service was good, polite and helpful.

FOOD. There is a great selection of pub like meals with a decent drinks menu with something for everyone including a kids menu.

For starters we had the Aranini Balls which were well cooked but with no cheese inside them sitting on a plate and sauce and no other plate presentation.

We then moved on to our mains. We had the Salt & Pepper Calamari and my dining friend had the BBQ Ribs. The Calamari was nice, very soft but not golden brown or crisp in any way and not overly peppered. The ribs were delicious but could have done with a small bowl for the bones.

I did order the Entree size Calamari for my main as I'm not a big eater and was served a full size main. When we notified the waitress the price was corrected at the bar.

DRINKS. My friend had a Pacific Ale which was well chilled and I had an Old Fashioned cocktail which was great but served with a slice of lemon and not orange as it should have been, it still was a very good drink!

OVERALL. A great place to enjoy a pub like meal in a modern Hill's restaurant. There is also a huge fireplace in the centre of the restaurant for those chilly Winter days. Just watch out for the steep driveway if you are in any sort of...