Encanto Melbourne Cafe Dessert Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Melbourne

This place is very beautiful. I had high expectations because my friend had been here several times. However, the food was extremely salty. My friend returned her dish, and the woman cooking —I’m not sure if she was the chef— began speaking loudly in the kitchen. Since it’s an open kitchen, we could hear everything. She said things like “they don’t know how to eat” and loudly implied we were trying to avoid paying, asking, “Do they want us to take the dish off the bill?”

To be clear, I never asked for any discount or for the dish to be removed. When I go to a restaurant, I go prepared to pay for what I order. This experience was deeply disappointing and showed a lack of professionalism.

My friend approached the chef, who said that in his 40 years of experience, he had never received a complaint. I’m currently studying culinary arts, and I know that professional chefs welcome feedback. The dish was overly salted — simple as that. We didn’t want a replacement; the chef’s attitude had already ruined our evening. It was a degrading and unpleasant experience.

We are not new to dining out, and while the prices at this venue are not overly high, the quality of the food does not reflect the cost. In our opinion, it was not worth it.

Even if given the opportunity, I would not return. It was truly one of the worst dining experiences I’ve ever had.

For peace of mind, I’ve attached the receipt to confirm that we did in fact pay for the meal — regardless of how disappointing it was.

Respuesta:

En ningún momento nosotras faltamos el respeto al chef. Incluso mi amiga preguntó en la caja si podía hablar con él, ya que nos habíamos sentido incómodas por el comentario de esa señora, y le dijeron que sí, que podía hacerlo. Luego ella fue a hablar con ellos, y aun así el chef fue prepotente. Obviamente estábamos molestas después de los comentarios que se hicieron.

Como restaurante, deberían estar abiertos a las críticas. Si un plato no me gusta, está bien; no lo estaba pidiendo gratis de ninguna manera. Deberían considerar mejorar en ese aspecto, o al menos mantener el respeto hacia los clientes.

Igualmente, no volveré a ese restaurante. Cabe recalcar que la mesera y la persona que nos recibió fueron muy amables y...

@LaTonadaRestaurant is located down the leafy streets of North Carlton lies this Latino Spanish restaurant. I'd asked for menu recommendations and chose the octopus for starters and the special, chicken in mango sauce which sounds a little unusual.

Pulpo Arrecife al Grill: Locally sourced Octopus cooked at a very low temperature and then flamed grilled with wine accompanied by avocado, spinach, capsicum, red cabbage and mango.

This is a hearty meal for a starter. Lots of delicious tender chunks of octopus atop a creamy mayo, a pile of greens atop an avocado green goddess kind of sauce which is delicious and provides freshness against the meaty octopus and oil dressing, as too the chunks of mango, and corn chips for crunch. This is a very satisfying meal and could have easily have stopped here and had a dessert.

Pechugita de pollo cocinada a baja temperatura en salsa de mango Chicken breast cooked at low temperature in mango sauce accompanied by potato-mozzarella croquettes (gluten free) and grilled vegetables.

Then a plate of juicy, tender, succulent chicken is served. I can't say I've eaten chicken so tender. The mango sauce is more flavour and not all that sweet, tempered by the chef in the creation of the dish, complimenting the chicken. Plantain, like banana but more starchy and barely sweet forms a fritter for crunch. I'm a huge fan of croquettes and the parmesan flavoured crispy crunchy croquettes oozes creamy bechamel coated potato. Indulgent. The grilled vegetables are just what this dish needs and so too the balsamic vinegar blobs for that touch of sweet acidity. Delicious creation but so stuffed!

#LatinAmericanFood #LatinoSpanish #octopus #avocado #mango #chicken #croquettes #plantain #lunch #Foodie #melbournefood...

Encanto Melbourne Cafe Dessert Tapas Bar – A Hidden Latin American Gem on Lonsdale Street

If you're craving vibrant flavours, warm hospitality, and a dining experience that feels like a celebration, look no further than Encanto Melbourne Cafe Dessert Tapas Bar on Lonsdale Street. This standout venue brings the heart and soul of Latin American cuisine to Melbourne’s CBD, offering a creative menu of tapas, mains, and irresistible desserts.

From the moment you step inside, you're welcomed into a buzzing, colourful atmosphere that perfectly reflects the energy of Latin culture. Whether you're catching up with friends or heading out for a date night, Encanto sets the perfect mood with its lively decor, Latin beats, and friendly service.

The food is nothing short of exceptional. Think succulent slow-cooked meats, flavour-packed empanadas, and zesty ceviche, all crafted with authenticity and flair. The dessert menu is a true showstopper – rich, decadent, and beautifully presented. Pair your meal with one of their signature cocktails or a traditional Latin drink for the full experience.

Encanto isn’t just a cafe – it’s a Latin American culinary experience that’s full of soul and passion. Perfectly located in the heart of Melbourne, it’s a must-visit for food lovers, culture seekers, and anyone looking for a unique and flavourful night out.

Highly recommended for: Latin American food lovers, group catch-ups, romantic dates, and dessert...