Eureka 89 - Dining & Events — Restaurant in Melbourne

REVIEW: Eureka – Fine Dining in Name, Not in Practice. After years of enjoying degustation menus and fine dining experiences both locally and across states, our visit to Eureka was, regrettably, the most disappointing to date — and shockingly overpriced at $687 for two vegetarian degustations and two glasses of red wine. To begin with, the atmosphere was completely at odds with what one would expect from a fine dining establishment. Stepping inside felt more like entering a low key night club than a restaurant promising city views and elevated elegance. Harsh red ceiling lights cast unpleasant reflections across the glass, completely detracting from what should have been a stunning panoramic vista. The table light was off when we were seated, with the waiter having to turn it on as they couldn’t see pouring out our water. This light was eventually replaced by another light, then followed again by a third as they all kept running out of charge - a very simple thing to get right first time round. The food, while vegetarian-friendly in concept, arrived cold — an unforgivable flaw at this price point. Between courses, the delays were excessive, with no menu left at the table to guide us or build anticipation. During these long pauses, it was hard not to notice the details being neglected around us: unpolished cutlery, dirty tablecloths (with one visibly flipped by a staff member rather than replaced), and a general sense of disinterest from the staff. The service was the poorest we’ve experienced in any fine dining setting. Staff seemed ill-prepared, untrained, and indifferent. Our wine was not presented or poured table-side, nor were we told anything about it. Descriptions of dishes, when given, were rushed and mumbled — one particularly confusing moment ended with, “erm, has a crumble on top,” as if the waiter had no clue what was actually on the plate. There was no dress code enforced, with diners in jeans and trainers, further stripping the evening of any sense of occasion. Even exiting the venue was poorly managed — we had to wander until finally returning to the front desk to ask for directions. Contrast this with another restaurant we visited just two days later: eight beautifully crafted dishes, two glasses of wine, impeccable service, elegant ambiance — and a bill of just $230. It was a clear reminder that price does not guarantee quality. In short, Eureka offered none of the refinement or professionalism expected from a high-end dining venue. The experience lacked atmosphere, attentiveness, presentation, and polish. For nearly $700, it was not just underwhelming — it was unacceptable. We will not return, and we would not recommend...

A Sublime Culinary Journey at Eureka 89, Enhanced by Unforgettable Hospitality

My recent dining experience at Eureka 89 was nothing short of magnificent, blending gastronomic innovation and elegance to leave an indelible mark on my palate and heart. The ambiance, combined with breathtaking city views, set the stage for a culinary adventure that was intimate yet grand.

The evening began with a stunning Yellow Fin Tuna dish, paired with lemon aspen, avocado, and horseradish, complemented by Deviation Rd Sparkling Rose from Adelaide Hills. This pairing kicked off the meal with vibrant flavors.

Next, the Carrot Tagliatelle surprised me with its depth, enhanced by bonito emulsion, lemon, and avruga. The Sc Pannell Aromatico was a delightful touch, perfectly matching the earthy tones of the dish.

The Rannoch Quail, with cime di rapa, grape, and pea, showcased culinary balance and finesse. The Toscolo Montepulciano from Abruzzo, Italy, elevated the quail's delicate flavors with its bold character.

The Margra Lamb served two ways was a highlight. Paired with cabbage, sunflower seed, and blackcurrant, the Martingale Cabernet Sauvignon from Yarra Valley showcased the lamb's rich flavors and succulent texture.

A Cheese course featuring beetroot and manchego sable with chevre mousse provided a refreshing prelude to the finale. The Coldstream Apple Cider from Yarra Valley was an innovative and refreshing pairing.

The meal concluded with a Strawberry dessert, ingeniously paired with lime, coconut, basil, and milk. The Palladino Moscato from Asti, Italy, added a sweet, effervescent finish to the evening.

Special commendations must go to the exceptional service team: Mia, who waited on us with grace; Sabb, who assisted with impeccable attention to detail; and Leo, who welcomed us warmly. Their efforts significantly enhanced our experience.

Furthermore, a heartfelt mention to Jazzy, a high-level executive who took time out of his schedule to meet me personally. His gesture added a special touch to our evening, making us feel valued and appreciated. It's rare and commendable for executives to engage directly with guests, and it speaks volumes about the ethos and the exceptional level of service at Eureka 89.

Eureka 89 stands out not just for its culinary excellence but also for its dedication to creating memorable experiences through attentive service and personal touches. I am eagerly looking forward to my next visit, confident in the promise of another sublime journey. For those seeking a dining experience that marries the best of gastronomy, ambiance, and personalized service, Eureka 89 is a must-visit...

I had the misfortune of dining at this supposedly fine dining establishment, and I must say it was an unmitigated disaster. From the moment we walked in, I knew something was amiss. The ambiance was a major letdown – we were seated in a secluded area at the back, despite there being ample space available in the main dining area. I'm still not sure why we were relegated to this area, but it certainly didn't set the tone for a pleasant evening. It’s like they were hiding us away in a storage room. This is completely unacceptable.

The food, which I'm sure was the main reason for the hefty price tag, was nothing short of disappointing. The 6-course meal was a snooze-fest, with each dish tasting average at best. The presentation was lackluster, and some dishes looked like they had been thrown together haphazardly. I was expecting a culinary experience that would blow my mind, but what I got was a series of bland, uninspired dishes that failed to impress.

But the food was just the beginning of our problems. The service was chaotic and disorganized, with our waiter seemingly having no concept of basic customer service. At one point, while we were still enjoying the caviar, the waiter swooped in and cleared the table without so much as a warning. I mean, who does that? It was like they were trying to rush us through the meal.

And if that wasn't enough, they had the audacity to bring us a $100 heart chocolate cake instead of the $50 oysters we had ordered. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the sheer incompetence of the staff. When we pointed out the mistake, they seemed completely unbothered, like it was no big deal. Newsflash: it's a big deal when you're charging people hundreds of dollars for a meal.

The 'complimentary' drink and cheese board that was offered as a token gesture of goodwill was a joke. The drink was forgettable, and the cheese board was nothing special. I mean, if you're going to offer something for free, at least make it worth eating.

The bill, which came out to a whopping $700, was the final nail in the coffin. For that kind of money, I expect a culinary experience that would leave me speechless. Instead, I was left feeling ripped off and disappointed. The service was poor, the food was subpar, and the ambiance was lacking. I would not recommend this place to my worst enemy.

In fact, I would go so far as to say that this place needs a serious overhaul. The staff needs training in basic customer service, and the kitchen needs to step up its game. Until then, I would advise others to steer clear of this disaster waiting to happen. One star is even too generous...