Ivanhoe Tavern Charcoal Grill Steakhouse — Restaurant in Melbourne

This is a confused restaurant. The atmosphere and staff were both welcoming, and there is a good ambiance. The positives ended there for us however, I am afraid.

It was obvious to us that they are aiming to be a fine dining steak restaurant, and they have the potential to be that, when they consolidate their dining experience details.

At a steak restaurant, I do not want to order a scotch fillet with mashed potato and salad as sides for $52, to later find that the choice of sauces which had no assigned price on the menu (each sauce comes in a souffle dish filled to the brim and was clearly prepped in bulk ahead of ordering) cost an additional $5 each when we go to pay the bill. Why would these not be complementary and made to order? Or as an alternative, why would the chef not be making a sauce that complements the flavour of the steak to be served alongside it?

At this price point, in other restaurants, I have found that the head chef has taken real control of the flavors that are on each plate that comes out of the kitchen and is looking to deliver a creative expression of what can be done with their medium. The steak that we received was, while nicely charred, far rarer than the medium rare that we ordered and quite bland. The literal spoonful of oil with tomatoes felt out of place as it did not complement any of the dishes, and if anything got in the way. The salad was quite dry, and left a lot to be desired. The mashed potato was nicely buttered, although nothing special.

Other smaller details that were less impactful to our experience were: A felt napkin per person at the table would be welcomed, a single paper napkin felt tacky. Plates were cleared from the table almost immediately after taking the last bite, even while my friend was still eating which felt a little.. off. Having to ask for tap water to ensure water wasn't sneakily added onto our bill at the end (the waiter came back with an unopened bottle of still water for the table even though we had already ordered drinks), and then only receiving a single glass of water each with no further offer to refill it...

Worst experience I have had!!! So excited that I had made a booking to celebrate my husbands birthday. It was a hot day. Upon walking in we were seated at our table and asked for drinks. We ordered 2 drinks and I asked for iced water while I decide on a bottle of wine. I was told that we can have bottled water. I specified iced tap water as it was hot. I was told that they only have room temperature water and I need to help myself. So I asked for a glass of ice. I was ten told that " we only serve ice with drinks". I asked again just in case I misunderstood. No I didn't beacause iced water is not on offer at this restaurant when it's hot. You have to purchase water or you are stuck with room temperature (32degrees) with no ice. We chose the set menu. When my husband received his 300gm eye fillet, it did not taste right, the mash was lumpy and not creamy.

The waitress did not want to hear anything we had to say and got very defensive. We were told that we need to understand that they use real potatoes and it's not purée. We were told that no customer has ever complained before. When the meal was sent back, the waitress told us " you will still have to pay full price for this" he had only eaten 1/4 of the steak.

No desserts were ordered and when we went to pay an additional $5.00 credit card surcharged was also added to a $250 bill for 2 adults and 1 $19 child meal.

Words were exchanged and then asked to leave.

we dine out at least 2 times per week, both from the hospitality industry of 30 years each. We have never complained or even written a review. We also understand that sometimes things don't always go right in this industry. We also have never experienced what we did tonight. The restaurant is a gem and has the potential of being great BUT The staff are rude, the food is below average and overpriced. When you pay $120 per head you expect a level of service and a level of food quality. You expect at least water at your table with ICE when it's hot. This restaurant does not offer anything other...

Came here for my birthday and was delighted with an excellent evening. The chef was knowledgeable and happy to discuss the steaks and preparation. The atmosphere is lovely; a smaller place for a small crowd with very subtle music. And the waiters are polite, professional and prompt - service from all staff is unique and above what I've had from "famous" restaurants. What more could you ask for? Good steaks, that's what. Well, we ordered 3: eye fillet, which was described as "melt in your mouth" - and was butterflied and well done! The porterhouse, also well done, was reported as excellent but needed more charring/crisp, which can be had with a request to the chef. My medium-well rib eye was charred and crispy and cooked to perfection. I don't normally (never) have my meat with any pink as the flavour is off-putting but I trusted the chef and to my amazement, that taste just wasn't there. Also, (for once) the steak wasn't hosed in salt; or anything for that matter - no pepper, no sauce etc. It was all about the steak and the flavour it can give, which I love. The meat was not too fatty or too lean. A wagyu/marbled/aged steak would have provided that wave of flavour sensation that was missing, so don't expect that for the standard steaks even though they are above average price; you must compare apples with apples. Also, the lamb ribs starter are the best I've ever had! The salad is a lovely palate cleanser (ingredients were not skimped on, inc. the vinegar) and the chips are very acceptable. And, it's a BYO! If I really wanted to be picky; there was no water provided with the menus and if you want sparkling, it's not on the house. It is a bit pricey. This is a steakhouse and it was obvious desserts are not their specialty and what we ordered (crepes) were just standard. Finally, the temperature felt like it was set by the chef who has the unfortunate task of working by the hot grill, so it was a little chilly inside. Do I care about any of this? No. Will I be back again? Absolutely! 5 stars...