Left Bank Melbourne Restaurant & Cocktail Bar — Restaurant in Melbourne

Unacceptable Service – Caution Advised I don’t put up bad reviews often, however : We booked a Christmas function for our work team, a group of disability support officers with whom consisted of individuals with their own disabilities.. including me as an autistic person. We were expecting a memorable and enjoyable evening, but instead, we experienced what I would consider unacceptable and a complete lack of service standards. The treatment we received left us shocked and deeply disappointed.

Upon arrival, the staff member who directed us to our table was exceptionally rude, laughing at our question as to where to sit. He then mimicked his joke to other staff. This set a negative tone for the night. While our waiter was polite and tried his best, it was evident he was working under rigid, unreasonable rules.

The food presentation was visually appealing, but the taste was subpar, comparable to something served in a budget function hall. Some of us ordered steak and were only given the option of medium or well-done. Despite this, the steaks we received ranged from rare to overcooked—a basic standard the kitchen failed to meet.

Drink service was another major issue. Throughout the evening, our single drink orders were inexplicably doubled (by the glass not the measure), which initially seemed like an oversight but became problematic later. Toward the end of our booking, we were told we had only 10 minutes remaining at our table, and the waiter brought out double drinks for everyone. Moments later, we were asked to vacate the table, even though it wasn’t immediately reoccupied. Unfortunately for them, they did not realize that we were more than happy to continue on here, and would have provided a more than adequate over the bar spend. Things escalated further when we were asked to move away from the pathway of the waitstaff. In a crowded restaurant with tables everywhere, there was no reasonable place to go. Minutes later, security approached us, claiming bar staff had complained that we were in the way. Despite following their directions to other locations, we were abruptly told we had to finish our drinks and move outside—even while still holding multiple unfinished drinks.

The final insult was being once again told there was no where for us and guided further outside of the venue. I know this would seem as though we had had way too many drinks, but at this point, the maximum amount of drinks that any of us was 4 each in 2.5 hours with “food”. The table we were removed from remained empty as we stood outside, trying to process the humiliation. It became clear that our treatment was rooted in discriminatory attitudes. As a group of regular people over 30, we didn’t fit the “aesthetic” of the younger, trendy patrons the venue (well, I did :-p), seemed to prefer after dinner service.

This experience was not only disappointing but degrading. The blatant discrimination and disregard for basic hospitality make this venue one to avoid. We caution anyone considering visiting, especially if you don’t meet their apparent preference for a specific type...

Avoid this restaurant! We dined here in a large group and we all left disappointed and still hungry. We arrived without a booking to which the lady at the front in the skirt was lovely and very accommodating to us. We understand it can be hard to accommodate such a large group on a busy night but we appreciated it as our last booking canceled on us. But sadly everything went downhill from there. The table couldn’t hold all of us and when we asked the manager if we could add a chair in he was extremely rude to us and said “NO! Do we look like a food court to you” unfortunately you can get better food in a food court than you can at leftbank. Everything was bland, flavourless and the smallest portions. And we waited 25 minutes just for one bowl of chips?! The rest of the food took more than 45 minutes to arrive… not to mention drinks which took almost the same time. When one of us said to the manager we want to leave we haven’t received one our pizzas yet he came over to see the empty plate of a previous pizza and said “you already ate it” … The group of us dining here all come from the hospitality industry, being a manager myself I’d never say this to a customer or even treat them this way. The man who was the manager lacked any customer service skills and respect for their patrons. We had asked for side plates as we were sharing everything but the response we received was that they can’t give us any… I thought this place WASN’T a food court?! We also waited 15 minutes with no water or even water glasses on the table and when I asked for some, the young guy just slammed the glasses down on the table. For a “restaurant” this is very bizarre as all the tables were just set with the cheap paper napkins and a fork and butter knife.

To top it off this restaurant only uses QR code ordering and it’s just another way to rip people off and encourages lazy staff with no service skills. Considering how many of us were dining here we didn’t all order at once. Every transaction made you will incur a “service fee” and on top of that every order we placed was an additional public holiday surcharge. Absolutely ridiculous.

There is nothing good about this restaurant. The food is bad, the service is unprofessional, the drinks are average and the atmosphere is nothing special. Unfortunately I would never recommend this place to anyone, I would be more likely warn people to avoid this place. This is my second time dining here with exactly 1 year in between and the same experience. I had of hoped there could have been some improvement but seems like this place is just...

Update (8 June 22): I promised to these guys that I'll be back soon. And I was there today for a lunch with a colleague. John made us comfortable right under a heater as it was a very cold day. Thanks John!

I ordered the same dish that I ordered two weeks back: a large plate of Snapper. Why the same dish while I could order a different Friday? Well, how do you find out about the consistency of a meal then? I was certainly impressed.

Everything else that we ordered including the side dish of kalamari (OMG! That's a must try!), The chips (don't order if you are on diet. They are irresistible.), and the prawn spaghettini were absolutely delicious.

So, the experience was once again excellent.

Another word for John & Vince - I noticed that they were looking after all patrons equally and seemed genuinely interested in making it a good experience for all. Thank you again John and Vince!

Ruby: thank you for being super responsive. No doubt why you guys are top notch.

I usually do not have high hopes for good service and tasty food at restaurants which are too crowded. Left Bank surprised me on my visit yesterday. I went there with a group of my colleagues. When we reached the restaurant, we were greeted and welcomed. We had more people than the number a table was reserved, and the restaurant manager quickly arranged for additional chairs and tables to accommodate us. When staff are laughing with you, that's a sign of good hospitality and their own sense of service. A plus!

Drinks service was super fast. You order through a QR code at your table, which is a convenient way to ensure you get the right order. Although personally I do not like to share my information.

Food: Entrees were quickly served. Broccoli never disappoints me, but sadly the grilled/lightly roasted broccoli tasted bland. A hint of salt or some sauce can transform it.

For mains, I ordered Snapper and my goodness, I never had such a delicious snapper before! The combination of potatoes, crab, spices and sauce was amazing. Kudos to the Chef! My colleagues enjoyed their meals too.

Vibe: Left Bank has a welcoming, upbeat vibe. And I guess a lot of it is because of its serving staff. They all seemed busy yet happy. A smile makes all the difference, isn't it? Ambiance is great. I loved the decor and how the seating arrangement has been made which leaves enough room for people to roam around or sit comfortably.

I...