Lui Bar — Restaurant in Melbourne

Abysmal. Top to bottom the experience was poor. We had arrived around 10 on a Friday night. We suspected that it would be busy and that we might not be able to get in. The ladies at the door (three of them) said that they could probably get us in in a few minutes. Happily we went around the corner to the lobby to lounge while we waited for our number to come up. After 25 minutes without word we checked in on things. The woman said she'd check and come talk with us in a few minutes. Five minutes later she came to tell us that it would likely be a 30-45 minute wait. We weren't happy about that — we would have left immediately if we had been told that to start with. Our group of five decided to wait it out as several people had come down. We also told the woman that we were willing to be separated; a group of three and a group of two was fine.

We really wanted our friend who's leaving Melbourne to experience the view and room. We waited another half an hour and in that time two groups of two and a group of four were called and went up. All three of those groups had arrived after us. We were rather incensed that this point and once again approached to women as she was loading the last group of two on the elevator. The woman who had chatted with us previously was now gone. Apparently our message of being willing to be split up didn't make it to the bar. We waited a few minutes and finally were on the elevator on the way up. There were no seats available so we were asked to stand around cocktail tables. We gave the manager John the story and he apologised and promised to make it up to us. Spoiler: he didn't. We had to wait for water, for menus, for anyone to acknowledge our existence.

Eventually our drink order was taken. In time we were given a seat at the window. Our drinks came. The drinks were fine but pedestrian. They would be good for your average bar, but for a bar that specialises in cocktails, they were a disappointment. If you want a good cocktail to Above Board, Romeo Lane, 1806, or a good dozen other places. After waiting for so long we would have happily had another drink but it was impossible to wave down a server. At one point they came around with complimentary canapés but there were only three left on his board so two of our party we left out. We asked if he could bring out two more and he said he “uhh, probably not” but then, three minutes later, came out with another tray and didn't come back to our table.We decided to leave.

At no point after taking our orders did John check in with us. We were charged the full amount and paid it. I pulled the manager John aside to give him feedback on our experience and he directed me to contact the bar through the email address on the website. Unacceptable. He told me he would give me a business card but he had run out. He ran to the back and returned with a generic business card for the bar. How utterly underwhelming.

What should have happened was that if it was going to be an hour wait, they should have said so from the start. After the long and unexpected wait, we should have been treated to at least some complimentary sparkling wine while we waited for our cocktails. Instead we sat there drinking our water (which we had to track someone down to refill). There are so many things that they could have done to make our stay enjoyable once we were finally seated. They didn't.

Is the view good? For sure. It's a lovely view. Is the view worth the hassle? Absolutely not. Every bar has an off night but it's up to management to recognise when expectations have fallen below acceptable (especially for a place that sells itself as high end) and make it better. I have no problem spending $25 for a fabulous cocktail but I won't be doing it at...

Liu Bar, perched on the 55th floor of the iconic Rialto building in Melbourne, offers a dining and cocktail experience that is nothing short of breathtaking. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by an atmosphere that perfectly marries sophistication with a welcoming warmth, making every visit memorable.

The panoramic views from Liu Bar are undoubtedly its crowning glory, offering a sweeping vista of Melbourne's skyline that can mesmerize both locals and tourists alike. It's a view that adds an unparalleled element to your dining or drinking experience, transforming it into something truly special.

The cocktail menu is a testament to the creativity and expertise of the bartenders, featuring a blend of classic concoctions and innovative creations that are sure to please even the most discerning palate. Each cocktail is crafted with precision and flair, using only the finest ingredients to ensure a taste that's as impressive as the view.

The food menu, though not to be overshadowed, complements the drinks perfectly with a selection of gourmet bites and dishes. The offerings are a reflection of Melbourne's diverse culinary scene, with flavors that are both refined and delightfully surprising. Whether you're in for a light snack or a more substantial meal, Liu Bar delivers with quality and elegance.

Service at Liu Bar is exemplary, with staff that are attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about providing a great experience. They are always on hand to recommend the perfect drink or dish, ensuring your time at Liu Bar is enjoyable and seamless.

In conclusion, Liu Bar is not just a place to grab a drink or a bite to eat; it's an experience that elevates your senses. It's where impeccable service, stunning views, exquisite drinks, and delectable food come together in a symphony of perfection. Whether for a special occasion or a casual night out, Liu Bar in Melbourne is a destination that promises and...

I think when the waitress interrupts your order with a stern "let me explain our cocktail policy" you know it's going to be one of those nights (and one of those places). A good reputation can only get a place so far, but when that place becomes consistent with its poor service then its days are numbered. Our waitress on the night was ill informed and lacked any real customer service skills. When we ordered our first drink, she would come back after a few minutes to tell us that they were "out" of that particular signature cocktail. Instead of offering us an alternative (i.e. the standard version of the same cocktail that was not on the menu) I had to ask the waitress for the alternative. This is when she said that she had to check with the head bartender to confirm if that was ok. The cocktail in question was a Negroni! Another bartender who overheard the conversation scoffed at the waitresses response and said to us, "of course we can make you a Negroni, what type of bar would we be if we couldn't make a Negroni". He then mentioned a number of other cocktails that sounded really nice that weren't on the menu. So for our next drink we ordered one of them. That's when the waitress became irritated and informed us of the Lui Bar cocktail policy, which states that all cocktails not on the menu must be approved/signed off by the head bartender only. After we mentioned to the waitress that the cocktail we ordered was a recommendation by one of their own bartenders she then went to check again with the "head bartender" to see if that was ok. So at the end of the night when the same waitress bought over the portable payment device and highlighted the tipping process and stood over me while I paid I had no choice but to make it clear she was not getting a tip. Poor form Lui Bar. Hopefully you guys lift your game because it seems you will soon be relegated to the place that is frequented by...