Lumen People — Restaurant in Melbourne

I rarely leave bad reviews and can usually overlook small mistakes, but the way this restaurant handled a simple criticism left me speechless. I pointed out that there was almost no nduja on my toast, only to be told that’s just how they do it. However, when the table next to us ordered the same dish, I could clearly see a much more generous portion of nduja. Unfortunately, I had already finished my meal by then and couldn’t bring it up.

To make matters worse, while I was discussing this with the front-of-house staff, I could see the chef smiling in the kitchen as if nothing was wrong. This reaction made me feel like an unreasonable customer, which was far from the truth. I didn’t even mention that their baccalà was overly salty and missing the chickpea garnish, which I could see on the plate at the table next to us.

Mistakes happen, and I’m usually fine with that. But instead of a simple apology, they tried to convince me that everything was fine and even attempted to explain what nduja is, as if I wouldn’t know.

As a former Head Chef of a famous hatted restaurant in melbourne for years , with over 12 years of experience in Michelin-starred and hatted restaurants, I’m well aware of what I’m talking about. I wasn’t trying to make a scene or get a discount—just pointing out a simple fact. Their inability to acknowledge a mistake and the disrespectful attitude from the kitchen staff was disappointing. A little humility and an apology would have gone a long way.

ps: as you can see on photos.. no nduja on toast.. and no chickpeas garnish on the salty...

I thought I'd already reviewed Lumen People! Well now I am.

Just another great addition to the North/West Melbourne boundary along Victoria Street.

The coffee is as you would expect in Melbourne, but the food is excellent. Both times I've been, the food has been prepared carefully and not only that, it's been damn tasty too. That two birds is a hit. First time I went, they had a limited menu, which included two birds. Well the full menu has fledged the nest.

The steamed eggs thing are going through a bit of a phase in Melbourne, Lumen People do it well, however. That spreadable sausage and LA sauce absolutely lights the breakfast roll up. I'll try other things if I can move past that champion breakfast.

House coffee is by Seven Seeds, but there's a selection of coffees on the menu too. Filter, espresso etc. All from top quality rotational roasters.

The staff are always great, they talk you through things. Service is pretty polished and I passed my comments to the chef when I left. Credit where it's due, to hit the floor running like Lumen People have takes experience and skills.

Thanks again, I'll he back for sure. Victoria Street is amazing...

📍Lumen People, North Melbourne

Yum. Yum. Yum.

Lumen has a seasonal menu made up of incredible and fresh produce. We shared the burd eggs in a sesame milk bun, the Brussel sprout tartine with nduja and ricotta, and of course the sourdough with cultured butter.

I loved all dishes with equal measure. The eggs were unlike anything I have had in a bun before, almost camouflaging as cheese in shape and colour, but was so so tasty. The herb aioli in the roll was to die for.

The Brussel sprout tartine was diverse in texture. I loved the crispy Brussel sprouts mixed with the soft ricotta.

And I mean what else can you say about cultured butter except that it is always a non-negotiable?

The service here was incredible. They were so attentive and hospitable, offering us extra jam to try with the bread and giving us some batch brew to try.

Lumen people operates as a cafe and a wine bar, and I would absolutely recommend a visit!!

Overall 4.7...