Mediterraneo Charcoal Restaurant — Restaurant in Melbourne

Worst dining experience I have had in Melbourne. We had a booking and were seated outside. After being seated we were forgotten about and had to go to the bar inside to ask for our table to be served. The waitress apologised and said that it was very busy (despite having several free tables inside). We ordered drinks, starters and mains together. By the time we had finished our starter, our drinks had still not arrived, but since nobody came to check on us we had to go inside and ask for them. They were clearly forgotten about as we had to repeat what we ordered. Drinks came out, but nobody cleaned our table from the starters, so we waited for our mains for 35-40 minutes. At this point the manager (I believe) came out to apologise, and again blaming it on being busy. (Busy should be a good thing for business, I believe bad management and lack of good routines and delegation is to blame). We also ordered wine with the manager, to have with the very delayed mains, but when the mains finally came out the wine order was forgotten about and we had to re-order again.

In regards to the food I don't really know where to get started. I ordered the fish of the day, served with mashed potato and vegetables. The fish was not fresh and not cooked properly and had a "jelly" consistency. Not sure if the brussels sprouts had been cooked at all or just cut in half and put on the side. The snap peas had MOULD on them!!!!!!! At least the wine was good (when they finally served it).

When we were getting up to pay the bill we were asked how everything was. After showing him my fish dish, the waiter said he wanted to let the manager know, but the manager never came to see us and the waiter returned to take our payment without any apology or compensation made for our experience.

Such a shame, the restaurant has great potential and a good atmosphere but falls short on service from...

Dining at Mediterraneo Charcoal in South Melbourne was an absolute delight from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, owner Michael greeted us with warmth and genuine hospitality that set the tone for the evening. His passion for both the food and the experience shines through in every detail.

Our waiter, Lars, delivered flawless service — attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about the menu, and perfectly timed in his care. He made the evening feel effortless and elevated, the kind of service you rarely encounter these days.

As for the food, it was nothing short of outstanding. The chorizo sizzling plate entrée came to the table bursting with flavour and smoky aroma, setting the stage beautifully. The prosciutto-wrapped scallops were pure perfection — tender, delicately balanced, and simply unforgettable. For the main event, the eye fillet steak was a showstopper: juicy, cooked to absolute precision, and packed with that signature charcoal flavour Mediterraneo is known for.

And just when we thought the evening couldn’t get better, the sticky date pudding arrived — utterly perfect. Moist, rich, and comforting, with a silky butterscotch sauce that struck the ideal balance of sweetness, it was the kind of dessert that lingers in your memory long after the last bite. A true finale to a flawless meal.

It’s rare to find a restaurant where both the food and the service are operating at such an exceptional level. Mediterraneo Charcoal, under Michael’s thoughtful guidance and with Lars’ impeccable service, has created an experience that is as memorable as it is delicious. I cannot recommend it highly enough — a true South...

Went to Mediterrano last night for news year eve.

On entry the owner warmly welcomed, and directed us to our table. The atmosphere is intimate yet sophisticated due to the up to date art work.

The service from the staff was friendly and the staff rotated so you had the complete team serving, I enjoyed the varied interaction. Especially the European staff, added to the Mediterranean theme.

The food, we had a variation of the menu, which was not a problem, and willingly accomadated. Our starter we had the sea food platter. to be honest I seldom eat seafood due to issues in the past, however one of our table wanted the seafood and we shared. The platter, I state with confidence is the best I have ever had. The variety, flavor texture, and quality all perfect. The following day good health, no problem to report.

For main course I had steak, the Angus cooked medium rare and again cooked perfectly. My wife had the lamb cutlets, I had one, best lamb for a long time. My daughter and her boyfriend had the Hereford steak, perfectly tender.

The menu describes the meat and how it is reared, this is the first time the menu blurb actually relates to the food.

The procurement of the ingredients, meat and fish, by evidence of what I had on the plate it is top quality.

I don't drink alcohol myself, however for the drinkers there is a vast selection of wines and spirits.

The kitchen, I had a quick look, it is clean and the staff are not frantic and cook with a calm confidence.

Cost wise, I felt we had value for money, unusually high quality in today's world.

Well done to the owners and staff at the Mediterranean for a first...