Mjølner — Restaurant in Melbourne

Mjolner is a Viking themed restaurant located in Hardware Street. There is no obvious signage outside the restaurant indicating where it is, so for first timers like me, it can be easy to miss. I think I walked past it 3 or 4 times before I realised the entrance was through the large unlabelled wooden doors. I’ve attached a photo so you know what to look for if you go. When you enter, you have the option of walking downstairs to the bar or upstairs to the restaurant. Throughout the restaurant and bar are displays of helmets, horns, shields and other items from the Viking era.

For starters you have a selection of 5 dishes for around $25 each. We had the oyster, roasted bone marrow and the baked clams, scallops and prawns. The oysters were fresh and served natural with lemon and a sauce. The sauce had bacon bits in it and was a very good accompaniment to the oysters. The bone marrow was served with bread and mustard leaf. We ate all the bread before we realised it would have be a good idea to use some of it to soak up the buttery sauce the baked seafood was cooked in. After we completed our bone marrow, the waiter offered us the option to drink whisky from the bone. Of course we had to try it. The bone was heated using a blow torch and whisky was poured through the crevice where the marrow was previously scooped out from straight to our mouth. We thoroughly enjoyed our starters and the whisky drinking experience.

Before our mains were served the waiter offered us a selection of knives we could use to eat with. I chose a large heavier knife as it appeared more manly. However, it was probably more suited to be used a weapon rather than for cutlery. For main we had the short ribs with white radish and chimichurri. The ribs were delicious and the meat just fell off the bone. The dish was $46 and was enough to share between two people. We accompanied our ribs with a side of baby carrots with spicy lentils. The carrots were tasty and an excellent accompaniment.

Finally for dessert we had the bombe Alaska with mandarin sorbet and flamed mandarin liqueur. The flames give the dish a theatrical touch and provides for a good photo opportunity. When you think the meringue is charred enough, you just blow out the flames. Desserts are around $16 and you have a selection of 4.

The restaurant/bar also has a selection of cocktails and beers. For the beer drinkers, try drinking your beer from a horn. This also gives you another photo opportunity.

For a restaurant that offers something different and good food, I would...

I had the pleasure of embarking on a Viking-inspired culinary adventure at Mjølner Melbourne last Saturday night, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. From the moment I walked through the door, the warm and inviting Viking-themed ambiance set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

The service at Mjølner was impeccable, and the staff embraced the Viking theme with enthusiasm. They were not only attentive and friendly but also well-versed in the Viking lore and traditions, which added an extra layer of excitement to the dining experience. We were even served our beer in authentic horns, which truly made us feel like warriors feasting after a victorious battle.

Now, let's talk about the food, which was nothing short of extraordinary. The menu at Mjølner offered a delightful fusion of flavors, with each dish paying homage to Viking cuisine while incorporating modern twists. From hearty roasted meats to flavorful seafood dishes, the culinary creations showcased the chef's creativity and talent. The ingredients were of the highest quality, and the flavors were perfectly balanced, transporting us back in time to the era of Viking feasting.

What made the Viking experience at Mjølner truly special was the attention to detail. The decor featured Viking-inspired elements, such as shields, swords, and rustic wooden tables reminiscent of a traditional Viking longhouse. The soft lighting and ambient music further enhanced the immersive atmosphere, making us feel like true Vikings reveling in a grand feast.

In addition to the outstanding food and Viking ambiance, the beer served in horns was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the evening. It added an extra layer of authenticity and fun to the dining experience, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the Viking spirit. Sipping our beer from horns while enjoying the delicious food created an unforgettable memory that will be cherished for years to come.

In conclusion, my Viking-inspired culinary adventure at Mjølner was nothing short of extraordinary. The exceptional service, exquisite Viking-inspired cuisine, and immersive ambiance made it a truly unique and memorable dining experience. I wholeheartedly give Mjølner a five-star rating and cannot wait to return for another...

Mjølner is quite a unique experience - however, a one time experience. We were walking down dark Hardware St when we came across the large heavy gold and black carved door and knew we were in the right place.

Walking inside you are met with this gorgeous three-metre-long chain curtain emblazoned with a giant mythological king. The place was decked out.

Mjølner's strength is in its environmental experience, transporting you to the middle ages, surrounded by horns and swords. Mjølner teeters on the edge of gimmicky fun and novelty cringe.

The staff were professional. Briefing you on the theme of the restaurant and getting you familiar with how the service works. They bring out an array of knives in a wrap for you to pick from. Note: This is the knife you are stuck with so make sure you pick one that isn't too clunky. We were quite excited about the "Chefs Menu /Degustation" but unfortunately it is only for 4 people which was a shame but judging by other reviews we dodged a bullet there.

The drinks menu was extensive however extremely overpriced for what arrived in the glass. You have the option of drinking out of a horn which would entice some people, however, on the pricy side. We got some cocktails ($23 & $25) and some beers. Nothing to write home about. Three sips and you have hit the bottom.

The food portion of the experience was the biggest letdown of the entire night. Now I am one for immersive dining experiences, really getting into themed meals however, the culinary skill level and technique are in question. The "Three Meats" ($30) was something I could have put together myself from the supermarket for half the cost. The "Rotisserie free-range chicken" ($52) was just a dry roast chicken with a few nuts on it, sitting in the middle of the table squawking for some sauce. The Beef Short Rib ($50) was again dryer but saved with a few sticks of cucumber that we got as a side dish.

Overall Mjølner was ok, would I go again? No. Would I recommend Mjølner to anyone? Nah. My Aunty might like it, she likes Game Of Thrones so would enjoy the novelty of drinking out of a horn. Mjølner, unfortunately, missed the mark for me last night. Was it worth $300?...