Napier Quarter — Restaurant in Melbourne

I had read that Napier Quarter (NQ) was special and apart from the rest, so was excited about visiting the establishment. I’m not usually one to write reviews, but then again, this isn’t a review, but more of a WARNING. If you’re vegan, you’d best have your hunger satisfied prior to walking into NQ, because in my experience, the likelihood of you being welcome here for a meal, is as good as Osama Bin Laden getting invited to a Christmas party at the White House.

Channeling the greatest mass delusion since being a flat-earther, NQ seems to believe that poor customer service is just what the doctor ordered on an autumn morning. To put it mildly, it’s like a cartoon version of hospitality and customer service as imagined by someone who has never interacted with the human species before.

Having considered leaving after the initial frosty and rude welcome, we waited for a table (for breakfast). Then, having patiently reviewed the uninspiring and limited menu (some which gave the impression that licking Plexiglas was going to be more rewarding), we asked (as we were being seated) if they did any alternative versions of their breakfast dishes to suit vegan dietary requirements (for one member in our party). The staff member, seemingly annoyed that he had customers, responded, “what’s vegan?, oats? I dunno, we have eggs, it is breakfast after all”. Additionally, the staff member was not willing to let us review or order from the lunch menu, despite the fact that it was 11.56am (at the time), and the lunch menu started at 12pm. We then left, alarmed at the poor service, and thinking nobody should be paid this much money to be sad.

My conclusion, it is undeniable that Napier Quarter really is special and apart. It has earned an epic accolade. It is, all things considered, entre nous, the worst customer service I have ever...

It’s hard to describe the drop off in quality and service of a place you once enjoyed thoroughly but the recent experience was nothing short of dreadful.

Patiently waiting for a table, my three guests and I watched as another group was given a table ahead of us after arriving immediately. Once flagging this down with staff we were shown to a single table despite there being four of us and ordering food which ultimately resembled a game of jenga as plates were rearranged to fit the dishes we had ordered.

Forgetting to bring menus despite being asked multiple times, telling us that the kitchen was closing immediately and order without hesitation, then having that staff member walk off and not return for almost 10 minutes solidified the lack of service. Ordering a charcuterie board and being told an item was out of stock, no extra portion of anything provided as an apology or to make up for what was missing despite paying full price was laughable and quite frankly adding to the already substandard portion sizes.

The focaccia was the standout dish, yes bread.

“Our own twist on an aperol spritz” initially sounded interesting and something that would resemble the original drink, instead it had more in common with Listerine.

Don’t let the lovely facade of the venue fool you, there are ample pubs within a few minutes walking distance that would offer better service even at 10pm on a Saturday with a football crowd.

By no means was anyone rude, very friendly in fact but whilst I wouldn’t be returning anytime soon I hope that when I do eventually, the staff’s service is more attentive to a...

think long lunches, pillowy focaccia and seasonal produce. chef steve harry masters simplicity here. we got a glimpse of him in action through their open kitchen, among a team of chefs working so seamlessly it looked like a choreographed dance. this is ALWAYS the best view when dining in.

every dish was truely a delight. the concept of less is more really shone through - very few ingredients in each dish but executed flawlessly, allowing you to appreciate each individual element more.

with every plate doused in good quality olive oil, the focaccia (which was unfathomable bubbly) was the perfect mop. the housemade ricotta was imperfectly perfect - crumbly yet smooth. insanely sweet tomatoes as good as my dads from the garden, and lightly cured fish so fresh it flaked away even when raw. we loved the subtle kick of the wasabi and the herby leaves to freshen our pallet.

finishing with their new dessert, so light and pleasant but deeply floral and leaving that nostalgic mouthfeel props to the olive oil. perfection!

a modest wine bar where you’ll feel special and so relaxed. add it to your list.

p.s you know its real when you see the focaccia proofing on your way to the...