Taxi Kitchen — Restaurant in Melbourne

UPDATED JANUARY 2018: Whilst the food is delicious and presented very well the service level absolutely stinks. From entering, the manager is not happy and of little words. He clearly does not want to be here and with a snooty attitude made us feel unwelcome. Our fellow guests were running a bit behind and as we did not want to miss a show at the arts centre we wanted to place our order before the others arrived. We were told a stern "NO, not until the others arrived". We stressed we had a show to see but another waiter told us that was their policy and sorry. This is a completely ridiculous policy and left us completely floored. I won't be back based purely on the attitude of the staff.

MARCH 2017: I have been before a couple of years ago but held back on the review as I wanted to try it again. We decided to go for a weekend lunch on a sunny Melbourne day. The restaurant was about a third full so made for a comfortable and relaxing dining experience. Lots of steel and glass with great views over the city and Yarra. Plenty of different seating spots so you are spoilt for choice. Firstly, service is impeccable, a friendly warm smile and genuine conversation. All the way through we were served by a few wait staff and all were at the same charming level. The menu is very enticing, modern Australian but with a slight asian bent. It's very versatile and has so many good options we would love to try them all. We chose a couple of starters, an entree to share and 2 mains. I have to say I am impressed with portion size, it is really good. Too often I am disappointed with stingey portions which are uncalled for, here you will be fed well but also with satisfying flavours. Presentation is very good, styled with a keen eye for detail. There was an un-balanced sourness in one of the sauces but not a big problem. The wine list by the glass is decent but there are so many good wines by the bottle (wish the Curly Flat was by the glass, hint hint). A...

Worth a try for any foodie. Complex and contemporary dishes that I believe all people who care for food will appreciate.

I highly recommend the set menu ($105 for nine dishes served over three courses) as it provided a great array of dishes to try, for what I think was a good price.

See list of dishes included below:

• Baker Bleu country sourdough, cultured chilli butter • Sake washed tuna, soybean pesto, yuzu jelly • Steak tartare, nashi, black garlic, confit yolk, wonton crisp • Golden silken tofu, oroshi daikon, soy dashi • Prawn & ginger dumpling, wood ear mushrooms, tom yum dressing • Humpty Doo barramundi, cuttlefish, confit black bean vierge • Szechuan spiced duck, watercress, chilli dressing • Claypot rice, lup chong, shitake, son in law egg • Dark chocolate creme, cherry feuilletine, coconut sorbet

The dessert was genuinely one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Like, ever! I would eat that every single day if I could. Other stand-ours included the prawn and ginger dumplings, the barramundi, and the clay pot rice with the egg.

I took one star off because 2 out of 9 dishes were below average. The tofu was bland and the tuna dish was off-balance. I shaved a bit off because the location itself was a bit difficult to navigate - so allow for extra time to make it in time for your booking. It requires going upstairs but I believe there is an elevator for accessibility.

Service is warm, but it does get pretty loud. If you’re looking for a quiet place to dine, it won’t be here, although I don’t personally mind.

Don’t let the one star taken off faze you. I truly would go back (mostly for that godly dessert) and highly recommend for anyone who appreciates well thought-out, complex flavours with flair and care...

Haven't been back here for many years, I decided to book this place for my new year's Eve party. It started off very promising with a phone call to ask for the best seats in and was advised by the manager Simon that the marble bar was the best seat. The booking process was seamless. Upon arrival, we got seated, and this is where there is a lot of room for improvement.

The orders were taken and we waited for the meal. The first course came and the dish was presented with little explanation - I believe my previous experience was that the waiter much more passionate and explained what the dish was in-depth.

The second course was brought while we were finishing our first course and I ensured I inform the waitress to slow down with the dishes. Also for the second course, there was a mistake where they brought out a chicken fish instead of a fish dish that was ordered. The waitress came back and informed me I was right and that I had been served wrongly without an apology.

After which the service got worse with my cup of sparkling water not getting refilled in a timely manner.

And there was coffee or tea to finish which we were not served and had to get the attention of a waitress to place our order. Was very disappointed as the couple next to our had much better service. Either an oversight of our location as compared to others seated or inexperienced staff.

I would say that the food was a delight with all dishes being cooked well and presented well. And the view and comfort of the restaurant on New year's Eve was a delight. And the theme of masquerade with the photo booth setup and restaurant staff playing their part was exciting. However, the service will need improvement to make it a restaurant...