Teller — Restaurant in Melbourne

The food was good but the service was disappointing. I arrived and informed the staff that I had a reservation at 7:30pm. However, I was told that they don’t have a table for me, twice. I was confused so I said I’m actually here 5 minutes early and before I even finish my sentence, the staff interrupted me and emphasized that they didn’t have a table for me and their trainee had made a mistake by giving my table away. I was a bit speechless and didn’t know what to say for a second. Then the staff “reassured” me that it wasn’t my fault. Excuse me? Of course it was not my fault. I had booked in advance and arrived on time. The audacity to refer it as “my fault” was unbelievable. Then I was rushed into the back so that I would be seated at the long table while I waited for other guests to leave their table. (I can’t even have my table back as it has already been given away.) The staff offered me some tap water and a drink menu. (Only a drink menu as if she already decided that I can only drink while I waited?) The restaurant was quite busy so it took her a little while to come to my table when I can finally ask for a food menu and order. Later, I was being moved to a 4 seaters table as a group of diners had left. The food took quite a long time. (Maybe because it was a busy night?) It was about half an hour being inside the restaurant that my food was finally being served. The food was nice. However, the restaurant didn’t do anything for all these inconveniences that caused to me. Overall, it was disappointing given that I was being gaslighted in the beginning. Even though the staff had apologized for the messed up, the attitude would’ve been better given that I am actually the victim here for booking a table ahead and just to found out it was being given away...

I cannot thank you enough Mel for putting on a flawless function for me on Saturday 19 April for my 70th birthday. From the start when I was looking for a place to hold my function you were accommodating and nothing seemed too difficult for you to do. You were very helpful with every aspect of the function organisation. I felt confident and at ease leaving it in your hands not having to check on every detail. I walked into the Pavilions on Saturday night and was super happy and amazed to see the way the room was set up with the lighting , tables and the grazing table was absolutely amazing with all the different meats , cheeses and dips . It was plentiful and lasted all night. I could see the guest enjoying the produce on that table . The small bites and large ones were all tasty and food was really good, all came out hot . And that was the consensus of many of my guests as well . In fact we possibly had too much food that we couldn’t finish the beautiful hamburgers. Even the vegetarian mentioned to me that he had a substantial amount of food to eat. The bar service was seamless too . Your staff both serving the food and behind the bar were excellent. Super polite and very accommodating . Will definitely recommend Teller to family and friends for functions or just dinner. Will visit you soon myself. Thank you once again for the amazing service you orchestrated...

I’ve eaten at Teller many times and have always enjoyed the food and service, often recommending it to friends and colleagues. Unfortunately, my most recent experience has left me deeply concerned and unlikely to return.

Near the end of my meal, I discovered two pieces of glass in my water – one around 1cm long and another smaller shard. Having already drunk from the glass several times, I came close to swallowing one, which could have caused serious harm. What worried me most, however, was that my son was also at the table and could easily have been the one to take a sip.

When I presented this to the waitress, her response was disappointing. She said she would investigate but then followed with “I’m not sure what to do.” There was no apology, no acknowledgement when we left, and nothing taken off the bill as a gesture of goodwill. This was especially surprising given the restaurant wasn’t busy at the time.

It’s worth noting that glasses were stacked, and it’s possible shards broke off during that process. If so, this is a simple but dangerous practice that should be re-examined immediately.

This experience has tainted what was once a favourite spot. I’m sharing this review not to damage the restaurant, but in the hope they take greater care with glassware and customer service. Food and atmosphere matter, but safety and responsibility...