The George on Collins — Restaurant in Melbourne

A Culinary Countdown to Delight: The George's Top Hits and Hidden Gems

Securing the last indoor table at The George on a bustling Saturday, thanks to their effortless online booking system, proved to be the start of an exceptional dining experience. From the moment we stepped in, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation, and we were immediately greeted and guided by the remarkable Margaret.

Margaret's warmth and genuine enthusiasm elevated our evening beyond a simple meal. Her insightful recommendations showcased a true passion for the menu, setting the stage for a delightful culinary exploration. We embarked on a tasting adventure, ranking eight distinct dishes based on our personal preferences.

Starting with the Prawn Toast (8th), touted as a crowd favorite, it was a respectable dish but didn't quite reach our personal high notes in comparison to the other dishes. The trio of Burrata, Pork Bao Buns, and Roasted Cauliflower (tied for 5th) presented a fascinating study in contrasts. The Burrata, though respectable, paled in comparison to a recent, unforgettable experience at Santoni. The Roasted Cauliflower, while delicious, couldn't dethrone our reigning champion from Lucy Liu.

The Lychee Sorbet (4th), a rare and delightful find, nearly stole the show with its vibrant flavor. Had it possessed a touch more creaminess, it would have been a perfect contender for the top spot. The Prawn Dumplings (3rd) were a masterclass in balance – aesthetically pleasing, bursting with juicy goodness, and remarkably light.

But two dishes truly defined our experience and soared to the top of our ranking. The Chicken Bao Buns (2nd) were nothing short of addictive – succulent, sticky, and melt-in-your-mouth soft. If there's a dish that could lure us back to The George weekly, it's these.

And claiming the coveted number one spot, the Chocolate Ganache (1st). A decadent masterpiece, layered, gooey, and perfectly sweetened, this dessert transcended expectations. It's a must-try, a culinary poem in chocolate, and a testament to the kitchen's artistry.

Beyond the exquisite food, Margaret's impeccable service was the heart of our experience. Her attentiveness and genuine kindness transformed an ordinary meal into an unforgettable occasion. Without her, the evening would have been merely average.

The George delivers a culinary countdown of flavors and service that resonates long after the last bite. It's not just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey through our personal favorites, and one we wholeheartedly recommend. Thank you, Margaret, for making our Saturday (Birthday) night...

Disappointing Experience – Poor Communication & Embarrassing Treatment

We have dined at The George on Collins many times before and always enjoyed our visits, but this experience was beyond disappointing. We made a reservation for 2:30 PM (under Ri*ka) for seven people to celebrate a twin birthday party. Upon arrival, we were presented with the full menu and proceeded to order drinks while waiting for the rest of our party.

Just after placing our order (a little past 3 PM), a waitress abruptly handed one person at our table a "bites-only" menu, stating that the kitchen had closed from 3-5 PM for the chefs’ break—something we had NEVER been informed of when we arrived. Had we known, we would have placed our order earlier to avoid any issues.

We raised our concerns with the manager, only to be blamed for waiting too long and for our guests arriving late—which was absurd, considering we had NO prior warning. Most restaurants at least give a 10-minute heads-up before kitchen closure, but instead, we were blindsided and left without proper meal options.

After further discussion, the manager reluctantly admitted she would "have a chat with the waitress" and then she said, "believe me, there will be repercussions," which felt unprofessional and dismissive rather than genuinely addressing our concerns. They ended up comping the bill, but that did little to fix the embarrassment of being essentially forced to leave a restaurant on our BIRTHDAY because of their lack of communication.

This could have been easily avoided if they had informed us upon arrival that the kitchen closes at 3 PM. Instead, we were made to feel like an inconvenience on what was supposed to be a special occasion. TERRIBLE communication, poor management, and overall an embarrassing experience. We won’t be returning anytime soon.

Also guys, there is a reason why there is a lot of recent negative reviews and the lack of reply from...

⭐️ Prawn Toast, Green Talay Mayonaise ⭐️ Prawn Ginger Dumplings ✔️ Sticky Fried Chicken Bao ➖ Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts ✖️ Wagyu Rump 150 Day Grain Fed ➖ Miso Octopus ➖ Chocolate Ganache ➖ Golden G

The George on Collins is a South East Asian inspired restaurant and bar located on Collins Street, Melbourne CBD. It is set in a beautiful heritage building, the old George’s multi-level department store in the 1900’s. @khanhong from Masterchef Australia is proud partner and co owner, bringing his creative flair to the menu.

To drink, we recommend the One Night in Paris and Afterlife. Our favourite dishes of the night were the innovative take on Prawn Toast, juicy Prawn and Ginger Dumplings and the spicy Sticky Fried Chicken Bao. The Kung Pao Brussel Sprouts lacked heat, the Wagyu Rump although cooked perfectly medium-rare, was well under seasoned and quite tough. I did enjoy the paired Nam Jim Jaew!

The Miso Octopus was incredibly tender however I didn’t sense miso and would’ve loved some crispy char to it. For dessert, both dishes had alot going on. Out of the two, we preferred the Chocolate Ganache, which felt more like a mousse, not too sweet and nicely textural. 🍫

You know that old saying “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” That’s what I felt most of the dishes needed to hear tonight. Apart from that, it has a great vibe enjoyable for all ages. The music earlier in the night could be improved but got better once it slowly transformed into more of a bar.

I always recommend The George on Collins to people for group dining as they are very accomodating - and it’s always a hit. A great spot to take you from dinner to drinks and a boogie. 🕺🏽

I recommend checking their socials or website for frequent specials...