The Laurel Hotel — Restaurant in Melbourne

Went last week.

Best thing was a nice short in height waitress, at the start, who we had spoken on the phone earlier that day when we called about opening hours. And she remembered the phone conversation. She was lovely and wished she had served us.

The menu has improved by adding more items, food was way over priced now and it seems to go up alot, without tasting any better.

An older woman, may be the owner or manager was giving dirty looks at customers and seemed annoyed customers were present. A smile is free you know. Seemed more interested in looking after the kids with her.

Service was extremely slow, that has been an issue for years and has still not improved.

Wait staff had no idea who ordered what. Two plates were put down, and asked is that it. (4 adults at table) We said no, 2 of us still don't have food. Wait staff offered no apology.

Then another plate came out 15 minutes later.

And another long wait for the last plate. A rude waitress asked who is this for. My female friend raised her hand and said I'm the only one without. Waitress scoffed and said two times, who has the chicken.

For female friend meal only the potatoes were good. Chicken was hard and dry. Sauce tasted funky and not good. Tiny amount of veggies, 3 carrots on the plate. 2 beans and broccoli was rock hard and barely cooked..

On the way out, wanted to order some chips for sick flat mate at home. Asked if they did takeaway. Male Waiter asked why, explained wanting to take food home for room mate. Waiter seemed unsure, and said ok he would come around soon and take the take away order after he dealt with customers at another table.

Went to bathroom which was disgusting, not clean, and not designed for my friend who has a disability.

Female friend was last one left as she was going to wait for the chip. When she returned from the unclean bathroom, the waiter was finishing with other customers then disappeared.

Female fruend asked where the waiter had gone, another male waiter didn't seem to understand the question.

Disappointed. We have been going to the Laurel on and off since 1994. And it's gotten worse, prices gone up really high while good taste...

Our daughter celebrated her 21st at The Laurel Sat 20th March. We booked the Rooftop area and had approximately 60 guests. The night was BRILLIANT!. From my fist phone call / visit to The Laurel the service at every level was exceptional. Staff took the time to show me all the options available, provided me with all necessary information, were always available to take my phone calls with questions or queries in an utmost professional and warm manner. The selection of food available was excellent. On the night the Rooftop was clean and all ready for us to decorate. It was cosy yet spacious enough for us to have a dozen + dancing the night away at any one time. The food served was absolutely delicious, served piping hot, beautifully presented and served by very caring staff ensuring all guests were fed. The staff behind the bar worked extremely hard and never once seemed flustered or too busy to serve our guests. The level of care and genuine desire to make our night a success was beyond my expectations. A HUGE thank you to Barbara for her administration and organizational abilities to get all organized prior to the event. On the night the HUGEST thank you goes to JOEL for his unbelievable and exceptional customer service, unwavering care attending to every minute detail to ensure the night was running perfectly to the end - and it did! Joel you were an absolute STAR and I can not thank you enough! All of our guests, young and old said what a brilliant night they had, commenting the food was fantastic and plentiful, venue was sensational and loved how it ran so smoothly and was absolute FUN. A shout out too to Lauren for your wonderful staff and to your Chef. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending The Laurel to anyone thinking of book The Laurel for their special event. ...

Service slow and mostly unattentive apart from one young waitress. The food was beyond awful and not a pleasant experience. I ordered the Roasted Beetroot and Walnut, Feta Rissitto with Lamb added. It came out and I instantly knew this was a train wreck. It was swimming in a dish water looking liquid, with perfect little squares of lamb. The beetroot was pale and not roasted, as I eat beetroot all the time I know the difference, roasted beetroot has a rich colour and texture, this was canned beetroot with the soggy vinegar taste, the lamb was vial, it was chewy and tasted like broiled meat, walnuts, well the tiny pieces were difficult to find. The clincher was the buckets of salt added. Jeez I have no idea what was going on there, but after 3 mouthfuls I couldn't bear another bite. Insanely Salty, disgusting. I gave up on that dish and tried the Jalepino Crocquets, tasteless, my partner had the Pork Belly, he said it was ok but would not recommend nor return back to the Laurel, saving grace was the lovely waitress whom understood our situation and dealt with this professionally. I would rate her a 10 and rate the food a 0. Left hungry and very...