The Rise Pizzeria Cafe — Restaurant in Melbourne

I am a local and only live a couple of minutes drive away. I have been shopping at the IGA next door for a few years and used to be a regular customer at the old bakery. I was so excited when this restaurant was opening up as I am a huge Italian food lover. A few times we drove down to get some dinner and they were booked out, rightfully so and fantastic for a new business. Finally got a table one night, eager to try the food and dining experience. The staff were less than friendly upon greeting us and seating us at a table. We ordered drinks but they came with no straws (which is fine) so I went to the counter/bar to ask for one and the girls were chatting and laughing with each other for about a minute before they acknowledged I was there and still didn’t ask if they could help me so I had to interrupt their chatter by asking for some straws. The staff seemed like they were more interested in gossiping than working, no one came to check our table once. I had the Ragu which was okay but quite a small serve (quality over quantity, I know. But I’ve been to some of the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne and felt more satisfied for a similar price). My mum ordered the lasagna which was stone cold in the middle. We were really disappointed. We would try again if it wasn’t for the kind of unfriendly service which unfortunately puts a bad taste in your mouth :( got a take away coffee a couple of weeks later and again the service was way less than average it seemed like the girl was just miserable and it was an inconvenience for me to be buying a coffee? So like I said, I visit this location almost every day for groceries after or before work, or on my days off at IGA and would buy a coffee from this cafe but the previous experiences and service make me feel it’s not worth the bother and I’m better off to make a coffee at home. Maybe we will try again in a few months with a different out come as I really really wanted to love this...

I stopped here spontaneously with the family for lunch, expecting a run of the meal cafe lunch... I was pleasantly wronged. The pizza was some of the best I have had in years, and my wife agreed, I had the prosciutto and salami and my wife had the mushroom, both were sensational and well balanced. The bases were made fresh, including the gluten free one we ordered, and as any pizza lover knows, the base is the main ingredient. I had a coffee which was fantastic and my wife had an italian soda. The waitress kindly gave my daughter some pencils and a colouring sheet when we arrived, and their high chairs were spotless. The staff were all friendly and accommodating. You can also see the chef making your pizzas which is a nice touch, I like to be able to thank the chef after a beautiful meal. The atmosphere is that of a modest cafe, which makes it inviting for families. The prices were very fair; both of our pizzas were around $30, plus we fed both our kids and took some home. Also, for anyone with gluten intolerances, they have a huge range of gluten free options and the gluten free pizza base was the best I've ever had. Great job The Rise, we...

Interesting to see that instead of a reply somewhere along the lines of 'thanks for your feedback', the comment I posted on your Facebook page a couple of months ago, is no longer there as I've been blocked so it's no longer visible. My comment was neither inappropriate, nor offensive, unlike a certain item on your menu! If you can't take constructive criticism, from people in your community who have supported your business in the past, then perhaps you shouldn't be in business... if you can't take the heat, stay out of the kitchen, or in this case, away from the woodfire oven! Feedback is a valuable business tool if used correctly, but arrogance will always work against you! After showing your menu to some of my peers, it seems that I am not the only one offended and insulted by your lamb, feta, tzatziki and kalamata olive pizza being called "Malakas". Would you put sauerkraut and bratwurst sausage on a pizza and name it after a certain German leader? I think not! In each case there, is an underlying inference which is insulting and unnecessary. Do better!

Update: Offensively named menu item has since...