Villas Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Melbourne

Vilas Restaurant and Bar. Where the menu promises culture, the ambiance promises comfort, and the experience delivers... none of the above.

Let us begin with the fundamental flaw in your establishment’s management system, or more accurately, its abysmal lack thereof. I was seated in a location that can only be described as the thermal Bermuda Triangle devoid of fan-induced airflow, climate equilibrium, or even basic oxygen circulation. The fan, a decorative relic affixed to the ceiling, chose not to rotate either out of mechanical dysfunction or sheer apathy. The result? I sat marinating in my own body heat like a human-sized idli in a malfunctioning steam cooker.

And as I attempted to acclimate to this tropical misery, my eyes were greeted by what I can only assume was an attempt at interior design satire. To my right a majestic photo of Tamil cinema’s beloved Superstar Rajinikanth, and to my right a grammatically troubling and culturally tone-deaf poster declaring:“Indian girl in modern town.” What does that even mean? Is she lost? Is it a tragic short story? A cryptic warning? And what of the men working there are they figments? NPCs in a ‘modern town’ simulation? The signage raises questions that not even Einstein could answer.

Now let us discuss hygiene, or the Olympic-level absence thereof. The handwashing station a vital component in any food-serving environment is placed so precariously close to dining patrons that one could high-five a stranger mid-rinse. I do not wish to smell the Dettol-scented regrets of the person beside me while consuming paneer. It is unhygienic, unsettling, and unfit for any establishment that dares to use the word restaurant in its name.

Speaking of paneer the reason for this culinary pilgrimage I had requested Paneer Fried Rice with the specificity of a NASA launch checklist:Mild spice, No coriander, No green leafy vegetables, Evenly diced vegetables, Adequate paneer presence

What did I receive? A bowl of rice with the paneer population density of Antarctica, and carrots that were cut as though the chef was blindfolded and using safety scissors. And lo! The cursed coriander was present, not even hiding but taunting me like an uninvited ghost in a horror film titled Revenge of the Leafy Greens.

And then the grand finale a chef, clearly lacking both professionalism and basic eyesight, whispered to a staff member to catch me as if I were a dine-and-dash fugitive from an episode of Border Security: Tandoori Edition. Only for the poor staff member to later discover that surprise! I had already paid.

You boldly brand yourself as a Tamil restaurant, and yet your menu has the cultural depth of a Tamil-themed costume party thrown by clueless hipsters. It is like running a pizza place without dough or a bookstore that doesn’t sell books , it is not just wrong, it is metaphysically insulting. The dessert lineup consists of… what, exactly? Gulab Jamun (North Indian), and Bread Halwa (which isn’t even truly Tamil , more like a guest appearance from a Hyderabadi uncle).Where is the authentic Tamil dessert artillery, such as:Payasam, in all its glorious variants: semiya, paruppu, jaggery-based, coconut milk wonders. Rava Kesari , the bright orange beacon of celebration. Boondi Laddu , temple-style perfection. Adirasam ,deep-fried discs of divine caloric sin or Mysore Pak , the melt-in-mouth slab of ghee-wrapped happiness

Vilas, you don't need a chef , you need a cultural consultant, a menu exorcist, and a fan that rotates. You advertise Tamil hospitality but offer geographic confusion, culinary shortcuts, and a seating environment that could double as a sauna for lizards.

You’re not a Tamil restaurant. You are an identity crisis with a cash register. You will remain firmly in my personal blacklist of establishments where logic, taste, and...

This was my 5th visit to Villa’s, and every time I walk in, I feel like I’m watching this restaurant blossom into something even more special. Having followed Chef Ray and his wife’s journey with Roti Bar and now Villa’s, I’m always fascinated by the inspiration behind their menus, the research which goes into keeping it authentic and the variety they keep coming up with. Their creations tempt me from afar (I live in Lilydale), and I always end up craving—and then visiting with friends in the CBD!

Over time, I’ve tried the Banana Leaf Thali, the à la carte dishes, and this time I visited with a friend who recently moved from being vegan to trying meat. Villa’s was the perfect choice—whether vegetarian, vegan, or meat, there’s something for everyone without it being “too much” in any one direction.

While we were looking at the menus, the table next to us were delivered with two plates of North Indian Thali. My friend was hesitant about ordering the North Indian Thali at first due to the enormous size of the plate, thinking it would be overwhelming, but when it arrived—with Chicken Curry, Lamb Rogan Josh, Veg Curry, Naan, Papadum, Rice, Raita, and even a sweet—it was an absolute feast. She loved it and said every dish was delicious, managing almost the whole thing on her own!

I went with the dosa and fish curry. At first, I was a little disappointed that the coconut chutney I always want to have with my dosa was not available that night (staff were very apologetic), but my mood changed instantly when the fish curry I ordered was delivered which looked like a pot of gold and with the first bite of the fish curry. Wow (Chef's kiss 😘) Perfectly balanced with tamarind tang, just the right level of spice, and two generous, fresh king fish pieces that were so tender they literally fell off the bone. I even ditched the cutlery and used my fingers to enjoy every last bit—it was that good.

Let's not forget my twice ordered lemon lime bitters with no ice, extra cordial and mint leaf. Perfection and the way I loved.

For the very first time I was blessed to bump into Chef Ray and his wife—I was able to share my appreciation with them directly. The authenticity of every dish here, whether it’s the potti soru, banana leaf meals, or the rasam (which I often cheekily request to be given in a glass to drink instead of water!), is what keeps me coming back. Nothing is watered down or adjusted for Western tastes—this is genuine South Indian cooking at its finest.

And of course, I can’t end without praising the team. The staff here set the gold standard for hospitality—always welcoming, always smiling, recognizing regulars, and attentive without being overbearing. In a post-COVID world where good service is rare, Villa’s team is a shining example.

Kudos to everyone at Villa’s—this place is divine. I wouldn’t hesitate to return again and again.

Much love to you...

It was a really bad experience in the Villas Restaurant. I was went to 2nd time for my dinner today 25th May 2024. I order the Thali Meal. After they bring the food it was finished quick because very small. I told the staff can I have a rice 🍚. “The staff say okay I will bring now” I was look at the same staff she was just going to get a order from the other people she was like never care. and I also keep watching her she never care what we ask. And I also told another staff too. But it was a same thing. My plates are dry and my Hands also was Dry. It’s over 10 minutes I felt like it won’t come my rice anyways. Then I went to had my hand wash. Then after the staff she was coming and asking give them a time. I told her no need anymore thanks. You can take the plates off. And she was saying sorry for it. I just say it’s okay it’s all fine. I was hungry but not anymore.

my final conciliation is : Whenever people making Oder specially Thali Meal. They also have to provide 1x Rice with that too. I understand There’s many staff working over there. If they saying certain time They have to complete the task what the time they agre ( example - 5 minutes or 10 minutes ext ,ext, )

As a people if they going to any Restaurant there are is a Reason Might be Taste or Food quality maybe be Customer Service.

But I personally can say. This my 2nd time experiencing the same issue.

I was waiting over 10 minutes to bring my rice. My plate 🍽️ already dry I literally felt no more hungry 😞. after she brings the rice how we can eat Guys?

I attached one picture and Video for an evidence.

⚠️ Message to the Restaurant Owner ⚠️ Please 🙏 improve your Staff And Please give a 1x Rice extra with a Meal because People who order the Thali Meal they won’t ask again like me. I hope you guys are do some best things. Moreover Your food is Very Good 👍. We need some improvement and Staff improvement too. Because the staff is everything.

I hope you...