Ember & Oak — Restaurant in Melbourne

What a disappointment! My husband and I were looking forward to dining here. The last time we tried we were told they had no open tables which is usually a good sign. First I'll mention the price since that does set certain expectations. We paid $130 for 1 NY strip board which feeds 2. We did not have alcohol or desert with our meal so I'm my opinion that is on the pricey side. We sat outside since it was a nice night and immediately were put off by the uneven pavers and weeds growing throughout the patio and planters. The decor needs a makeover as there are too many different styles going on. The Spanish style building facade and empty fountain did not go with the white, dirty patio umbrellas, espresso rattan furniture and contemporary black bar and gray brick planter walls. The unkempt appearance was not an atmosphere suited to the pricing. The hostess brought us 2 glasses of water and our waiter took our drink order, 2 sweet teas. He brought them back and took our dinner order. We tasted our teas to discover 1 extra sweet and 1 unsweetened tea. The waiter seemed to think he sweetened both and brought some sugar water for us to add to our taste. No big deal but again price=expectations. It was a while before our dinner arrived accompanied by several swarming flies. The steak, potato and salad were room temperature, the creamed spinach and Brussels sprouts were in ceramic dishes and were barely warm themselves. In between bites of our small, warm salad, we had to shoe flies from landing on our dinner. When the waiter finally came back around to check on us we asked to be moved inside. Inside we were greeted by a very nauseating smell. Maybe it was the aged cheese from the appetizer station but it was not pleasant. Even with all that, had everything tasted great we would have left happy. Unfortunately the sides were all okay nothing great to mention. The steak was an aged NY strip that I ate one bite of and couldn't eat another. We ordered them medium well and we'll done. I didn't think the steak was more tender or tastier than a fresh cut of meat that's cooked right. In fact the look, and taste reminded me of something you'd throw away. My husband ate some steak by drowning it in the sauces on the board and the spinach and still barely made a dent. We probably should have spoke to someone about it but we wanted to leave it was so...

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Culinary Revelation in Downtown Melbourne

I came to Ember & Oak on a mission: I was starving for steak tartare, and this gem in downtown Melbourne was one of the few local spots that offered it. What I didn’t expect was to be swept off my feet by one of the most memorable dining experiences of my life.

From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was breathtaking—posh yet cozy, with deep blue velvet seating and a designer-couple light installation that gave the space a warm, sophisticated glow. We were led past a large window that offered a peek into the bustling kitchen, where the chefs worked like artists in motion. It set the tone for what was to come.

Our hostess seated us in a charming alcove booth, and our server, Inan, was an absolute delight. With a radiant smile and a calm, attentive presence, he answered every question with grace and knowledge. He struck that rare balance of being unobtrusive yet always available, making us feel both pampered and at ease.

We began with the beef tartare (for me) and Swedish meatballs with cranberry relish (for my partner), both served with what I can only describe as the most divine oven-fresh bread I’ve ever tasted—crusty, warm, and utterly addictive.

Then came the main event. I ordered the steak frites, and my partner had the ribeye with puréed spinach and crispy onions. When my steak arrived, I took one bite and—no exaggeration—I was in tears of joy. And I’m a seasoned foodie, not easily impressed. The steak was buttery tender, with a perfectly crisp crust kissed with sea salt, and just the right drizzle of béarnaise that transported me straight back to Paris. The fries were arranged like a miniature log cabin, a whimsical and artistic touch that made me smile.

My partner’s ribeye was equally impressive—tender and flavorful—and the creamed spinach with fried onions was a standout in its own right.

We didn’t indulge in drinks or dessert this time, but honestly, the meal was so transcendent it didn’t need anything more. The total came to about $150 with tip, and it was worth every single penny.

If you’re a steak aficionado or simply looking for a romantic, unforgettable night out, Ember & Oak is the place to go in Melbourne. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Whether it’s an anniversary, a celebration, or just a craving for something extraordinary—you will not be...

very disappointed First. We ordered 5 appetizers. They came out one at a time 5 (or more) minutes apart. The first one did not have a serving spoon which we had to ask for it and the others as well.. They were served as if we were at a bar quickly and without any thought. The taste was just ok two item were good the others I would not order again. The bruschetta bread was thin, very hard and difficult to cut and no flavor. The topping was good. I will not critique the rest. Dinner. Prime rib was ordered medium rare warm pink center. The piece we were served was gray through and through. We sent it back and another more acceptable piece was delivered. The taste was BLAND, nothing, no seasoning just meat. Not even a hint of thyme, rosemary or onion. Go to the Chart House, Cuizine or River Rocks and taste a real prime rib. It’s more than just a chunk of meat on a plate. The mashed potatoes were watery and the pop overs were terrible. They had mushy, thick, tasteless bottoms which were uncooked. The chateaubriand was good, cooked well and had good flavor. The baked potato was undercooked. Our friend ordered the 50oz porter house and 10 minutes later we were informed you did not have any! We were early at 630 and only 2 other tables had people and you were out? Anyhow he ordered the Kansas City strip. It was thick and under cooked in the center but ok. He will finish cooking the left overs at home The stuffed bone? I did not like the taste or lack thereof. No one at our table ate it. The mixture of 2 meats were not mixed well one forkful tasted ok the other blah. My dogs enjoyed the bones. Dessert. We ordered the bread pudding. I think they may have made it from scratch because it took over 30 minutes to get it. My wife ordered cappuccino which was lukewarm and delivered without a spoon and without sweetener and again dropped at the table as the server scurried away in a hurry. Together we spent almost $700 for 4 people. For that we got so-so food with inconsistent service. We visit several restaurants a month mostly upscale. We are retired and can afford what we like. We will not visit again and cannot recommend your establishment to any of our friends...