The Landing Rooftop — Restaurant in Melbourne

What a breath of fresh air! Melbourne’s newest venue in downtown Melbourne is a fantastic hotel, restaurant and refuge from the hustle and bustle of the Pandemic and the daily grind.

We visited on their third day and found trendy decor inside with spectacular views of East, West and to the South higher up than any other building within view!

Parking was a breeze on the lower floors (we found a parking space on Waverly Pl. right across from the garage entrance) and entered with ease. NOTE: if your Ferrari or other vehicle has a low ground clearance DO NOT ENTER the parking garage as the first incline/ramp up might modify your vehicle unexpectedly-and it’s your fault. Greeted by the hotel lobby we knew we were in for a relaxing experience! Fancier than a typical Hilton Garden Inn or an Embassy property, we felt like this hotel held a secret which justifies it’s upscale (tapestry) title.

Boarding the elevator on our way to the 11th floor we couldn’t help but hear the snobbery and negative opinions of those who’d gone there in the two days prior (Grand Opening was on Thursday). Conclusion? Though you have money, you must show patience and be understanding that a Grand Opening is not without its pitfalls. Way too many patrons are taking it personally when their drink doesn’t arrive or an entree is incorrect. Are they aware that staff (carbon life forms other than themselves) are being let go (Fired) over a table, entree or drink mixup?

Frankly if we wanted a cookie cutter meal from a recognized brand we’d use a vending machine at the Automat (like they have in Berlin). But we recognize that the hostesses, bartenders, chefs, food runners, servers and other infrastructure staff are human! They have feelings, product knowledge and they are striving to do their best too!

If you come to the landing with a chip on your shoulder, please go elsewhere as your mother once said, “If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all”. Having money does not trump this rule! Some people’s kids...

Our experience began when we were kindly informed that without a reservation we could go to the bar or outside and order something. Through the doors we went and were caught up in the lovely views!

Speechless!

Wow.

We had to pinch ourselves that this was Melbourne! The Hilton properties and Hotel Melby are such a wonderful and overdue addition to the downtown landscape.

We ordered the deviled eggs (sorry only a partial photo as I love them. Also the avocado toast and the hummus too. Additionally the BLAT (with the nifty sidewinder fries) and the skirt steak with fried plantains.

Disappointed that we didn’t see a vegetarian section (for the times that this mood hits) most anything on the menu could become “Vegetarian” with a special request. I did go after additional condiments to mix my own fry sauce and our waitress Lex was very helpful.

I can see how the tables could get mixed up and know that if the POS is not up to the task that this alone it could destroy the future by bringing an establishment to their knees.

It was difficult to see so many well-intentioned efforts go unnoticed by the snobs of Melbourne. Even the well heeled well traveled Hilton Diamond Hhonors members know better than to be so strict.

To the older couple in the Tommy Bahama Hawaiian garb who left citing poor service, if only they waited a little longer, their experience might’ve been different.

Our food came as did the rain but Lex, remember Lex? She had already arranged for us to move our food indoors to some remarkably comfortable overflow seating. Excellent planning Lex! As others were clamoring for the doors we were already safely and comfortably seated.

Come to The Landing and while waiting to drink something special, drink in the spectacular outside views and delight in the tasty menu offerings that await! You don’t have to tip like we do, but be considerate, generous, patient and optimistic because this restaurant is only going...

This past Saturday I visited The Landing. Upon arriving I was greeted by a friendly host. He set an appropriate seating ETA of 30-40 minutes. There’s a great holiday ambiance so I did not mind waiting. It was also obvious different festivities were being celebrated. I decided to wait for the table and my friends at the bar with the Latino Bartender. I’m always excited to see my people in challenging role.

Wow! What a let down!

THE BARTENDER WAS THE WORST BARTENDER I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED!!!!!!!

When I approached the bar area it was not busy. Within 30 seconds of me sitting at the bar I felt the negative energy. The Bartender would not make eye contact with me. 5 minutes went by with no acknowledgment from the Bartender. I the saw the friendly host by the bar. I asked him can I start the bottomless mimosa at the bar. The moody Bartender answered and said no. I said that’s ok I will have an expresso martini.

The countertop where I was sitting was dirty. I asked the bartender if he had a rag for me to wipe down the surface. OMG why did I ask him that? He threw both arms up in the air and said I have nothing. He caught the attention of the 3 ladies sitting to the right of me. He stated his shift started at 10am and he had been busy since the start of his shift. He also stated he did not have the opportunity to set up his bar. As he was on his rant I said never mind I see a table napkin. I grabbed the table napkin to clean the surface Since the napkin was dry it was not cleaning the surface. He asked to wet it. Well he wet the napkin however he did not wring it therefore the surface was saturated with water. I saw a dry cloth I grabbed and dried the surface. He saw that and was upset. He said that was his only cloth to dry his glasses!!! Needless to say I closed my tab ( I had all intentions of running up the tab). I did not tip him. I wrote on the receipt, “please cheer up”

When I left the bar I asked the friendly host for a manager?

In the 2-3 hours I was there no manager ever came to talk to me!

How does the Landing tolerate poor behavior from their staff?

It was obvious he was unhappy from before I got there.

Why did this Grinch even allow me to clean 🧼 the counter?

Why did this rude man not say to me, “I do not have a cleaning rag but I will flag someone down to clean the countertop.”

I was not about to let some angry man ruin my brunch. I proceeded to dine at the restaurant with my friends.

Why did this miserable man not ever come and give an apology?

I urge management to play back the video even if there is no audio you can clearly see things were not right. It was between 1:15-1:30pm on 12/14.

How disappointing for such an establishment that has potential to be excellent with the...

Reservation made in advance for noon and we got sat about 1215. Not terrible but we had a reservation so the expectation to be sat right away was there. Most everyone ordered water at the table because drinks were previously ordered at the bar during the wait. They brought a pitcher of water out so they didn’t have to worry about filling drinks. Those of us who ordered other drinks (they have Coke products, sweet tea, and bar drinks) had to ask for refills otherwise our empty glasses were ignored. Don’t come if you’re already hungry because you will be hangry by the time you’re served. The food was tasty. No complaints from our party except the slaw was forgotten on all of the hot chicken sandwiches and the (wedge) Caesar salad should have been on a larger plate. The manager did come out and apologize for the missing slaw on the sandwiches and the server brought out the slaw for us to add to our own sandwiches. The manager did offer for the sandwiches to be remade but most were already a quarter to half eaten due to waiting until just after 1:30 to get our food. Perhaps splitting the table for the order would be beneficial to larger parties. For instance only do 4 or 5 of the seats at time so that you’re not waiting for all of the food to come out at once. Half the party might get their food first but then it won’t be cold and it will be less stress at a single time for the kitchen. Our server stated that she was the fastest when I inquired about if she was the only one. They definitely appeared understaffed before and during our meal. After our meal they had plenty of staff to clear our table. At least three people and we hadn’t even gotten our cards/receipts back to sign yet. There is not enough shade for an outdoor dining area in FL. It’s the 23rd of May and it’s FL so shade would be nice. There are some umbrellas but not near enough especially since the large tables were not wooden like the smaller tables. If you rest your arms on the large tables in mid day expect some discomfort from the heat. The silverware has a nice weight to it. It was hot to pick up once our food arrived though. Not enough to burn you but definitely enough to add to the discomfort of the already hot day. This will be a nice attraction to those visiting the area. There is a nice view. Brunch menu on the weekend goes to 3 pm. 2 stars because the food didn’t suck and the server was nice enough but the wait for our food and then the check was way too long. The whole experience was a bit lacking. We also went for my sister’s birthday (40th) and they didn’t acknowledge or anything. Of course I don’t know if they do that there.

TLDR: don’t come here if you’re already hungry. Bring a hat and/or sunglasses....