Amaru

Everything here was amazing. We loved the creativity of the menu, and the friendliness of all staff! The flavours were truly innovative, dishes were well presented, and we enjoyed how the staff interacted with us instead of creating a stuffy environment that is sometimes typical of fine dining. Absolutely recommend to anyone interested in farm to plate dining. Service went above and beyond. Thank you for a truly memorable experience - we'll definitely be back!

date of visit: 17 Nov 2023 Amaru Restaurant in Melbourne is truly exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the warm ambiance and attentive staff set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Each dish was a masterpiece, showcasing innovative flavors and impeccable presentation. The chef’s creativity shines through every course, with standout dishes that tantalize the palate. The wine pairings perfectly complemented our meal, enhancing the overall experience. It’s evident that Amaru is among the best restaurants in Melbourne, combining culinary artistry with top-notch service. I can’t recommend it highly enough—every moment spent here was a delight, making it a must-visit for any food lover.

Very much enjoyed an exquisite 7 course tasting lunch experience at Amaru. Was greeted by the lovely Lisa who is exceptional at what she does, nothing was too much trouble. The whole team at some point had a turn in presenting the dishes and their knowledge and professionalism was impressive. Sitting at the Chef’s Table is the way to go! Perfect view of the team prepping, cooking, and final plating of the dishes. Each dish was flawless deliciousness! They all worked in a seamless and calm manner and the coordination was perfect clockwork. Chefs Cameron and Nicole were great (and others but don’t know their names) and wow can they cook, so much ability. I chose the non alcoholic infusion and ferments. They were very tasty, interesting and they all had a great story behind them. Their preparation is not a simple process, so the price represents very good value imo. Some might say it’s expensive here and it is, however… when you combine the skills, passion, devotion, quality, knowledge, innovative techniques and marvellous service, it’s worth every single cent. Very much looking forward to returning in October!

The service was incredible and the table setting was reasonably comfortable but that is where it stopped. We were seated next to the entrance door and every time someone walked in, we could the could feel the cold penetrating our bones. 3 people were seated next to a window ledge and they could also feel the cold even more during the dinner service. We opted for the sensory menu and decided for $50 extra per head to get truffle on 2 of our dishes. Unfortunately the truffle didn't add anything to the dishes. It wasn't flavorful and nor did it have the wonderful truffle aroma. When we mentioned it to the waiters their response was that it was a new fresh batch - WHAT? who cares? Why serve something if it cannot deliver on what it promises. There were just too many dishes I didn't enjoy, (a) The marron was wrapped in bitter lettuce and it didn't deliver the sweetness marron normally does. (b) The mud crab was fishy, (c) The quail had a cartilage, (d) the pork was under cooked, was hard to cut and furthermore the kimchi over powered the entire dish Its a travesty when the best think you eat is the house sourdough - Maybe my taste buds were just too old fashioned for Amaru. Either way I will not be tempted to return again.