Over lockdown, received (delivery) the most wonderful cauliflower salad & the eggplant side dish is a MUST try. The roasted veggies (broccollini also had an incredible flavour). I was so impressed, will defs be back!!
A choice of the bar area or dining room for food, we chose the slightly less formal front bar space. Same food is served in both 'spots' but felt more at home in the bar. We were there fairly early on a Friday and therefore quiet and unrushed.
In the mood for fish and seafood - so half a dozen oysters shared between the two of us with the traditional bar food appealing. So fish and chips across the table with the swordfish and broccoli on my side (with a side of thick cut chips to be on the safe side).
Verdict? Total thumbs up. Quality rather than quantity so do not expect your plate to be overflowing with food. But the oysters were some of the best ever, swordfish yum (you should not be able to go wrong!) and thumbs up for the fish & chips. Couple of G&Ts and generally great meal. Only minor caveat is the fish being placed on top of the broccoli results in the fish oils soaking into the vegetables, removing that fresh, crisp taste. But we'll be back...
Dined here last night and was pleasantly surprised by the flavours of my meal. Ordered the spatchcock, swordfish and cauliflower salad to share. All were delicious and would happily have them again. Everything was well seasoned and portion size was good. Will definitely be back to try more of the menu!
I went down last night for the first time and had the pasta special (wagyu lasange) - it was the best lasange I've ever had and the service was fantastic. I would always walk past this venue and think it's another pub - the food is incredible, highly recommend it!
Since it was established in 1861, the Robert Burns Hotel has seen various iterations with the most recent being a Spanish themed restaurant. New owner and proud publican, Gerry Nass is making a bold move to refresh expectations of how to enjoy a good time at this local pub. This improved incarnation sets the bar high when it comes to pub dining, and is set to reclaim Robert Burns Hotel’s title as a landmark Collingwood pub.
A talented new chef duo have joined the crew - Celebrated Italian chef, Danny Russo from Russolini is collaborating with former Atlantic Group head-chef, David Maclean to reignite the menu. Think modern bistro meets nonna’s kitchen.
We loved tasting our way through the new menu. To start, the charred octopus was an absolute highlight. The octopus was incredibly tender while retaining a robust structure courtesy of being expertly cooked and well-seasoned by the heady squid ink which delivered a luxurious salinity and also enhanced the flavours of the octopus.
The burrata was similarly delicious. This cheese sensation demonstrated that unforgettable dishes can sometimes be very simple. In this instance, a ball of unadulterated burrata simply paired with pickled persimmon and prosciutto. When the outer solid mozzarella shell was cut, we loved how the creamy interior of soft, stringy curd and fresh cream revealed itself. The sumptuously rich yet sensibly balanced flavours were sensational.
For mains the fish of the day, (on this occasion, a whole flounder) exceeded expectations. Cooked to absolute perfection, the natural sweetness of the very fresh fish was allowed to shine through.
Also very notable, was the reimagined chicken parma. Lightly crumbed chicken breast was topped with prosciutto, tomato, melted buffalo mozzarella and served with a side of fries. Simply beautiful and a must have when at the pub.
You can be friends with salad at Robert Burns. We recommend you try the roast cauliflower salad. This was a true crowd-pleaser - an amalgamation of caramelised roasted cauliflower florers, burnt leeks, hazelnuts and rocket topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds and heady parmesan.
Dessert time continued to please. The almond coconut panna cotta was texturally perfect, just barely holding its shape and boasted complexity with a subtle sour "twang" courtesy of being served with rhubarb and strawberries.
The tiramisu was yet again, delicious - Traditionally made and utterly comforting.
On the drinks front, fine wine is available for every palette or if you prefer a stiff drink, there is a solid cocktail and spirit list. An extensive selection of classic Aussie and craft is set to impress with 14 tap beers and ciders and more than 30 tinnies in both standard or longies.
Located on the corner of Smith and Easey Streets, this new phase in the life of the Robert Burns Hotel is an exciting one. We simply cannot wait to return.
Over my past four years in Melbourne, I’ve noticed something. Australians and Melburnians in particular exhibit a dichotomy of at once loving the new and the novel but also taking immense comfort in familiarity. Meaning that a lot of the people checking out the hottest new fusion spot are just as happy to sink beers and kick back with a parma at the local pub.
Robert Burns may look like your standard Northside pub on the outside, but on the inside is a cute, cosy dining room serving "elevated pub fare" plus great cocktails. The space is warm and a welcome a mix of vintage and contemporary, featuring wicker seating and tartar floors and walls. The menu is large and heavily Italian-inspired, with sections for veggies, pastas, proteins and small plates. The vegetarian options are scattered around the menu so ask if you need guidance.
I was advised to try the green tomato salad which is light and fresh and served with straciatella, one of my favourite cheeses. I was also recommended the cauliflower, which is incredible. It's roasted to a point where it becomes smoky but not too crisp and served with salad, roasted asparagus, pecorino and hazelnuts which add a great texture.
For mains, I tried the super soft and fluffy gnocchi which almost had a filled dumpling consistency. While lots of pub gnocchi can be too dense and lacking flavour, this one had perfect amount of both. My partner enjoyed a parma which he also voucher for heavily. If you eat seafood, the squid is beautifully presented and apparently quite good as well.
From the cocktail list, I can recommend the Pink Lady and the Robbie Burns Sour - both light and sweet and fruity and refreshing.
Great Spanish restaurant and pub! A great hang out spot for groups as you can get a paella to share and believe me the food is delish for a pub! 😋
Went for lunch in December 2018 just after they changed the menu (from its longstanding Spanish themed cuisine to some sort of Modern Australian situation). Food was pretty appetizing, and reasonably priced. Would return.
I Have been here twice & I cannot fault anything! The customer service is always amazing & the food is amazing too!
I recommend this place 1,0000 times over & over. I could not stop eating, everything was so yummy!
I loved everything about Hotel Collingwood, the decor and ambiance was lovely, a great menu and exceptional service. The beer on tap was impressive and there is a beautiful beer garden at the back which is cosy.
We shared a number of dishes, each presented and tasted amazing with good quality ingredients. We ordered the Kingfish sashimi, salt & pepper calamari, grilled fish of the day and Black Angus ribeye 350g, all dishes so yum and even better when washed down with a glass of beer!
Had a fantastic time, food was delicious, wasn't that loud and I do love a good QR ordering system👌🏽
One thing I'd like to suggest though, is to install hooks in the female toilet stalls. Its not like its a big issue or anything but its just been a long time since I've been in a bathroom stall and there hasn't been a hook to put my bag lol.
Anyway, had a great time and would go again!
The outside looks a bit reserved so it doesn't stand out on the street which isn't a bad thing.
Inside is a clean, dimly lit interior with exposed bricks. Tables are spread out so you aren't crammed in.
On the Saturday we were there on a Winter's afternoon it wasn't too busy.
There is an outside beer garden that's reasonably isolated from the elements with outdoor heating.
Staff were friendly, good variety of food and beers.
Happy to come here again.
Good ambiance and traditional pub food. Very nice lunch was had.
Gastro pub with pretty nice dishes although you pay for it. For eg, one pork bao for $8 is pretty outrageous. Food was good though. Nice atmosphere and setting as well, big garden space making for good time in summer.
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