Review Umbrella Lounge Bar - Elsternwick

The food is great, but it really is elevated by the atmosphere and the host, Timo. His dedication to making sure everyone has a great time and is enjoying themselves. Highly recommended.

Exceptional! Authentic Georgian cuisine executed flawlessly. Don’t misjudge the ‘homey’ ambiance. Each dish was a tribute to its heritage.

What a gem we found. I’m a fan of Georgian cuisine and so happy to find this place. Temo made us feel like at home, the best khinkali I’ve ever tried, Georgian wine and warm welcoming. I would give this place 10 stars. Must visit!!!

Delicious food, great music, cosy decor, extremely friendly staff. Everything was delicious and extremely well priced. Could not recommend this place enough and will definitely be back when I get the chance.

The owner, Temo, is such a fantastic man. I’m not one bit surprised this is his restaurant. He is the show. He stole my heart. What a wonderful space, what a wonderful host. So funny, engaging and interesting. Please go to the back room and have a function, Temo will provide you all company the whole night.

An incredibly large area of land is occupied by the lounge & bar, with a very detailed provision of bar & cafe like resources. The time I went down there on this occasion, we were incredibly lucky enough to present during the live performance of a remarkably talented singer, pianist, Gabe! Very cool.

Very warm and cosy atmosphere. Very delicious Georgian foods ( cheese khachapuri was even better than the original one that I've tried in Tbilisi before) Temo (Teno), the manager, was really friendly. He made our night. Such a great nice gentleman! We were really welcomed. Prices are reasonable as well. Strongly recommended.

Marvellous experience, great food, excellent service. The owner would go the extra miles to make sure that everyone had a good time

The service is the best!! Always greeted with a smile and the drinks and food are fantastic!! Definitely would recommend!

The food is Gr8 I don't know what it was called but it was really tasty The owner is a bit of a character and it's like having dinner at a friends place With live music the atmosphere is quite bohemeian and all r welcome

Best Georgian in Melbourne ���.Highly recommend it.

My son and daughter have been here with me, 3 times.Great food and good service.Would recommend the umbrella lounge.

Nice atmosphere, food was not cooked properly meat inside khinkali, it was cold and uncooked, we left under one bite, the server was unapologetic and rude. Absolutely terrible representation of Georgian food and hospitality. Food was overpriced would not recommend to anyone.

I went to visit my friend in South East last week and we couldn't decide where to have our coffee. We went around along Glenhuntly Rd and stopped by on this Café which the person who attended to us was very nice and approachable. He was also the one who cooked our order as I saw him with the gloves on and getting in and out of the kitchen. Also he was the waiter too (hardworking). Amazing service and very classy place. Me and my friend got the chance to enjoy our coffee, food and of course our conversation without rushing us to finish our order like some other cafes do, lolz. Thank you for the good service and good food! We well definitely come back!!!! Oh and guysssss one more thing, they have free WIFI!!!! LOL

You will not find a friendlier and more gracious host than Temo. Tasty food at good prices and good hand selected wines. Showcases local music in a friendly setting.

Always a fantastic experience. Good customer service like this is hard to find these days. Always leave feeling like a valued customer!

Loved the service and attention to detail. Definitely coming back!

Hi guys, I play in and book multiple bands & solo artists around Melbourne. The musicians and their partners will be getting together for a private function with our family & friends on December 25th this year. There will be around 80 of us, and although we can't agree to pay you a set fee, I'm wondering if you could please host and cater for us in your venue for the good exposure and tips? Thanks in advance. I look forward to your reply.

Had the most beautiful experience here. Food was absolutely delicious and Temo was a gorgeous host, so helpful and delightful. Love this place and will definitely be back

Umbrella Lounge Bar took me by surprise. Expecting just a casual dinner out turned into having a few drinks while listening to live music and a sort of open mic on a Friday night. This place was really cool with a great atmosphere. The food was delicious and the food portions were large. We were full by the end of the entrees. I am looking forward to going again.

If you ever feel homesick, this is the place to come.<br/><br/>Okay okay I know not everyone is from Georgia but we all felt like we walked into the house of a long lost uncle and got welcomed as so. The place is decorated various paper umbrella as light shade and lot of art work ready to purchase. Oh because we went on a Friday night, There is live piano music too!<br/><br/>We looked into the menu and thought we ordered an entree and a main each. What we didn't know was the size of those entree. However no stress, we were told pretty quickly by the owner that it would not be a good idea. So he suggested that he get us an variety of entree to share. That's the best decision for the night. Everything is fresh and delicious. The bread with cheese is really a Georgian thing and you have to try it! And the fish! Basically everything!<br/><br/>For main, we ordered various dishes. Well given the serving is that big, we might have slightly overestimate our stomachs... Oh the dumplings are delicious with that creamy chili sauce (don't let the look fooled you, it got some kick). The other main dishes are also great!<br/><br/>In the end, we all walked out with a full stomach and leftover to take home, and had a few laugh and chat with the owner. Now tell me, how is this not like visiting home with full stomach and food to take home?? Totally recommended this place for anyone who enjoy good food, live piano music and just a relax environment.<br/>

Only came in at 4 so expectedly quiet. Waited for a little bit to be seated but once we were the owner was quite pleasant. Atmosphere was nice, Goosebumps comes to mind, or any show that some supernatural plot twist was about to go down. Walls were filled with artwork for sale.<br/><br/>Portion size for the affogato and chat latte was generous. Was an interest visit.<br/><br/>

We come here often, especially for the Spiced Chai Latte and friendly service. The music is also cool and we love the art work displayed in the shop.

The staff is super friendly. We love the spiced chai very much. The price is cheap but quality s awesome. The musics here are good too. Definitely recommend a visit.

Food was good and very tasty. The only issue was its adaptation to Australian taste, which is understandable. I would say that khachapuri and skewers are the best. Strong 4!

The owner was so lovely and welcoming! Really made me and my friends feel at home, and told us interesting stories about Georgia. As for the food... it was delicious!!! I had never had Georgian food before and I was blown away by how tasty it was. The cheese bread and lamb shishkababs were just amazing. Will definitely be back!

Uniquely personalized service, real and delicious home cooked meals. Gets back to how restaurants should be! Also loved the music and decorations. You have got to try the Georgian bread for starters!

I’d walked past there a number of times and noticed the lack of patrons. So we thought we’d go support the business. It was very quiet, and we had to wait a long time, to get the owner to take our order. The food then took a good hour to arrive and wasn’t particularly memorable. There are so many good places to eat in the street, they need to lift their game and also maybe hire some waiting staff. If a restaurant is always empty there’s probably a reason for that.<br/>I would give the venue less stars if possible.

5 stars! Best food and service that my partner and I have ever had. Staff are always going the extra mile for their customers and it's our new favourite breakfast spot. Good coffee too!!

I wanted to give this place a shot for it's live music and kitschy decor. So everyone may not like it but umbrella is a nice experience overall. The host is friendly and looks after well. He will also help you select food if you are not much aware of Georgian food. I ordered the ostki- beef in tomato and capsicum sauce with rice. It was a bit oily but really delicious. Simply loved every spoonful. I want to try other dishes from the menu. Will return

Gr8 atmosphere loved the Georgian cuisine service excellent live music . Wine selection crispy and refreshing under the umbrella bar .Will revisit soon.

We had the Georgian menu for lunch and it was one of the best food I've had in my life! The waiter was pleasant and friendly !!! Go on a Thursday night with live music too! The khachapuri bread is amazing !

The srrvice was very good the owner is so nice person and carrying and i love the music coffee is good .had the lunch therr it was very nice and enjoyble time there especially with the music on the go.by the way big sellection of alcohol and who ever likes wine love the pino grie ☺☺

The owner was very nice and hospitable. The food was delicious and authentic, felt like home. Thanks Temo for a great meal. I'll be back again when visiting Melbourne 👍

As a musician with experience at Umbrella. I am very grateful to Umbrella for every opportunity it has given me. Not only did the owner pay me to my satisfaction for every performance, he promoted my act and my music to his patrons with real passion. Without the Umbrella Lounge Bar, I would not have been able to develop into the musician that I am.  I have, in fact, played at other venues that refused to pay me, and am well aware of the negative impact such arrangements can have on musicians. But just from my experience, Umbrella has simply not been one of those venues. At every step, the management strove to do right by me as an up-and-coming musician.  This venue values artists, through both promotion AND pay. <br/><br/>PS the coffee rocks.

Not so great food and expect entertainment staff to give their time and effort for free. Not sure what's come over them here, is the food free too?

They don't pay their musicians for playing. Please go support a place that actually care about the music scene here in Australia. What a shame.

Amazing place..  beautiful authentic food, very reasonable prices, Georgian wine.  We had the georgian trio, the eggplant was just beautiful, grill was very good and the khinkali dumplings were outstanding. They also do a wider range of georgian foods if you pre order.

Lovely, authentic food. I have been to Georgia few times and I have to say that Umbrella Lounge Bar in Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick was a lovely surprise. The owner of the business Temo, cooked a range of different Traditional Georgian dishes. Khinkali Georgian meat Dumplings and Khachapuri cheese-filled bread were amazing. Absolutely delicious!! Great place to book a table for two or a party. I will definitely be back very soon!

Mine host Temos is my mate so I am biased. Read his blurb on the menu about why he named it umbrella. A bloody beaut barista. The coffee is simply the best.

True hospitality is getting rare to find...  Not so at Umbrella Lounge Bar, an eclectic eatery and chilled meeting place that oozes with character, heartfelt service and true intent for REAL hospitality - be it breaky, lunch/dinner, coffee or a catch up with friends over drinks...  Temo at the helm makes this place like no other...  His passion for true hospitality can be felt and tasted from the coffee to the food - Thank you Temo, you are an awesome host! =)

Saturday night and only a handful of patrons. My experience confirmed why. One busy bee chap handles front of house, orders and cooking. Well, with so few guests, you can understand the economy of this staffing. 11 degrees outside - the doors are wide open and no heating - all guests look dressed for walking around an outdoor market, not a cosy restaurant. He was shocked to be told it was freezing, but bless him, the doors closed and the small split system heater went on. He disappeared into the kitchen - eventually drinks were poured with unnecessary aplomb - he imagined himself in an upmarket wine bar perhaps? I ordered two courses of the entree - make yourself a banquet -both arrived five minutes of each other ... the main course guest waited forever watching us all eat. My blini was charcoal black - a reject that should never have been served. The khachapuri - Russian bread with mixed cheese - was effectively a pizza base stuffed with cheese - poor menu description. Got only half way through the molten lumps of pastry. The free jazz singer playing the piano was another reason to try out this cafe - enthusiastic piano playing, monochrome voice - I tried hard to block out her karaoke Princess singing.

We walked in here late one night not knowing what to expect. Asking if the kitchen was open, the chef/host magnanimously replied, "it is now", before attending to our drinks. He then disappeared into the kitchen. He reappeared to serve us a delicious pair of blintzes, one lamb, the other mushroom. My main was a veg stew, which contained the curious combination of warm rice with cold stew - I was advised by our ever accommodating host that I could have the stew warm, but that the flavours were more pronounced when cold. I followed his suggestion, and as promised the flavour of the stew was very nice. My girlfriend ordered lamb skewers, which she found were lovely and juicy. They came with some potato rosti, which in itself was a highlight. Overall the food was of a high standard, but the friendly, jovial and endearing nature of our host was a very welcome aspect of the night. I could imagine the decor could turn of some potential customers, but don't let that put you off!

Wonderful kachapuri, lovely staff, and proper Georgian food. It's a welcoming restaurant, good drink selection, lots of food options. We were very excited to find Georgian again in Melbourne. Returning!

Great food, great coffee and one of the nicest and caring owners around. You can tell that he is passionate about his business and really tries hard to please and make sure everyone is enjoying themselves.

The owner is very friendly and committed to his customers having a good experience. Love the Sinatra music and live music each week. Good coffee and his latest drink combining coffee and chai!

Really lovely place! Such a welcoming and friendly host. The food was delicious! I had the 3trio for starter and the Xinkali for main and both tasted very authentic and fresh. Will definetely come back!

Had breakfast at the Umbrella Lounge. It was average food, but good value for money. <br/>Decor needs an good overhaul, everything is tired and worn.

Been for breakfast, came back for dinner, will continue to keep coming<br/><br/>The bread and butter pudding is a great way to end a night as well

Best breakfast in Elsternwick. Glenhuntly Rd is full of restaurants and cafes, Umbrella by far has the best breakfasts around. Delicious tasting, immaculately presented and very affordable. It took us 12 months to sit and eat here and have been 1/2 dozen times since.

Terrific Breakfast!. Wow was so good I usually feel bad wasting money on breakfast cause I can make it myself but today was wonderful plenty of avocado the potato rosti was so good! Frank Sinatra playing in the background and great friendly service. Ive had dinner here too you must try the pastry filled with cheese its delicious. The place has a homely feel you are very welcomed and looked after its a must try!

Elsternwick's secret gem is hidden under an Umbrella!. My wife and I had our Valentine's Day dinner at the Umbrella Lounge Bar and we were thoroughly impressed! The Georgian cuisine was extremely tasty, the environment was romantic with candlelight and live jazz music playing in the background and the owner of the bar, Temo, was the perfect host. Who would have thought that in the heart of Elsternwick there is such a little gem, hidden under an Umbrella? We look forward to going back again!

Great breakfast. Excellent value for money. Shame about the Jazz music.

A step up. In a city renowned for its food, Umbrella Lounge Bar is a step in taste and freshness. An interesting Georgian (as in from Georgia) menu, these authentic dishes are full of natural flavour. The blintzes are a standout as is the struedel with a sauce based on a highly secret recipe. The venue also has a great vibe and live music Thursday to Sunday

WORST SERVICE EVER!!!!! Took 90 minutes for food to arrive and when we went to pay the bill, I said to the owner that the food took way too long to come out. Instead of apologising, he responded with "what, so am I supposed to give you it for free?!"<br/>Totally rude and unnecessary and I'd never go back!

One day this place will be retro. For now it is brilliantly authentic Eastern European Georgian transplanted to Elsternwick. Go before it becomes trendy and doubles its prices.

Always fesh and tasty. Deceptively good place... had the steak sandwich... caramelized bacon good cheese good meat... could of trimmed a little more fat off... but im fussy... in all a Master piece... I DEVOURED IT... I pity the person who would try to put themselves between me and that sandwich... lol... <br/>Looking forward to the jazz on saturday... Enjoy...

I was a bit worried when the owner told me the list of menu items that were NOT available on the day. <br/>I ordered beef sliders. For $15 this was a great lunch. Tasty and fantastic value. <br/>Good, friendly service without being obtrusive.

First visit for breakfast this morning and I will be back. Great service from friendly staff, prompt delivery and fantastic food. Can't wait to try out the lunch and dinner menus in the near future.

Fantastic selection. Had the sharing platter for 2...fantastic selection of food, great value. Owner was a lovely guy and makes you feel very welcome!

Odd place this one. Fairly new to the area. Very big on the whole live jazz thing. Cant imagine what market they are trying to target but having said that the coffee was quite nice. To be honest I wasn't expecting much but these guys surprised me, will be back.

Did not like it very cold place hadto. Did not like the umbrella lounge bar , been there twice lunch was ok but the owner who served us dropped the food and I ended having lettuce inside my handbag that was hanging on the chair. The worst muffins ever ate and had to ask for the heating to be turned on. Never go there again

Outstanding. Went there for dinner on a Friday night. There was a live jazz band playing which made the evening so enjoyable. Had the Georgian cheese pies as an entree - they were simply out of this world!!!! We shared one between four of us and then ordered another one because they were so good. Honestly one of the most delicious things I've had in years and the rest of the food was outstanding as well. Cannot recommend enough!!

I was keen to try a new cuisine and the Geogian buffet did not disappoint! Excellent food, attentive staff, had a lovely evening. Will be back to try breakfast!

Ever heard of a late night surcharge for only ordering coffees?. Strange... But we got charged $5 each for our coffees\hot chocolate. We all had a drink and a cake each (4 people), and after finishing and asking for the bill they incorporated a late night fee to our drinks. The owners explanation was because we had been sitting to in his cafe for long period of time, and only ordered coffees, how else is he to pay for his staff etc... In total we might have been sitting there for about 1 hour... Very strange way of business. Is it becoming that desperate in Melbourne, that you can't even enjoy a nice coffee and dessert without being ripped off. Or, was it because we were in elsternwick? Anyway think twice before entering this so called authentic establishment.

I was amazed to find a great little place with live music and service that was chilled and friendly. The all day breakfast was very tasty and coffee I think was the best on the street.

Great place. Fantastic food. Very friendly staff and live music is brilliant. Will definately be back!

Sasha. Great food, great people. Feels like at home. A bit different from hundreds of identical places around.<br/>Highly recommended.

Fantastic food and service at a great price! My new favourite meal and coffee spot!

Below Average. After dining at this establishment for the first time, I left feeling completely dissatisfied with the experience. While the wait staff were eager to please, I found the food to be below average and the atmosphere inside the restaurant stale. With so many other quality establishments along Glenhuntly Road, I will not be dining at the Umbrella Lounge again.