Had diner here on a Monday night place was packed !!
Great staff ... red wine was always full.... great food and venue !!
Loved there pizza and don’t nornally eat garlic bread but ordered it on the waiters say so was not disappointed
Do yourself a favour and pay them a visit
Me and Hubby were here last night for the first time and the food was amazing, Hubby ordered the surf and turf and their steak was cooked to perfection, charred and crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, I ordered the slow cooked lamb was tender and flavorsome, and for dessert we ordered the sticky date and I have to say the best we have had, Thank you guys for your yummy food and not to forget great friendly service :) Will be definitely going back.
Fantastic service, staff & food. Highly recommend to anyone to eat here. Thanks for a fantastic dinner.
Absolutely amazing food and service. Would have to be without a doubt one of Melbourne’s best restaurants! �
Great restaurant! The food was exceptional and the service was on point. Also, it was a very comfortable atmosphere.
Great place good food , good staff best atomsphear recommended 10/10
Great atmosphere and excellent food. The seafood paella was delicious and one of the best I have had in Oz.
Love this place.... my favourite restaurant in Melbourne, delicious food & great staff
Best meal in a long time! Food and service was great, reasonably priced and the atmosphere completed with a guitar player and friendly staff was just amazing!!
What a fantastic atmosphere, service and most importantly the food was devine. The pork belly was tender with beautiful flavors of Italian decent, mash and and spinach fresh and delicious. The pizza..what can I say we ordered more to take away...in love �� thank you for your hospitality.
Fabulous food fabulous staff had a great meal and a great night would definitely go again xxx
😱Lizzie’s first impression: it’s always so lively here especially during lunchtimes -there’s ample of space as it takes over two restaurant spaces on Hardware Lane.
🍩Lizzie enjoyed: the Carbonara is actually amazing - the pasta is al dente and the flavour is impeccable and exactly how I like it. The seafood pasta is also delicious and the portion size is very generous especially with the seafood.
🍅Lizzie did not enjoy: their service was a little slow when I went and I was a little disappointed when they only brought out the chips until after the main meals were served.
🥇Lizzie rates overall: A great place for Italian food and definitely caters for big groups.
Celebrated my brother’s birthday here and made a booking for 6. The service was really friendly. We ordered a dish each among us. Food came out in a reasonable time. Each day was so good. The highlight for us all was the paella and lamb shanks. A must try when you come here!! We enjoyed every experience of it and will definitely be back.
Love this place so much. One of my favourite Italian places in Melbourne. It’s good for its price and the quality is great. Been here a couple of times and been consistently good. I understand why it’s so busy during the lunch hour!
Casual dining. No complaints, reasonable prices, tasty food and no long wait times and it has atmosphere. Would recommend the tasting plate
I liked how big their menu was - they offer breakfast, lunch and dinner here. I had some breakfast. Staff were welcoming and promptly seated the two of us. I didn’t wait too long for the food. Nothing wow but it was exactly what I expected when I ordered.
One of the many restaurants on Hardware Lane. The food is good, and the service is fast and efficient. Not a bad place to stop by for a quick bite to eat.
4 stars because the waitress who served us was genuinely so sweet and lovely, checking on us to make sure we were ready for drinks or meal etc. It was very busy so looked to be a good sign. Both my friends had pasta dishes which they said were very good and very filling. So good value for money there. I noticed the people making the pizza were rolling their own pizza dough, I ordered a gluten free pizza and the base was just like one you could purchase from a store. It was a bit disappointing, as it went soggy (watery inside) and doughy so a bit hard to eat, as there wasn’t a large amount of toppings. But overall a good atmosphere and I would go back to try their pasta :)
Max on Hardware is one of my favourite places to go when I'm in Melbourne, all of the dishes I have tried on their menu is delicious. The service is also amazing, and the staff are extremely friendly. Highly recommend.
Originally booked another place nearby but had a change of mind last minute due to lack of service there. So we walked in to Max. Peter our host was quite amazing with his recommendations and attentiveness. We ordered lamb shanks, garlic bread and gnocchi with extra cream. Drinks came as complementary, which was nice. Everything was really spot on. We loved the shanks it was succulent and falling off the bone. Only think I preferred it a bit warmer. The gnocchi was one of the better ones I had for a while. The cream, the cushiness, the taste - everything was just delicious. I couldn’t ask for anything better. The ambiance was loud and proud with live street music. Overall it was a nice and relaxing night out with quality food. Will recommend and be back.
Seafood Paella •
The dish was massive, it was quite overwhelming with that much orange rice in front of your face. I was really surprised by how much seafood was in the Paella, there were fish, squid, prawn and mussels. The overall seafood tasted really nice. Definitely worth the money from the amount of good seafood you're getting in this dish. Other than the seafood, the saffron rice was hella nice! It tasted tangy and not salty, you can taste a bit of the seafood flavours in the rice. There were red and green peppers in the mix but the flavours of the rice made it easier to eat. Overall I really enjoyed this dish, it's so filling I didn't finish it on an empty stomach but I would totally order the seafood paella again.
This is well established restaurant in Hardware lane, a must visit area. I love the atmosphere here, you dine with open air and street music. Lamb was so so tender and tasty. Carbonara was good, but the calamari was a bit soggy, I would appreciated a crispy batter with the tender squid meat. All around very good dining experience. Expect to pay 50 per head to enjoy.
Nice location with great food, paella was the best from all of our order ! Definitely worth a try and also don’t forget to try their pesto spaghetti as well. Love it
The food was good, but a bit pricey. Staff were prompt but also quite casual, as they were standing around laughing at talking. I don’t mind this, but I prefer staff to be a little more professional. Overall good service and food.
My friends and I were looking for an Italian restaurant on Hardware Lane and we were roped in by the mention of free drinks. We ordered a main each to share and with that, we got a round of free drinks of wine or soft drinks. I loved the prawn and scallop risotto. The mushroom pizza, seafood paella, calamari and penne pollo funghi were enjoyable. We had good service and a good time.
Came here on a week day night to catch up with some old friends. Service was really friendly and quick.
We ordered a platter to start with and it was soo good. The arancini balls were so good I had 3 just by myself. The calamari was so good as well, I was half full after the entree already. Garlic bread with cheese was a bit average, it can be more toasted I reckon.
For main we ordered gnocchi, T-bone, chicken risotto, the prawn+chorizo pasta and a chicken salad. I am not a salad person so I didnt try that. The chicken risotto and the prawn+chorizo pasta were my favourite dishes! Full of flavours! Dessert we shared a sticky date pudding and a tiramisu. I was so full from the food so only had a little bite and it was a bit sweet to my life.
Overall a very lovely experience!
Ordered takeaway meals, staff were lovely and accommodating in dietary requirements. Food cooked and we were out the door within 10 minutes. Food was all delicious!
There are so many cafes on Hardware land but this one is one of the best cafes I have ever . The Service is great the staff are very attentive.
The staff were really friendly however the staff advertising were quite persistent. The food was pretty average but the burgers were exceptionally good. The portions were quite big leaving us to be quite full. The wait for the food was around 10 minutes. The location was pretty close to the shops which was convenient. This place would be a good place to go for a catch up though I imagine if it was a little more packed, it’d be quite loud.
The Dear Luncher was impressed with the attentiveness of the staff and their ability to co-ordinate large groups settling in for festive feasts this time of year. The Diavolo pizza was not the best ever experienced, but it managed to satisfy. A tad on the sloppy side, but very well priced. The selection of entreés were decent, your bruschetta's, your arancini's etc. A reliable venue on Hardware Lane this one.
3.5/5.
Visited this place for a weekend dinner. The ambiance is great and food was good. Loved the Arancini Balls, Chili prawns and the Mango Daquiri. The pastas were good and Tiramisu was awesome.
This place has 10/10 food and great service. We ordered pizza, steak and gnocchi, everything was delicious and arrived promptly. Halal-friendly.
In the busy street of Hardware Lane, we came across Max. Feeling hungry and everywhere else being full, we decided to try it out and it was a darn good experience!
Baked mushrooms - the mushrooms were baked to perfection and it melted completely into our mouths! Being a mushroom lover, I was pretty impressed with this!
Salmon fillet - grilled Atlantic salmon served with asparagus and salsa, gotta admit my mouth was dancing to the flavors! 💃🏻 who knew salsa could go so well with grilled salmon! The asparagus was a nice touch to add complexity to the dish!
Seafood paella - we had seen other tables order this and decided to order it as well and boy were we not disappointed at all! Served in a whole pan with yummy seafood, the paella was our favorite of the night! It was beautiful in both looks and taste with the paella not being too dry and very flavorsome!
Overall, we had a fantastic night and can’t wait to try the other dishes of their menu!
Staff are excellent service out of this world
Do change anything such a breathe of fresh air in my dinning experience for Melbourne CBD
AWESOME
I'd gone with one of my mate last weekend( Sunday) we had ordered for couple of drinks. The hospitality is superb. Service is impeccable. However the taste of drink( Mocktail) sucked.
We ordered for Long Island and Strawberry crush. Long Island was amazing however strawberry crush sucked to every bits of it. It was just horrible.
The place also offered a live performance of a guitarist who played amazing beats.
Was with a party of 7 on a Thursday night. Very friendly staff, service was great and food came out very quickly considering how busy it was. Had the calamari main, was seasoned well and cooked perfectly. My partner also enjoyed his lamb shanks. Will be back!
It's truly an Italian dinner. The best pasta here in Melbourne so far. I ordered the penne pesto and my boyfriend had the fettuccine carbonara. I love his food more than mine. I can say that that was a very creamy and crumptious carbonara.
Taste was really overwhelming and the price is really affordable for the size of the meal given.
I will definitely try something else next time.
Staff should wear something that would stand them out from the customers because I do not want to offend anyone and calling them to take my order.
I chose to eat outside because of the vibes I am getting into. Street musicians are amazing but I hope next time, the saxophonist will be near me.
Note: You should order entrees if you are really hungry because you need to wait a bit but the wait is really worth it.
Waiters are very attentive, friendly and with great recommendation of red wine. Barramundi and calamari was great, bugs is a bit dry. Overall good dining experience. Risotto ordered by next table looks amazing. Will revisit.
We really enjoyed our meals here, so the average reviews were a surprise. My entree tasting plate was very tasty, with tender calimari and standout bruschetta (litmus test for an Italian place). Only issue was that the sauces were slightly on the heavy side, three with mayo base accompanied the arancini, calimari and mushrooms. Good solid dishes that family and kids would enjoy sharing. Our waiter was wonderful with our preschoolers, which made our dining experience much better.
Highly recommend! Whether it was the late night carb hit or the complementary glass of wine-this place was wonderful!
Customer service was excellent after dining late tonight and restaurant was relatively empty. Good booth seating and cosy atmosphere.
We ordered homemade gnocchi and lamb risotto and both serves were Generous, Flavoursome and Fresh!
Service was efficient without being intrusive.
Prices reasonable, would return
I ate early (around 4:30pm) so plenty of tables available. Staff are courteous and friendly. Just good food - the Pumpkin Risotto was excellent, followed by Chocolate Mousse. Has a great local community feel.
The staff here are extremely kind, friendly and helpful. We went with a big group and service was great despite it being busy. They kept our birthday cake for us hours before we arrived for dinner and didn’t even charge us any cakeage for that. The food was delicious and we had an amazing experience.
I had the homemade spinach gnocchi and it was very delicious! The menu is quite extensive with plenty for the whole family to choose from.
The outdoor area has very effective heatingsooutdoor is always an option. If you're lucky, you even be serenaded by a local busker.
It has been 2 years since we ate here and still talk about it and agree it would be one of the best dining experience we have ever had. From the moment we entered, the level of service, to the presentation of the food and flavours in the meals were outstanding. And their recommended wine match was perfect too.
Amazing restaurant, from the moment we walked in. Staff were great and the food was amazingly divine. I can not fault this restaurant. Easily one of Melbourne’s best. Will definitely be back! 😄
Wonderful dinning experience from Max, professional service from the waiter, and the spaghetti taste and portion were both so nice, lots of vegetarian options, would definitely visit again
Had the lasagna which was amazing! My husband had the Diavola pizza which was okay. Will be back for the lasagna alone! That sauce is to die for!
Good place with an extensive menu (including good vegetarian options).
We went here for lunch couple of days back and ordered Penne Pesto pasta, cheese garlic bread, house wine & espresso martini.
Pasta was amazing - Rich and full of flavour.
Garlic bread on the other hand was a bit doughy and stiff.
Espresso Martini was great.
Overall the service was good and prompt.
In the city for a relaxing weekend, decided to try little Lygon St, Hardware Lane for a nice dinner. Settled on Max, as it had the most people already eating there. Offered a glass of house wine each sealed the deal. Seated quickly, water and menus almost immediately. A glass of house red each, which was very nice. Entree bruschetta, very nice, fresh and authentic. Mains were a fettuccine carbonara and a chicken and Rossi dish. Both came out quickly, hot, full of Flavour and top class. Service was excellent, food was excellent and the house wine was more than acceptable, overall a great meal. $65 for two with wine and entree, nice price as well. Definitely worth a visit.
Arrived in Melbourne at a quite late hour, me and my friend was wandering around Hardware Lane and the staff at Max was very attentive and welcoming, so we decided to give this place a try. The night was a little bit cold and we sat outside but the heater of the restaurant kept we warm and cosy throughout the meal. They offer so many things on their menu that we had a hard time deciding what to eat. I ordered a Lasagna and Garlic Bread (forgot what my friend ordered). On general the food tasted good, not in the way that makes you go wowww but more like ohhhh this is nice. Serving time is acceptable. But the atmosphere was amazing, live music and the lights and the people. On overall I enjoyed the time and would highly recommend for tourists like me.
Been there twice, had Paella, Pasta, calamari and salads. The fish salad was really nice, very young and soft fish with vegetables and tomatoes. Pasta was quite rich. Always full of people having brunch over there, a good place for meeting up with friends
We had breakfast here after a friend's wedding reception. The choice of hardy filling food was welcome. The staff were polite and attentive, and the food was cooked wonderfully. I had wondered if my stomach would take the hollandaise sauce on my Mr Benny, but it was so well done it only made me hungry for more. In all we had a great experience and would gladly dine here again.
I ordered one of their most popular dishes which was the lamb pizza. I really liked it although I wished that there was more toppings on the pizza. They also have a large selection on their menu which is great 👍
Awesome food even better service. They catered for my family, stored away my pram safely and even gave me a private room to change my baby. Exceptional place to eat
I love dining on hardware lane. While the foods not necessarily the best there’s just something atmospheric and so very Melbourne about laneways eateries. We were strolling along with no fixed destination in place and decided to try Max. Feeling pretty hungry I ordered a classic Parma which was sizeable and tasty. Sitting outside on a warm summers night was also very pleasant and made for enjoyable people watching. A cosy restaurant for a casual meal with good ambiance, particularly if you are entertaining friends from out of town and want to showcase our city
Good vibe and great quality food with excellent presentation and variety. Service is fantastic, maybe a little too constant and rushed. No huge wait for food.
Good food and quick service. Had the lemon lime bitters, it was made perfectly! The outdoors seating is great and staff makes you feel welcome every moment. Will visit again.
Melbourne Food Journey
+3.5
We went here with a big group and were really impressed with the service and quality of the food considering how busy the restaurant was! Would definitely recommend sharing a pizza and a few cocktails on a warm Melbourne evening.
It is decent and edible. We got free moscato on the house with free appetiser which sweetened the deal. The ambiance of the restaurant was nice - romantic with nice air conditioning.
Hi, here in Melbourne .
Breakfast today before heading home to Perth.
Hardware Lane is lively and difficult to choose between places to eat.
Melbourne is spoilt for choice.
Max bar breakfast menu appealed to my.
Corn and zucchini fritters topped with poached eggs. A small salad with feta and balsamic added great flavours.
The food was tasty between the fritters and the egg was a sweet tangy chutney.
This light breakfast hit the spot without weighing me down.
Staff are friendly and accommodating.
They help with making a decision on what to eat. I’m glad because he chose well for me.
Had the chicken risotto it was very delicious! and they had an offer for free drinks with every meal which was great! It has a nice outdoor seating area on hardware lane which is great on a warm night
Awesome place, haven't been to Melbourne before walking the streets to find somewhere. Not to pushy really great service! Amazing food! Will be back before I leave 🙌🏽
Just like to give a shout out to Max on Hardware for a great lunch. We arrived without a booking for looking for a table of 12 and Max was able to accomodate us on Fathers Day. We ordered pretty much everything from the Pizzas and Pastas through to the Seafood Paella and Risotto and everyone cleaned up their plates. Hardware Lane has become a mini Lygon Street by the looks of it. Thanks staff at Max for a great lunch
Pizza to the Max :)
My food adventures in Hardware Lane are drawing to a close now and I felt like a nice, light sendoff so I headed in to try Max for a pizza,
The thing I like about Max is that it has a nice, cozy yet classy feel to it. It's the perfect place to take a group out for lunch or just have a quiet bite to eat yourself.
I had a Margherita Pizza as I wanted something small and light and when it came out it was a generous size, looked tasty as well. I feel that it was a very authentic pizza, the crust was light and crunchy not heavy and thick and the base was thin and delicious. The toppings were melt in your mouth perfectly delicious. Would I recommend this place... yes I would. In fact I'd recommend it to the Max hehe :)
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