Winnie Goh
Recommended this spot to a couple of friends and they loved this place as much as we did! Like everyone else who has reviewed this establishment, I’m super impressed by the unique interior and friendly staff. We had a delightful server whose name I didn’t catch and she gave great cocktail recommendations despite not being a drinker herself. We enjoyed everything we ordered especially the char grilled broccoli. Frosty Fruit is a cocktail I will fondly miss and will likely bug some bartender to recreate in the near future. We’ll definitely be back for more!
Michael Nguyen
Super unique place that continues to surprise expectations. I regularly go here for the $20 steak night which is insane value and the quality of the steak is superb. The Place is very cool with taxidermy and always a fun talking point.
Ian Scotson
Very unique place, not too busy when we were there at 8.30pm on a Thursday.
The dioramas were amazing. Very cool.
And the service and food were great.
Very attentive.
The spiced cauliflower steak was impressive, and just shows what you can do with a simple vegetable.
Worth a visit.
Avissa Suseno
Nice & decent restaurant, friendly service and tasty meals 😊I got myself Fish & Chips with salad 🥰
RL
Food was good. We ordered both plates as in photos, just right for 2 people. Why 4 stars, place was cramped, which was expected on a Friday night. But when the lady delivered the food to us, she did not offer extra plates (obviously my friend and I will be sharing). Also given the fact that we are eating, a gesture to find us a seat would have been nice.
Jeanette Riordan-Withy
Lunch on 3rd August. Ordered fish and chips and a glass of wine. Chips and salad were fine. Fish batter was overcooked and fish had no taste. Staff were fine. Overcharged $3 on glass of wine, but my fault as I did not notice until later. Will not go back.
Lilian Yap
Ordered the steak. Pretty good. 250g for $39. Nice dinning atmosphere and polite staff.
Joseph Murray
Often pop in here after work or with friends visiting Melbourne. The quiz on a Wednesday is always fun too. All the staff are great, but would like to say a huge thank you to Sophie who looked after my friend and I when we recently popped in. Service went above and beyond despite it being a really busy Thursday. Will continue to keep coming back!
4chillies
This was a very cool bar to visit. On the night we went there was a fantastic pianist who really made it a fun night. Good drinks, good times.
Benjamin Watts
I went in on a Monday lunch. The menu looked good and was after a steak. I went straight in and ordered straight away at the bar. Sat down cool bar with interesting things to look at. I was one of three tables in the whole place. Te big table of mum's looked like they had eaten and the two guys were waiting. Their burgers arrived around 10 mins after I had sat down and thought mine won't be far away.... 40 mins and my medium rare steak comes out. The steak was good but 40 mins on a quiet day with 3 chefs in the kitchen and the one who actually cooked it was on a laptop for some time. I shoveled down my steak and 5 wedges of potato and left. As I said the steak was tasty, the peppercorn sauce could use sum peppercorns and well I'd wait that long for a busy restaurant but not a mostly empty one. Won't be back, I'd give it a miss.
Georgia Marett
Great range of drinks and a nice place to enjoy them. They have good daily specials. Staff are polite. An impressive range of whiskies for a non-whisky oriented place!
Murrayhead
Really good vibe here for a drink, but have to dock some points for the $23 beef burger - certainly not as good as most $10 burgers out there.
Luke Purcell
Seriously a lovely place to hang out and chat with friends. Great set up with a really healthy positive vibe. We came for late lunch and all of us were happy. Service was on the mark and it seemed that the staff were genuinely happy to be there.
Hungry Koala
I went here when it first opened and they had some weird food and it was quiet. But now it’s a lot more busy and I like the pub style food. Need to have dinner there one day! Service it’s really nice and I love how they have happy hour drinks..$6 for wine!
Nay Nay
Was on collins street meeting a client and stopped for a coffee at this lovely cafe/bar. Cool setup and a good coffee. Fast and efficient service
Olive Sundays
Natural History Public Bar is a great place for a night out. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is unique and you kind of feel like you’ve entered a bar in a different country. National History Public Bar - taxidermy. There are some tasteful taxidermy animals in glass displays on one side of the bar.
Gastrology
The new menu features a diverse selection of casual pub fare. We loved tasting our way through the menu. To start the Whole Mozzarella was delicious – a wonderfully fresh dish which featured fresh <br/>tomato, and creamy mozzarella alongside black olive crumbs which provided just the perfect touch of salinity. The Spicy Beef Tartare was similarly delicious. It was a modern take on the traditional which was served with unctuous cured egg yolk, fermented chilli and puffed tendon. <br/><br/>For mains the steaks are not to be missed. We loved the 300g flat iron which was served with onion rings, charred tomato and your sauce of choice. Displaying a mastery in the manner the steak was cooked, the inch thick cut of beef was cooked perfectly from end to end. A light searing ensured that each steak was lined with a thin crisp layer packed with caramelised beef flavour. Just yum!
Sinfulorganiccook
I love a good steak on occasion and this is definitely one of my favorite spots. Though the menu is not as extensive but I think the quality of the meal exists in the flavors. Do try their cocktails as they make really mean ones!
Unravelled
I really wanted to like this place more. We seemed to be seated at a weird table - close to the kitchen with lots of plates coming out and also close to the bathroom hallway. The food wasn't very amazing - not bad but just average. The drinks menu was okay but nothing too exciting. The feature wall is definitely the best aspect. Wouldn't rush back but might return.
Liza S
I went there tonight with a friend, I ordered the O’Conner hanger steak n my mate ordered the slow roasted cauliflower. I don’t like to ever say mean things but neither of us could finish our main. It was just SO unpleasant! I had a bite of my steak and it just did not taste right at all! So a waitress came by to check and told her it was just unpleasant to eat. She said she’d talk to her manager about this and came back and asked if we needed anything and I just asked for the bill and the waitress didn’t mention what the manager said or anything. <br/><br/>Anyways, the staff are welcoming and the ambiance is lovely and cool. The food (what I ordered) was 0 for me and my friend. And even though they could see we didn’t eat more than a bite of our meal, we paid the full price and left, gotta say a bit disappointed about that. My friend and I definitely will not be returning to this establishment. Good luck with everything :)
Alan Tse
Went for their “raw” food special event. Perhaps they’ve sold too many tickets and we were slightly late. Which meant we ended up at the bar, right next to where the oysters are being shucked, the sashimi was being assembled and where the food platters were coming in through the door. This worked out perfectly!<br/><br/>There seemed to be some organisational issues - not quite enough room to get the sashimi plates out rapidly, or not having all the oysters pre shucked; didn't seem to affect us though as I was well and truly full less than half way through the allocated time. There seemed to be not enough seats for the number of people there. The posted claimed all you can eat but we were then told allegedly it was only one plate of sashimi each (but having said that, we had a few more than that as they were happy for us to grab them earlier)<br/><br/>I thought all the food was really excellent; the oysters were really fresh and the vinaigrette was subtle. It was nice that the oysters were served so that you knew which of the 3 varieties were and I liked the smallest ones; very briny. The sashimi was very fresh. I loved all the dishes including the avocado prawn, the ceviche cups (not pictured), the beef tartare and tuna poke. The coconut flavoured dish was a bit messy to eat and too coconutty (if there is such a word). <br/><br/>Nonetheless, I enjoyed my evening very much and would be back to try their normal menu. Would be very happy to try other special events too if it grabs me!
Annannann
A great no expense fit out, with a cool rich vibe. The food & drinks are always excellent. The cheese plate is the best cheese plate I’ve ever had & I’ve had a few. Only negative is the service, it’s mostly fantastic but sometimes when you order a cocktail it’s like I’m asking for a spare kidney. If you don’t want to make it then don’t put it on the menu. It’s happened more than once. Aside from that it’s a cool venue, in a great location and its much recommended.
Linnie Eats All The Food
If you love museums and steaks, the have I got a place for you. Natural History Bar & Grill, located on Collins Street serves heaps of dishes from the grill with an extensive and impressive bar. However, be ready for stuffed animals looking at you through the glass windows because yep, it’s like you’re at the Natural History Museum (well I’d assume so since I haven’t been yet but watching movies I’d say that’s pretty spot on!). Anywho, the atmosphere is very casual with very friendly staff so no need for any fancy pants here!
Hugh Linnane
Great food, great atmosphere, loved the decor. Special mention to the amazing service of François and his digestif suggestion; it did indeed keep me warm!
Dr S
I was surprised to find such a warm inviting atmosphere at what I had assumed to be an American diner with burger and chips. My friend who has been to the natural history museum in NYC was delighted to see the stuffed animals and habitat in the glass cases.<br/>The menu despite small caters to vegetarian pescatarians and carnivores<br/>We got the chicken liver parfait which came with two large sliced of brioche. The oarmfait was smooth creamy delicious and was well complemented by the pickles and the flavoured spiced orange pieces<br/><br/>For mains we had the fish burger which came with a massive helping of chips covered in rosemary sea salt. The fish itself was covered in a flavoured crispy layer and succulent inside. The burger was small but delicious. The coleslaw was plenty and nice.<br/><br/>My friend got the market fish which was a thick piece of cod in some tomato sauce and some sauteed spinach. Delicious flavorsome fish with asian undertones<br/><br/>I was surprised by how delicious the simple meals were. Nothing extravagant but scrumptious.<br/><br/>Would go again. Large venue and great for groups too.
Sarah Bear
Love the atmosphere here and the gallery wall. it’s nice looking place to catch up with friends. We had the feed me menu which is reasonably price and good portion. Good selection of wine by glass too. Would recommend it to others :)
Lynda
Good concept and have lots of potential. Came here on a busy night for work drinks, some staff seems to be overwhelmed, grumpy and does not want to be there. Some sloppy bar staff who pour drinks all over the place or only gave me quarter glass of bubbly and charged full price.
Diva Isabel Nebreda
I went to this place because the restaurant and the atmosphere are amazing! This is the perfect place for go with your colleagues for a drinks! but the food is also good! The beef tartare is sublime and taste!!! The place is a little expensive but is worthy
ESTHERYO
I cannot stress enough how amazing this place is. Walked into a nice environment with the most attentive and friendly staff. Food was excellent. In particular, steak was cooked perfectly - every bite just melts in your mouth. Service was quick and super neat. Highly recommend for dinner and drinks!! Will definitely be back.
The Dear Luncher
The Dear Luncher waddled into this establishment with guts and determination Teddy Whitten himself would have been proud of. There was an air of purpose about the boys on this day. It had been a while between luncheons. The thing that The Dear Luncher immediately admired about The Natural History Bar and Grill (TNHB&G) was the demeanour of the people and the venue itself. Upbeat staff: they were interested in the day Your Dear Luncher was having ...
Finger Lickin
I really wanted to like this restaurant. The idea of a bar and grill in the heart of the city is very exciting cause it's what Melbourne needs more of. The service was really good as was the fit out. The high ceiling and the booth style seating is really nice and private. The oysters were really good and the steak tartare was ok without being mind blowing. The steak we wanted was sold out so we ordered another but we were under impressed when the steak came out. The outside of the steak was glazed with a sauce that was burnt and the edge of the steak was over cooked and equally the heart of the steak was to rare. The chips were too cold for service. The salad was nice. The wine list was really nice and had good variety of options.
Food Expert Puru
Located in CBD Melbourne this fine dine place was recommended by a specialist from hospitality industry. From outside one doesnt get an idea of the space and grandeur decoration in place. Nit too bright not too dim, well lit place , decent size round bar and fair deal seating. I must comment that the C shaped dining arrangements are not very comfortable. Ambience : 3/5<br/><br/>Wine list is good with range of spirits on offer. Australian whiskies too have made available. Good cocktails and mocktails were explained by staff: 4/5<br/><br/>Food is exotic. We had chicken rotisserie, Lamb chops, Lemon grill fish, spinach sauce, steak and prawn salad. Every bit of food was tasty. 4/5<br/><br/>Service gets a bow, friendly staff,very educated<br/><br/>Revisit : Yes
Lisa Do
My partner and I had the best dinner here at Natural History. The ambience is on point and the staff there are friendly and accommodating. We had the lamb and my partner had the special which was a barrumandi. Check out this beautiful place which also serves the best chocolate mousse
Tony Chen
2 stars purely because the service was okay. everything else was just not on par.<br/><br/>The decor was messy, incongruent and felt very cheap. which doesn't make sense, considering how much theyve spent on it. It wasnt a comfortable place to relax into.<br/><br/>The music was super loud even at lunch time.<br/><br/>The food was poor. The crab lasgna shouldnt be served. have the chefs even tasted the dish? The sauce was all lumpy, the crab had a weird texture due to how it was mixed in. And when we said the dish was not upto par, the reply was: "maybe dont order that dish next time you come back!"<br/><br/>the service was okay. people were nice but learning the ropes.<br/><br/>overall... This place is as bad as the place it replaced.
Custardbun
The chargrilled octopus is sublime....definitely the signature go to dish for Natural History. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. The booth seats look great!<br/><br/>
Bruce Collins
We had a evening meal with 4 people Service was very good and food very good the fish and and pork and lamb where tasty and good size portions also there was no problem with requests for minor alterations to menu which sometimes is not accepted <br/>We all suggest worth trying decor worth the visit suggest you book as appeared to be very busy
Kelly Belly
Stunning fitout. It’s an intriguing idea to model a restaurant on New York’s Museum of Natural History, and this place really does have a 1930’s Americana vibe, punctuated by an enormous diorama covering an entire wall. Unfortunately, on the Friday night we visited, the DJ blaring doof doof made the venue feel more like an LA pick up club than a New York speakeasy. The noise was deafening and at odds with the concept. The food experience was varied. My hanger steak was delicious, although the Cafe de Paris butter lacked punch and complexity. Good shoestring fries and creamed spinach sides. Lettuce was overdressed and beetroot forgettable. Others at my table ate, but barely remarked upon their meals. Cocktails were inconsistent - one of my supposedly dry martinis drowning in vermouth. It’s all on the pricey side (oysters are $5 each) and I’m not convinced it’s justified. Shame; I really did want to like this place.
Tuan Ho
Pleasantly surprised by the food. Firstly, the restaurant is so unique with those dead stuff animals on the walls. Now onto the food.<br/><br/>Crab lasagne: delicious.<br/>chargrilled octopus: What a stunning dish! The flavours of that sauce thing with it is a knockout. An easy 5/5 for this dish.<br/>Steak tartare: First time I ever tried steak tartare. Blood delicious. Will definitely be ordering it from now on if I come across it at other restaurants.<br/>1kg T-bone steak: well cooked, nice flavour with the jus, not much to complain about.<br/>regular steak they had on their menu: the flavour with that butter sauce was really great.<br/><br/>The service provided was also fantastic. Every single staff member who walked by always made sure everything was okay.<br/><br/>My only complaint is the tables. They're slightly too low, and seats are too high, which is really uncomfortable after a while.<br/><br/>Overall, great service, great food, unique atmosphere and setting and the prices were reasonable too, not overpriced.
Epicure Hunter
We has such a lovely time here. Laura on the door was fantastic and very accommodating. served by Elliot who gave fantastic recommendations and worked with us to organise our dishes were ceoliac friendly. The tartare and squid were incredible. Special mention to the chicken liver parfait which was some of the best in Melbourne. We also had a lovely cab franc recommended by Columbia the som. All around incredible food, fantastic wine and a great experience.
Joan Lee
right from the time I walked in, the staff were friendly and happy to assist with a smile. the decor in this place is stunning. all the dishes that came out were really tasty. the oysters were Fresh, the steak tartare was great and it came with pork crack to eat on, and the crab lasagna was lovely. the pork ribs special had great flavors and you could taste the smokeyness. we were so full we couldn't fit in dessert but I'm sure that would be been perfect too.<br/>will be coming back again!
Theaggregate
Food is so so. We ordered some oysters, 2 rib eyes, pumpkin and shoe string fries as side dishes, and some wine. The fries were over cooked. I have to say the Pumpkin side dish is eally good. Looking forward to make some rib eyes in my big green egg at home!
Kate Dougherty
Loved this new addition to the CBD dining scene. The restaurant design is phenomenal. You actually feel like you’re in a museum. Aside from that the atmosphere is great with lots of sleek booths and dim lighting. Menu is also excellent. For entree we shared the beef tartare which was delicious. Then for main I went for the grilled octopus with arugula and romesco. The octopus was exceptionally tender. Can’t fault the staff either- super friendly and attentive.
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