Review Rubiras - Melbourne

What a wonderful experience! Came here for a lobster dinner, as my 10 year old son desired this for his birthday! Doug was our waiter and boy was he amazing! So attentive and just truly amazing customer service and service all together! The food was delicious. Lobster was fresh and very well prepared! Everything was amazing! I am so happy we came here and will definitely be back!!!! Thank you Doug!!!!!

This dinner was worth the 45 minute drive to get here. It's definitely a very casual dinner, but the food is really good, the service on point and there's a big selection of fish. For starters, I had the snapper and salmon croquettes which were really good and I had a gorgeous coral trout that they kindly battered for me, which was so delicious, for main. And because I sometimes like to indulge, I had the chocolate tart for dessert which was nice, but not spectacular. Overall, if you're looking for a slightly upscaled casual fish restaurant, then this is the place to come to. It's great for a good catch up with family/friends and reasonably priced and there's plenty of parking and mainly there's really good food. I highly recommend it here.

Delicious seafood served in a cosy, historic pub setting. Menu includes oysters, prawns, scallops, mussels, bugs and if you are lucky, scampi and lobster will feature as specials. There is also a very good selection of fish, the night we went included hapuka, barramundi, roughy, whiting, snapper and flathead. You can order the fish cooked one of five different ways. For the non-seafood fans, chicken and beef also feature. The serving of chicken breast on our visit was the largest I have ever seen! Friendly and attentive table service too. Don’t think you can really get it wrong here - my one tip would be to make sure you score a table away from the rest rooms.

We were disappointed, group of 7. Steak not enjoyable; entree garlic prawns was just weird with a crispy batter. Seafood linguine really did not enjoy the fish flavour. Three people had fish with only one saying they really enjoyed it….bit disappointing you only get chips with the fish.

They should change the name of this restaurant to "Very Bland Seafood". Bugs tails and calamari were tasteless. The seafood linguine also very bland. It doesn't appear that the chefs taste the food or know what salt is. "Fish of the day" main was also very disappointing. You get served a piece of fish on a plate... with a bucket of chips on the side. That's it.. no salad, garnish, nothing... It was a very "bland" looking "main" and I suppose quite fitting for the theme of "Very Bland Seafood" restaurant. Wait staff were nice and oysters were ok.

Their specialty is seafood and they do it well. Perhaps a Friday lunch was not an ideal choice to re-visit as the place was absolutely packed, including a function upstairs. Needless to say, it was very noisy! Aside from that aspect, the food and service were fabulous.

Incredible food, seafood extravaganza! Great wine list and the staff are excellent, very attentive without being overbearing. Chilli prawns had to be mentioned as an Incredible entree!

Disappointing and not what I expected considering google rating and prices. My partner is a coeliac. Upon ordering his fish, was not told the chips could contain gluten. They just didn't come with the meal and no alternative was offered. Funny - full price was charged! I would expect, at the very least, to be informed. My beer battered fish was just ok.

Attended Rubiras midweek, it was very busy. The seafood is excellent our group had, oysters, barramundi spring rolls, Moreton bay bugs, chilli prawns, calamari and deserts.<br/>If there was a low light it was probably the calamari which seemed more to the size of popcorn so probably wouldn’t order that next time.<br/>The deserts were a massive hit and the staff efficient on every level without being in your face.<br/>A lot of seafood restaurants like to send the dishes out with rice or other fillers, not Rubiras you get exactly what you ordered. Looking forward to going back.

The seafood isn't good or fresh, the service was grumpy and the price does not much the size or value of the food. Felt dangerous to eat the seafood, absolutely terrible.

Zomato Rating 3.5<br/>From 1873 to around 1990, this art deco Port Melbourne pub was known as the Southern Cross Hotel and after that time it became the Swallows Hotel. Their specialty is seafood and they do it well. We decided on an impromptu visit to Rubira’s as we really enjoyed our previous dining adventure there. Having said that, perhaps a Friday lunch was not an ideal choice as the place was absolutely packed, including a function upstairs. Needless to say, it was very noisy! Aside from that aspect, the food and service were fabulous.

I can’t really fault this place at all. It is a bit older in devour but it works. The bar is right there but it works. It’s always busy and that’s a testament to the brilliant staff and the excellent cooking of the variety of seafood on the menu. <br/><br/>It’s pricey, this isn’t your local fish and chip shop, this is serious seafood with some sides. Don’t expect much more on your plate that the perfectly cooked fish you requested. <br/><br/>They understand gluten free and can modify most dishes.

We have had an awesome experience every time. Fantastic fish and seafood, varying seasonal menu with a large specials board as well.<br/>Great service staff who is happy to make recommendations and suggestions and will check with the chef for special requests.<br/>Kids friendly with suitable items on the menu for the little ones, but in the evening it’s mostly adults here.<br/>Love this place and will come back again.<br/><br/><br/>

Pub restaurant with a big reputation for seafood. Just had to try it. Menu is extensive which is also on a blackboard, with a wide range of fresh fish choices (with their origins), seafood dishes and some choices for meat eaters. Prices are on the high side, for food that is not that special, and can be experienced elsewhere. You have a choice of shared or individual dishes. We tried the Whitebait Fritters which was the most expensive entrée at $40! What we received was not what we expected. The fitters were nothing more than small omelettes with a smattering of whitebait on top. Could not taste the whitebait. We all selected our favourite fish. You have the choice of egg washed, pan fried, panko crumbs, Cajun or beer battered. Fish was cooked perfectly with a bowl of chips for the table. Sides were extra. A pleasant experience in a busy environment.

One of my favorite seafood restaurants in town, good variety of fresh seafood selections, nicely cook in a healthy way, fresh seafood, fresh taste, love it

Big statement but the chilli prawns are without a doubt the very best I have ever eaten and for the prawns alone Rubiras get a 5. Infact its not enough ! Of our party of 5 no one was disappointed. The service was friendly relaxed and effortless. I tasted some of the other offerings by stealth sampling some calamari and bugs. Delicious. Everyone enjoyed some fish of some description I decided on beer battered whiting, fresh crisp and generous in size. Cold beer on tap, great wine list even managed to sneak an espresso martini in for dessert. Great night thanks Rubiras, going back for sure.

I came to Rubiras with my parents just before Christmas and we had a wonderful time.<br/><br/>The food was so delicious and generous and the staff were amazing always checking if there was something more they could get for you.<br/><br/>The chilli tiger prawns were so plump and delicious with the perfect amount of heat. But the Kangaroo Island snapper really stole the show, it was so fresh and scrumptious especially teamed with the delicious chips.<br/><br/>It is the perfect venue to bring family and friends in a happy, friendly and cosy atmosphere. I look forward to coming back.

The waiter decided to serve our water in used glasses from the bar instead of walking three paces to the opposite side of the bar to get fresh ones. I subsequently challenged him on the matter to which he replied that the smudges, melting ice and saliva residue in and around the glasses were as a result of " condensation " and not the result of prior use.  Pretty appalling and rude customer service, let alone hygiene, to blatantly use dirty glasses in front of a customer and then to dispute the obvious. I don't really understand the point in the waiter prosecuting such an obvious lie as it only made matters worse and the whole incident more insulting. Eventually, the glasses were replaced with clean ones but ultimately the insulting suggestion that I had constructed this dirty glass fantasy left me entirely peeved and ultimately disgruntled that this restaurant frankly didn't seem to care.

What a great place for amazingly fresh seafood. So many great choices on the menu. The food is very well-presented and so flavourful. We had the chilli prawns, the champagne scallops, the white bait fritters and the bay bugs. Highly recommend all of them. Also very friendly staff and excellent service.

One of the best western style seafood restaurants i have tasted. I think the chef is very good at preparing their fish dishes. Especially the fish of the day.<br/>Never been disappointed. The service is bit unique character. My only complain is the house bread.

Will come back for:<br/>+ Linguini of fresh seafood<br/><br/>This place was a revelation. Came here for a bite of lunch and was greeted with great service, great food in a nice cosy spot with a fire going in a cold winter day. The linguini of seafood was exceptional. All the seafood that I had on my plate was well cooked, the linguini al dente and the generous sauce tasty. This is now my favourite spot for a nice lunch in this area and we will certainly be back to try some of the other seafood dishes.

Been to this Gastro pub three times now. Seafood is their main fare and never disappoints. Always fresh and deliciously cooked and served. Fantastic wine list and beers. Great place for a long lunch.

Wow what a lovely atmosphere with a crackling fireplace, just around the corner from tram 109 a sensational wine list that doesn’t break the bank and divine Moreton bugs and Tasmanian lobster! A very boisterous group nearby only drawback, but they like us were really enjoying everything!<br/>

What a fabulous dining experience this was today. The atmosphere was very pleasant. The staff were fabulous. Friendly, attentive and accommodating. Could not fault them. The food was superb. I loved the Moreton Bay Bugs, the Prawns, the Scallops. Heaven in and on the shell. The Whiting was nothing short of sensational. The best I have ever tasted. I loved everything about these culinary delights.

Fantastic seafood at a restaurant with great service and wonderful atmosphere. Wish I’d discovered this earlier! Will be coming back many times for sure. What a great local Port Melbourne gem

Enjoyed a meal here for a business lunch recently at the hosts suggestion and was very pleasantly surprised .<br/><br/>The ex hotel had been kept as a typical early hotel with the traditional timber bar and almost casual decor , but don't be fouled by appearances as this establishment serves seriously good food .<br/><br/>With a predominantly Seafood menu the selection is extensive and based on the owners fishmonger experience , it's freshly selected daily .<br/><br/>We tried the Oysters , Calamari , Bugs , John Dory and lightly egg washed Whiting and all were excellent . <br/><br/>An excellent wine selection and good coffee topped off a very pleasant lunch .<br/><br/>This is a restaurant that seafood lovers must try ......... enjoy !!

<br/><br/><br/><br/>Firstly, every dish was fabulous. One of the best seafood restaurants in Melbourne. The fish was fresh and the spices used to marinate the fish just came together perfectly. The service was fantastic, such a warm feel to this place. I'll be back soon :)

Visited on a Saturday night to celebrate our Olivia's success at her piano recital earlier that evening. Glad we booked a superb table downstairs in the corner of main dine area, as place was packed. Our food and service were both superb...right down to the three childrens grilled king george whiting as the kids meals. Wine list good, prices on the upper ends of the cost scale...but worth it for special occassion. Note - crowd tends to be loud and cashed up, self funded retiree types, apart from cute young couple that fried at the table by the fire!<br/>

Food: By far the chilli prawns are my favourite and keep me coming back time and time again. A close second is the calamari salad. Everything is fresh and the servings generous in my experience.<br/><br/>Service: The staff are fantastic and very knowledgeable of their food and wines. I am very fussy with fish and have never received a bad recommendation of fish or suggested cooking method(this can turn brilliant fish mediocre). On weekends service can be a touch slow but a busy restaurant will always attract longer times then during quieter times.<br/><br/>Ambiance: The restaurant is definitely old worldly but I wouldn't say dated. The fireplace in the main dining area is really cosy and makes you feel at home. I personally enjoy sitting at the bar and watching the staff buzz around but the restaurant is more suited for more than a few drinks and a graze. This is not a place to be 'seen' but it is a nook where I can disappear from the world and enjoy my meal.<br/><br/>Summary: This is one of my favourite creature comforts when I want reliable & consistent quality seafood.

Another wonderful surprise! We went here for dinner with quite a big group and the staff couldn't have been more accomodating! We were blown away by the amazing food, wine and service! <br/>The seafood pasta reminded us so much of being up in QLD, by far some of the best seafood I've had since being here! <br/>Will definitely be back!

Best pub in Port Melbourne. Caught up with mates for dinner and what a feast. Great wine. Cold beer. Best fish selection. Chilli prawns and Morton bay bugs are the bomb. Great service with knowledgeable staff. Hot waitress with tight leather skirt. What more can you ask from a quiet corner pub? Cheers John Rubira. Keep up the good work. Will definitely be back.

Very disappointing. Came here because my dad booked it claiming he has been here before and it had the best seafood. It's a dingy old pub, decor is so outdated and the service was average at best. Our waitress had an attitude and took 10 minutes to give us a menu which we had to ask for. She was actually eating during service which is really bad. The food was not good. The entrees were very average, the school prawn fritter was actually just an omelette, couldn't taste the prawns at all. The garlic prawns were ok as were the chilli prawns which was the best thing I ate all night. The mains were very underwhelming. I shared what I thought was going to be veal with prosciutto and buffalo mozzarella but which actually turned out to be a standard veal Parma and a very simplistic seafood linguini. Just all sub par, heavy and lacking in flavour. Didn't even bother with dessert. Super overpriced for the poor quality of food and lack of creativity in the flavours and plating of the dishes. Definitely a place for older people to dine who want very old school simple food and a very rustic ambience. Not for the Melbourne foodie.

The food is actually really really good. All the entrees were really good. Their signature dish is the chilli prawns and they are something else. The fish was pan fried and with Cajun rub, it had great flavour and was cooked perfectly. The service isn't the best but the food made up for it.

One of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. The dingy pub vibe paired with the overpriced seafood is a hit and miss. I usually don't mind paying a good amount for good seafood but not when the quality doesn't match the price. The entrées took 40 minutes to arrive and we struggled to find someone to serve us when needed. One of the entrées was taken off the bill to make up for it but was still an overall bad experience. Would not recommend at all.

Found this place by accident and jeez i'm glad i did!<br/><br/>How long has this place been here ? the deco is old but don't let that misguide you as the food is out of this world.<br/>The Restaurateur John knows his stuff, he said he buys all his produce fresh on most mornings and you can definitely tell, everything was so fresh.<br/><br/>John suggested getting a platter to try all what was to offer, i'm glad we did as there wasn't one bad dish, the calamari melted in your mouth, the eggwash flathead was the best iv'e ever had and the honey bug's tails and the chilli prawns were my favourites, we even ordered more chilli prawns because they were that good.<br/><br/>The ambience was great and a lot of sports talking flying around which was great.<br/><br/>The wine list is phenomenal and very fairly priced.<br/><br/>I cannot speak more highly of this little gem of a Restaurant, i'm going back very soon.

Beautiful seafood and great service The atmosphere is relaxed Chilli Prawns are a must and also the Moreton bay bug tails Every time I go there I seem to just order of the entree menu which is suffice

Just YUM!! Best Oysters in Melbourne, Serving Sizes are Large and Prices for the food that you are eating is great! I have been to both Port Melbourne location and North Melbourne location, both are just as good as each other! Service was so friendly and helpful. Didn't feel rushed and walked out with a very full belly! Definitely recommend Rubiras if you are a Seafood Lover! :)

So impressed! Food was absolutely delicious, the staff were so lovely and professional and the service was very efficient. The seafood was fresh and cooked magnificently. Will definitely be back soon!

The food here is by far the most amazing seafood in Melbourne! The staff are really well trained and so polite. Rachel often serves us and is so sweet. She also gives great advice on the menu items.<br/>I highly recommended this place to any seafood lovers! <br/>The restaurant itself is very pub-esque, it's not a fancy pants venue, but still has a great ambiance. <br/>The only thing to be aware of is that the food is served slowly to allow customers time to enjoy and chat. So if you are in a rush, be sure to let the wait staff know so they can speed up your order. <br/>TRY THIS AMAZING PLACE, you won't be disappointed!

What a hidden gem! Amazing seafood. The chilli prawns were absolutely top notch. Prices as expected for quality seafood. Will be coming back for sure! They also have a pretty good selection of paddock options for non seafood lovers.

Great place if you enjoy seafood.   Quality fresh food.  Our waiter was excellent too, he gave us plenty of suggestions.  Very unassuming from the outside but definitely worth a visit!

Went there yesterday and had their amazing seafood tapas. It was the first time I'd ever tasted champagne oysters and barramundi wraps. Service was attentive and pricing overall was reasonable. House riesling was a really nice drop. Really enjoyed lunch there. Friday lunch was virtually jam-packed. Looking forward to visiting the North Melbourne restaurant as well.

Was never much of a seafood fan until now.  Have been to Rubiras probably 10 times in the last 2 years.  Love the place, the vibe, the food everything.  Service is excellent, wine list is not to bad either.  Love all the different ways the shell fish, etc can be cooked.  Nothing better than a lazy all arvo grazing lunch.  Took half a point of my rating, only due to price, bloody expensive

John Rubira clearly is the king of seafood<br/>Ask for johns recommendations and you'll be treated to oysters 3 ways, barramundi spring rolls, bug tails, baked champagne scallops to die for, squid and chilli prawns. Best to wash down with a vast selection of whites and finish with a seasonal fish in the egg wash

Wonderful restaurant. Cozy surroundings and fireplace adds a nice touch in winter. The fish here is delicious and you get to choose the fish you want and the style you wish it to be cooked in. Then come the chips. OMG. They are so crunchy and yummy. The sides are also interesting. Love this restaurant. We have brought several friends here and everyone agrees it's a winner. The staff are always delightful too. Good work guys.

The best experience. Stunning food and the friendliest customer service. The waitress was so helpful and friendly without being overbearing. Explained portion sizes and recommended how much to order to make the meal perfect. Freshest oysters I've had in Melbourne so far. Can't score highly enough.<br/><br/>

Best seafood linguini ever ! All dishes were excellent and generous servings. The only thing taking the gloss off the night was our waitress Rachel who had an attitude with us from the moment we walked in and asked if there was another table not next to the toilet ( which there was ) !<br/>

Been here three times all with a large group of people and not one person has had something bad to say about this place. It's pricey in comparison to surrounding places but oh so worth every dollar!

Cannot believe we live around the corner & haven't been before tonight ....amazing !!! The chili prawns a must !

Mother's day lunch 2015. First impression was are we dining at the local pub. Walked in and despite restaurant being empty bar two tables we were seated next to the toilet. When we requested if we could be moved to another table we were told the restaurant was fully booked and they couldn't. When I commented I really hate sitting next to toilet, the flippant comment from the waitress was everyone hates sitting next to toilet. That comment really made my Mother's Day! We did eventually got moved a small table upstairs. <br/><br/>Our waiter kept repeating the if we wanted to get courses we wanted we should order up quick. Set menu for Mother's Day at $80 per head plus drinks I thought was the idea behind making sure everyone got what they wanted. Entrees arrived two at time for our table of four. Waiter kept repeating that the kitchen was slammed as they were fully booked, maybe don't book out the restaurant if the kitchen can't cope. The oyster entre we asked for the trio and got natural. When the right meal finally arrived a large chunk of shell had slipped underneath oyster and I nearly gagged on it! Lucky it was myself rather my 13 year old daughter who wanted to try this dish ended up with this. Pointed this out to our waiter but no apology! The salt and pepper prawn I order from the set menu was not availbe (waiter mumbled something about forgett get prawns) and the substitute bug tails were like a cheap and nasty version of honey lemon chicken. The seafood chowder had such strong taste of smoked fish it was qite unpleasant to the palate! The main and desserts were reasonable and only pleasant surprise was the kids meals were at a discounted price of $50 dollars which we weren't expecting to get.

Went for lunch today, just had drinks and they kept bringing all the entre type dishes which were all very tasty, all involved seafood of some sort, was too full to even think about mains, which is the 2nd time that happened there!! Very nice place, service & food excellent.

Best seaford. Had lunch at Rubiras wed 25th feb . Haven't been there for awhile and great to see nothing has changed. Our chilli prawns, barramundi springs rolls and grilled whiting was fantastic and carnt wait to go back. Thanks to our waitress Sue for your great service.

Driven past many times & had the pleasure of going to dinner there last night.<br/>Fantastic young guy was our main waiter & other waiting staff were all excellent.<br/>Loved the selection of beers on tap.<br/>And finally the seafood was exceptional---as a fisherman we eat lots of fresh fish & the chef pushed the flavours out of every dish.<br/>Loved the spicy bugs, awesome oysters, prawns, calamari & the list went on.<br/>Great night had by all.

Rubiros for something special. Terrific place to eat fresh tantalising seafood, we enjoyed oysters done four ways, followed by champagne scallops (my favourite), barramundi spring rolls (delicious), we then had super fresh lightly battered calamari soft and succulent, finally followed by the house special of chilli prawns, which were totally fat and scrumptious eating! Very accommodating owners who gave us a truly memorable dining experience!

Excellent Sunday Lunch. The food and service here is excellent.The staff is efficient without being intrusive and they show a fine understanding of the dishes and specials on offer. We sampled three entrees between four people and all at the recommendation of our waiter. The fish was fresh and the servings were generous. The dining area is warm, and although there were several people there, it was neither noisy, nor uncomfortable - and there was no issue with parking. We will definitely return.

Saturday 3 fish mungers. Had the best seafood thanks John on our table we had 135 years of fish experience on the table thunb up cheers

Rubbish. Foods expensive not worth a cracker wont be back again. waiters are not efficient at all does the disappearing act no where to be found. just trying hard to be 5 star style at a corner pub .

Best Seafood in Melbourne. Went to the new Rubiras in North Melbourne and the food was sensational. Service was exceptional and the atmosphere was lovely.<br/>Would highly recommend this to anyone. Definitely go again, nice to have a restaurant of this quality local.

FRESHEST AND BEST QUALITY. Been there quite a few times and never once disappointed. Rubira's in Port Melbourne is brilliant, the food always exceptional and staff so friendly and professional. Found out the other night a second Rubira's is now open in North Melbourne so can't wait to get over there to give it a try.

Don't judge a book by its cover!. Rubieras looks like an ordinary pub from the front, but don't let that fool you! Had a fantastic dinner here this weekend. The seafood was sensational, we tried many of the entrees as well as the main fish platters, garlic morton bay bugs and a couple of desserts - everything was divine. Really great friendly service too. Highly recommend.

Really disappointed! We do.... Really disappointed! <br/>We don't mind spending big $ on a meal.. But the salt and pepper prawns were peppered to the point that it overpowered the taste of the prawn, leaving a burning sensation . <br/>The whiting was overcooked and so dry , I've had better from my local fish n chip shop ! The service and decor was good but wouldn't go back for those prices and lack of quality!

Best seafood in port Melbourne. We walk out happy everytime we dine here. Service is always excellent.

From the outside you wouldn't realise what a lovely restaurants this is!<br/>Absolutely delicious oysters! Steak cooked to medium perfection and the fish was fresh and plentiful. <br/>Staff extremely helpful and accommodating. My only criticism would be no paper menus. I had to peer over someone's table to read the board. <br/>I will go back though!

Wonderful and fresh. Enjoyed a great night here, food was delicious and service was very good. We had the chilli tiger prawns, the scallops, oysters, seafood linguine and Morton bay bugs - to die for. Dessert was the cheesecake which was ok. Highly recommend

First Class!. Had a beautiful lunch at Rubiras. Ordered the John Dory and King George Whiting. Fish was amazingly fresh and tasty. Staff were attentive and polite. Will definately be back!

Enjoyed a great meal here the other night! <br/>Service was great and friendly!<br/>Best calamari! Few things that I would miss in future such as the dumplings ect! <br/>But in general , and all round great meal !

We had a lovely meal of oyster shooters, good old fashioned prawn cocktail, flathead with hand cut chips and the spinach salad. It was all lovely, although personally I wasn't too keen on the salad dressing but that's a personal preference thing. The barman made lovely gin and tonics too. The live jazz band was cool too.

Great seafood!!. The venue isn't much to look at but clean and a bit of character. The seafood was amazing and would certainly recommend to friends and return myself.

Best seafood place in Melbourne. If any one ever asks me where to go for good seafood, I tell them this place. <br/>I love it!<br/>The seafood is so fresh, the staff are really great and it has a really relaxed, casual atmosphere while still keeping its charm.

I love this place.

Mum and i went there today for an early mothers day lunch,we had the fish it was cooked just right a little bit over priced for fish n chips but everything we had was lovely will go back again .

Best fish i've ever had - japanese crumbed blue cod - try it. Bit pricey but great

Yum. I live around the corner and have gone past nearly every day. However I've never gone in until someone told me about it; apparently it's well known! The staff were great; really good service with really good attitude. The food was easily the best in Port Melbourne, in fact the best seafood I have had, similar standard to Jellyfish in Brisbane. Everything was beautifully cooked and presented. It's above average price but worth it. It just means I won't go weekly!

Nice Food. Very enjoyable night with friends, good and friendly service, a little on the expensive side for what is really a pub with tablecloths but food is good all the same. Duck was lovely and moist, desert fantastic

Don't judge a book by it's cover - not the prettiest from the outside but this place is a gem - great seafood, pleasant service and a small but good quality wine list - thanks for a wonderful evening!

Oh my what a wonderful surprise. I've often driven past this place but never thought to pop in for a meal as it looks like your typical local. Thanks to a work lunch I have now discovered my own local. To keep it simple, the best tasting seafood I have had in years. Each item tasted on the menu was better than the last and the venue was packed. What a hidden gem. But don't I feel silly, apparently many people know about this place. I'm now just one of many fans and take all my out of town guests there to be blown away with a tastebud party.

Always Superb. Have been to Rubiras many times and is without doubt Melbourne's best seafood restaurant.

Great seafood. Amazing seafood marinara! Best I have ever had I reckon. Plus nice staff and cute pub.

Still the Best. Rubiras is still the best Seafood in Australia. Doesn't matter where he operates from. Service is always first class. Nice professional atmosphere. Great wine selection. Food is expensive but good value once you start tasting the seafood. Take your Credit Card, get grazing through the plates and enjoy. You wont have any regrets.

Rybiras at Swallows. Possibly the best seafood that I've ever had. Sensational calemari and big meaty fresh snapper. Also a fantastic Rack of Lamb. Tender, tasty, perfectly cooked and a great red wine sauce.

You want seafood - then this is the place for you. Don't go here for a trendy setup, just awesome seafood at great prices and healthy meal sizes. This place lets the food do the talking. The bugs need to be ordered. Awesome

We stumbled across this place after a two hour walk of a weekend. They were more than accommodating of us in our trainers and baseball caps, despite the white linen tablecloths. We asked them to 'surprise us' and they certainly did, bringing plate after plate of amazing, fresh seafood. The seafood linguine with chilli is an absolute must, as is the seafood chowder. We're now regulars and I can say the only disappointment is they sometimes run out of a collection of favorites on the menu.

Lunch Club attended Rubira's on 25/11/2011. The experience was good but not great. The service was good and friendly. The meals were reasonable. The entrees platter was good but the mains were average at best. The bill definitely did not represent the quality of the experience and would not go back in any great hurry ( not to say I would never go again ).

Hasn't put a foot wrong. We have been here around 8 times and I am yet to have a bad experience. Food is amazing, the chili prawns are a must as a starter. Beef and fish is always A-grade. Staff are friendly, accomodating and honest. Often I will order my food and wine based on what ever the waiter has suggested and they are yet to put foot wrong. The general crowd is a good 30 years older than my partner and I but the place is always pumping which adds great ambience to the classy pub interiror. I would recommend this place to anyone.

This is a great spot for a classy weekday lunch. They specialise in seafood and they do it very well. It was nearly full on a Thursday for lunch and the staff and service are top notch. For entree we had salt and pepper prawns, calamari, chilli tiger prawns and scallops. All dishes were sensational with the scallops and tiger prawns the pick. With main course we stuck to seafood, each of us ordering a different fish. We selected harpuka, snapper, John dory and flathead. All very nice. Snapper or John dory was our pick for best meal. We had sides of thick chips and an amazing green bean, feta and almond salad. Overall great food, service and would recommend.

Quirky Bar Menu. We were just after a pub feed. Their bar menu was a little quirky and over complicated. They should focus onthe more sophisticated food in the restaurant and keep it simple in the bar. Meal was ok but nothing to write home about. Would look at again to dine in the restaurant but maybe not for a quick Friday lunch feed.

Really like the freshness of the seafood backed up by a good wine list. Great lunch location.

Unpretentious flavours. Geez - I'm glad I didn't read the bad review here before I decided to meet a couple of friends for lunch at Rubiras. We shared a cold platter and then a mixed fish platter, and everything was super fresh and tasty. They served an amazing King Island snapper that was incredible.<br/><br/>Our host suggested excellent wine to match the meal, and the staff were friendly in a warm, old-school kinda way. <br/><br/>I loved the ambiance - and the fact the whole place hasn't been forced into a taupe/beige renovation complete with quirky lighting. <br/><br/>Yep - it feels quite like 1970s Australia .... simple fresh fish served in an unpretentious pub. Bloody good.

Superb Fresh Seafood!. Last week I had the tremendous opportunity to enjoy a fantastic seafood lunch at Ruberias@Swallows, and I cannot wait to get back. Fish is served simply - pan fired, grilled, Cajun style or in a crisp light beer batter and comes with a range of accompaniments! My colleagues and I all enjoyed the quality of FRESH fish served…….it is exceptional! The menu offers a wide variety of excellent fish, also an option is their famous seafood platter, I missed it this time however I will defiantly get one next visit, I had a chat to the chap on the table next to me who shared one and he was wrapped, he could not stop raving about how good it was, lock me in for next time. An extensive wine list complements the menu and a great bar to enjoy that cleansing ale after a sumptuous meal. Great spot close to town to enjoy a great seafood meal. Do yourself a favour and get down to swallows for one of the greatest seafood experiences you will ever enjoy.

The plague, avoid, avoid, avoid this place..... A tired, old school, lame ass dump, and that's just the joint. The staff and the food are much worse. <br/>Rubbish litters the exterior of this old Port Melbourne boozer - a broken Carlton Draft "A frame", some empty tins of vegetable oil and a few scattered boxes. It's not a nice welcome. <br/>The pub itself is kind of cool. A big, island style bar is the centre of attention with an adjacent dinning room that looks nice. It's double clothed and set for entrees, mains and sports some flash Reidel glassware. <br/>We're greeted by a shady character who looks like a worn out bookie. There's no space in the dinning room but we can kick it at the bar. Sweet. The menu's on 2 massive blackboards and consists mainly of seafood (what Rubira - the owner, is renowned for). So we roll with it and order a cold seafood plate to share ($50), some flathead and salad. Sounds nice. <br/>We order a tap beer from a boring fosters selection and a glass of wine, ok now. <br/>The seafood platter is sickening. 4 oysters adorn the plate (from random locations, no one has heard of) and are disgusting. They must of been shucked over 3 days ago. A slimy texture runs off the side of it, and against my own instincts, I try it anyway. Maybe just to see how bad an oyster can be. Of course, it's gag worthy. Next is shop-bought smoked salmon with heaps of capers sprinkled over the top, some average smoked trout and some tired and dry crustaceans. Eeeewwwww. It is sickly. Shreds of brown lettuce adorn the plate and in the centre, a big pot of marie rose sauce - ala 1970. It was spritzy, slightly fermenting, just turned. Not good. <br/>Our plates are cleared and we're reset with all the care of a mechanic changing a tire, all clanking, bang and crash. <br/>The flathead arrives, it's just ok. The salad however, is laden in oil, over seasoned and has these red things that look like tomatoes and taste like flower. It must of been dressed before lunch service, a mere two hours ago. The chips have no potato inside and have such a hard crust it's hard to imagine when the oil was last changed. <br/>I pay the bill, $99, don't tip and walk out feeling sick. <br/>If you want to relive what some of Melbourne's "average" restaurant were like 40 years ago, come on down. For everyone else who has moved on in the world. Stay the hell away!

Great little restaurant that doesn't try too hard. Great menu, cosy ambience and a sense of humour to boot.