Tan T
First time dinning here. Went for a good time date night and right from the beginning it wasn’t a great start. Staff serving us was quite rude. Setting the table with anger as if someone had forced her to do it. She made faces and after she took our order she again gave that dirty look. My partner was fine with it because we came to enjoy the night but yet I was not happy for the fact we haven’t done anything wrong but were treat like that.
Food arrived and it looked amazing. To our surprise the pepperoni pizza was delicious and so was the fires. I am a big eater and I love food so normally we would order tons of food but thanks to that one server( the women in last pic) we just ended up ordering two dishes and made our way out.
Honestly food was amazing but disappointed with the service. Not saying all the staffs were bad but high time to hire people who genuinely like working in hospitality.
Wesley F
Great customer service & friendly staff here. Lamb racks were exceptional, should've ordered more!
The rest of the food was also pretty good except for the pizza - whilst the toppings and all were great, the let down was underneath the pizza, where the base was fully charred which gave the pizza a really burnt taste.
Pablo TP
Enjoyed my visit here. Good combination of location, vibe, food and service. Coffee is of the Italian darker roast style but not too strong. Recommended. Mid week experience, I'd say it gets busy on weekends.
Eat with Josephine
Ordered: Burrata, octopus, tuna crudo, lamb chops ($9pp), pappaedelle lamb ragu, aperol spritz & punchy punch.
The food here was amazing. Everything was cooked to perfection. There was no faults to the food. The service was very slow. There was barely anyone walking around inside the restaurant for me to get someones attention to take our order. Then we also ordered salami which never came but they were able to cancel it.
Alex “Alexsfoodieadventures”
So happy to have finally checked out this gorgeous gem opposite the renowned tan walking track and the botanical gardens 🪴
My friend HAD to take me here as it is one of her faves so I let her do the honours of ordering and it did not disappoint!
Started off with some frozen margs which were a 10/10 and definitely strong 🤪
We then went on to have the burrata which was fabulous!! We got the woodfired flat bread to accompany it which was soooo fluffy and so tasty! We had the calamari also which was tender and perfectly crispy and salty! My friend did say though that the serving was not as much as usual so I’ll have to come back to try again 😛
We finished off with the pepperoni pizza which had a chilli honey on it 🌶 🍯 like cmon!! How amazing! Again the pizza base was so fluffy and delicious and it was a generous size! It was definitely hot!!
The vibe was on point- we didn’t book but got a cute little table out the front of the restaurant! Service was friendly and attentive!!
5/5 🤍🪴
Nuk S
First and last visit to this restaurant. Service was bad ( 1 waitress was nice) sat down and gave me dirty glass. When I called to mention about the dirty glass, the lady look annoyed. My plate is dirty but didnt bother to mention it again. Order frozen margarita ( taste good but the lime garnish is so old, the lime is all yellow on the edges.. pretty disgusting) the food was not great at all. Its dinner menu, ordered Tuna Crudo ( was just ok) spaghetti vongole ( bland, didnt smell right) Tuna Nicoise ( was ok) french fries ( its massive serving but not crunchy ). Music so loud. Overall was not a pleasant experience. The staff busy with talking to themselves rather focus on customer’s need.
J. Wolf K.
Super friendly and welcoming staff, great atmosphere and service. Food and drinks are on point. Definitely recommend this place!!!
Nunzio Bagnato
This place is still under rated. One of the nicest pizza and pastas we have had in awhile. Steak florentine was brilliant! Food was flavoursome, well portioned and wine list is A+
Lewis Fletcher
Tuna salad was horrible. Expensive and horrible. Claimed to be made from Italian tuna but it tasted like home brand brown tuna, not white. A few beans were thrown in, more olives than beans. Where’s the salad? Coles would make a better one. Lacked any TLC or care from the chef. We’re in a panda sci. The chef should care. <br/>BLUH!
Lenka
<br/>https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media-releases/2020-media-releases/july-2020/20200713-gilson-restaurant-litigation-media-release<br/>
Maryke Fry
Was my lunch break so popped in for a toastie. Service was excellent and very quick. I ordered a ham, cheese and pickle toastie. Not normally what i would order at all but had to since it seems to be the quickest to made since i was in a hurry. But must say it's by far the best ham sandwich i ever had. I will defenately go back for more and highly recommend to try it. It was super fresh, warm, juicy, perfect balance of flavour. Freaking delicious!!!!
Elinor Clifton
I simply got breath takingly poor service: unobservant, lack lustre, unhelpful. My 'golden late' was watery, the serving staff dozy. There is a sense that this place was once really great, but clearly those times have passed. The menus were stained, a fly was trapped in the pastry display case. It was not busy, but I waited a long time to pay as a staff member looked after a lady in front of me. When it came my turn to pay he sauntered off wordlessly! I had the exact change in my hand, he had taken my order himself and could have quickly completed the transaction, instead he wandered off purposelessly, without explanation, leaving me standing there. Fed up I attempted to leave my exact change with the barman, explaining I had been waiting some time and had to go. He was unapologetic and rather than address the situation, (he was not busy) he directed me back to the unattended register 2 metres away. Disturbed by the general lack of care I left the money on the bench and left with him calling after me as if I were a criminal!!<br/><br/>Trust me there are far, far better places to patronise.
Ruth Grant
Recently had dinner here for a family birthday. The figs, prosciutto and mozzarella sharing starter was delicious and the pepperoni pizza to die for! We found service to be excellent - attentive but not obtrusive. Will definitely be back.
Beeline Design
The pizza here is excellent, really easy place to bring kids. Have found our new local
Simmyeats.Melb
3.5<br/><br/>My friend and I ate here recently, I have to agree that the service was pretty slow. I think having 1 extra person on the floor would help relieve some of the pressure for the other wait staff as they are very run off their feet.<br/><br/>Our spritz's were very tasty and we shared the prawn pizza. The pizza was cooked well, however I don't know the prawns were cut in little pieces, was a little strange. The coffee was good. <br/><br/>We had a great time and overall the restaurant was a pleasant experience.
Isabelle Scharp
Awful experience here.<br/>Myself & two other friends came for breakfast on Saturday the 16th Nov. We sat inside by the window & within a few minutes the waitress dropped off the menus. <br/>She came back about 5 minutes late to take our order, but rather than asking us what we would like she stood there with her pad & paper and stared at us.<br/>We ordered. She didn’t say a word. <br/>When she left my friend noted ‘I always feel like an intruder here.’<br/>About 20 minutes later my breakfast came out - poached eggs on toast with a side of mushrooms. But... no mushrooms. <br/>As she placed it down I asked where the mushrooms were and she rolled her eyes. About 8 minutes later, half way through my meal, the mushrooms come to the table MICROWAVED. No butter, no herbs, no salt. Plain mushrooms in a dish. I asked her when she put them down if I could please have some butter & she rolled her eyes again! <br/>She never came to clear our plates despite us staying for at least an hour after we had finished eating.<br/>When I went up to pay I made a complaint & the response was ‘oh we’re sorry about that.’ Sorry? <br/>Rather than actually fixing the problem & asking which waitress it was they charge me full price & say ‘sorry.’ <br/>Not good enough Gilson.<br/>For your record - the girl who ‘served’ us has a bull nose ring & a tattoo of a heart on her left upper arm. I suggest you give her a warning or fire her. <br/>I won’t be back.
Adriana Santoro
Went for a Sunday brunch and the table on arrival was dirty and we weren’t given a menu till we’d been seated for about 10 mins. After this though, the service got better and the food came out quickly. I had the avocado bruschetta which was very plain paired with the banana smoothie which was delicious!
FoodieInMel
Been here couple of times, the only thing I like is the location of the place, in front of botanical garden. I usually just have some drinks with friends, tried the menu a few times, and all quite disappointed, and a bit overpriced, and the service were quite slow.
Malcolm Peou
Originally this place wasn't our choice for the night (was planning to go to the Botanical a few doors down Domain Rd but had a change of mind) but in my opinion, this place certainly does not reflect / deserve the poor rating it has on here.<br/><br/>My verdict..<br/><br/>Ambience - 4/5<br/>Service from our Waiter - 5/5 (excellent)<br/>Food - 4/5<br/>Pricing - 4/5<br/><br/>Overall - 4/5<br/><br/>I've read some reviews and they all seem to be unanimously centred around bad service - this is certainly not what my group and I had last night, we had excellent service from our waiter.<br/><br/>Ordered some entrees (pizza / linguine) and 4 x steaks for mains, plus desserts - all were very good and came out in a reasonable time frame considering it was a full house at 7:30pm.<br/><br/>Only negative or room for improvement would be the sauce for the steak - it was a tad thin / watery for my liking however the taste was fine.<br/><br/>Presentation wise, it was fine but nothing too spectacular.<br/><br/>Will be back to try their Thursday pasta special.
Jasmine
Came across this place unexpectedly and it turn out to be fantastic! We had pizza, pasta, steak and dessert and everything was on the point (except the sauce for the steak was bit blend ) <br/><br/>Our waiter was excellent and was very attentive. <br/><br/>In summary, this place definitely was under rated and we will be back soon to try their other pasta dishes!
Jem Ryan
Pizza was good. Horrible service, overpriced. I get the feeling they sacrifice good service for getting as many people as possible in the restaurant.
Kate Dougherty
Polite and proficient service and nice view of the botanical gardens. I went for brunch and had the zucchini fritters with herbed salad, poached egg and a side of bacon. The dish was tasty however the fritters were slightly undercooked in the middle which was a shame.
Marilyn D.
The food wasn't too bad, but the service (mainly from the older staff members around - not from the young waitress) was really, really bad. Thought they might have been having a bad day last time I came, but I do think it's like that every day from the other reviews and my experience today
HospoHead
Can confirm the recent reviews - service is absolutely terrible. It wasn’t rude in my instance, as some people claim - but every single waiter that served our table either forgot something or completely messed the order up. <br/><br/>Waited 25mins for a cocktail, in a half empty restaurant, because they were ‘looking for an ingredient’ but never told us. 3 times our table was set, cleared and re-set without any food coming because none of the waiters communicate with each other.<br/><br/>The only reason it wasn’t a one star, is because the food is good. It’s your stereotypical case of the food being let down by the front of house.<br/><br/>Something needs to change rapidly.
Leanne Marie McCleary
Bad service. Rude greeting. We didn't get our table I booked a week in advance for 8 people, we had to go and eat at the restaurant next door. <br/><br/>I booked in a week in advance for 8 friends including my dog for an outside table under the shade. On arrival, 5mins early. I mention my booking. The response was, 'you'll find it hard to get a table outside'. I responded I booked a table for 8 outside a week ago using open table and noted that we would need an outside table in the shade as I will have my dog with me. The man, who I'm assuming was the manager. Said, 'well there is nothing outside now'. He then turn around and said 'you can tie your dog up over there and sit inside until something becomes available'. This was a pole in the sun and my dog doesn't like being just tied up and left. I responded, she would bark the whole time. He then reach over pushed me on my arm to the side and said 'would you let this lady through'. I turned around and said she's with us. (How rude.)<br/><br/>We walked off not wanting to eat there anymore and sat at the restaurant next door. Around half an hour later he came over to our table and asks if there was anyway to win us back he has a table out the front now. I asked if it was in the shade. He said no. I said I put in the notes on open table that I would have my dog and that we couldn't sit directly in the sun. My friends didn't want to sit directly in the sun either, it was a very hot day. He the said I didn't check the notes. My apologise. <br/><br/>I still felt that the way I was treated when I arrived was really rude it instantly brought the mood of my group of friends down. We are here to spend money on their food, which then goes to pay their wages. Not reading note's on bookings, rude greeting and putting your hands on customers pushing them aside, were has the customer service gone.<br/><br/>I've eaten at a lot of great restaurants around Melbourne with top service and great food. This type of service is unacceptable. We didn't end up eating at the other restaurant until past three o'clock as it was so busy and we didn't have a booking there. My original booking was 1:45pm. Everyone was on a downer and starving by then. <br/><br/>We won't be going back to Gilson, I wouldn't recommending it to any of my friends. On top of my bad experience. I've now read on other reviews and heard from a few friends that the foods not that great either.
Christopher Phillips
Great food but service let the evening down dropped in as we were going to the botanical gardens event and felt because we where not wearing are best clothes staff treat us as second class citizens. Working in the industry I do if we treated clients based on appearance. I wouldn’t have a job.
Valerie
One of those tucked away yet happening brunch cafes in leafy South Yarra - be sure to make a booking in advance or be ready to wait 30-45 mins for a table!<br/><br/>Both my partner and I were asked if we are able to dine for 35 minutes only since all tables have a reservation placed on them - since we were there for a meeting, we told them we prefer to wait for a table so that we can be seated longer. The waiter came across quite curt - he could have avoided phrases like "are you okay to be gone in 35 minutes if you get a table?". Anyway, I ordered the Chai Latte and my partner ordered their latte. The latte was strong and had a good kick but my Chai latte was very diluted and lukewarm - arguable one of the worst Chai Latte I've had in Melbourne cafes so far. Due to the narrow cafe size, it can get quite uncomfortable and restrictive in moving space.<br/><br/>Looking back in hindsight, Gilson doesn't warrant another visit - might be fine if you crave for a quick coffee fix otherwise; I'd recommend you take brunch vibes elsewhere to great joints in the area like Entrecote and Stables of Como.
Msyc
I’ve had breakfast at Gilson twice, once on a weekend with a big group of people and had an enjoyable experience in both occasions. Their porridge with poached pears is delicious, and the coffee consistently good. Staff are friendly and efficient. I’ll be back often!
Kim Robins
Went for lunch after visiting the botanical gardens at 1pm on a Saturday. Restaurant was half full at most, we ordered food and saw people who sat after us receiving their meals before us. Ended up waiting 40-45mins for food and which was extremely salty. The waitress did apologise for the delay but after waiting so long we just ate our food and left.
Serg
Sunday morning breakfast was out of control. 8 staff running around with little system and care for paying guests. Waited 50 minutes for scrambled eggs. Awful.
@esjaysam
Great ambience! Dined in on a Thursday night, partaking in the $25 ‘Spaghetti & Wine Special’. The food was excellent and I really liked the look and feel of the place, striking a good balance between casual and upmarket.
Amelia
Food amazing! Service brilliant!! Definitely recommend heading here for a chilled out dinner or to celebrate an occasion! Celebrated my birthday here and I felt incredibly welcome and spoilt by the staff and other guests!! Great atmosphere!
RollerPie
Loving the vibe and really friendly staffs here.<br/>Had a FW and chicken salad this afternoon.<br/>Their coffee blend comes from Seven seeds, with lovely praline, raisin and chocolate at the end. <br/>Chicken salad comes with soft shredded chicken, wombok, cucumber, dill, buckwheat and homemade green sauce. <br/>It was juicy, rich and marvelous!!<br/>Highly recommend!!<br/><br/>
Marlie Darmawan
Food was really good. Such a nice night ambiance :) prawn eggplant was amazing and pizza is really good too. Definitely would come back. Service is really good too, waiters are friendly too
Mi55Bee
Unexpected meal here at gilson, love the olives, mushroom arancini and flat bread dips. Main were delightful we ordered gnoochi, crab pasta and papadelle ragu. Dessert baba misu so good and sorbet full with balanced flavours.
Rodney - Villa D'Este
One small thing can put you off even if the menu is good. No soap, missing dispenser in Men's toilet. Hope staff have hand cleaning falcilties in kitchen.<br/>Cafe latte was bitter.
Elonie
The cafe looks really nice, with some seating area for the takeaway customers while they wait for their coffee. I ordered the fruit toast and I thought it looked a bit small for $7.50. Fortunately, it was full of fruit and nuts, quite tasty.
AJT
Gilson is one of my favourite places to eat! Whether you're after brunch, a quick bite, fancy dinner, or even a take away coffee to take on a walk around the tan - it caters for all occasions. It's been my go-to place for many celebrations this year. The delicious menu has something for everyone. Plus my experience with the staff has always been great - and I love that they always remember my daily coffee order.
Namrata
Food is very average. We ordered the smashed avocado & ate 3 mouthfuls - something just tasted off. We informed the waiter, who surprisingly tasted some of it with our used cutlery??!!! But what disappointment us was that they still charged us for it. We appreciate they still went to the effort of making it etc, but just thought the appropriate gesture would have been to take it off the bill considering we didn't eat it & it tasted wrong.
Simon Sharp
I came here with a friend for dinner on a miserable Tuesday night and it was great! Lovely staff, toasty dining room and great food (we shared a pizzetta, octopus and chicken). Would definitely go back!
Ben Squires
I've had a few great breakfasts here and the eggs Benedict is the best going around, house made english muffins are next level! Great service and relaxed atmosphere.
Pat
I have been here a handful of times recently and absolutely love it. The food is seriously delicious, the new menu with its Italian influence is really good and the service warm and inviting. I don't know why the service gets a bad wrap, we've always had a pleasant experience, it's casual and relaxed. The fit out is a massive improvement since the last business that operated here. Have been in with family and with friends and we've always had a good time. I constantly crave the potato focaccia with straciatella. I could eat it everyday!
Mistermister
What a joke of a restaurant. Service should be key. They would rather clear tables when it is only 1/5 full than seat you. Ridiculous. This place won't last long.
CLABEL
The place is not too big and not as crowded as I went here on Monday morning. Tried their green shaksouka which is not bad. I don't feel it's much different though from the normal tomato based shaksouka. The only different is it's from greens. The eggs benedict was also normal, it's alright but doesn't have that wow factor (but the size is pretty big). Then the crumpets were different from the one that I usually have. This one is more like bread, which is denser and so buttery. Overall, it's not bad, everything was cooked perfectly but the menu could be more explored and exciting.
The Pasta Master
Personally I don't see why the ratings are so bad for this place. <br/><br/>Ever since Gilson opened I have frequented here, as I am a local and it is a great place to come for a casual breakfast/lunch/dinner and we often take friends here when they come to stay. <br/><br/>The menu is a good variety without being overwhelming. Modern European flavours presented and a clean and cool environment. It also regularly changes, making for a pleasant surprise every time I visit. <br/><br/>One of the best gnocchis I've ever eaten was here, and the rest of the menu never disappoints. A wonderful roast chicken to great pizzas to minestrone soup, Gilson has never disappointed me. <br/><br/>The staff are great, always friendly and willing to help. <br/><br/>Gilson is a great restaurant, and provides a solid meal every visit. I look forward to my many visits in the future.
Rachel
One of the worst meals I've ever eaten. The 'half' a chicken was more like a breast chopped in half again. For a 'large' plate it was barely enough food for one person. It was presented on top of a pool of "green goddess" dressing which ruined the whole chicken. I also ordered the cauliflower greens dish. Cauliflower tasted like it was fried in two week old oil. Not impressed. Staff were okay. Definitely not returning.
David Food Leasing
DO: The steak and egg for brunch. Sounds heavy but it isn't since it's quite a petite size. <br/><br/>DON'T: Want too heavy? Then have the green baked eggs. <br/><br/>TIP: Do a run of the Tan beforehand to work up an appetite and smash these goodies down with no regret. Coffees are good too.
Evangeline M
We love this place! We always make sure we stop in for a coffee after the Tan. Great coffee and terrific service. The staff (like Ash) are really friendly and always smiling. Keep up the good work!
Torilevet
Walked past the Gilson yesterday morning and stopped in for a coffee before work. Staff were very attentive and friendly. Coffee was great with a cool atmosphere, will definitely be back again for breakfast or dinner 💃🏼
Nic
Been popping in lately for coffee or Friday drinks. Staff are always attentive, fun and remember a face. Some solid beers on tap and a ripper wine list. Great vibe and location!
James Kniveton
Gilson's provides a next level dining experience, from the mature well composed menu balancing classic tastes with modern inventive ideas to the luxurious coffee by Melbourne's top level talent. Combined with this enviable location and perfect service we had one of our best ever dining experiences.
Anthea Robins
Actually such terrible coffee, I have been going to Gilson every now and then since it opened hoping that it would improve. They curdle soy milk, the coffee is either too hot or too cold and extremely bitter! The baristas also seem to be ok sending out coffee to customers that just looks like scrambled eggs in a cup. The layout of the space doesn't work and you will feel like you're in everyone's way. I think the staff are rude but I also think that's because the south Yarra/domain clientele are totally disgusting in their manners and behaviour too so it rubs off.
Lyndal Barrington
Smallest cup of coffee ever and was lukewarm. We were given menus and no one came back to take our order. If it was busy that would be forgiven but there were only about 3 people there. Not much on menu appealed to us for a quick snack
Annelie Reithinger
Walking into Gilson last night we were welcomed warmly bei the friendly staff, the decor of the dining room is very stylish and makes you feel comfortable, the whole atmosphere was beautiful. As an entre we had potato focaccia, stracciatella with green onion oil and cured ocean trout with kohlrabi and horseradish. As I main I had Pumpkin & ricotta ravioli with brown butter dressing which was outstanding and we topped it of with a Rum Baba, crème diploma desert. I can only say, I will be back soon to try the other dishes, more delicious wine and cocktails. We had a fantastic evening and can only recommend going to Gilson.
Peter789
Used to be an awesome place to come for the past year. A great local. Now...service is terrible, menu is limited and the pizza oven is there but not used. Well apparently it is but only for vegetables. How disappointing. Bring back the pizzas and good staff.
Nicholas Ryan Theodossi
I don't do many reviews but this place is a must. My family and I have eating at the gilson on several occasions and had nothing but fantastic service and great food. It's a must
Wozcor
Music is out of whack & doesn't suit the ambience. 60's rock not working for us with aucoustics not ideal. When you refresh a drink try a new glass. Also, when you top up sparkling water, don't top up with tap water. Just sayin'
Ashanie Mekhala Perera
I dined at Gilson as part of a large group and was disappointed with most aspects of my experience, except for the wine.<br/><br/>I ordered a $30 'large' plate of gnocchi with pork and fennel sausage, only to be given a handful of gnocchi, and about 4 small bits of sausage. I don't mind small portions if the food itself is amazing, but unfortunately this wasn't the case. The only saving grace for this dish was that the gnocchi was soft. It lacked in portion size and, more importantly, flavour. Service was okay - there was a really nice female server, and a really uptight male server. The guy was just obnoxious and rude at times, as though it was a hassle that we happened to be there.
Dean G
I have been now to Gilson twice, once for breakfast and once for dinner. I arrived just before 12 and wasn't able to order off the breakfast menu. I was not impressed with how the kitchen closes to change over from the breakfast menu to the lunch menu. Being a frequent foodie and not being able to have something on the menu wasn't a great experience. The second time I visited the venue I went with a friend and had dinner. Both meals where very average, the pizza was burnt and my prawn salad was not pleasant. I am all for paying for something when the quality is right. Paying almost $25.00 for a salad that lacked any flavour and having rock hard croutons that where almost impossible to eat. I polity gave my feedback when asked by the waiter and after already a mix up in the drinks I was not acknowledged at all. I don't expect anything for free but don't ask for feedback and then not one offer if I would like something else or even apply a discount to a unhappy customer. The venue itself was nice and being a not so busy night I would expect the food not to be rushed out when the quality was not up to standards. I won't be a returning customer.
Sebastian55
This cafe is very appealing.<br/>Clean , simple & minimal ambience with very attentive staff. <br/><br/>Big problem is... coffee is up and down. Food is inconsistent. Last week I had the bruschetta and this week I tried it again only to find it come served on a smaller plate, much smaller bread and over killed by mixed salad that was thrown all over the plate.<br/>This dish wasn't worth $5 and looked like something I wouldn't serve my dog for breakfast. <br/>Being in south Yarra I'm not sure how they are getting away with this, but then again the clientele they get seem very uneducated towards the cafe industry and standards. <br/><br/>Coffee $4.2 and being seven seeds " not the greatest specialty coffee around" I just can't comprehend how any cafe in this city can attempt to charge more than $4. <br/><br/>Very inconsistent presentation , latte art poor!<br/><br/>This goes to show if you spend money on your fit-out and make it appealing enough with a clean, fresh contemporary ambience in the right area, you can quite possibly get away with expensive and average dishes with poor coffee.
Kay Fraser
So many things wrong with the service, there isn't any. I was ignored for the second time, no eye contact, table not cleared, no water or menu. Owner was sitting next to me watching as i was being ignored. As I left I asked the owner why I was invisible. All he said was sorry. I left and went to Entrecôte where the service is impeccable. I eat out every day mainly in South Yarra. Won't go back to Gilson.
Lee
Beautiful food, beautiful fit out, beautiful service! Been a few times and it's great for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or for an afternoon drink in the sunshine!
PHOEBE Murray
Great location and the service is amazing, with super friendly staff. The food is slightly overpriced for what it is. I have been quite a few times once, ordering a chicken salad with raw chicken. Another time I ordered a take-away soy latte, in which the milk had been over-cooked and lumpy. It is a shame that such simple things are ruining such a great cafe location and ambience.
Eat Eat Eat
I finally made it down to Gilson for lunch yesterday. There was a great buzz about the place with a friendly warm welcome from a young man in an apron at the door. <br/><br/>Sat outside as it was a gorgeous warm day in Melbourne. Sitting right opposite the Royal Botanical Gardens who could ask for a better view.. <br/><br/>Service was swift, prompt and attentive. I felt like a good old chicken sandwich and it was spot on with crisp, perfectly salted fries. (You get to choose, salad or fries with your sandwich). Washed down with an ice cold Mountain Goat Steam Ale. <br/><br/>I had plenty of time to snap up a delicious plump custard filled bomboloni and enjoy a coffee before heading on with my day. A pleasant experience; from beginning to end.<br/><br/>Well Done Gilson; I'll definitely be back.
Food Jerk
PLEASE DO NOT GO THERE. <br/><br/>Dear management,<br/><br/>Your waitresses are hopeless. Why are you still paying them to work? They obviously don't want to be there. I've been there twice won't go back again. Terrible service. No sense of urgency. They just walk past you and don't even smile or give you a menu. How am I supposed to know what's in the menu? <br/><br/>Remember this the customers are paying for your wages and bills. If you don't get enough customers through your door and your business will close down. Not rocket science. Sorry to be a jerk. I say things how it is. There are so many potential to make lots of money due to an excellent location. The people in South Yarra are willing to tip and spend money as long as the team are willing to serve the customers with passion, smile and friendliness. <br/>
Zero90
Loved everthing about it. From the bistro food, from the well designed room and neighborhood formal service. Really think this place is somewhere special.
John
If you want a coffee to go best to go to the 7/11 on the corner. <br/><br/>Staff are beyond incompetent, no warmth or care. No idea who is managing this disaster but they need to get their S&@! together. Why spend money on a beautiful fit out and then not have a skill behind it to back it up?<br/><br/>I left after half an hour of watching people next to me being served their coffee ahead of mine and no one taking my food order. <br/><br/>Currently enjoying a minute steak and chardonnay at The Botenical next door, while watching the staff at The Gilson continue to ignore their guest and having little chats.<br/><br/>Happy Monday.
Lewis Freiberg
Lovely interior however it didn't distract us long enough. Our peruse of the menu came up short with fairly standard brunch staples. Disappointed given the hype.<br/><br/>After ordering we waited 40 minutes for our food. Mind you it was 11 on a Sunday. Our fault but for standard food we expected more. The food was adequate, and my avocado was not nearly ripe enough. To their credit it was instantly remedied.<br/><br/>Great location, but nothing to write home about.
Aliisa Paasio
For those who enjoy style, class & world experience<br/><br/>Then as trump would say:<br/> <br/>- fake food, <br/>- fake french <br/>- fake fanfare<br/><br/>Now that is real news.<br/><br/>Bitter coffee, non-attentive staff <br/>and it comes across as a big shame for this place.<br/><br/>Is there hope on the horizon? <br/><br/>Yes, when owners <br/>listen to customers. Less pomp more <br/>wholesomeness. <br/>Then customers gain the most wondrous things.
Ramieleatsshootsandleaves
The places around this area has somewhat let itself go when it came to consistently good coffee. But now this is my personal choice for decent coffee in a nice venue/decor that makes me feel at ease.
Carine Busson
IMAGINE the most revolting <br/>breakfast meal & silly service possible. <br/><br/>And Gilson is it. Love it or hate it perfectly…<br/><br/>You see, agree with the other reviews HERE.<br/>Because the service was horrific <br/>with food not up par as anticipated with some other amazing reviews HERE. <br/><br/>And, was charged a preposterous price. <br/><br/>Yet, the know it all waiter was happy to do nothing, however. Horrific. <br/><br/>With the long bench on the balcony you leave with a sore neck ... as you can't talk freely with your neck turning to talk always. <br/><br/>Staggering.<br/><br/>Don't be taken in with the hoopla.<br/><br/>And, feel crushed after eating here. <br/><br/>Don't become a victim of this french chic newbie mirage on the domain strip. <br/>Think it opened about just 2 months ago. <br/><br/>Of course, you can make your self informed view ... but without feeling ever dumb or fooled.
Christina Peterson
Took my Mum out for lunch followed by a walk around botanical gardens an what a delight to visit Gilson. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. We had the prawn caesar salad and a mushroom pizza, it was so delicious and the coffee too. Would definitely recommend Gilson to anyone. I can't wait to come back and try their breakfast menu soon.
Ellie Deane
Great new cafe and restaurant, big improvement on previous cafe. Great service and the food was light and different flavours. Highly recommend the mussels on toast, yummo
T
Details: amazing breakfast and healthy as well! (Apart from the Mimosas that my mum and I had but how can you blame us on our day off ;) ) <br/><br/>We had an egg white fritata with smoked salmon on the side, walnuts on it, spinach and ricotta. It was so tasty. I would definitely get another one again. Keen to try something else for breakfast as well. <br/><br/>Decor: I love the new pink theme of this restaurant! Really spices up the old domain restaurant that used to be there. (LOVED domain but have to say that this new place was better). <br/><br/>Service: Very friendly waitresses with lovely accents, really upholding the French theme! (I think it's French haha)<br/><br/>Great location (of course!)
Dennis M. Turk
We decided to explore domain road restaurants, cafes and venues in South Yarra and after having eaten here must say it is no good, poor for what you get for food, service except the scenery. We left feeling still hungry with less dollars in the wallet. Maybe it was an off day.
David Burke
i went with 3 adults, service was really good both drinks and dinner staff. The food was great. It's pretty good value for money - total cost for dinner and drinks $250.
Matilda Lord
It's no wonder. <br/><br/>With Gilson's and others approach there is need for a better way <br/>There is a perchance of epic improvement and normally you would have this at the beginning…Great service, great food, greet feel<br/>….then slowly things begin to fall-apart with complacency... yet it seems to be the other way around. The area needs a superb eating arena with more focus on good old fashioned down to earth food with no BS. Yet form your own opinion here and elsewhere
Brooke Carter
$22.60 for two large coffees is that about Gilson? Truly I'm offended ripping us coffee loving city off... Dog friendly which I liked, but the ambiance and decor doesn't feel anything like being in France. <br/>
Peter Jon
Must have got them on a bad day !!!<br/><br/>New Year's Day , we arrived just after midday after reading the recommendation from Broadsheet ??? French, Renovation & Professional owners...<br/><br/>We walked in and looked around for help or a table and managed to ask a waitress & she said they were full ??? Family behind us just walked past us all and sat at an empty dirty table !!! I asked if we could sit st the bar and that was ok. After 5-10 mins I asked for water & menus. I started to get a really bad feeling. <br/><br/>After 3 requests I finally got the menus, tried to attract a waitress, manageress or someone !!! Finally one of the owners spotted me and came to help. I asked if we could still order breakfast & got a solid 'NO' !!! We reluctantly ordered a Caesar and a ham gruyer sandwich. The staff seemed either confused or upset, a very stern manageress was strutting up & down giving instructions but absolutely no eye contact with customers. We figured they got slammed for the breakfast service. The meals arrived in ten minutes which was great. Salad was good but the sandwich was inedible with 1/2 cm of seed mustard on each slice .... after scraping it off, it was ok !!! <br/><br/>The owner returned to clear away the plates and my scrapings but no comments.<br/><br/>We tired of asking for help, and as coffee arrived, finally I walked around to the coffee machine to get my own sugar, napkins etc ??? <br/><br/>Be virtue of this amasing location, adjacent to the gardens they will probably attract their fair share of customers but really, I ask why bother when just 600m down the road you can enjoy the very professional team at Kettle Black !!!
MargaretWalsh
You see agree with other reviews here. That's right.<br/><br/>What after have eaten at this new establishment is the word poor look-a-like, and less.<br/><br/>And, I regret to say despite every effort to make look like a french experience, <br/>it fell short.<br/><br/>The interiors have no attraction or warmth, <br/>and the chairs to sit were terrible. <br/><br/>As well as the configuration meant your neck twisted <br/>when we were talking facing the park <br/><br/>Still the food was acceptable <br/>but not for the quality and at the prices paid for. <br/><br/>The former domain cafe was a real delight <br/>and this replacement does not contribute to the genuine verve of South Yarra has to offer either.
Rusty
The Summer Spritz is their take on the Aperol spritz and it's revolutionary. I've started making mine at home with grapefruit after tasting this one it's just that good. The sparkling rosè was also very nice, they have a very large, varied wine/drinks list.<br/><br/>Pizza was fantastic, tomatoes were perfectly blistered, not too greasy, crisp and slightly chewy crust. The waiter (on that note-very friendly and attentive service!) said that they have flown in a father/son duo from Italy as their pizza chefs and it shows. Didn't try the pasta but dining partner was very happy with it.<br/><br/>The venue itself is very Euro luxe, a lot of wicker and marble with a lovely alfreso area and big, open windows that give the venue a very sprawling feeling. The only downside is that aircon is essentially useless as it's very open so it was quite warm inside. (Apologies for photo quality-quite dark!)<br/><br/>Update: have since removed all elements of the pizza menu and reduced the menu, but still excellent and one of my favorites.<br/>
Hendo
Great atmosphere. Nice and bright with good morning and lunchtime natural lighting that goes through to the back tables of the restaurant. <br/>Fresh juices, excellent coffee and the best smoked salmon sandwich I've had in a long time. I'm surprised with current Zomato score and thought I should do this place justice. Definitely recommend a visit.
AbigaulW
Why should you think of eating here? <br/><br/>Today hardly anyone was here though. <br/><br/>We had a cold drink and side dish<br/><br/>Sadly, were not impressed with the food and layout. No decor change could overcome the design flaws too. <br/>As service was OK but nothing to write about.<br/><br/>Further, the 'parisian' theme also is becoming so very cliched.<br/><br/>And what few people who were here did not look like locals. <br/><br/>The view of the park is a draw card and we came for a quick bite. Hope new owners realise.
Paradise
Mid 2017 - ordered the pine mushroom ragu gnocchi. Received a creamy enoki mushroom gnocchi. It's not really the same thing and I prefer to be informed when making the order.<br/><br/>Prices have increased since the management changed. Place deserted on public holidays, probably because of the 15% surcharge.<br/><br/><br/>Earlier review:<br/>Early 2017 - We had the snapper (wonderful), gnocchi ('to die for' - mama), butter lettuce salad (great) and fresh apple juice (refreshing).<br/><br/>Outrageous drunks beside us, couldn't hear a word. Aesthetically... warmth is needed. A few unruly plants to reflect the gardens or artworks. Maybe you could hold exhibitions on your walls to give people something to look at.<br/><br/>Some kinks but lovely staff, yummy food. Must add that the hot chocolate is on the bitter side.
Clare
Did you know it took about 6 months to renovate this place? <br/><br/>Before cafe domain was here. <br/>Yet we waited patiently for new cafe that would hopefully change this area.<br/><br/>So, in truth here's what we thought after waiting for months.<br/><br/>1. Service - french speaking waitress/cum apparent manager was terse yet efficient with order<br/>2. Food delivered - my partners dish scrambled egg on time, but mine came 5 minutes later without the main ingredient. Toast only. So had to wait for another 10 minutes for the food to come. On cold toast. Total cost with 2 coffee was around $50 too. <br/>3. Space - cramped, cramped, cramped. The outdoor seating is impractical. On terrace the new seating prevents comfortable conversation because of design and on footpath the round tables almost lifted by the wind as opposed to neighbouring cafe tables which are fixed to the footpath with practical seating. <br/>4. Decor - lacks any soul. Inside is a white canvas. And the use of marble and in vogue metallic usage does not make it.<br/><br/>I am a local and believe me there is not much to offer on domain road at the moment for good no nonsense food and unpretentious service and ambience. <br/><br/>Maybe this new kid on the block can improve, address the obvious issues, then we will consider among our friends returning for a new review.
Simmop
Mesclun mix and canned tuna salad for $25. What a joke. Almost chipped a tooth on a random olive pit in the salad.<br/>Then the waitress asks us twice to leave a tip...
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