Coda has come in and set a new standard for dining out in Melbourne, with few venues being able to match the same level of service and flavours that it sets.

Website:

Coda
BOOKINGS: +613 9650 3155

Location:

141 Flinders Lane, CBD

Difficulty Finding:

- Not too hard, the entrance is on Oliver Lane; don’t get distracted by the Flinders Lane address.


This is the building on the corner of Russel and Flinders Lane, Coda is the small windows on the ground level of the cream building next door.

Summary:

- Type: Restaurant, Bar
- Food: Asian/European Restaurant
- Music: DJ
- Cover: None – Bookings essential though

Review:

In Melbourne at the moment there are a large number of bars and restaurants to choose from, which makes finding the right place to go to on a night out difficult, on top of this all too often places don’t live up to expectations. Sometimes though, there is a gem in amongst the stones that seems to hit the target spot on and go above and beyond to deliver something special. Which is exactly what Coda does.

Coda is located in Flinders Lane in a lower ground level location. The interior is very simple keeping with the basement theme with concrete walls and steel racks, however in amongst it all it is not a cold harsh interior. This is mostly due to the central bar backing onto the kitchen which is open and exposed for all to see, this allows the warm lighting for the area to spill into the rest of the venue and also exposes the heart of the restaurant for all to see.

The menu at Coda is influenced by a mix of Asian and European themes and the result is some stunning flavours. It offers both individual meals as well as meals to share amongst groups. If in doubt, ask the staff for a selection of dishes off the menu, which in the end proves to be the best option unless there is something specific desired. The preparation of the meals and presentation is an art form in its self however, the speed of meals out from the kitchen is not hindered by this. Each dish that comes out has a unique world of flavours that works perfectly, while being just the right amount of food. The staff are professional and very helpful at Coda, working seamlessly to give a fantastic dining experience. From the kitchen through to the floor staff, the team works together to ensure that the dining experience is a positive one.

The bar its self takes a second to the restaurant, however this is due to the space rather than other reasons, it is not a place to pop in for an early drink as there is not the room. With this said, the bar menu is quite extensive from the large wine list through to cocktails. If there is a particular cocktail you desire that is not on the list, the staff are able to make it without a fuss which is important for those with specific tastes.

Final Thoughts:

Coda is without a doubt one of the best restaurant experiences in Melbourne, however ensure to book as walking in off the street will leave you standing at stools or missing out entirely.

Pro’s:
+ Exquisite food
+ Fantastic service
+ Cost range perfect
Con’s:
- Bookings are essential for the weekend
- Restaurant takes priority over the bar
- Limited seating

Score:

Atmosphere: Good
Service: Good
Menu: Good
Cost: Good
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Overall: Good