Member Review by Gary

'Against the grain' is my lead-in for this review- because I'm going against the grain of lots of others who rate this place very highly. It's on the basis of just one visit (I normally wouldn't do that) - and a lunch at that- but I'm compelled to share my views of a place that I cannot recommend, while others are falling over each other to get there.

My visit was for a 'plat de jour' lunch with three friends. The welcome was good, we took our seats, and took our time to enjoy the glass of wine that came with the fixed-price lunch.

Everyone else was happy with their risotto - the only negative being the portion size. My salmon with a bread and salad was fine also, nothing to write home about... and our duck leg confit, well, let's say it was 'a bit below average to average' for any French bistro. The side dish we got, 'Pommes de Pont Neuf,' was a carefully stacked pile of very nice, big, fat chips. The wine list was excellent- we shared a very good bottle of central Victorian cabernet which was perfectly served and reasonably priced.

The dining room is a bit odd if nothing else - an effort at something trendy with a few classic elements, the tableware was first class, the room became full and a bit noisy.

But what about a 'top-class' restaurant where the waiters keep banging the back of your chair when they walk past? Was it that squashy? When they whisk away your plate when you're still eating? Was I that slow? Or petit fours that arrive precariously placed on an elaborate candelabra-like metal object and fall off when placed on the table? Isn't that why they invented plates?

One of my favourite food commentators says that good food is not impressive, it is appetising; it's well balanced and approachable; and above all else, it's prepared with the principle goal of the diner's pleasure.

Vue de Monde is not cheap, and in my single experience, 'more was wrong than right'. I will go back, if someone shouts me out. Otherwise I will keep looking for a top-level restaurant in the CBD that suits me - this one is not it. With all the other raves out there I'm sure the proprietor won't mind me saying, 'just okay, but not recommended.'

Member Review by Dominik

An amazing experience. Quiet expensive but something you have to do. I didn't really like the "wild game" type food. But nothing was dissapointing.

It's hard to get a booking at almost anytime to book well ahead (read almost a month in advance). I went with my wife and we started off with a 7 course menu. I also had dessert although my wife chose to obstain. But they were nice enough to give her all the pre-desserts which I thought was great. It's not worth skimping on anything there. If they have the white truffles or anything else exotic, try it. Otherwsie save until you can afford to go there and splurge.

Expect $150 each as a rough guide but this can blow out very easily.