Came for a dinner with a friend from overseas few days ago .. He was so impressed :) Thanks for the wonderful hospitality Embla :) Always going to be one of my favourite in the city. Been here so many times. Last time I was craving steak and decided to stop over here for a quick dinner before the concert what can I say .. super tasty steak, mushrooms … Definitely need to order the steak if you are here to dine

Disappointingly underwhelming. This made me sad as I was expecting so much given I’ve heard everyone rave about Embla! Our experience; we got every single small plate minus the cucumbers so it was a pretty solid variety of food. Had a glass of white wine recommended to us by one of the waitresses that said “I don’t really know what to recommend to you” when we asked for a recommendation of any wine to best accompany the meal. I understand this is a broad request, but saying IDK didn’t seem to pass the vibe check for a wine bar. We loved the wood fired scallops, that was definitely a lovely start, the chicken skin crackers were fine, nothing amazing, if anything a little under seasoned, a little salt as soon as the chicken skin’s fried would come a long way. Bread was lovely, appreciate it being warm, the mushroom butter felt a little forgotten, so subtle I almost forgot it was mushroom. Snapper was actually quite pleasant, I really enjoyed the texture. The raw beef was different to others I’ve had, unique crunch within the dish itself and the flavors were punchy, I really enjoyed this dish actually. The vegetable jardiniere was quite a unique dish but the radicchio overpoweringly bitter and almost took away from the dish especially since I’m a massive fan of Jerusalem artichokes, wish they were heroed a little more. Zucchini was actually my favorite dish of the night with pasta cooked to absolute perfect and an absolute celebration of subtle flavors on this one plate. The vongole with the pork sausage now… wow was that a miss. Overly salty, we didn’t even finish the dish, just unpleasant. The only thing interesting was the texture that the fregola added but definitely wouldn’t order again. Both myself and my partner sadly disappointed by our experience tonight, would love to see the team do better. Maybe it was a bad night

What a lovely experience. The food here was on point, loved the chickpea pancake that was out of this world. The service was amazing, everyone was super attentive. The star of the show is the wine and alcoholic beverage menu. Would definitely recommend coming and booking too because the place is very popular

A top class restaurant. Enjoyed and unexpected dinner invite that I enjoyed so much that I didn't even get pictures of food. Food, service and atmosphere were great. Try the Angus beef and Asparagus. Prices were on higher end but that was expected. I was casually dressed because it was last minute but that wasn't an issue but if you're planning to visit, dress up a but nicer.

very tasty food, but very long wait. we went in at 12, as soon as it opened: we only received bread, and at 12.55 there was still no food. all the other tables were also sitting and waiting. This was a little frustrating, as well as the reminder about tipping. but there are no complaints about the food. it is very tasty

Another fantastic example of Melbourne’s wine bar/restaurant scene. The food was amazing and well-executed with minimal ingredients. Service was friendly and prompt, and the wine recommendations were great. Some things to note for future patrons: portions can be quite small, and long wait times between dishes should be expected (especially on the weekend).

The wine list may be fantastic, however the food was so so at best and it's very cramped and dark. I think this place is overrated. Pork belly was almost inedible, skin was not crispy at all and was rock hard. Veges, beef and other dishes were ok, a little bland, no exciting flavours or anything particularly creative here. Would not return.

Embla @embla_melbourne Sunday Lunch - Seafood $65pp - Freekeh & coriander seed sourdough, mushroom butter 🧈🥖 - John dory rillettes, lemon, caper; witlof - Soured cucumbers, dill, feta 🥒 - Grilled whole flounder, green tomato, green olive🐟 - Sella rice, okra, walnut, salted mandarin - Butter lettuce, house dressing🥗 - Mandarin ice cream, chocolate mousse🍨🍊 - Cantine di Marzo Greco di Tufo 2022 (Campania, Italy) $21 🍷 Visited Embla a few times and their food and drinks did not disappoint. Started off with their nicely charred and fluffy sourdough paired with the umami mushroom butter. It was phenomenal. Both the John Dory and cucumbers were refreshing. The cucumbers were slightly too sour for my liking but the feta balanced out the acidity. The flounder was well seasoned and cooked to perfection. Overall it was a great lunch menu for the summer. $65 was fairly reasonable for the quality and amount of food we got. The only critic was the slow service.

going to keep this simple and sweet, just like my experience at @embla_melbourne their entirely timber interior, golden hour sun shining through the angled windows, welcomed warmly inside and greeted with the most impressive and esoteric wine list I’ve seen in a while…it all felt so dreamy. embla is quietly confident. subtly but surely delivering some of the most exceptional small plates I’ve tried in a melb wine bar. their goodfoodchef hat comes no surprise! we loved everything, savouring every bite. the thought, care and intention shone in every dish. from the occasional crunch of freekah in the (incredibly spongey) sourdough, more-ish mushroom butter, the finely chopped blue eye and the hidden layer of burnt caramel. the menu is modest, not giving away too much. what you receive may not be what you expected, but better. what we shamefully thought may be a basic dessert of few mandarin segments, was a deep and complex ARTWORK - layered with burnt caramel, dense honey cake, caramelised mandarin and the most godly amaro foam, insane. the menu changes often, and I want to be there for every. single. rotation. thankyou embla! still dreaming about this.

Embla is an exceptional establishment that excels in every aspect, leaving visitors with an unforgettable experience. The location of Embla is simply perfect, nestled in a charming and vibrant neighbourhood. Its central position makes it easily accessible for everyone. When it comes to food, Embla truly takes the culinary experience to new heights. The menu showcases a diverse range of dishes, expertly crafted with the finest ingredients. From amazing appetisers to mouthwatering main courses, each plate is a work of art. The flavours are bold and innovative, and the presentation is immaculate. The staff at Embla deserves special recognition for their outstanding service. They are attentive, knowledgeable, and go above and beyond to ensure every guest feels welcomed and well-cared for. Whether you have dietary restrictions or specific preferences, they are more than happy to accommodate your needs, making your dining experience truly personalized. The atmosphere at Embla is captivating. The restaurant boasts an elegant and contemporary design, blending modern aesthetics with warm, inviting elements. The lighting is carefully chosen to create a cozy ambience, perfect for intimate gatherings or special occasions. The attention to detail in the decor is remarkable, adding to the overall charm of the place The surroundings are equally delightful. The restaurant is situated in a picturesque area, with stunning views of nature or cityscapes, depending on its location. Whether you're seated indoors or outdoors, you can enjoy the beauty of your surroundings, enhancing the overall dining experience. Parking is conveniently available near Embla, ensuring hassle-free access for patrons. The restaurant takes care of this aspect, allowing guests to focus solely on their dining experience. Considering the exceptional quality of food and service, the prices at Embla are fair and justified. While it may be considered a higher-end establishment, the value you receive is unquestionably worth every penny. The attention to detail, culinary expertise, and overall experience make it a worthwhile investment. When it comes to service, Embla truly sets the bar high. The staff is prompt, efficient, and always ready to assist. Whether it's taking orders, recommending dishes, or answering questions, their professionalism shines through. They strive to create a seamless and enjoyable dining experience for each guest, leaving no room for disappointment. The drinks at Embla are crafted with precision and creativity. The bar service is exceptional, offering an extensive selection of wines, cocktails, and other beverages. The mixologists are skilled in their craft and can create personalized concoctions to suit your taste. The drinks perfectly complement the food, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your meal. The views from Embla is breathtaking. Whether it's a panoramic cityscape or a scenic natural vista, the restaurant's positioning allows guests to soak in the beauty of their surroundings. It's an ideal setting for a romantic dinner or a special celebration, with a stunning backdrop. Comfort is a top priority at Embla. The seating arrangements are designed to provide maximum comfort without compromising on style. The chairs and booths are plush and cozy, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the dining experience. The restaurant also pays attention to spacing, ensuring guests have ample privacy and room to move around. Tgus restaurant is a true gem in every sense. From the outstanding location and exquisite food to the impeccable staff, captivating atmosphere, and stunning views, every aspect of the experience is carefully crafted to create an unforgettable dining journey. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a remarkable culinary adventure, Embla is the perfect dest

Embla was a wine bar/restaurant offering a large range of wine and delectable meals. For lunch we ordered their quinoa & rosemary sourdough, Raw kingfish with heirloom cucumbers and yuzu, Celeriac hasselback with aged cheddar, and Black angus scotch fillet with tarragon & dried tomato. For dessert we had the ‘Figs figs figs’. All the dishes were very flavourful; the scotch fillet was tender & cooked to perfection, the Celeriac was nicely ‘crispy’ and my favourite was the kingfish - it was very fresh and the yuzu flavour really enhanced the dish. The dim lighting and wooden decor made the ambiance cosy. Service was friendly.

Great vibe at Embla, and it was a delightful experience. The fusion of European and Australian cuisine brought unique flavors to the table. The beef dish was a standout, perfectly cooked and seasoned. The wine selection was excellent, and the atmosphere was cozy. I'll definitely be returning for more culinary adventures at Embla.

One of my top 3 wine bars in Melbourne. They have a wonderful wine-list with delicious food. I always order a lot of food from here but always wealth. Defiantly, I will come back again.

Very disappointed in the seafood Sunday lunch. I guess we would have been to this restaurant at least half a dozen times in the last two years. We also visited its sister restaurant "Town Mouse" in Carlton several times. So we knew what they are capable of. Usually the service us warm, effusive and their knowledge of their food and wines were on the mark. This set menu today was chared spinach, kifler potatoes and John Dory fish. Spinach had a really off kerosine like taste. Clearly the chef hadn't tasted their food before it went out. We sent it back. Potatoes were cold. Fish was JUST cooked. The dessert was an unsophisticated presentation of strawberrys with cherries plus some meringue. Ordinary effort which would take seconds to prepare . The service was cool, snooty and aloof. Agree with previous reviewer re the unhelpful Asian waiter. Sadly we'll not return. They've had their time in the sun. There must be better service and food elsewhere.

Probably my favourite wine bar in the city. They don’t take reservations, so the trick is to try and come before the rush. I arrived before 6pm and got a table for my date. Excellent food, my top pick was the steak. Great selection of wines on offer. Great place for a date, maybe a little loud but definitely bookmarking this place.

Embla is another great find in the city, with amazing food, wonderful service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere to catch up with friends. Staff greeted us warmly as soon as we stepped in and we were guided to our seats upstairs. At 6:30pm, Embla was still empty, and we were given the food menu with a list of single-glass wines. Another menu held a list of wine bottles and non-wine single serve alcohol, which was extensive. The servers were attentive and cheerful, and it was obvious they too were enjoying their evening. They also gave good suggestions on how many different dishes would be enough for 3 people, which was accurate (4 to 6!) The interiors were warm and welcoming. There were dark wood tables and chairs, bare brick walls, and dim, yellow lightning. After about an hour, the seats started to fill up and the room filled with laughter and conversation. It does get dark at night, and I've noticed a few patrons using their phone torches to see the menu. For drinks, we opted for a bottle of French rose, which was unfortunately served lukewarm. Everything else made up for that, though. We ordered several things. To start, we had the cured snapper, the mussel toast, and the smoked duck liver parfait. They were all delicious, and the standout was the duck liver parfait, lightly rich with just the right amount of smoke. The fish was served first as it was very delicate and fresh. The mussel toast had an enjoyable char and was nicely chewy. We also had spring leeks, chicken leg, and the Berkshire pork rack. All three worked amazingly well together. The spring leeks was delicious, covered in creamy goat's milk and crunchy pistachio; I could have gone for a second or even third order! The spinach malfetti served with the chicken leg helped to round out the dish with just the right amount of starch. The serving of pork was very generous and went well with the beans. Both the chicken and the pork were cooked to perfection! We had a wonderful time catching up at Embla. The experience was near-perfect and we would definitely visit again!

One of my favorite dining experiences to date. Take your partner, try get a bar seat looking over the kitchen and enjoy the food. It's clear lots of care goes into the ingredients, prep and cooking. They're picky and pedantic about their food and it results in an amazing, tasty experience. There were lots of stand out dishes. But the chicken was to die for. The atmosphere was fantastic too. Not too loud and not too dark. Go. Go now.

Wasn't overly impressed with the staff (male, Asian background) that did not come across as being helpful on what brands of gin were available. Perhaps better educated staff needed before I return.

Has anyone else noticed that the standards of service at Embla have REALLY dropped? What is going on? We've been there before and loved it. Walked in last evening at about 5pm and were rather frostily greeted by the snootiest front of house staff member I have ever come across. After he had quite rudely shovelled us into seats, he proceeded to literally dump water into our glasses, mumbled at us and sauntered off. We hesitated for a moment and then decided to leave because we felt neither welcomed nor relaxed . As we left he sarcastically chimed that he'd hoped we had a good time. I am still trying to comprehend what happened - with the waiter - and to the standards of service at Embla in general.

Always a great experience here - food and service is great. Great selection of starters and the fig dessert is a must!

Thursday 20th Feb, staff were rude, not accommodating, chose to leave before ordering a drink. Party of 5, missed revenue for an unworthy establishment.

Server at Embla (same man referenced in several of these posts) was the probably the rudest waiter I've ever had. Every drink was slammed on the table as he walked by, he was condescending and sarcastic. I asked him a question and he said he wasn’t "in the mood for this". Every other aspect of this restaurant was great but I will never go back because of him. Typically, I'd chalk it up to him having a bad night but his numerous bad reviews say otherwise.

Just left Embla. Rarely moved to write a review but...so excited to eat there after numerous personal recommendations from tastemakers in Melbourne. I only had a two nights here so I focused on this restaurant. I started with the soured cucumbers which were salty, as to be expected. Then had the bavette steak and mushrooms. The salt level was off the charts. The steak was cooked to the right temperature but way too salty. The mushrooms...just salt, an acidic assault on the palate. I was by myself at the bar - and they did the right thing by comping my 1/3 eaten dish - but no sense that the kitchen got the message. Offered another option - but after the salt assault - no trust. Melbourne is a great food city - be careful about eating here. For the restaurant, if you care, my invoice was #161304. Two stars because the staff did try and were good with wine - but frankly McDonald's is better at seasoning than what I just had.

Dreadful. Rip-off. If you're looking for value, this is not for you. Vibe is decent, full of people, under-eating! Meals are massively overpriced for the portion size, and the wine is average. First 'bad' foody experience In Melbourne. Had to share... Tough times!

Our favourite venue on a recent visit to Melbourne. This place gets 5 stars on everything! We were made so welcome on arrival, the kids partook in some really interesting non-alc options like a housemade iced green tea served in a beautiful wine glass making our 12 year old feel very grown up. Food was bonkers good - I have been raving about the pate ever since! The baby octopus too!!! The kitchen is so interesting to watch through the huge service window providing a great view of a spectacular wood fired oven which is clearly put to good use. Thank you to the professional who took care of us on the day - so great to be treated to such great service. Must try Embla - highly recommended Feb 2023 - update, can't get enough of this place so I wanted to add more photos from recent visit!

Came here for a quick dinner before a show. The restaurant was very accommodative and we were able to leave within an hour. Took the recommendation from the staff for the sourdough with mushroom butter. The bread was a bit burnt and the butter didn't have much mushroom taste. I also ordered the sour cucumbers but didn't arrive, so I figured that the order was missed. Every other dishes were tasty and nicely presented.

It is undoubtedly the perfect place to relax and unwind. The staff is incredibly friendly and goes above and beyond to ensure your comfort. Their warm and welcoming smiles instantly make you feel at ease and at home. Best Negroni made with a beautiful smile☺️

The wine list takes a while to get used to and although we dine out a lot, this place offers a great choice - don't be shy to ask the staff as they will gladly help. The Burrata is great way to start accompanied by the pickled vegetables. Servings are large and can accommodate 3 people per dish - when trying to calculate how much to order.

My friend and I went to Embla last month. The meal was delicious and enjoyable. We had a good time here and the service was excellent. We love the sourdough and the butter so much that we scooped out everything from the plate. The most highlight dish for us was the Chicken skin crisp on top with whipped anchovy and chicory, it has everything in one bite. The most important thing, I want to thank you and sorry for the inconvenience to Embla’s FOH who took care my parcel that was mistakenly delivered to your restaurant. I was so relief after beingp searching for a week. Thank you!

First things first, the service here is fab! We arrived at 9.30 for a 9pm booking as our show ran over. They were super nice about it and didn’t rush us at all, which was very much appreciated! It was a very very wet Thursday night, later in the night and the place was still full! The food was delicious, we had all vegetarian options and shared between the 2 of us. We got the sourdough bread - so fresh even at 10pm! Soured cucumbers with dill - refreshing palate cleanser, hispi cabbage, spring leeks & a pancake dish (just put on the menu) which is a MUST HAVE! We got both desserts they had to offer which were both amazing, but if you need to opt for one get the fig tart as the other is a like a very very posh orange gelato with trimmings. The wine list is extensive and the dirty martini was knock my socks off strong but exactly what I wanted! The atmosphere is dark, sultry & bustling. Great place for food, catch ups and drinks!

We went to Embla for a glass of wine. They asked if we'd be finished by 7. Since it was only 6, I was confident we'd be finished. They dropped off water and glasses at our table and never came back for our order. No wonder they asked if we'd be out by 7 - highly unlikely considering their level of service.

We had a great lunch here. I brought my friend who was down from Brisbane and she loved it too. Really interesting menu.

Beautiful wine list and even greater steak!

Amazing mushroom dish today!! Excellent wines by the glass and a great cheese selection. Skilled chefs and first class front of house team. It’s a regular fav every time I’m in Melbourne.

Wonderful pre-Christmas dinner with friends at Embla, the experience is reliably amazing every time. Fabulous service, attentive but not intrusive, yummy food catering to dietaries without a problem, and an excellent wine list that we made the most of.

Such a wonderful place to go. Food and service always amazing. Each dish just gets better and better.

Really enjoyed this beautiful venue. The staff, food, wine and ambiance were just perfect! Highly recommend the smoked duck liver toast!!

Nice room, great staff, atmosphere was buzzing, good food, good wine, very pleasant overall. Melbourne comes back to life 🥂

The restaurant by far offers the best food in the town. Our office booked it for our Christmas lunch in a private dinning room. I must say that it was a great choice.

An amazing Sunday afternoon grazing through 6 dishes by 6 different top chefs under 30. MFWF 30 under 30 continued. We started with a tiny morsel which was a potato soufflé with a tiny piece of Comte in the middle with truffle delicately grated on top. As you popped it into your mouth it was gone and definitely needed a couple more to fully appreciate how good it really was. It also came with an equally tiny beetroot tart combined with mixed berries and also left you wanting more. To finish off this first course we were treated to a very surprising skewer of delicately flavored duck hearts. What a way to start ❣️the next course was a super delicious dish of Kingfish sashimi done in a really pleasant apple and buttermilk sauce. Surprisingly subtle and light and as a sashimi lover, totally appreciated. Mussels are not usually a first choice for me but the next course brought mussels foie gras and leek in a light sauce and covered by a delicious thin crepe. Surprisingly fabulous 😋 and after all of that they served absolutely divine roast chicken that was so good you wanted to keep eating it, and it came with a generous portion of superb pumpkin covered in a pumpkin, brown mustard and curry leaf sauce. Now that I’ve had time to digest it, would definitely want more. Believe it or not I realized that I still had room to try the dessert. A perfect light Myer Lemon posset which is a custard like consistency but set and served with a cinnamon covered crispy thin biscuit thing. The fact we could all still drool over it after all that food is a testament to how good it was. Not sure where or when you can try any of these dishes again as they were from 6 different chefs from 6 different restaurants and not usually on the menu so thrilled to have been able to enjoy and share it with you 😃

🍞 Quinoa and Rosemary Sourdough, Mustard Butter 🥒 Soured Cucumbers, Dill, Feta 🫑 Beef Carpaccio, Globe Artichoke, Fermented Peppers 🐙 Baby Octopus, Chickpeas 🥩 Dry Aged Black Angus Scotch Fillet, House Condiments Embla is a rustic, dimly lit, sophisticated wine bar in the middle of the CBD. Their wooden fit out gives moody, Western Saloon vibes. The menu consists of a variety of gourmet share plates and an extensive wine list. 🍷 We began with some warm, fresh Sourdough as well as a refreshing plate of Soured Cucumbers with Feta. The Beef Carpaccio was interestingly flavoured with fermented peppers, this was absolutely sensational. Don’t sleep on the Baby Octopus. I would say all of these dishes are worth ordering. The steak was nice however on this occasion just wasn’t seasoned enough. I enjoyed it with the condiments of XO, Fermented Chilli and Mustard but for $80 I expected to be blown away, at maybe $50 it would’ve been alright. Sadly the menu lacked any sides to pair with it (some potatoes wouldn’t go astray.) 🥩 Although slightly let down by main, we loved our entrees and would definitely return. It is a small venue so they are often fully in the evenings but they do keep a large part of the restaurant available for walk-ins.

Great experience at Embla the other day! Absolutely loved all of our dishes - the highlight was the snapper & gurnard. Friendly staff & great atmosphere.

Absolutely blown away by how good the food is. Everything is very flavorful and well balanced without being too salty. Drinks are great too. Even the Spritz is made with Rondo Aperitivo instead of Aperol so it’s not too sweet. They manage to turn things that look ordinary from a menu description into masterful culinary accomplishments. The tastiness of different dishes rival some of the Michelin starred restaurants I have been to! Highly recommend the duck liver, white zucchini, spanner crab and apricot tart.

Read great things about this restaurant, and while visiting Melbourne decided to try it out. Service and staff amazing, great recommendations, care and consideration, amazing. Some dishes are real stand outs, the Crispy Chicken skins, yum!! Others a bit underwhelming and just missed, Nannygai and Pork Belly. FYI - Use the menu on the website as a guide, some dishes are different at present. Recommend you give it a go.

We loved Embla. Very beautiful casual restaurant with a really great atmosphere. Food was really good and we enjoyed every course. Will definitely come back!

A most pleasant evening. Loved the vibe and great service. The food was full of flavor and very well balanced. Our favourite had to be the stracciatella with oyster mushroom, the preserved chicken came closely second. Will definitely return to see what other delicious creations pops up onto the menu!

An easy-going place for drinks to unwind at the end of the day! This place fills up really fast and if you plan to stay for long, I will recommend you guys make a reservation before heading down!

A night to remember! I'm not a foodie but I have had a number of people recommend this place to me so I had to go and experience it myself. We found it a little difficult to understand the menu as there were a few things we hadn't heard of before, so we asked the waiter for recommendations and then allowed him to order on our behalf. The best decision of the night. Loved everything he ordered. All dishes were delicious! The wines and ambience were amazing also!!!

Superb, as always, food and wine. With fantastic, warm, friendly and efficient FoH service from all staff, but particularly Tan, who was looking after us.

Embla proved to be a real find. The restaurant gave us a table in the back corner. This offered plenty of cozy ambiance while giving us a view of the entire room, including its tiny kitchen containing a spectacular flame-fed grilling oven. The menu was limited but every dish we tried was a genuine taste sensation. We ultimately decided that the vongole with pork sausage was the evening's stand-out dish.

Great cocktail bar. Excellent wine selection. Great service. Recommended.

The food is affordable and delicious. I highly recommend the clams and fish to everyone. The desserts are the best I have ever tasted at this restaurant.

Possibly Melbourne’s best wine bar. We had the bread with mushroom butter, anchovy with chicken skin, scallops, greens, zucchini pasta, and wagyu. Every dish was packed with flavour.

Great place for Foodies and Vinos. Staff are very knowledgeable and friendly (and pleasing on the eye). They understood what wines matched certain foods and had great knowledge of Global drink selection. I ordered 2 rounds of drinks and desserts after already eaten a big lunch elsewhere: 1) Glass of Cardamaro (Iced) with a Caramalised Mandarin 2) A beautiful local Sherry with a Crème Caramel. Both were great standalone but better as a match. Highly recommend.

Amazing food and brilliant service including new wines from Tenerife, Spain ??

Wow. Let me just begin by saying, fantastic service, great knowledge of the wines (which meant I didn’t need to think, just drink). First time here and will definitely come back.

Nice, small wine bar. Decent food section and wine list.

Lovely atmosphere, great staff and fab wine selection@

Didn’t eat much here, but what we had (vegetarian dishes) and the wine were really good

Visiting Melbourne means dining well. Though not strictly speaking a restaurant - its a wine bar - the food is restaurant standard. As with a number of establishments, bookings aren't possible at night so its pot luck. Fortunately we didn't have to wait long. The ambience is fabulous, the service was excellent. The food was always a surprise - do not miss the chickpea pancake. We also had pork jowl which was marvellous. The drink list is very eclectic. A great buzzy place - do go!

Thanks for a great night!

My partner took me here for 'Something different' on a trip to Melbourne and we entered to a very busy restaurant. The server was a cheerful man who allowed us to choose our seating out of what was available (in front of the bar or in front of the kitchen) and my partner chose the kitchen. Now, I thought that a chefs job is hard enough without people watching, and because I'm a social antichrist, I kept inadvertently locking eyes with the chefs at random intervals (sorry guys) Contrary to how I manage being observed while working (hint. Not well) the chefs were so engaging and happy to provide advice on the menu whilst still pouring out plate after plate to the full room. One particular chef recommended the trout (which we didnt get as my partner doesn't eat fish, and believe me sitting in front of her after choosing differently from her clearly professional recommendation will haunt me to the end of my days) and even provided details about the dish she had just plated up for us in between her next orders, which was the Chicken rillettes. Another of the chefs brought the burratta entree and listed each item with a smile before seamlessly returning to the fast-paced kitchen. Both entrees were incredible, and seemed to have more flavour than the plate should allow. For the main, we had the pork jowel, which was also hand delivered by a chef and clearly outlined each item making up the dish. My god, this thing fell apart in your mouth, and was coupled with a side of heirloom tomatoes with horseradish (a recommendation from the waiter, I believe his name was Lorenzo, who could have sold me a pint of bees at this point, his recommendations are Oprah level) The meal portions were perfectly sized to taste and share and still sufficient enough to make me question my decision to wear skinny jeans. The atmosphere was great, our waiter was very attentive and the food was incredible, it's obvious these people care about what they do. Thanks for having us.

Was looking for the right spot to have some good wine and chat. Walked into the perfect place.

Superb wine list and simple elegant and seasonal dining menu.

Visiting Melbourne means dining well. Though not strictly speaking a restaurant - its a wine bar - the food is restaurant standard. As with a number of establishments, bookings aren't possible at night so its pot luck. Fortunately we didn't have to wait long. The ambience is fabulous, the service was excellent. The food was always a surprise - do not miss the chickpea pancake. We also had pork jowl which was marvellous. The drink list is very eclectic. A great buzzy place - do go!

Amazing staff. Amazing food. Super attentive and friendly staff who made it an experience to remember. Fully catered for my weird dietary needs to ensure that I had no impacts at all. Great banter and I couldn’t recommend this place more. The owners should feel real proud to have the front and back of house staff the do. Thanks to all that helped????

Nice!

Excellent food, wine and music... Thanks to all the helpful staff...this place has it all to have the best night out!! Thank you guys!

Visiting Melbourne means dining well. Though not strictly speaking a restaurant - its a wine bar - the food is restaurant standard. As with a number of establishments, bookings aren't possible at night so its pot luck. Fortunately we didn't have to wait long. The ambience is fabulous.

I had a truly wonderful evening. The bartender chose beautiful and unique wines for me that matched my tastes perfectly. It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening. Thank you!

Fish was exceptional, excellent bar, wide range of wine and great service.

Embla never fails to deliver beautiful and high quality produce. The goats curd is delicious and so is the sourdough ? I highly recommend the trout! The ideal spot for a weeknight date or a cosy meal and wine with mates. See you again soon...

Popped in at 3pm on a Sunday for a wonderful mid afternoon meal and bottle of delicious wine from Jura. Wonderful place

Gorgeous ambiance, knowlageable staff and a great wine list and by the glass selection.

Really enjoyed this spot. The cucumbers, as simple as they sound, were my favorite item on the menu! Chickpea pancake was also quite tasty. Husband loved the tartar as well. Excellent service particularly the hostess

Great to visit a place that celebrate the natural produce ... simple, well prepared, enjoyable ... and cost effective

Great little wine bar / restaurant for the dedicated. Bookings recommended. Decided to smash through the wine list in an afternoon - bad idea.

Interesting ambience - a wine bar with alternative rock music. List is good, but glass list not so much

Amazing takeaway lockdown date night. Thanks Embla team for a memorable dinner at home from you guys.

Excellent food and atmosphere. Lots of alcohol, particularly wine selection. This is more like a share plate restaurant and bar. This only thing I would criticise is the service speed. Staff is friendly and somewhat attentive, but things are a bit slow. I still recommend you to try here. Come for the wine and food.

Great food, great service, great experience all round.

Have to say I was very impressed the minute I walked in here. The vibe of the place really suits the setting and it's décor. The food itself although we could have ordered more was simply amazing in my opinion. We had the fish chicken and chickpea pancake. Although all of the dishes were amazing in their own way I couldn't go past the chickpea pancake as being my favourite. Great drinks menu and with a huge wine selection. Well worth the visit should you be in the city.

This place was delicious and the vibes are immaculate. Highlight of the show was the new mushroom and ricotta dish. Only problem with the meal was there was way too much salt in some of the dishes... :(

While the food available is certainly unique, it's prepared exquisitely and is undeniably tasty. But the real star of the show is the wine list. Deep and extensive, you're bound to find something that both suits your taste and pairs with your meal. Lovely atmosphere, attentive staff, and definitely worth visiting.

Good food, wine list & venue. However, extremely overpriced. For example, we ordered the fish main for $47, and got a slice of fish about an inch thick. Did I enjoy the flavours here, yes. But personally I feel like it was not worth the price paid.

A relaxing culinary experience. The dim lighting creates a sensory withdrawal, allowing for the senses to focus on the flavours of the food and beverages. We ordered 3 starter dishes and were quite full by the end of it. The highlight was the house-made bread - incredibly fresh and soft which went beautifully with the dip.

We had a birthday celebration dinner there and the vegan food was just divine. High quality food and the wine selection was delightful. Beautiful cozy place. One improvement, adding a vegan dessert to the menu. Apart from that just a amazing dining experience in the cbd. Photos don’t justify.

Great food. Great atmosphere. Even better service!

Great food, amazing wine and awesome service! Thank you!

Food was amazing, great dinning experience.

Great food and even better service.

A great spot for dinner or to have a few drinks and an appetizer. Fast and friendly service .

A value for money food experience. Bavette Steak Recommended, and the Lamb. Good ambience, simple food. Must try.

Great vibes, great wine and good food. Although we only had wine by the glass the wine list is very impressive. Food is really good, we had: soured cucumber (excellent), goats curd (excellent), chickpea pancake (the parsley was a bit overbearing and the pancake was a bit burned, but still a good dish) and finally the clams (great but be ready for a “heavy” dish). Service is good if at times a bit slow but we were there during Friday lunch so understandable.

We were stranded in Melb due to a flight cancellation, so we were so glad that Embla is open on the usual Mon night restaurant graveyard. We were going to have a drink and snack and move on, but it was as nice as previously, so we settled in for the night. Great food, wine and service. Only slight drawback was the lighting was very low that night, making it hard to read menus and best appreciate the food. Had fun trying new wines.is realy fun and enjoy with embla bar.

Great vibes, great wine and good food. Although we only had wine by the glass the wine list is very impressive. Food is really good, we had: soured cucumber (excellent), goats curd (excellent), chickpea pancake (the parsley was a bit overbearing and the pancake was a bit burned, but still a good dish) and finally the clams (great but be ready for a “heavy” dish). Service is good if at times a bit slow but we were there during Friday lunch so understandable.

My partner and I went there for dinner. This place is small, busy and loud but super cosy, with good vibes. There is an open kitchen which is great if you want to know how the plates are made and served. The wine list has a lot of options and good references, for everyone’s taste. The food is also really nice and fresh but careful the portions are not that big for some of the plates. 2 starters and 2 mains to share are perfect for two people. Thank you for this lovely moment we will be back !?

Wonderful service and great food!

Love this place. Absolutely no complaints. Always busy. Good atmosphere, even better food

The food in Embla was stunning, a lovely laid back atmosphere with incredible food and lovely wines.