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Tonka Melbourne Tripadvisor Reviews
Latest Reviews On Tripadvisor
34 Reviews
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Old favourite still delivers
Food was really delicious and interesting, especially the starters. Lots of flavours and textures make for good eating and fun discussions. The curries are good, with solid portions of meat, but itโs the sides and starters that add more variety. I normally avoid desserts in Indian restaurants but that would be a mistake here. Keep enough room. They are excellent Service was really excellent.
Be the first to ReplyGive it a BIG miss or you will go home either hungry or broke!
The layout and design of the restaurant is lovely to look at. Tricky to find down the Melbourne alley way but it makes it intriguing. When receiving the menu you are advised that the food is designed to share! And we soon realize why. Everything about Tonka is ridiculously and disgustingly over priced. Yes we looked at the menu before going however we did not think it was $15 for ONE Crystal Bay prawn, the size of a spring roll and a prawn that can be purchased frozen by the kilo in the supermarket. Butter chicken $49!!!!! Ok but it is listed in the menu in the โbiggerโ section. Ha! Bigger than what?? One piece of chicken the size of half a breast or thigh. But apparently itโs organic. And takes three days to make. Come onโฆ.who are you trying to kid? What a load of bull. And the wine. Just keeps getting better. And beware, unlike the restaurant the evening before they provide you with sparkling water which is on tap mind you, donโt disclose the price and then hit you with a $6 per person charge. When we were asked how was everything we politely told the wait staff that it was disgustingly overpriced for the portion sizes. She advised we speak to the owner who was at the bar. As we got up to leave we saw the waitress and owner run out the back awaiting our departure no doubt. I ventured back to share my disappointment with the owner who did not make any attempt at good service nor apologize or listen. She only came at me with excuses, sob stories and how hard the staff work. Being in the restaurant business myself previously I understand how hard staff work, including myself. However I feel like my well earned money was completely taken advantage of on this occasion. And I was also advised that in her 27 years in the business never has she received a complaint. I find that very hard to believe. Maybe people just donโt return. Having found out afterwards that the head chef and part owner who this restaurant was known for had parted ways the year before I imagine I know why! I have no problem paying for value, even a little over the top. But if Iโm going to spend what is expected here I want some good old fashion white tablecloths to start with. Disappointing for sure and will never return to anything this owner runs.
Be the first to ReplyExceptional service and excellent food
Don't let the location fool you -- it really is on a dark alley, and it looks like you're entering through the kitchen. But -- the food was excellent! And what really stood out was the service. Our reservation was late evening, and they would clearly have liked for us to come earlier so they could go home. We couldn't due to our flight arrival, but they took great care of us anyway. They even let us try our first choice wine and changed to a different one for us. Neither the decor nor the food is as exotic as the website makes it seem, but that's all to the good. Wish we could go back again.
Be the first to ReplyGreat food and staff, except the disappointing lamb curry they serve with the Chef's choice menu
Mouthwatering appetisers. The kingfish tartare, prawn in betel nut leaf, and pani puri were unbeatable. The tandoori ocean trout was to die for and cooked to perfection. Unfortunately the lamb curry was more like a tasteless goulash. It didn't even look like a curry. i couldn't eat it. Would have given 6 stars it the curry was even a basic curry. (surprised with the previous good reviews of the lamb curry) The wines were delic too, thank you Chad. Also they refused to include the dessert in the advertised Chefs menu as there were only 2 of us. Attentive service by Gregory, thank you.
Be the first to ReplyCoriander Tanks at Tonka
Everything seemed to go wrong with our experience. I canโt stand coriander (as does half the population take note chefs) and asked the waiter what didnโt have coriander in it. He advised me incorrectly and said he would advise the chef and thenโฆdidnโt. After that it was coriander all the way. I grimaced through the starter hoping it was a glitch. Funnily enough I overheard our same waitress advising our neighbours they couldnโt have two of the deserts due to their diet. They donโt carry a Sav Blanc by the glass, and squashed us all up at one end of the restaurant rather than โฆwhatโฆmop whole the floor? We sat in the corner booth listening to two loud conversations either side of us. Also the salt under the oysters was presented as a foam which we both ate by mistake and my daughter ended up most of the night in the bathroom. It was definitely one thing after the other. Sorry guys.
Be the first to ReplyIndian cuisine at its best
The graffiti entrance is a complete opposite to the service inside. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and the tables were well spaced. Most importantly the food was well presented and delicious.
Be the first to ReplyTonka ticks all boxes!
A fabulous meal with very attentive staff at Tonka. The trout, Rogan Josh, butter chicken, asparagus and accompaniments were very flavoursome and enjoyed by all. For a top night out whilst in Melbourne, I highly recommend this restaurant.
Be the first to ReplyFabulous, fabulous, fabulous- but watch out for credit card fees
This is a wonderful restaurant experience in the heart of Melbourne. It is high end Indian fusion with some interesting twists. The welcome was warm and sincere. Our waiter was very knowledgeable about the food and wine. When our meal arrived we were very happy. Everything was absolutely perfect and going along fine until the bill arrived with the sneaky credit card fee. Sure, the menu discloses there will be a credit card fee. But, the customer does not know the exact amount of the fee until the entire process is completed. In my case, the credit card fee was $5.21 so we are not talking about a great deal of money. I did leave a 10% tip because I felt that the service and food were exceptional and justified being acknowledged. However, if I had my time again, I would deduct the credit card fee from the tip I proposed to leave. I did raise my concerns with the waiter and I was told that most restaurants charge a credit card fee. This is simply not correct. Many restaurants in Melbourne do not charge credit card fees. Interestingly, this tends to be at the lower end of the market, rather than the higher end, as is the case with Tonka. Anyway, I think this is a great dining experience and I would recommend it. I just do not understand why a restaurant of this calibre runs the risk of alienating its client base with credit card fees.
Be the first to ReplyExceptional take on old favourites.
Not your high street Indian. Oh no, itโs much better than that. Delicious spin on traditional flavours and presentation. Excellent service, recommendations and beverage menu. Great atmosphere and position of AC/DC lane. Will be back.
Be the first to ReplyBad presentation and not rectified
Extremely disappointed with our experience and would not recommend this restaurant. For the price we paid the meal was stone cold and when my wife asked for the meal to be replaced with a hot dish they gave it a quick heat in a pan reserved very Lukewarm. On paying the bill the wait staff gave us a dirty look as if โhow dare youโ. Will definitely Not be recommending this restaurant.
Be the first to ReplyHorrible
Delicious food but shocking service. Not worth the money. Went for a celebration with my family and was made to wait for a long time for the table to be ready and certain ordered items were forgotten.
Be the first to ReplyDelightful Melbourne take on Indian cuisine
We had a delightful meal at Tonka. The Kangaroo tartare was more because of the thought than anything else but proved very tasty. One of us thought the poppadoms were the best they'd had. The other dishes were all very well done and spiced just right. Topped off with a lovely decor and attentive service this is a safe recommendation for anyone wanting a Melbourne take on Indian cuisine.
Be the first to ReplyExcellent Dining ...............
As visitors to Melbourne, it took a little time to locate this restaurant as it is located down a laneway and no visible signage to indicate where it was but in the end we found it. And we were very pleased we did. A really great feel to the dining area, the kitchen and floor staff were very welcoming and we were seated in a very comfortable spot with plenty of natural light and space. The person who took our order was very helpful with spot on suggestions and we were very happy with what we ordered. The presentation and the food were of exceptional quality and taste and we were not disappointed in any way. Overall, whilst a bit on the expensive side, what we received was above expectations in terms of food and service and is highly recommended.
Be the first to ReplyFantastic food and great staff
We visited this restaurant back in 2018 on a trip to Melbourne and 4 years later we finally got the chance to go back. It was still just as good. Asian/Indian food with real flair in beautiful surroundings with helpful staff. Incredibly good. We enjoyed it so much we visited twice on our trip to Melbourne from the UK. We will be back again hopefully in a few years' time!
Be the first to ReplyLeft a bit to be desired given the price
Cool setting but expected more in terms of taste. We thought the dishes in general lacked depth in flavour. In particular, any subtlety in the prawn Kerala curry was masked by the over powering heat (and we usually like a hot curry!). Service was slightly slow but it was a public holiday so maybe they had less than usual (e.g. had to ask 3 times for a diet coke before it arrived). Cocktails were a strong point, highly recommend. Overall good but pricey for what it is
Be the first to ReplyExceptional meal with super service
Visited on the back of the strong reputation and we werenโt disappointed. Centrally located in the heart of Melbourneโs buzzing central district. Our server was friendly and very knowledgable and she helpfully guided us through the menu answering our questions and making some good recommendations. The result was an excellent meal which was all cooked to perfection. Highly recommended and we will certainly be back the next time we visit Melbourne.
Be the first to ReplyOverpriced and unprofessional
It was 1 hour before we saw any food. There were 2 vegetarian options on the menu. The waiters serving alcohol were having shots behind the bar. I tried to ask a question and it was like talking to a lost person. Very unprofessional for an overpriced food and very average tast
Be the first to ReplyAnother Inner City Pretender
It was my Sons choice for his 31st Birthday. Why? Reputation?Service?The Food? I was trying to come to grips with the fact that one of our first dishes of HOT Prawns was not hot at all. Even though there was six of us on the table,they sent out five Prawns. Not a good start. We were advised to only order three Main Meals for the six of us because they were huge serves. hahaha The Lamb Curry was literally one bite of Lamb each. The Butter Chicken maybe two bites of chicken each. My Outer Eastern Indian Restaurant would run rings around this mob for a tenth of the price. I don't know how they came up with these pretentious prices considering how much food was in the Bowl. I will never ever go back to this place. How sad.....I could not order dessert because I was still longing for more food. Do not go to this place if you enjoy food, they will make sure you leave hungry.
Be the first to ReplyDelicious Indian lunch
Our Friday lunch at Tonka was a highlight of our trip to Melbourne. Everything we ate was fabulous and the cucumber margarita was a lovely compliment. There is a large range of wine to enhance your meal. Service is friendly and professional
Be the first to ReplyStill Very Good-But Not As Interesting As Before
The food at Tonka (Indian, Italian inspired) has always ben interesting, creative and tasty and on the visit the food perhaps was not quite as good as before maybe because the chef has other places to attend to. Service was professional, atmosphere very good but wine prices are too high.
Be the first to ReplyBeautiful Indian cuisine
The food was outstanding. I'd highly recommend going for the banquet option to allow the chefs to display their best dishes. You won't be upset with this option! Nice environment and ambience inside with friendly staff too.
Be the first to ReplyThe service is sensational
My partner and I have eaten at Tonka on several occasions. The food is innovative, spicy and beautifully presented. But the quality of the waiting staff is the real standout (especially post-COVID lockdowns when it has been so difficult for restaurants to get and retain good staff). We had a fantastic dinner at Tonka last night, which was made even more special because of our wonderful waiter, Kate. Kate was warm and engaging without ever becoming too involved in our evening. I think she was born to do this job! Many thanks for another lovely evening. We will be back soon.
Be the first to ReplyHad high expectations but let down
Hard to find and maps as well as Waze misled us but finally found Tonka which has a cold empty entrance the you smell an aroma and seated swiftly. Service was really good to start with. Most dishes are small expect for the mains and over priced like the betel leaf, chicken tikka and gulub jamun all tiny for what Tonka are charging. Wish the butter chicken had the flavour of the tandoor as stated on the menu and promoted. We had high expectations as there is amazing butter chicken at a local Indian restaurant we have in Sydney called Moksha which is cooked in the tandoor first. Anyway the Lamb Rogan Josh was cooked well but only warm In temperature. We were given the smallest bowl of rice for 3 people asked for more with an extra charge. Really for plain rice $15 it isnโt like there were cardamon pods or cloves in it. The Roti was nice but the naan was undercooked. Expected more flavour and spice. No one asked how our meals were. Paid and left like we werenโt even there.
Be the first to ReplyWhat a disappointment ๐
After about 7 years I visited Tonka again. I loved it the first time.
I consider myself a decent cook and my friends love what I whip up. The food at Tonka was horrible ๐ซ the masalas didn't blend well and was bitter. Every dish lacked salt.
Mushroom biriyani was bitter and had sultanas in it. That's a no go for me.
Either the chef has changed or they don't know how the spices work.
Great all round experience!
Phenomenal experience. The food was just to die for, everything was absolutely delicious! James, our waiter, went above and beyond our expectations with his exceptional customer service. Very poor beer selection, however, we will definitely be back!
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