Name: Maha
Address: 21 Bond St, Melbourne, au
Rating: 4.2

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SouthEastEater

Zomato 2 months ago

5.0

Dined at Maha and opted for the ‘Soufra’ menu. Excellent and generous shared dining experience. Definitely within the top 5 restaurants I have dined at in Melbourne! 🍽 special mentions go to the snack upgrade. I loved all dishes. Additionally the supplement course of the sheer wagyu striploin was absolutely Devine and I could eat that all day long. 💁‍♀️ faultless service. 5/5

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Food_Voyageur

Zomato 2 months ago

4.0

Date Visited:14th Of February 2020 cost: 6-course meal with alcoholic beverages for 2 people $300 Food was amazing and generous portion sizes. It is a must-try for middle eastern fusion cuisine. Cocktails were inspired by middle eastern flavours too. We picked the 6-course menu that is $115 per person and everything was perfectly fusion with middle eastern flavours. They also offer a 4-course meal for $90 and an 8-course meal for $140. 1st Course: Middle eastern mezze 2nd Course: Charred leeks with spanner crabs and garlic muhallabieh 3rd Course: BBQ Corn, fermented garlic, roast chicken and slow-cooked egg 4th Course: Wagyu manti and sujuk 5th course: 12-hour slow-cooked lamb shoulder, Lebanese zucchini and rice pilaf 6th-course: white chocolate and yogurt mousse with arack and strawberry ice

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Alimaude

Zomato 6 months ago

4.0

Delicious but was cold.

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Sense Of Food

Zomato 7 months ago

5.0

🏚: Maha Restaurant 📍: Bond St, Melbourne ———————————————————— 📝: From the moment you enter the sub-basement venue of Maha, you have begun your unrestricted Middle Eastern journey. The beauty and opulence of the Middle East overwhelms the senses in a youthful and refined environment. Sweet and sensual aromas, elegant textures and smooth beats set the tone for the experience ahead. ❤️: For flavours and textures that inspire and delight, the most exciting Middle Eastern experience in Melbourne is here at Maha. Using only the best seasonal produce available, Maha takes an unrestricted approach to Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Let the Maha’s innovative and exciting menus take your taste buds on a unique, exotic journey.

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Aaditeya Bajaj

Zomato 7 months ago

5.0

We booked a 6 course set menu for lunch. The scallops were succulent, tangy and a stand out and the delicate crab dish was tasty. The egg and corn dish was so filling, it was balanced with the richness of the egg and freshness of the corn, and the wagyu beef wrapped in pasta resembling tiny ravioli was spicy and absolutely delicious. We were starting to feel full and thought the final 2 courses would be small but the fifth course was quite large and heavy with the lamb shoulder. We only ate a small amount of lamb, tender and tasty but just too much quantity. The pork belly was tough and I think totally unnecessary and seems odd to me to have pork in a middle eastern menu. The standout was the delicately sweet and mildly spiced rice dish. We were so full, we needed to have a break before having a beautiful dessert with basil sorbet which tasted so good!!! Overall if we could do it again we would not order any lamb and stick to 4 courses or just 2 courses. The lighting was perhaps slightly too dark but intimate. The decor was sophisticated and modern. The service was excellent. On the down side, my cocktail glass had a chip in it and we had chipped bowls so told the staff. A fine dining venue should never use broken crockery or glasses. Overall we had a great time.

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Trav

Zomato 8 months ago

5.0

I have been lucky enough to go to this restaurant 3 times in the last 5 years, every time it’s seems to get better and better! Truly one of the best restaurant (in my opinion) in Melbourne. The service is amazing, the cosy ambience and the decor is fantastic and then the food comes out....wow! Thank you Maha for another amazing dinner, definitely be coming back again!

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Food Perspective

Zomato 8 months ago

5.0

Had we known we needed to dedicate a few hours to spend and savour the food and ambience at Maha, we would have cancelled our plans and stayed the night. Banquet style dining so make sure your pockets are full but you won't regret spending a dime at Maha because the food is worth every penny. Will definitely come back for a longer stay. Excellent customer service.

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Missliseylou

Zomato 8 months ago

2.5

I love this restaurant. Service is amazing. Have been here many times. Highlight was at the Windsor. Went on Mon 8th July in a group. We had several courses. The 12hr lamb used to be a large bowl this time there was extra things in the bowl and a lot less lamb and a bit dry. The dessert donuts were dry. The other brownie, Tahini and pumpkin ice was not good. 4 of us weren't loving the food.

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亨利

Zomato 9 months ago

3.0

Amazing meal, delicious, very enjoyable. Loved the overall 8 courses dinner. However, service was lacklustre. No intimate feeling evening on a Monday night. No conversation, no inquiring feedback on the food, floor staff mixing up dietary requirements.

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Josephine

Zomato 10 months ago

4.0

Visited Maha after seeing so many good reviews. We opted for the 8 courses for $140pp. 1. Kibbeh neya, scarlet prawns and spring peas tart. These were amazing! Packed full of flavour and so delicate. Maybe the tart base was a bit too delicate because it crumbled straight away when we first picked it up 2. Bermagui blue fin tuna, tahini custard and pomegranate. This was a surprisingly small dish and the tuna was beautiful and thin. Felt the pomegranate a bit overpowering and overpowered the beautiful tuna 3. Grilled marron, carrot cardamom and saffron. The marron was cooled well but lacked flavour. The highlight of the dish was actually the cardamom and saffron sauce 4. Bbq corn, roast chicken and hens egg. This tasted exactly like a chicken corn soup which I quite liked 5. Hummus, chickpea roti. This was super super filling. The hummus was dense and rich and the roti was coated in a rich butter or oil of some sort (forgot), it could too much after awhile 6. Dry aged duck and wagyu 8+. Cant fault these guys. Beautifully cooked protein 7. Yogurt icecream. Yum yum yum this was amazing 8. Sutlac, toasted rice icecream. Another outstanding dessert. Maha definitely showed some unique dishes. Was it mind blowing? Not really.

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Jaidyn M

Zomato 10 months ago

5.0

My girlfriend and I went here for our 2 year anniversary - it was honestly one of the, if not the, best meals we've ever had! We opted for the 4 course "soufra" menu. Every dish was amazing and was a generous amount of food - we were definitely full and incredibly satisfied by the end of it. Some of our favourites were the Chemen cured kingfish, the pickled carrots, the green asparagus and the Turkish delight donuts. Honestly though, each dish was amazing in its own right. We would also highly recommend the Cardamom cocktail. The wait staff were lovely, efficient and attentive. They asked us whether we were celebrating something when we arrived and after discovering it was our anniversary, they gave us an additional dish from the 8 course menu! We also left with a bread mix so we could make our own Maha-style bread. The whole experience was amazing from start to finish and we would absolutely recommend Maha to anyone looking for a perfect night out.

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John Galt

Zomato 10 months ago

1.0

We had the 6 meal course. The first course was nice. Then it all went downhill. One of the courses was a roast chicken with chargrilled corn - corn which was sweet and plump and yellow, which means it was from a can. There was probably a quarter chicken at most shredded for 5 people to share. That wagyu manti was the biggest joke - literally a dumpling smaller than your fingertip, and a tiny crumb of beef inside. And you didn't get a lot of them - maybe 5 little dumplings each at most (which is your main meal). Lastly an inexperienced waitress who did not fill the wine to the width of the glass, and took our bill back at the end because she forgot to add the Sunday 10% surcharge. For $100+pp, this is unacceptable.

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Chippie

Zomato 10 months ago

3.0

Very disappointed with Maha. Food was average and service was inattentive. Wine pours were below standard.

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Tara & Christian

Zomato 10 months ago

5.0

We were taking to the Middle East with this deliciously crafted 7 course banquet at Maha. Everything was done to perfection, from the decor, the service, the atmosphere and of course, the food. Shane Delia has done an incredible job bringing his Maltese and middle eastern background to life with this incredible restaurant. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience in Melbourne unlike any other, you have to visit Maha! We were treated like such special guests and we were also gifted with an extra dessert because the staff knew it was my birthday, so sweet of them to do.

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Ruby Burgess

Zomato 11 months ago

5.0

Maha was AMAZING! Cannot fault the service, wine, food or dining experience. Flawless, exciting and worth every cent. Can’t wait to go back and will be telling all my friends!

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Ella Jane

Zomato 11 months ago

5.0

Can not fault this restaurant. From service, cocktails, food, everything is amazing. I’ve never had a banquet/ 8 course meal that caters to my many requirements! Thoroughly enjoy the food. Definitely worth the price. Will be back soon.

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Siân Cole

Zomato 11 months ago

5.0

The amount of flavour in every dish is amazing. Been twice and would go again. Service is excellent in a lovely environment

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Bronwyn

Zomato 11 months ago

5.0

From ensuring that the blue screens of other diners didn't spoil our romantic evening, to making sound wine recommendations when our choice was dubious (moral of the story: don't choose a wine for sentimental reasons), The Vegetarian and I enjoyed a fantastic anniversary dinner. Six courses was more than enough to delight every single taste bud many times over. Divine.

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Makan2Melbourne

Zomato 11 months ago

5.0

Opted for the 8-course tasting menu. Everything tasted really great, and definitely worth the price. Nothing was bland or tasteless. The sauces were delicious in each of the dishes. Enjoyed the cocktails as well. Got a bag of bread mix to take home, which was a special experience. One of the best experiences! Would love to try their casual shared menus.

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Shivani Shah

Zomato Sep 07, 2019

5.0

Went to this place to celebrate my birthday and it is by far it is one of the most delicious restaurants I have been in Melbourne! The food is absolutely delicious, service was very attentive and loved the ambience. I liked the concept of a set course meal as that way I was surprised by every dish that arrived at the table. A definite recommendation if looking to celebrate a special occasion. Oh, they were also kind enough to serve a special dessert in addition to our course meal just to wish me a happy birthday! Favourite meal - the 1st course especially the pickled carrots with turmeric and shallot oil and the middle eastern style cous cous!

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Dane Moloney

Zomato Aug 17, 2019

5.0

Outstanding. A must in Melbourne. We had the 4 course vegan menu and loved every bit of it. Service was first class and friendly. Definitely coming back.

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Putriku

Zomato Aug 15, 2019

5.0

This place is amazing! My best friend took me here for my bday , and it’s absolutely amazing . We went for lunch and picked on 2 courses set menu and it’s right for lunch. The eggplants filled buns with Persian ‘xo’ are beautiful. Their humus are beyond delicious . The market fish dish are the best and the rice dish with pine nuts 😍😍😍

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Yume Yume

Zomato Aug 11, 2019

5.0

Nothing but positive words to say about Maha. To start the food was delicious, so full of flavour and flavours I didn’t even know I would get out of a dish when it arrived at the table. Having the set menu was perfect and I was of course very pleased to have a full vegetarian menu available. The service was also fantastic, some of the best I’ve witnessed in a while. The waitress was totally friendly and approachable, smiled the whole night and there was no sense you had to leave even though we wrapped up well past midnight. I also really liked the vibe, cozy with good music playing in the background that wasn’t too loud. You were close to the neighbouring table but not as though you were at the table with them. I will definitely be recommending it to others and I am personally so glad to have experienced a meal at Maha and something I will hope to do again one day.

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LeanGuy

Zomato Aug 08, 2019

5.0

This was a real treat. We went to this venue for a work lunch. The venue was hidden down a side alley. Down the stairs we went. The surroundings were plush, warm and comfortable. There were subtle smells of spice and unami in the air. We were led to our table (booking recommended). There was a vegan menu, however there was a mix up of what we could order on the lunch specials menu. They did not disappoint. We had a delicious pasta dish with spices and paprika. The pasta was very soft but suited the dish (seen pictures). The dish was a little on the small side, however every morsel melted in the mouth. Next time - we’ll will order the banquet style

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Adventure.of.cpho

Zomato Jul 28, 2019

5.0

Shane Delia’s Maha is a marriage of beautiful produce and an intricate balance of flavours! We selected the 8 course degustation and was not disappointed! Each dish celebrated the flavours of the Middle East with a contemporary spin. My favourite dish was a tough pick; the grilled WA marron with cardamom and saffron and the honey and za’atar lamb cutlet with a truffle pairing were definite highlights. Who doesn’t love truffle?! Great ambience, food and service - We’ll definitely be back!

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Pinch Of Bacon

Zomato Jul 25, 2019

4.0

Well...the 8 course degustation was amazing! We were full to the gills by the time we got to dessert so very grateful for that sorbet and granita that cut through the richness of the mains and set us up perfectly for the final dish! The staff here are wonderful and we couldn’t fault the service. Highly recommend a visit!

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Sally Phillips

Zomato Jul 20, 2019

5.0

Extremely impressed. One of the best in Melbourne. Some stand outs include the flat bread & hummus, lamb shoulder and aged rice. Service was attentive, friendly and professional. Atmosphere was buzzing with a New York evening feel. No wonder this gem of a find is thriving!

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Wearekimleaf

Zomato Jul 17, 2019

5.0

Went here for my partners birthday. Service was impeccable and they showed me what hummus is meant to taste like. They were attentive and the food was of very high standards/generous servings. Would HIGHLY recommend for a special evening.

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Jill

Zomato Jul 02, 2019

4.0

I had been wanting to come here for a long time. Glad to have had the chance to experience Maha. Had an enjoyable evening dining here with my partner. We opted for the 4-course menu, and wow, so much food! Delicious food with lots of flavours. The set up of the restaurant is very romantic, though the lighting could be a little bit brighter.

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Kalanie Guna

Zomato Jul 02, 2019

5.0

One of the best fine dining experiences, the food comprises of simple ingredients cooked to perfection. Every mouthful was perfect. My partner and I went to Maha for lunch (6 course). If you asked me what my favourite course was, I would struggle to decide. But if I could only eat one dish again it would be the fifth course - wagyu beef manti, Pine mushrooms with roasted celeriac & st David’s yoghurt. There isn’t anything I can fault, from the prompt, attentive service to the delicious food which all flowed perfectly. I can’t recommend this restaurant enough! Can’t wait to go back and try the other options on the menu.

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Daisy

Zomato Jun 29, 2019

4.0

I went to Maha for their Mother's Day Lunch - a 5 course menu. Not being familiar with Middle Eastern food, I found the dishes very interesting. The first course had king prawns, artichoke croquettes, roe and caviar on crackers and bread and hummus to share. The prawns were fresh and the contrast of the soft prawn meat with the crunchy spiced saltbush was really great. The croquettes were really yummy too. Then we each had a piece of roasted barramundi which was average by itself, but had great flavour with the sauce and vegetables on the side. The third course was pork belly with eggplant and pomegranate seeds - the pork belly was really fatty which was delicious. Then we had more dishes to share - roasted spatchcock, rice pilaf, roasted carrot and a pumpkin salad. We love the slow roasted carrots and pumpkin salad but the spatchcock was average. Finally, we had chocolate souffle for dessert. The way the ice cream melted into the souffle was amazing and it was definitely the best chocolate souffle I've ever had (even though I was already really full and only managed to eat half of it). The 5 courses proved to be way too much food for us, as we started feeling full after the third course and unfortunately didn't finish our spatchcock or desserts. The service we received from our waitress wasn't what I expected from Maha. I'm not sure whether she was new or just having a stressful day, but she seemed to be a little absent-minded. After ordering drinks (one each for the three of us), which she memorised, she came back a minute later because she had forgotten one of them. Then, when serving our drinks, she set down what appeared to be a glass of orange juice in front of me even though I had ordered a cocktail. When I got around to having a sip and confirmed it was just orange juice, she happened to be on her way back to our table to apologise that she had mixed up my drink order with another table's. Her friendly and apologetic manner made it okay but I think my experience could've been ever better if I had received more professional service. Maha is a basement restaurant with dim lighting and an intimate ambiance, well-suited for dinner dates. The glass panels along the side and the mirrors at the back give the place a very luxurious feel.

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I Spy Plum Pie

Zomato Jun 22, 2019

5.0

To celebrate both my birthday and my mum’s we decided to treat ourselves to Sunday lunch at Maha. I had heard excellent things from friends that had been recently, and so was very much looking forward to seeing what we would be served! Spoiler alert, the whole thing more than lived up to expectations!

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Paul J Fisher

Zomato Jun 10, 2019

5.0

Secluded entrance down stairs to basement. The entrance and fragrance greeted our senses with a friendly smile. The atmosphere was amazing and cosy. The staff were extremely knowledgeable and were very respectful of their chef. The wine specialist had incredible knowledge of the wines matched to the meal. We had the 4 course menu and were not disappointed The food was amazing highly recommend

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Sassy Queshet

Zomato Jun 09, 2019

5.0

from the Ambiance of Maha to the delicious Cocktails to the superb menu, delicious food & great service we Loved our night at Maha. looking forward to going back soon for more mouth watering flavours.

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Aneesh Vaidya

Zomato Jun 04, 2019

5.0

This was actually my first experience of a degustation menu and it is absolutely worth the price. I enjoyed the overall experience and also the service was amazing. The service staff is very skilled. We had ordered 6 course and scallops were extra which was the stand out dish for me. Being a degustation menu it was very filling and by the time we reached to the desserts we were done and didn't have space. Also the rabbit was very good. The other bonus point was my friend worked there so we got a lot of other complementary food as well. I would recommend people to visit this place atleast once. Also they have a seasonal menu which is very good thing that I liked about this place.

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Ashy

Zomato Jun 01, 2019

4.0

Went here for my four year anniversary dinner and loved it ! We had the 6 courses and each dish was so full of flavour ! Highly recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting to go out for a special meal. Service was attentive and the waiter gave an us extra course for free because it was our anniversary :)

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Cormac

Zomato May 27, 2019

5.0

All I can say is wow. We had the 6 course degustation for lunch. Nice portions, the scallops and charred leak were to die for. The lamb was melt in your mouth and the waitress asked did we want more lamb and rice l if we weren’t full enough, we declined but we were very happy she did. The dessert was amazing also. Service was pretty good too. We will be back 100%

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Mez Zoe

Zomato May 19, 2019

5.0

What a lovely restaurant. The 4 course menu is a wonderful opener to the Middle Eastern flavours. Beautifully paired selection of tasters - could not fault. I also drank a couple Turkish Delight cocktails.. seriously could not stop at one! Staff were attentive and not over bearing . Would definitely go back!

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Gastrology

Zomato May 13, 2019

4.0

Maha takes diners on a Middle Eastern culinary journey. From the moment you step inside, the beauty and opulence of the Middle East is celebrated - From the chic décor to the playful and full flavoured Middle Eastern cuisine. Under the guidance of Chef Shane Delia, Maha present diners with an abundance of Middle Eastern cuisine that exudes passion, innovation and humility. Meanwhile, Maha’s affable staff patrol the bustling dining room masterfully to create a warm and convivial atmosphere. Maha is known for its generosity in spirit - evident from its generous menu.

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Followthewhiterabbit

Zomato May 12, 2019

5.0

What a great place to eat! One of the best restaurants in Melbourne for sure. Service is top notch and the food is out of this world. We will Definitely be back for more!

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Jeffry

Zomato May 08, 2019

5.0

We are truly ecstatic when we heard that we are invited to the exclusive preview for Maha’s lunch menu. This Middle Eastern restaurant is located in a hidden alley in CBD area and the atmosphere of the restaurant was set to be intimate and lux ambience. We sampled some of the meals that will be available in the lunch menu from their appetizers, small and of course the desserts.

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Chef ASD

Zomato May 05, 2019

4.0

One word to say the chef is out standing.... What a creative mind and fine twist on dishes. I no want to explain any dishes about it's stand simply say woooooooooow. Only thing it's good for couple or small meetings. Because we order 6 course menu and it's took around 3 hours to finish. So recommend to go in this restaurant with your loved one and enjoy with wine and creative food.

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Teeks

Zomato May 04, 2019

4.0

Went to Maha for a birthday celebration and we went with the 8 course degustation. I love watching Shane on Tele, love middle eastern food and enjoyed everything we had at Maha. In particular I appreciate the flavours and techniques used as every dish had an amazing vegetable component to it. It's not easy to make vegetables shine in a dish and Maha did this extremely well. We were given Turkish delight donuts as a bonus and could barely squeeze them in. Gorgeous interior, attentive staff, tasty twists on the cocktails and overall a fantastic night at Maha. Approximately $330 for two w drinks.

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YummyMummy

Zomato May 04, 2019

4.0

You need to know where to find Maha or you might just miss it! Hidden downstairs in a lane way in the CBD is Maha. Met up with some girlfriends for an indulgent dinner... this is a bit more fancy than others., we opted for the four courses, I have no idea how anyone could eat more than that! Absolute highlight were the Turkish delight donuts! Hot, sweet and fluffy. Plenty of the savoury food was great too but it’s all about the donuts! A lovely, decadent experience.. better value options are definitely available but Maha is a lovely treat! The only real negative - I’d have loved am a la carte option to choose what we wanted, this was a bit much for me...and we took the smallest option!

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Robin

Zomato Apr 08, 2019

4.0

Ordered the 4 course menu for $85pp and matching wines for $50 pp. Turned out to be a great choice as both of us were very full afterwards. The sommelier was fantastic and the various wait staff were polite and knowledgeable about each meal and wine. Great variety of small dishes with varying flavour, texture and spice.

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Abi

Zomato Apr 04, 2019

5.0

Pros: Variety, fancy, nice atmosphere, good service and that coffee is different and strong. We wen there for Melbourne food and wine festival. The food looks gorgeous and tastes good too Cons: Can't really think of any

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Hannah Alexandra

Zomato Apr 02, 2019

5.0

Absolutely stunning lunch. We ordered the set 4 course menu (and our dietary requirements were catered for perfectly). Service was so genuinely friendly that I felt like I was at my local, rather than a fancy restaurant. Food was spectacularly delicious - three days later, we’re still talking about and revising which dish was the best (maybe the hummus, maybe the carrot and broad bean dumplings, maybe the donuts). Maha is our new favourite restaurant and we’re so looking forward to coming back. Thank you for making my birthday so special.

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Sarah Bear

Zomato Mar 30, 2019

4.0

Maha is in the basement with a discreet entrance. I went there for lunch and ordered the tasting menu. Good selections and variety. The only downside is that the tables are very close to each other, especially the two seaters by the wall. It’s challenging to have a good conversation when the next table talks loud.

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Dills

Zomato Mar 28, 2019

4.0

It’s been a few years since the last visit and this place is still amazing. Food, service, and ambiance all make for a wonderful evening. We had a 6 course degustation which by the end of the night we quite filling. The middle eastern food was fantastic with lots of flavours.

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Michelle Leong

Zomato Mar 27, 2019

5.0

Hands down one of the best dining experience I have had in Melbourne so far. Food was topnotch, service was attention and friendly, and excellent value for money. Bookings are quintessential here to avoid disappointment but nevertheless, available if you choose to book at least 2 weeks in advance, depending on the size of your party. Maha does have an extensive wine menu (and cellar!) as well as a good range of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages to choose from, something I would consider if I had more people in the group who wouldn't mind sharing a bottle or two with me:)

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Jenny T

Zomato Mar 25, 2019

4.0

HOLY HECK! What an amazing experience. The renovations look amazing and the food was even better. The bread was to die for and the flavours of all the dishes combined very well.

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That Vegan Dad

Zomato Mar 24, 2019

5.0

The wife and I experienced a 6 course vegan offering recently and was pleasantly surprised with the flavours offered! We have tried these sort of food offerings in the past and the vegan variations have often been underwhelming and not substantial compared to standard options. However, Maha truly offers a fantastic feast! The flavours and variations were so unbelievably tasty and the volume was surprising. The staff were very attentive to our needs and made us feel comfortable throughout. The only real negative I could find was that the place is very dark inside, but I guess that’s to create ‘mood’, and also the music choices were often a tad out of place I felt - but nothing that took away from the experience.

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Melbourne Lifestyle Blog

Zomato Mar 20, 2019

5.0

Nearly ten years on, Maha has established itself as a Melbourne institution. I had not been here for about seven, but had such fond memories. It is bigger than I remembered. But the food was even more wonderful. We had the six-course vegetarian degustation. See my course-by-course review below.

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MsConnoisseur

Zomato Mar 12, 2019

4.0

My Key Three Pointers *The redo had no expense spared * Vegetarian menu available. * Only have to make one option for the night , 4,6,8 courses. I have not been to Maha in over 5 years. Partly because I’m not the biggest fan of a set menu however, Maha by far has the best set menu I have had. I completely understand the concept. In most middle Eastern cultures you eat and share your food and most importantly you eat what god gave you without any complaints. I loved the new interior and it felt and looked Fabulous. Dim lighting and we were seated on a lush velvet bar sofa. It sets the mood for a fun catch up with friends or a romantic dinner. The flavors at Maha are familiar to a middle Eastern customer but served with more finesse than what you would get on mine or my mother’s dinning table. Fine tuning and modernization of a dish is fantastic when it is this good and inspiring. Dinner options four,six or eight courses with the option to upgrade. This can be a little restrictive if you have fussy eaters. We had a friend that does not eat seafood and felt the larger course options would be a wast for us. On the other hand you only have to make one simple decision for the night and it eliminates the fuss of what should I order. ideal for you if you hate selecting. We opted for the four course and added the wagu beef. For $85 pp I felt the food was enough and we were very full.If you loved a specific dish no more than a table spoon so be mindful of how much you put on your plate as others could miss out. My favorite was the heirloom zucchini with yogurt and sucuk. We all felt so inspired with how the sucuk was served as we often cook it with eggs for breakfast. The cured kingfish and slow roasted lamb shoulder was delicious. I was very impressed with the amount of dessert that we received. I was on a sugar high. I could have gone without the summer fattoush salad. The toasted flat bread was a soggy mess. Turkish delight doughnuts were very doughy and I honestly did not make the connection as they did not taste like Turkish delight. Was it suppose to have Jam? The service was fantastic and you really appreciate good hospitality in a restaurant like this. You have to go to Maha to understand that it is not just a restaurant but now one of Melbourne’s must try culinary experience.

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Joanne | Melbournecitay

Zomato Mar 12, 2019

4.0

Came here for an 8-course middle eastern dinner with my family. Some of the dishes were real standouts - the chickpea roti with hummus was a real delight (and the only one I forgot to take a picture of), the corn starter was a good mix of flavours and I especially enjoyed the Turkish doughnuts + rice pudding + sorbet. Sadly, my family who has come here for lunch said that their lunch was way better. The biggest downside is that the wait between meals was far too Long! I think we waited 4 hours for an 8 course meal and some of the time between dishes was far far too Long. All in all, while this is good, I may come here to try lunch instead

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Secret Taster

Zomato Mar 09, 2019

4.0

This was highly recommended by a friend. So finally, on a Saturday, we decided to try for lunch. I wasn’t able to book online for on the day booking, and no one picked up the phone. We took the plunge anyway to see whether they had seatings available. I figured if they were full, we’ll just eat at some other restaurant close by. Lucky they have seatings available- there’s really nothing near there. This area is dead on a sat arvo. When we got to the door, the staff told us it was a set course. I said fine, but he still wanted to give us the menu to look. And we had to wait for him to go find a menu....... I didn’t really even look. I already had my mind that we were trying out here. I think my eyes only saw the word “chickpea”. 😂 I loved every single dish. It was just a “good” verdict from hubby, so we haven’t been back. I secretly think he isn’t much of a Middle Eastern food person. So no matter how yummy it is, it’s not gonna be in his fav list. He is more like a Italian cuisine guy. Ambience was nice. Great place for Date nights. Little mysterious with the black. I’m gonna have to organize to go w friends for this one.

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Raul Ramirez

Zomato Mar 08, 2019

4.0

Great service, very creative food but super expensive. It's one of those places that you to for a special event. The cocktails were nice too.

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In A Food Mood

Zomato Mar 03, 2019

5.0

Visiting this restaurant has re-ignited our passion for fine dining. The service of the staff was impeccable, the restaurant was ambient, and the food! We got the 6 course degustation for only $80 per person. All of the dishes were really tasty and different to each other. The highlight for us was the scallop dish.. the best we’ve ever eaten! We had cocktails with our meal, but next time would love to try the accompanying wines. You can really tell when a lot of love goes into food and for this reason, we cannot wait to come back.

L

LC

Zomato Feb 17, 2019

5.0

I came here for a work lunch and boy was I glad we chose this place! The food was super delicious and so flavorsome. I loved how much care was put into each dish. Absolutely awesome place for a meal!

Y

Yuliana Lie

Zomato Feb 11, 2019

2.0

Went to Maha for my boyfriend birthday celebration. Ambiance was nice, however service wasnt really nice. We ordered wine by the glass and when staff poured the wine into my glass he splash some of the wine into my glass and on the table. Same goes when he poured water to our glass. Water splash many times to the table and I had to keep using my napkins to wipe the table dry. My boyfriend were serves prawn dish eventho we had informed the restaurant that he is shellfish allergry. Dietary requirement had been informed upon reservation and arrival. When told that my boyfriend couldnt eat the prawn due to allergy staff asked if it is a severe allergy or it is just an allergy? I believe all allergies need to be taken seriously as it could affect someone’s health. When we were served with our last course which is dessert, I was dissapointed to find that my boyfriend’s dessert were served with a chipped bowl. We were looking forward to dine at Maha as we were intended to have a special night to celebrate my boyfriend’s birthday. However, all I wanted that night was to ask for our check and find somewhere else to dine.

J

Janelee

Zomato Feb 07, 2019

3.0

The starter dishes have the WOW effects but the remaining courses are pretty average. Main and dessert are the biggest let down. It’s a very long dining experience for 6 courses meal. We spend about 2 hours to complete the 6 courses meal. Very long waiting time for the next dish to arrive. Staff are very attentive and friendly.

D

Dublinese

Zomato Feb 03, 2019

4.0

This was our second time here. Great selection of 4, 6 and 8 course degustation. The service was prefect and the staff were super friendly and helpful. Food was amazing and they cater for vegetarians too.l

D

Dylan Davis

Zomato Jan 24, 2019

5.0

Beautiful, Amazing service Food was great very generous portions Staff explain everything in such detail and have a real passion for there job. Kitchen looks clean and never stressed efficiently smashing out a packed restaurant can’t recommend this place enough!!

N

Nadia Shami

Zomato Jan 23, 2019

5.0

One of the most incredible and memorable dining experiences i've ever had. Extremely worth it. The food, the service, the wine pairing, the ambience.. all spot on.

F

FoodieBear

Zomato Jan 12, 2019

3.0

Underground place located in a little lane with very dark interior. Staffs all friendly and nice. Maybe i just dun like the taste of Middle East food. Our group didn’t really enjoy the food. Very strong mixed spice taste and got a lot of carbs which filled us up only by the entry. Not recommend if you dun like heavy taste food.

S

Shannie

Zomato Dec 24, 2018

3.0

We were there on the 9th Nov for a double birthday celebration, there were 3 of us and we ordered 4 courses sharing menu with wine pairing. The first course started off really good, we were really impressed, however it sort of went down hill from there, 2nd and 3rd courses were still quite yummy, but just weren’t as good as the first course. The 3 stars rating was given base on food as well as the service, and here are the reasons for only 3 stars rating: 1. They used the same type of glasses for all 4 different wines, despite they’re all different kinds; I’ve been to other restaurants that are similar levels, also with the wine pairing menu, and they all changed the glasses between course as red and white or dessert wines are normally different type of glasses, given Maha’s price range and style, I was surprised to learn that that’s not what they do. 2. My colleagues were at the restaurant also for dinner about couple weeks before us (actually she was the main reason I chose there because of her good experience), but I was really disappointed to learn that despite we ordered the exactly same 4 courses menu, they had more desserts than us?! We only had one (photo attached), but they had like another 2 more desserts per person, one of them was some donuts I think, which we did not get it, and I’m really not sure why?!?! Later edit: there’s 3 types of desserts on their menu which you can see it from Zomato website, at the time we didn’t think what were missing, and we were not rush to leave either, they sent us the bill right after they took the plate away of our only dessert..... 3. I received an email few days later from Maha asking me to give reviews or express issue from our experience if there’s any, which I’ve took my time to express about 2 issues we had, but until now, no one has contacted me yet either by phone or emails, I mean what is the point to ask for reviews if you don’t want to address the issue?! I think our issues are pretty legit and we’re not being picky or difficult, I simply want to know why especially about our desserts being different from others when the price is the same.

L

Linda

Zomato Dec 15, 2018

5.0

Our family booked the private dining room as there were 18 of us. Food and service was impeccable, cocktails were flowing and delicious. Went with one of the banquets, food was super tasty and great portions. Ambience a little dark, but nothing to deter the evening. Will happily come back for any occasion.

N

Neilamiddleton

Zomato Nov 18, 2018

4.0

Wonderful. Great hospitality with delicious foods and generous serves in an easygoing atmosphere (only need to improve the lighting a bit). Feels like there is a heartfelt desire to share the best of what food can be. Not one of those places that treats food as ‘art’; at Maha it’s food that nourishes the body and soul.

T

The Honest Glutton

Zomato Nov 13, 2018

3.0

I expected a lot from this place. Sadly didn’t hit the wow factor for me. Pretty average dishes that felt like they were missing something .. got the 6 course dinner menu. Ambience and service was good though

Q

Quynh

Zomato Nov 01, 2018

5.0

Maha has always been on the top of my list and I'm soo glad I finally went. I took my sister for her birthday in September and we did the 8 course degustation. It was honestly one of my favourite and most enjoyable degustation meals. We even got introduced to the chef and shown the palate cleanser course in the kitchen which was a nice touch for her birthday. I'm so keen to come back and try the other degustation options!

R

RunnyYolko

Zomato Nov 01, 2018

5.0

What a wonderful experience at Maha. Attending for a birthday dinner the interior is beautifully decorated with a moody high class vibe. Opting for the 6 course menu 3x and 1x for vegan it was a delightful choice. The food was incredible with every dish delighting the senses. The first course was one of my favourites, the mixture of Appetizers and probably the best hummus I’ve ever had! The vegan middle eastern dumplings a favourite dish that I have tried thus far. Knowing it was a birthday dinner, the Maha staff treated us with an extra desert course free of charge. Catering for all omnivores, vegetarian and vegans it exceeded my vegan expectations. All in all it was a delightful and special experience and recommend it to all wanting an incredible tasting meal which will leave you always wanting more however wholly satisfied at the same time.

N

Nathan Galea

Zomato Oct 29, 2018

4.0

Went for the four course Souffra menu, the first course mezze was brilliant, kingfish amazing and hommus the best I have ever had. Second course neeeded to be a bit better than asparagus the soujouk and sauce. The main of lamb shoulder and salad and rice was really really good. The balance of flavour with the ingredients is phenomenal here and has to be applauded. Shane Delia the restaurant chef/owner was visible in a back area but only seemed accessible to business types he knew rather than the whole restaurant. Me and my partner would have loved a quick chat but anyway.

P

Prof. Pinky@LunchLab

Zomato Oct 24, 2018

4.0

My score 4 stars. In the past J & I have been to Maha twice for long lunches & couldn't fault the food. First time we had 6 courses & the second time 4 courses (for us 6 courses was just too much food, even if it was fab). Loved the seafood & vegetables - the red meat & dessert were good, even though we don't have either of them very often. Went the endless sparkling water option, glasses constantly filled when required & without asking (nice). Had matching wines each time, so we could taste some interesting ME wines & just go with the flow... Overall > Service/food great & the ambience good, although it can get noisy as tables are fairly close to each other (& they're all full of people drinking & having a good time). My one beef > When we were served dessert on the second visit, we noticed the dessert wine was corked. Most of the patrons had gone & the wine guy was not on the floor (I don't think he was a sommelier as such). The young female waiter gave us a bit of a hard time about it & made a comment about us "not even tasting it! It was so badly corked you could smell the TCA even before you got your nose in the glass. She begrudgingly told the wine guy & he rushed up to us apologising profusely, once he checked the wine. We didn't care that the wine was corked (no one's perfect & lots of people can't tell anyway), just didn't expect the "attitude" from the waiter. BTW - this was quite some time ago & neither of the staff would still be there. I'm sure this sort of thing wouldn't happen at MAHA anymore, but I'm new to Zomato & it's been eating at me to get it off my chest!

K

Kimungie

Zomato Oct 20, 2018

4.0

Our first time there, lovely setup and friendly staff and good food. Tables were really close to each other and it was very hard to ignore the surrounding noise.When I pay decent amount of money, I would expect some space for ourselves as well. We had 6 course degustation, every dish we had was impressive and had good portion. Staff members seemed to be very knowledgeable and explained the dishes very well.

B

Bharadwaj Swaminathan

Zomato Oct 20, 2018

5.0

One of the best dining experiences ever in Melbourne. We had the vegan degustation lunch on Saturday - food was amazing and the service was immaculate! Brilliant vegan food ... the leak dish, flatbread and dessert was amazing.

L

Lizzie Eats Melbourne

Zomato Oct 13, 2018

3.0

😱Lizzie’s first impression: this place has been on my to go list for a very long time and I finally got a chance to try this week. The ambience of this place is very romantic and perfect for a date or celebrating something special. 🍩Lizzie enjoyed: we opted for the 2 course lunch menu. All of the entree starters were amazing - the hommas and flat bread was delicious - the kingfish was honestly something different and exciting as compared to the asian Yuzu soysauce flavours - this one was middle eastern and had lots of spices instead. 🍅Lizzie did not enjoy: I was longing for the lamb shoulder for the main, but I was quickly disappointed as it tasted very mediocre and wasn’t presented nicely in the tabouleh salad. 🥇Lizzie rates overall: It was definitely delicious food but for the hype from everyone I expected so much more! Still a great place to try for a middle eastern Turkish dining experience.

S

SK

Zomato Oct 11, 2018

2.0

I had wanted to visit Maha for so long and really wanted to love it, but unfortunately it just didn't blow me away like I expected. There were some nice dishes (got the 6 course degustation) but overall it was nothing special. My family cook 100 times better. In fact there are a lot of middle eastern restaurants that are more flavoursome. No point having beautiful presentation if the flavour isn't there. It was probably good when Delia first opened it and when he was actually present in the kitchen every night.

J

Jess

Zomato Oct 08, 2018

3.0

My partner took me here for my birthday. We've heard so many good things about this restaurant from friends and reading reviews. We ordered the 6 course degustation and found it pretty average. The only thing that stood out the most was the hummus which pretty much made our night followed by the quail and the dessert. The lamb was also a little dry

M

Mosaic Mama

Zomato Sep 27, 2018

2.0

Chose this restaurant for a special double birthday celebration, but it was disappointing. The staff are not friendly, the lighting is so dim we had to get our phones out to read the menu ( I noticed they had the same issue at the till), the paired wine is stingy in size and the Sommelier is hard to understand and arrogant. One of the waiters called one of the female guests sir on a few occassion as well. The food was lovely except the donuts which we were really looking forward to - they were rubbery and dense. We also noticed that the table next to us got one of each of the biscuits whereas we got 6 (there were 5 of us) so that was weird as they were delicious. I was also surprised that the coffee was lukewarm and not that great. Overall not good.

V

Victoria Joy Garner

Zomato Sep 23, 2018

3.0

We choose to have a double birthday dinner at Maha because of the diversity of the menu as not all guests eat meat. We met early and had a cocktail at the bar before our table booking at 8:45. *First bummer - It was a big disappointment that the Turkish Delight cocktail was not available due to the bar running out of the Rose water liqueur. When we were seated at our table the cocktail menu was presented by the waiter who then walked away. As we had already had a cocktail we waited for the waiter to return so we could get the dinner menu. * Second bummer - he seemed peed off that we didn't order another cocktail. Once we had the dinner menu, it took a while, we selected the four course menu - two meat eaters and three pescetarians and four of the party wanted the matched wines. One guest wanted a single glass of Shiraz. All seemed organised but then four of us got our first glass of wine and no Shiraz. * Third bummer - waiter says (after he had heard us discussing the absence of the glass of Shiraz) 'What one do you want?' Then the wine list arrives and he suggests a $33 glass! A $22 one was selected. The first course arrives and is substantial and tasty. The fish was the stand out but the smallest serve of one slice per person. The second wine and course are served after a decent break. Again quite tasty but nothing amazing. The third wine and course are presented and again nothing was a stand out. Our final dessert course, that we are very excited about, is served and we are blown away with the main dish. It looks like and egg. It tasted yum. The turkish delight donuts are also highly anticipated. They look and smell delicious. All smothered with honey and chopped nuts. * Fourth bummer - have they been microwaved? They are really difficult to cut into and very chewy. The favour is great but the texture is all wrong. Overall - food was different & mostly tasty. Service was okay. They have a lot of staff no wonder the prices are high. One waiter kept saying 'sir' to a female guest! The sommelier was very knowledgable and loved his wine selection. His accent is very strong and in a busy noisy restaurant a challenge to understand.

A

Aisha Aznizan

Zomato Sep 17, 2018

4.0

we came here & did the 8 course degustation menu - it was lovely & the food was good. however, i wouldnt say that it was what i expected from a middle eastern inspired menu so that was a little disappointing. otherwise, it was a nice experience

A

Anne Griffin

Zomato Sep 11, 2018

5.0

Went here last night for dinner, was one of the best restaurants we have been to in a long time! We got the 6 course degustation menu, with two of us ordering the standard menu and one of us ordering from the vegan menu. This was honestly one of the best vegan meals I have ever had; it is obvious they put a lot of time and effort into the flavours, and some of my meals looked even better than the meat versions. Additionally, my family enjoyed the meat version, with the lamb and kingfish dishes a highlight of the night! Also, the service was amazing, the waitress was very attentive but also never obtrusive, and she explained all the dishes to us, ensuring that I could eat with confidence knowing that my food was vegan. Was a positively memorable experience, and we cant wait to come back again.

T

TheBearReview

Zomato Sep 04, 2018

3.0

I will start at the very end. When you get the bill, you are reminded that last two hours or so you spent at this place wasn’t just about the food, but the service, the decor, the on trend and expensive cutlery/crockery and the fit out. So I hope you have savoured it with all your senses, or you will feel very ripped off. The food is lovely, although blindfolded I wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the warm hummus dip and what I can get from the Victoria market. Along with so many other dishes which were all very good, again not so special that warranted the prices they commanded. So, come here not just for the food, but for the luxury of eating Middle Eastern food in a highly refined setting, surrounded by other likeminded mostly beautiful looking people.

L

Little Pink Piggy

Zomato Sep 02, 2018

4.0

Had dinner last night with a friend. Annoyingly when you book, they ask for a credit card in case you cancel tool late, which I though was unnecessary. We arrived at 630 and were seated promptly. The service throughout the night was spot on. We went for the 4 course menu with the matching wines. Starters were a beef kibbeh neya, olives, kingfish and a cucumber yoghurt. The standout was the kingfish which of course we got the least of! Second course was zuchinni fritters and quail which was very flavoursome. Main was a rice dish, some baby octopus, a lamb dish and a brocolli tabouleh which was the weakest dish of the night. We finished with some shortbread, an artichoke cake and the turkish delight donuts. The food was good but overall not great. The courses came out slowly. We were so full by mains we barely touched desert. Loved the quail, the lamb and the donuts. 4 courses was plenty. The sommelier knew his stuff but looked like he didn't want to be there. They give you a flavour sachet to take home so that you can make your own lamb at home, which was a nice touch. Bill was about $350. Overall a good experience and a well deserved 4 but the food was not as amazing as we expected. More flavours and less time between courses would make for a better experience.

L

Linda

Zomato Sep 02, 2018

3.0

Service here is faultless!! The staff really look after you and are attentive, explaining all dishes in detail. The octopus is the stand out dish for me. The flavour is rich and delicious, while the bread with the hommus as a starter is amazing. Best bread I’ve ever had. The flavours are quite delicate compared to other middle eastern restaurants like Sezar or Byblos, but you won’t be disappointed!

A

Andrew Marom

Zomato Aug 19, 2018

5.0

Great food and atmosphere! the banquet was delicious. My partner and I attended for a birthday dinner we were treated to a wonderful meal with a few special extras which made for a memorable evening. We will definitely return.

R

Ray

Zomato Aug 17, 2018

4.0

This place has amazing service and great food. It is certainly a place for a special occasion. Because of our anniversary we were treated to a special treat and taken inside the kitchen which was such an experience. The waiter was very attentive and constantly topped up my water. Also knew when we were finished each course. The price of the menu is quite expensive and a lot that would go towards the service. The food was good, there’s a lot of dishes you get to try. Some items compared to the others weren’t that great. I was quite excited for the lamb shoulder and although it was cooked so well the lamb lacked the flavour explosion that other courses had. The flavour palate and fusion is a bit unusual to many other cuisines and although these differences are enjoyed some dishes may not be for everyone.

D

Dina

Zomato Aug 14, 2018

5.0

This restaurant live up to its reputation.. we ordered the 4 course degustation, and was pleasantly surprised by how generous the portion was. And not only the portion but each plate of food was simply perfection! It was definitely worth the money.

S

Shish, The Foodie

Zomato Aug 14, 2018

5.0

Fantastic dining experience!! I have always been a fan of Shane Delia - both his shows and his character are lovely and joyful - but had never been to his restaurant. Am glad we finally went. Had the ‘Spice Journey’ menu for weekend lunch, which I found flawless! Dish after dish everything was absolutely delicious. Portions were well sized too. I can imagine lots of thinking had gone into developing the recipes. Ambience is nice and warm too, and although you spend good money there, the experience is well worth it!! Well Shane, you didn’t disappoint! I now have a big favourite for special occasions!

P

Purple Anise

Zomato Aug 12, 2018

2.0

Very underwhelmed with our experience at Maha. The service was incredibly slow and there was no consistency in staff. We had high expectations for the vegan menu having heard great things, but were sadly disappointed. The dishes were very plain and unimaginative, and the dessert was frankly inedible. Will not be returning.

K

Kirsty Shaw

Zomato Jul 28, 2018

4.0

Beautiful food made with passion. While on the slightly more pricey side of things, worth every penny. The best hummus I've ever had hands down.

K

KnowingMelbourne

Zomato Jul 22, 2018

4.0

I’ve been to Maha a bunch of times and it never disappoints. From the interior to the service it really will impress you. If you like middle eastern food then you must visit. The only way I have ever dined here is to do the banquet - or the Soufra menu as they call it. It’s a must! You start with some mezze (think dips and bread, olives, and whatever is in season), then you have the small dishes (think a meat and veggie) then there are the Large dishes with the absolute, undeniable highlight being the slow roasted lamb. My one bit of advice... LEAVE ROOM FOR THE LAMB! You will want to devour it.

M

Mark Quadrio

Zomato Jul 22, 2018

4.0

We had the separated dining room for our lunch. The venue and service were high class. All of the food was presented well and tasted fresh. Not as punchy flavours as Sezar but a great time had by all.

V

Veta Bajaj

Zomato Jul 19, 2018

5.0

Visited Maha with friends and had a great time. Food was absolutely delicious! We had the buffet and everything was super tasty. One of the best restaurants in Melbourne. Will be back.

V

Vivian

Zomato Jul 19, 2018

5.0

Amazing middle eastern restaurant ! I was extremely impressed with the amount of courses on offer for their degustation and the variety and generosity of each and every course Unlike most degustation menus the food courses are plentiful but the serving sizes of each is small. maha offers a bit of that but by the main course you experience more of a banquet style meal that is meant for sharing ! All the flavours of the food were packed with loads of flavour and I particularly liked the cured kingfish , the beef cheek and the lamb which had yoghurt and hummus !! The broccoli tabouleh was also very unique

B

Bak Kwa

Zomato Jul 18, 2018

5.0

Don’t know where to start. But I know where it ended. Can’t remember much in between. When I was in here with a bunch of great friends, and you can’t remember anything else other then the food. The delicious succulent lamb that melts in your mouth. We had the 4 course meal. Absolutely amazing.

H

Hazey

Zomato Jul 17, 2018

5.0

Maha is exceptional. Staff are extremely friendly and have a vast array of knowledge on their local and imported wines. The food is served from set menus each with their own unique and complimentary flavours. The Middle Eastern/Maltese/ Mediterranean menu is full of familiar items served with the signature Maha flare.

J

John Carver

Zomato Jul 16, 2018

5.0

Shane is a very talented chef who has broken out from the shadow of George Columbaris and shining on his own very well. I have been to Maha a few times and have never been disappointed by the great food or the high quality of service. I have always rolled out of there. Eating more food than I should but never enough. The dishes are well thought out and the flavours are unique and wonderful. The banquet is a great choice but make sure you are hungry. It is real gem in the city and doing great out there on it's own away from the MAdE group which I feel has lost a bit of it's heart as it has expanded. The lamb shoulder is very good but if you are feeling decadent the Waygu is spot on. 4 courses to 8 you are in for a treat.

L

Lisa Giles

Zomato Jul 01, 2018

4.0

We had a lovely dinner here for my friends bday, and opted for the 8 course degustation. The ambience was very warm, great mood lighting and had a touch of class to the decor with black and gold themes. I’m not usually a big fan of middle eastern food, but the dishes were all delicious and extremely inventive. My favorites were the entrees, the pumpkin dish and the rice ice cream dessert. The combination of flavours in every dish was a highlight. The service was great, they were quite helpful with a few mistakes they made, and even gave us a free upgrade on the menu. I just wish they filled up our water glasses a little more often! Great choice for a date night restaurant.

L

Liberty Davies

Zomato Jul 01, 2018

5.0

Spectacular evening, fabulous food, fantastic service and perfectly matched wine. We had a six course feast, so good it was hard to choose a favourite - possibly the caramel dessert? The menu descriptions do not do these dishes justice, they are delicate and delightful or equally full bodied and robust .... a little of everything and so amazing we were left speechless more than once. Highly recommend, and if you enjoy wine at all it is well worth taking the matched wine option, for us this added to the overall experience. Just excellent!

T

Two Sheds

Zomato Jul 01, 2018

5.0

What a lovely restaurant. It’s a 4.5 on my non app available scale. This is a lovely restaurant which delivers extremely well on style and food. The decor is black and gold. It’s a stylish and sophisticated interior which welcomes. You get the general sense immediately you walk in that you’re in the hands of people who know how to provide a superior dining experience. We chose the four course banquet which delivered extremely well. There is more than ample food in this option. The starters were amazing. The flat bread was absolutely beautiful and with hummus it was utterly extraordinary. Sounds strange to go off about a piece of bread but I’ve never tasted it’s equal. It was exceptional. I also can’t praise the delicate cucumber with black sesame speeds enough. It seems odd again to say say so, but the way cucumber is prepared at middle eastern inspired places like Maha and Rumi almost completely reinvents the vegetable for me. My dish of 2017 was the simple cucumber with dill in the seasonal feast at Rumi. It’s done here beautifully at Maha too. We loved it, got quite distressed finishing it and wanted more. The spicy olives were a revelation too. Beautifully flavoured and neither too hard nor too soft, it’d be hard to do olives much better than they were done here tonight. They were delicious. The kingfish cerviche was gorgeous too but was a tiny serve for two and we looked over with alarm when the neighboring table scored a much larger offering. The salmon kibbeh was pleasant and served with an extraordinary crispy puffed bread the texture of which was incredible. Next course was borek with black garlic, spinach, feta and mushroom. I’ve had plenty of boreks in my time but none of them tasted anywhere near as good as this one. We went quietly nuts over this dish as it was utterly adorable. The quail with apricot was superb too. You cannot cook quail any better than this, I’d suggest. The meat was beautifully moist and the flavours divine. The lamb was pulled shoulder and slow cooked. It was lovely as well although less polished than the other dishes. The swordfish was lightly grilled served with capers and was very nice indeed. We also absolutely adored the charred broccoli tabouleh. It was divine. I cannot imagine the skill that went in to cooking this dish, ie to present such a gorgeous deep charred flavour but without it ever tasting burnt. We went nuts over this dish. It is amazing. The five year aged Persian rice was very fine as well, a lovely accompaniment to the other dishes. We chose a Saloman Gruner Veltliner for our main wine and it proved to be a sound choice which went well with most dishes. We also chose a glass of Tellurian Grenache from Heathcote to go with the meat dishes. Again, it was a good choice. The wine list is very good and not overdone. There are plenty of good wines to choose. The sweets were incredible. A dark chocolate parfait, Black tahini mousse and Turkish delight doughnuts. I wasn’t prepared for how good these would be. They were outstanding deserts. We loved them and could not fault them in any way. The only slight downer on the night was that we were not permitted to take part of the dessert home with us in a doggy bag. The servings are generous here and we were both very full by the time dessert arrived. We wanted to eat half of the sweets and take half home to enjoy later but the possibility was snappily dismissed by our server which was immensely disappointing. We’d paid for the food and wanted to eat it. I think the non doggy bag policy is silly and a little mean. We picked forlornly at the remaining dessert for several minutes and ate probably half of what was left. It was strange to finish a lovely meal on a slightly down note like this. Overall, it’s a very very good restaurant though. You feel good being there and the fit out out is lavish, impressive and generally very comfortable and pleasing. We were slightly perturbed by how close the tables were and heard lots of the next table’s conversation and boy could one of them talk. But, we did our best to ignore them and concentrate on the very fine food which proved very easy. It’s all about the food and most of the food is exceptionally good as is the overall experience. There’s little doubt this is one of Melbourne’s best restaurants and we will definitely return in the future.

C

Chey_ct

Zomato Jun 27, 2018

4.0

Had the $20 burger and beer bar special today and it was pretty amazing! The patty which was a spiced beef was so delicious and so tender that my friend's completely crumbled lol. The sauce was a good accompaniment and it wasn't overpowering. I can say the same about the other accompaniments and that's not from a negative point of view. Bacon was crispy, which is how I like it. Not sure what bacon they used but it's a bit different to the bacon that usually comes with burgers. It was a bit messy to eat but it was a very satisfying lunch. Would definitely recommend!

D

Denny Patron

Zomato Jun 18, 2018

4.0

Have been wanting to come here for a long time and finally got here! Overall we had a great night and really enjoyed it. We had the 6 course degustation which was more than enough food. Pros - Amazing service and space - Nice selection of starters (kingfish the highlight) - Pumpkin dish and lamb were first class - Nice extra dessert due to being a birthday Cons - Having to do one of 3 set menus - everything was very very salty, borderline too salty Definitely worth a visit!

R

Rohan

Zomato Jun 15, 2018

4.0

I was here with a bunch of colleagues for a work outing and I must say the food is excellent. We had ordered share plates and got a taste of everything but I will go back to have a proper meal. Their $20 burger+beer lunch deal sounds mouthwatering.

L

Little Bit Of Everything

Zomato Jun 12, 2018

5.0

Its my new found favourite Middle Eastern restaurant. Located in a lane way on Bond street. Visited Maha for mid week dinner, we had to make a booking to be on a safer side. It does get quite busy over the weekends for dinner. Calm and soothing ambiance with middle eastern interiors and music. We got their 6 course degustation with matching wines. They explained in detail about every dish that was served and how and why they paired with particular wines. Amazing flavors and combination of foods. Very smartly designed degustation that can fit in everyone's pallet. Fantastic service.

S

Shalsy

Zomato Jun 10, 2018

5.0

Food was phenomenal. Love the fusion. We went here for my husbands birthday and they were really sweet to add personal touches to make It even more special. Thanks

L

Laarni Tapat

Zomato Jun 07, 2018

5.0

I felt like I was on a journey - it was an amazing experience! Ordered the 4 course meal for 2 people My favourite: First course: Salmon with the ‘crackers’ and the king fish was a delicacy Second course: Quail was tender and marinated lovingly Third course: The lamb chops were nicely salted because it matched the charred broccoli salad Dessert: I’ve always loved chocolate as a dessert but this strawberry tart was lovely with the sesame seed mousse. The donut was the best! I’m not a big fan of fennel seeds which was found in the salad but it didn’t completely spoil the meal for me The service was perfect. Would definitely like to come back to try the more expensive set menus!

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Panda

Zomato May 29, 2018

2.0

We were in Maha yesterday for lunch to give our colleague a farewell lunch. We order the 4 course degustation menu for all 6 of us. Entrees was good. Main unfortunately were too salty for everyone .. the lamb especially was overloaded with salt and the broccoli charred taken too far coz we can’t taste anything else but charred taste. Donut with Turkish delight is good. Service was very good but it was a letdown from all the raving I heard. Sigh..

J

Jason Lee

Zomato May 25, 2018

5.0

One of my best restaurants in Melbourne. Foods and service are quite nice. Highly recommended for ppl who want good foods in fancy atmosphere. Booking is tough.

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Heidi Liang

Zomato May 25, 2018

4.5

Good satisfaction level 5/5 Extremely well services Chose the 4 course menu and it was more than enough for two people. 1 st course came with 4 dishes (appetites) 2nd course came with two small plates 3rd course were the mains with two small dish complementary on the side The 4 course were three desserts ! Def worth the visit !

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Sweet.connoisseur

Zomato May 22, 2018

4.0

A beautifully decorated restaurant with wonderful middle eastern music playing in the background. It was a wonderful experience to try something different. Food: 3.5 Service: 3 Ambiance: 3.5 Ordered the 8 course degustation and my partner changed his sixth course to the Range Valley Beef. This dish was wonderful. The beef was done beautifully. I highly recommend you to add an extra $25 to order the Supplement! Personally, the sixth course: Waygu beef cheek was my least favourite dish. It was fairly ordinary for my liking. Favourite dish: Third Course- Dutch cream potatoes with salmon caviar. Delicious! Flavours were perfectly complimented each other. Second favourite dish: Fourth Course- Salted baked autumn beetroots with hibiscus smoked duck. Duck was cooked to perfection! I wish there was more than what was served. Would I recommend Maha to family and friends? Although, this is the first time trying Middle Eastern cuisine, it was definitely something different and worth trying. However, I did find that it the courses were slightly overpriced.

A

AnotherAsianAbroad

Zomato May 21, 2018

5.0

Having heard and read lots of great reviews my partner and I had been looking forward to this dinner. First up, the space and decor is stunning. Dimly lit, middle eastern inspired decor with middle eastern music alongside rnb. The venue is stunning and perfect for a date night! As soon as we walked down the stairs we were greeted by our host who was very friendly and welcoming and walked us towards our table. We started with wine and were not big white wine drinkers but we both LOVED the chenin Blanc, so much that I even went for a second glass. Do yourself a favour and at least have 1 glass of this! We opted for the 6 course menu. The food was good and tasty but not worth $115. We were still quite hungry afterwards, so much that my partner went home and ate pringles haha. So in terms of value for money, it was lacking for me in flavours as nothing really wowed as except the Turkish bread for him and the pear sorbet for me.. had I paid a $70 for that 6 course menu, I would have absolutely given it a 5 because I couldn’t fault the service either as everyone was very friendly, and not intrusive. Overall, great spot for dates as it is romantic. Would I go back? Probably not but definitely worth going at least once! :) Edit; Have since been twice recently for lunch. The food is fantastic and the service is great! Would recommend for lunch. Again, the portion sizes could be better but definitely worth going to

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Smita Smita Maruti

Zomato May 17, 2018

3.0

Good service and decor, but food nothing special. We took the $85 menu option for my friend’s birthday. Sure it’s tasty, but not hype-worthy tasty. The thing that did wow me were the Turkish delight donuts at the end.

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Semiha

Zomato May 16, 2018

5.0

We came her for our anniversary dinner while I was pregnant. They catered the items on the menu for me without even having to mention it. Such great service and everything on the menu was so delicious. I'm a very picky eater but seriously ate everything that was brought to our table. This place is a must try!

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TonkleChicken

Zomato Apr 28, 2018

5.0

What a truly exceptional lunch!!I came here with my family for a special occasion, and how special it was. The highly respected reputation of Maha is absolutely deserved. Everything was perfect, but definitely not pretentious. From the greeting when we arrived, to the fantastic staff, and the amazing food. It is clear that staff here take the utmost care to keep the standards high.We chose the Spice Journey Four Courses, with matching wines and an starting "upgrade" glass of Arak.The opening course of Pumpkin and fermented wheat soup with Turkish duck dumplings set the standard for what was to come. (Although this was chosen as the standout in an exceptional line-up).The complexity but amazingly crafted balance of flavours in every other course was beyond description.Maha, is definitely in my Top 5 ever restaurants, and although it may seem pricey, it is definitely worth every cent. This kind of service, quality and experience is priceless.We all left Maha with a sense that we had been somewhere truly memorable.

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FoodN

Zomato Apr 28, 2018

3.0

Had the 4 course dinner menu. Service was good but food was average. Flavours were too subtle and some dishes were quite bland. The lamb was dry and we sent most of it back. The only dishes that I would order again are the quail and the strawberry dessert. There are better middle eastern restaurants around which are also better value for money.

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LiamzlEats

Zomato Apr 28, 2018

5.0

Cannot praise Maha and it’s staff more highly. All of the dishes and wine pairings were fantastic. The staff were all knowledgeable and more than willing to accomodate all our needs. Extremely kind towards us and made everything feel special. Having gone for lunch on the 28th of April 2018, I wish to gives thanks to all the bar, kitchen and waiting staff and will be recommending Maha to any and all looking for a truly unique and high class experience.

M

Melissa Kate

Zomato Apr 23, 2018

5.0

Had an amazing dinner at Maha on Wednesday night. Booked a few weeks in advance for a 7pm sitting. The presentation and service from the minute you get to the front door is impeccable. The dark, golden tones are warm and inviting. This place feels sleek and a class above the rest from the top of the stairs! Once seated we were served by very attentive wait staff who paced our drinks and food orders perfectly. Having chosen the Soufra 4 course option we waited eagerly for our meal begin. Mezze course consisted off an array of small plates including warm chilli tossed olives, amazing flat bread with a lemon butter and toasted sesame hummus, arak soaked cucumbers, Chemen cured kingfish & salmon kibbeh with a puffed fennel seed rice cracker. To say that these were all delicious would be an understatement. The salmon and the kingfish being the standout dishes for me. The Small course was two plates. One of a grilled quail and one of a silverbeet, lentil & mushroom borek. Again these were amazing offerings. The borek had a beautiful nutty flavour, leaving you wanting more. The Large course arrived with plates of slow roasted lamb shoulder, garfish fillets and sides of a broccoli, pomegranate, puffed rice tabouleh & a persian rice pilaf. The garfish was tangy and perfectly cooked. The lamb melted in your mouth. The tabouleh was tangy and refreshing and the pilaf fresh and satisfying. Another thoroughly enjoyable course. Lastly the Sweet course arrived, tempting us with basil sorbet and strawberry granita, cumin biscuit with yoghurt and blueberry mousse and Turkish delight doughnuts. My favourite here was the basil ice cream, but another doughnut wouldn't have gone astray. Overall the food, service and ambience were as good as Maha's reputation foretells. Perfect portions and pacing of it's arrival to our table. Absolutely beautiful experience and recommended to anyone who can appreciate this type of food and surroundings.

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Gemma

Zomato Apr 22, 2018

4.0

Simply delicious. We had the 6 course degustation with matching wines and we were not disappointed. Perfect amount of food and wine matched perfectly. My only qualm would be with the music, don’t get my wrong I love a bit of Drake & The Weeknd but it just didn’t suit the ambience at all and was actually quite loud. Apart from that everything was so enjoyable! I’ve already recommended this place to my friends and we will be back again, thank you Maha! 4.5 ⭐️

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Chris_madden76

Zomato Apr 22, 2018

3.0

Wish I could have rated it higher as the food was very good. The service, for a fine dining restaurant of this calibre was terrible though. We had the 8 course degustation menu. There were gaps of 15 mins+ between courses (which in itself didn’t bother us) then as we finished dessert the waitress came up and told us we had to vacate the table immediately as the next sitting were waiting. She sternly warned us that we should have known this since we booked online. We were forced to pay and then basically pushed out the door. Made to feel like it was our fault when it was the slow service/kitchen. My wife had to wait 30mins+ for a glass of wine too. Disappointing, was meant to be a special dinner out. We won’t be back.

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Cara Turner

Zomato Apr 22, 2018

5.0

My favourite place to eat in Melbourne and fabulous vegetarian options available. Middle eastern flavours that will blow your mind and wonderful staff and service.

K

Kalumi

Zomato Apr 15, 2018

4.0

We went to this restaurant to celebrate my Birthday. We opted to the 6 course meal -degustation. All courses were unique on their own and delicious. However, I personally did not feel the middle Eastern touch till the 5th course. Which was lamb shoulder the middle eastern rice and a crunchy salad. I was almost too full to finish the lamb but was well worth the taste. If I go back again I would try the four course meal. It was an overall very pleasant experience. With great customer service and awesome ambiance. A place to impress your date.

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Trevor Johnston

Zomato Apr 13, 2018

4.5

I'm going to go ahead and agree with the literally thousands of other folks that have reviewed this place to agree it is great - really great. We had the four course Soufra with matched wines and it is a lot of food. My advice would be not to eat too much mezze so you can enjoy the desserts. The burratta was my favourite dish.

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Musafir

Zomato Apr 08, 2018

5.0

Fantastic degustation.... we ate and ate for 2.5 hours. Surprisingly good portions which was great and the lamb and burnt broccoli were the highlights. The Turkish veg dumplings and dessert were ok. They didn't charge our kid under 4 which was a good gesture. Excellent customer service and happy with the sommelier's wine recommendations. Overall a memorable Spice Journey lunch afternoon.

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Derek

Zomato Apr 07, 2018

5.0

Returned to Maha after my first visit five years ago and was impressed. Same great food and service (from Jakob with a K!) The 4 course soufra is ample food for 2 and a great selection of what Maha has to offer. I won’t wait another five years to return...

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Grace O'Neill

Zomato Mar 31, 2018

1.0

Considering the high rating the 4 of us were looking forward to a special night. We were hugely disappointed in the food, flavours were so off the mark and underwhelming, lamb was dry, fish was way too overpowering, a soggy iceberg lettuce for a side dish and the deserts were terrible. Overpriced and well over rated considering the beautiful food you can get elsewhere in Melbourne. Cannot understand this high rating..

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Jenny Hetherington

Zomato Mar 28, 2018

2.0

Very disappointed, service was very poor, on arrival to the table, we waited for quite a while for the drinks menu, got handed an extensive cocktail menu but no wine list. After we caught someone’s attention for the wine list we ordered a bottle of wine to then eventually receive the food menu which had a wine matching option which of course we missed out on as we already had our bottle of wine. The food was good but there are better Lebanese and fine dining restaurants with much better service and value for money. Won’t be back

A

Ashley8513

Zomato Mar 27, 2018

5.0

Wow! I had the four course lunch soufra and every dish blew me away. The flavour combinations were perfect. The Turkish delight donut was my least favourite dish, but the strawberry basil white chocolate dessert made up for it. I can’t wait go back to Maha.

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Thai Thach

Zomato Mar 23, 2018

5.0

Superb. We came for lunch and ordered a 4 course soufra. In short, the lunch was a symphony of flavours. Maha took everyday ingredients and elevated them to the next level. From the beginning, hummus infused with preserved lemon was beautiful. Lamb was seasoned perfectly and flavours intense. In many restaurants, starters are but an after thought. You can really tell that the chef poured his heart and soul into the dishes when eating them.

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BelleScott

Zomato Mar 23, 2018

5.0

The most unbelievable dining experience I have had to date. Stunning food, incredible service and brilliant venue. 5***** definitely deserved!

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Gemma JB

Zomato Mar 14, 2018

2.0

Loved the food but really disappointed with the service. I had been really sick and therefore wasn't drinking that night. The waitress overstepped the mark and was pushy on that front, asking if she could persuade me to have a drink a total of around 8-10 different times. If I say I am not drinking, I feel that needs to be respected, whatever your view is. I understand that is where you make a lot of your money, but this style of service and continued badgering really affected my enjoyment of Maha, which is a shame because the food is fantastic and one of my favourite restaurant's in Melbourne.

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Rod Coleman

Zomato Mar 11, 2018

4.0

A little up and down across the dishes but good overall. Had just returned to Bond street and the atmosphere is buzzy and sleek. It’s worth a visit.

C

Chris

Zomato Mar 04, 2018

5.0

ok this is hands down my fave degustation place in Melbs. The servings are all a decent size, not like others places where you'll get a sultana served on a platter. Nice dimly lit setting as well, perfect for a date. Don't sleep on it, get there now!

M

Mint

Zomato Mar 03, 2018

2.0

I went here on a weeknight with a group of my colleagues. We ordered the 4 course soufra. I was expecting great things but I left feeling very disappointed. Don’t get me wrong, the ambiance of the restaurant is cool but the most important thing (the food) was a let down - we were not served one of our meals in the Mezze but charged for it, the lamb was dry and lacked flavour and the Turkish doughnuts arrived cold. The bread was great but there was a lot of it. It the same effort was put into other aspects of the meal, it would be amazing. Also the staff were not attentive, I asked for a glass of wine, only to receive it 15 minutes later when we were paying for the bill! In the end, Not worth $85 p/p. Ultimately very disappointed and we will probably not go back.

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PedGetsFed

Zomato Feb 22, 2018

4.5

Came here on its first night back in Bond Street with 12 work colleagues. Got a 4-course banquet menu which seemed to last forever. I was eventually informed that I was also "sampling" my colleagues' vegan options...oops. Food was great with the cured swordfish was probably the highlight. Service, drink selection, and atmosphere make this one of Melbourne's premo spots!

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Ali Moghimi

Zomato Feb 18, 2018

2.5

I am giving this rating based only on the quality of the food. We went to Maha for a 10 course dinner, when the Restaurent was temporarily hosted by Windsor Hotel at Spring Street. The meals tasted nice and were exciting and unique. Unfortunately, the service was extremely slow and staff appeared confused in delivering meals and drink. For a long time no one came to take any order. The first meal didn’t come till 40 minutes of our arrival. There was an order of drink which was taken but didn’t show up at all. After close to 3 hours we stopped at 6th course and left the place. I would rate the service 1 out of 5. Overall, it was not a vey pleasant experience. I may consider having another go in the hope of a better experience.

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Kim Robins

Zomato Feb 09, 2018

5.0

Beautiful food! Got a last minute booking for a late friday night dinner. We had the 5 course menu and everything was simply amazing! We were also given a cute little sachet of sumac along with the bill!

M

Maddie Kingham

Zomato Jan 28, 2018

5.0

A flawless dining experience. From the moment we walked through the doors of the Hotel Windsor we were taken care of. The staff were all excellent- attentive and friendly. The staff made sure to remove any crumbs from the table quickly after each meal so our table was always spotless, which was an unexpected but thoughtful touch. Our water glasses were constantly filled as well- something that I always appreciate. The food was absolutely incredible! I can not fault one thing! We went with the 4 course soufra and it was soooo filling! The portions were very generous and gave a wonderful variety of different flavours. A truly wonderful dining experience that I’ll be talking about for a long time!

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Vonlutge

Zomato Jan 18, 2018

5.0

Came here for my birthday. The service, the ambiance, the FOOD, the music, the entire experience was insanity. I thoroughly appreciate what they do! Got a free little cake with a candle too! So sweet! Thankyou !

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JA

Zomato Jan 07, 2018

4.5

This place is aesthetically gorgeous, loved the fit out. We had the set menu with matching wines. Was so delicious and could not fault. Can’t wait to try it again soon!

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This Diner Is Anonymous

Zomato Jan 03, 2018

5.0

Have been wanting to try this place for ages, and it did not disappoint. The wait staff were fantastic, and didn't blink an eyelid when our work function turned up and I put in a last minute dietary. Unfazed, they ensured all the courses were suitable. Firstly, we had a grazing plate that was comprised of Turkish bread, olives and a few other morsels. All were amazing. Special shout out to the hummus - so smoky and delicious! The second course to come out was asparagus. I thought it was a bit strange to come out as a course on its own, but it was so good. Charred, smoky and just the right amount of seasoning. Perfection. The next course was lamb, which unfortunately I don't eat. It was so tempting though - everyone LOVED the pulled lamb shoulder. I had a slice of pork, and it was fantastic. Cooked so well, and served with fennel. Amazing. Dessert was so good. The Turkish delight doughnuts have apparently been a staple for years, and it's not hard to see why they're still around. The mint tea served tasted like heaven in a cup. Overall, the meal was exceptional. The icing on the already incredible cake (or Turkish doughnut, so to speak) was meeting Shane Delia himself, who was sat opposite us. What a legend. An outstanding experience all round.

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NoOrdinaryUnicorn

Zomato Dec 27, 2017

5.0

Simply a Melbourne MUST! Ambiance, environment and service is 10/10 The food is AMAZING!!!! The flavors just awaken the tastebuds and all the senses, taking you on a middle eastern adventure. The degustation menus are designed to perfectly match in the best sequence to entice and captivate with every course and mouthful! Wines and cocktail lists are perfect also! Do yourself a favor and book here if you are visiting Melbourne or if you want to impress, these dishes are for special occasions! The staff is so knowledgeable about the food and drinks and they are there to explain it with a smile. If you are a frequent diner here, you will also have your chance to meet the one and only magician and chef....Shane Delia. Hats off to this Melbourne based chef who knows his food and middle eastern flavors...he is proud of this restaurant and it shows in everything that comes to the table and that he named it after his wife! An unforgettable experience each time!

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Ashy Sheppard

Zomato Dec 27, 2017

4.5

Maha left us very satisfied with their set menu! Came here on a Christmas office dinner. Coctails were on point we almost tried every single one, great beer and wine selection as well. Food was amazing and the highlight of the night was the succulent lamb shoulder. Definitely will return for more on special occasions. Only complaint was the portions as we didnt leave with a full stomache. Service is impeccable!!

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Ferry Gondo

Zomato Dec 20, 2017

5.0

Dined here to celebrate our second wedding anniversary. Such a beautiful presentation of Middle Eastern feast. Such an exciting and fun concept to dine. Dinner started with a bang. An array of small plates that sparked our palates. The hummus was the best that we had so far. Creamy, savory and full of goodness. Turkish bread was wonderful. The best for me was the cured swordfish. Such a tiny and thin slice of fish could produce such a flavor bomb. The pre-main courses were amazing. The greatest lamb ribs with pomegranate. Crispy crusty on the outside, so delicate on the inside, fell apart from the bone. The delicate fat with the acidity from pomegranate was such a beautiful marriage. Lamb shoulder was super tender. Full of flavor with the freshness of the tabouleh. Persian rice was a nice companion, balanced with nutty crunch from the seeds. Dessert was unique and fresh. Rice and cardamom ice cream was the best. Really clean and fresh, a perfect palate cleanser, balanced with a burnt and nutty crunch from the toasted sesame nougat. Turkish delight inside a doughnut with rose and honey drizzle was a clever and brilliant snack. Brilliant meal. Can see why it's on Zomato's Best of Melbourne collection.

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Gina

Zomato Dec 17, 2017

3.5

Good environment, timely service. Only set menu on weekend. Good taste just a bit too much for girls. Some dish a bit salty. A good range of cocktails didn’t have wines to review.

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Sherry Xu

Zomato Dec 12, 2017

1.0

The service is so slow and I almost wanted to storm out of this place ! It took more than half hour for the second course to arrive. I don’t recommend this place ! No apology either !!

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Gary Marchioro

Zomato Dec 10, 2017

3.0

Expected too much perhaps but these are my thoughts on a very busy Thursday pm dinner-very noisy to the point conversation was impossible. No eating options-just fixed courses and a less than filling dining experience with a beer and glass of wine that cost around 180.00 for two! Lovely setting and some of the dishes were lovely eg salad and asparagus but, over rated and not good value. Lunch special might suit others?

C

Chichi

Zomato Dec 10, 2017

4.5

Amazing service and food. Even though it was a busy night, nothing was too much trouble for all the kind staff. Every biteful was delicious and a great variety of drinks to choose from. I wouldnt consider this casual dining as stated on this app, but a premium price for a premium experience that I will be returning for.

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Patrick

Zomato Dec 04, 2017

5.0

Had an amazing lunch banquet meal, everything was amazing, staff attentive and knowledgeable, very busy, noisy, but it is the city on a Friday afternoon so you have to expect that. Each course complemented the next, give yourself a good couple of hours to relax have a cocktail and you'll love the experience. Thanks for the anniversary surprise too, we'll be back for sure .

C

Chewynoms

Zomato Nov 21, 2017

4.5

Finally tried Maha after watching Shane Delia on TV. 🙆🏻‍♀️🙆🏻‍♀️ Had the weekend 4 course lunch which is inspired by Shane's spice journey. Really LOVED all courses! yum yum yum! Food was unpretentious and full of flavour. The lamb and pork belly are what I loved most! SOOOO tender and melt in my mouth. 👌👌 The last course - dessert, is full of spice, something I've never had before. Really interesting flavours. 😋😋 Service was amazing. After paying, the waitress sprinkled orange blossom water on our hands. haha. What an experience!

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Vege Eats

Zomato Nov 12, 2017

4.0

Had the 6 course vegetarian degustation. First course of asparagus had really nice flavours but found the falafel crumb was a bit salty. Really enjoyed the second course with the eggplant, the presentation was great too. Third course of faro didn't do much for me, was still nice but thought it was a bit dry. Fourth course was the stuffed tomato which was delicious! Really moist and flavoursome. The borek for the fifth course I really enjoyed, the flavours inside were great and the pastry was so crispy! The sides were sugar snap peas with some crispy lentils (yum), asparagus that was a bit blackened and had a great smokey taste; and rice with pomegranate and seeds which was a little bland. The dessert was chocolate and orange with almond foam - really didn't enjoy it that much, I'm a real dessert person and was a bit disappointed by this. We had Turkish delight donuts after this which were amazing! I would have preferred more of these over the other dessert! Overall really nice meal here! Staff were excellent and attentive.

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Rachel Lai

Zomato Nov 03, 2017

4.5

Beautiful food! Went for lunch and got the $20 lunch special. Shared the burger and a lamb shoulder which came with a beer and a glass of wine! Incredible value and quality. Looking forward to try their set menus the next time round!

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Birdman

Zomato Oct 21, 2017

5.0

Went here and was in the private dining room. What a spot, you get the privacy of your own space but don't lose the atmosphere as it's glass fronted. Service in there was absolutely brilliant and had plenty of staff always topping up drinks and providing great explanations of the dish as they were placed on the table. Food was absolutely superb with the highlight being the lamb followed by the fish. Great joint

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Cookie Monster

Zomato Oct 20, 2017

4.5

Had my birthday here and the food was amazing. We had the 5 course meal inspired by Shane's spice journey show and we loved every single course. Service is fantastic.

A

Adriana

Zomato Oct 14, 2017

5.0

Amazing. Very impressed, definitely lives up to the hype. We had the six course menu and it was brilliant, each dish better than the other. My partner who has a big appetite was more than satisfied by the end. The Orange glazed pork and the Turkish delight donuts were one of my favourites. Not to mention the delicious cocktails! Ambience was warm, intimate and the friendly staff.

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Lydia Borilovic

Zomato Oct 13, 2017

5.0

Absolutely outstanding! We ordered the four courses with wine pairings for lunch and our group of 4 couldn't have been more impressed! The dishes were absolutely delicious and the balance of flavours exquisite. I can't believe it's taken me this long to dine here and I look forward to returning with my partner. The dishes were divine; the sommelier and wine pairings were beautiful; the service was perfect and the venue had excellent sound treatment incorporated into the decor so that we could speak at normal volume and hear those at our table clearly, even though it was a packed restaurant. Loved it! 100%!!

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Baz B

Zomato Oct 11, 2017

5.0

Absolutely loved the food and the General feel of the place. When it comes to the flavour these guys are geniuses. I ALWAYS make a point of coming here when I visit Melbourne! طيب كتير

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Divya Sharma

Zomato Oct 09, 2017

3.0

Reducing my rating! The second visit to the restaurant was an experience that’s making me doubt if the first time was a fluke! A table of 4 of which 2 are heavy eaters and 2 are light eaters, we were all forced to have same course meals. (I know of people who have previously been to Maha and have had different courses on the table) The menu had changed from last visit which was exciting because I was looking forward to try new dishes. However, none of the dishes tasted any exclusive, rather a few lacked basic seasoning as well. Unfortunately this was my last visit to a restaurant that until last time was one of my favourites in Melbourne. ———— Maha is not just a restaurant but an experience! Every meal, every course and every drink is created with a thought and explained in such a great manner! Went here for lunch and definitely going back to try dinner menu.

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Nalia

Zomato Oct 07, 2017

5.0

Maha was always my go-to place for excellent Middle Eastern food in Melbourne, having frequented it innumerous times in the past and never being disappointed by the quality and quantity of food. I went back to Maha this year after a few years absence and was relieved that it has lost none of the freshness and inventiveness of its food, as well as keeping some of the old classics (such as the 12hr lamb shoulder). Everything is so flavourful and to complement the meal, we had brilliant service from the waitresses who were both knowledgeable and quite funny at times. I would love to try their 5 or 6 courses next time, but am too worried I'll be unable to walk out considering how full I was after their 4 course soufra. Thank you to the team at Maha for a wonderful evening with friends!

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Little Picky Very Hungry

Zomato Sep 30, 2017

4.5

Throwback to the night when we went to Maha, one of Chef and TV Presenter Shane Delia's restaurants. It was truly a unique fine-dining experience🍷 . We ordered the 6 course meal, oysters, Pomegranate Sour🍹&rosewater🌹💧Everything was unique in its own way, the interesting taste and unusual creations is what I love about this place . - TURNIP SOUP with OCEAN TROUT tasted a bit salty at first but after it mixed with the other ingredients, I am already craving for more - GLAZED JAP PUMPKIN was my 2nd favourite 🎃 perfectly roasted, sweet and creamy. I never thought such taste sensation can made of pumpkin - PORK CUTLET 🐷 & BARRAMUNDI with truffle 🐟was good, could have been better - 12 HOUR ROASTED LAMB SHOULDER 🐑 with date glazed carrot with macadamia was yummy, but it could use more spices. I was expecting a lot more - The ‘KNAFEH’ CITRUS CURD with HONEY AND ORANGE BLOSSOM ICE CREAM🍯 🍊🍦was the highlight of the night ✨ accompanied by their famous TURKISH DELIGHT FILLED DOUGHNUTS, we were told by the waitress that we are the very first customer to try this newly launched dessert, what an honour. I can’t praise more about this, def one of the best dessert i had in my life 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 . Service was good and the ambience was beautiful, price is quite reasonable for the quality we had. We also got some little cakes for our anniversary and a spice mix as a gift, what a NICE offering! Would love to come back sooner 😉

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Vegan Delights

Zomato Sep 23, 2017

3.0

Great Tasty Food & Wine options, with good friendly service! Although very small portions & very expensive price tag, there were three of us which came to nearly $600!! Then I was told about the 2% Credit Card Charges which was annoying then as I studied my bill after I left it so unclear as the $80 deposit that was taken over the telephone was nowhere to be seen. Nice place but definitely will not return.

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Steve Levon

Zomato Sep 22, 2017

5.0

So this has been a long time coming but I've finally made it! This place was absolutely amazing! From the service to the atmosphere and the amazing flavours, I have not been able to fault it. The desert would have had to have been one of the most amazing deserts I have eaten. And I just can't stop saying amazing! Seriously recommend this place to anyone.

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Frances Mona

Zomato Sep 10, 2017

4.5

My husband and I went here last night and we had a really enjoyable evening We had the two course with matching wines - it wasn't a huge amount of food but it was enough. Food was good and the wines were superb. Venue, ambiance and service were very good and we got a little cake (as it was our anniversary) and a spice mix to use for cooking as gifts, which was lovely. We would dine here again and perhaps try the 4 courses

A

Avo

Zomato Aug 23, 2017

1.0

Used to come here regularly. Enjoyed it so much I purchased a gift voucher for my partner to enjoy, have just been advised that the $150 dollar voucher will not be honored. Seems silly to lose a regular over a small thing.

L

Lani Irene

Zomato Aug 18, 2017

5.0

My partner and I had the vegan menu tonight and loved every mouthful! Amazing flavour combinations and generous portions that left us both very satisfied. Attentive and friendly service, we hope to be back again very soon.

L

Lindsay

Zomato Aug 14, 2017

4.5

My wife and I took our eldest son to dinner at Maha. We received a very friendly greeting on arrival and were quickly seated at our table with menus and water. We chose the 6 course dinner with paired wines. The staff held back the first course until we finished our cocktails which were chosen from a rather unique list consistent with Maha's Middle Eastern background. The first course was turnip soup. My initial impression was that it was a little too salty but that disappeared as it mixed with the other flavours in the dish. The paired wine was a white from Portugal - it was excellent, crisp and refreshing and balanced the strong flavours of the food. The pumpkin dish was very interesting, particularly the combination with chicken. Again, the paired wine, a Pinot Gris from Mornington Peninsula, was excellent. The pork dish was very good and was paired with a very good Pinot Noir from NZ. The Barramundi was cooked excellently - a little crisp on top and firm texture throughout. I enjoyed the pairing with lentils and roast garlic. It was paired with an interesting marsanne blend from NSW. The Beef was tender, moist, rich in flavours - the glazed carrots were wonderful, the salad was also tasty. All paired with an excellent Cab Sav from the Yarra Valley. The dessert was a mixture of mouth watering flavours and complemented by a good Rutherglen muscat. Bradley provided great table service as did our sommelier, Reece. The whole evening was an outstanding experience. My only regret was having a pre-dinner cocktail as the wine servings are generous and more than sufficient alcohol for one evening. Wisely we used Uber to and from the restaurant. For our 6.30 booking we had been warned that we might need to vacate the table by 9.00 pm. However, there was no pressure and we finished our dinner at about 10.15 pm.

S

Sarah

Zomato Aug 11, 2017

3.5

Unfortunately, the experience wasn't as good as I was expecting. The service was mediocre and I was with a large group so we had to have the banquet. The Turkish donuts were a highlight though! I'd like to go back and choose different things from the menu.

B

Becky

Zomato Aug 05, 2017

5.0

I went here with friends for dinner and were very impressed! Delicious food and excellent service. I can't wait for a chance to go back again.

B

BEats

Zomato Jul 24, 2017

5.0

6 course degustation with matched wine = 5 star experience! We had such a great night. The food, wine, cocktails and service was spot on! ❤️❤️

S

SJay

Zomato Jul 20, 2017

3.5

Tried the 4 course and absolutely loved the 1st two, mains and deserts weren't particularly spectacular. Worth a go once ..........................................................

M

Mel

Zomato Jul 20, 2017

5.0

Throughly impressed with the food and service received at Maha Restaurant. Upon selecting the set Sunday menu, I was slightly hesitant and worried that I would not throughly enjoy all the dishes. The well trained staff reassured us, that if there was anything we didn't like, we have the option to remove a particular item or request for a substitute. Additionally, the staff demonstrated excellent product knowledge and provided additional information regarding each dish/ ingredients. The food and drinks were superb. I would highly recommend Maha for a relaxed dining experience.

L

Ling

Zomato Jul 12, 2017

5.0

Haven't written a review on Zomato for a while but just had to make a quick comment on the beautiful meal we had here recently. We opted for the 6 course and each course presented itself through an array of complementary yet contrasting flavours and textures. The pumpkin dish was omg so delicious, best dish I've had this year! Can't say I was a fan of the star anise icecream but then I do avoid spice flavoured icecreams in general. This is my first time back since the renovation and though I am slightly disappointed the shisha pipes have gone, the food has definitely reached another level. Even my dining companion who was probably hoping for a lamb kebab when I mentioned "middle eastern food" enjoyed himself and his lamb shoulder. Highly recommend.

E

Emsy-eats

Zomato Jul 05, 2017

4.0

Walking down the stairs to Maha, you can tell that it's going to be an experience. The decor inside has an industrial meets palace feel, it's quite dark, with gold accents, but there are textured white walls too. Overheard Shane Delia mention that the place is getting renovated soon though. Had the 5 course for $95, and rather than ordering the matched wines, we went for the tea. They had a lovely crimson tea which was very fruity and an unusual Moroccan mint (mouthwash you'd want to drink). They were very accommodating as I requested a pescatarian variety for the meals, and I got alternatives through the courses. Service was average, some staff were very genuine and seemed excited to tell us about our meals whereas others barely seemed to remember what was on the plate. Before we had ordered also a wait staff put a basket of bread on our table but 2 seconds later, with any explanation, took it away. Weird. Toilet 7.5/10.

E

Eat Drink Anon

Zomato Jun 20, 2017

4.0

For some reason we'd never been to Maha - big mistake! Do the 4 course (or more if time and stomach allows) and you won't be disappointed. Every single dish delighted us - loved the kingfish especially. Complimented by a great cocktail list (try the pomegranate sour). Service impeccable - greeted before doors opened, unobtrusive, friendly, constantly monitoring our food to ensure we were in and out before theatre show and just generally delightful in their interactions. Well done and we will return asap!

F

Foodserra

Zomato Jun 13, 2017

5.0

Great service, nice and relaxed atmosphere. We had the banquette. Whilst the portions were small, each bite was a taste explosion and you can tell that each plate was made with care and detail. The dessert at the end was amazing.

S

Simon

Zomato Jun 13, 2017

4.5

Tucked away in a quiet part of the CBD, this restaurant is quite hard to find. Downstairs, with little natural light, it has a pleasant, cocktail bar feel. The staff are all very knowledgable and helpful with both food and wine choices. We went there for Sunday lunch and tried the set menu with matching wines. It proved to be a gastronomic feast. Beautifully presented with Australian wines to match the Middle Eastern flavours. Check the website for menu and prices before you go and make sure you have a booking

S

Spirited Stardust

Zomato Jun 12, 2017

5.0

The restaurant is gorgeous and the service was absolutely stellar. We chose the 4 course degustation - 3 regular & just me as the vegan. The food was generous and delicious. My favourite dish was the roasted pumpkin. They also gave us packets of Aleppo pepper to take home. Would return again

V

Veggirl

Zomato Jun 10, 2017

5.0

Blown away by the food here. Amazing food at a reasonable price. My partner and I had the vegan 4 dish sharing option. I also had a Turkish delight cocktail which was divine. We especially loved the lentil dumplings (the most perfect food I have ever eaten) and the desserts were also so refreshing after a big meal. I'll be back.

E

Espy Eats

Zomato May 28, 2017

4.5

Family members recommended Maha's to us after they went a couple of months earlier and even gave us some money as a gift to go towards the bill. With that sort of a referral it's hard to say no really but I'm glad that we said yes. It was a freezing night and we turned up earlier that our allotted time do sat down in the bar area for a while until our table came up. The interior was dimly lit but warming with textured walls and an intimate feel. The staff were very welcoming. I love fine dining but one of the challenges I think restaurants face is getting the balance right between attentive service and friendly service. Maha's crew for me were a happy balance between the two. We opted for the larger degustation menu and both opted for matching wines. The food was rich with flavour and was visually some of the more beautiful food I have seen. I loved the lamb and enjoyed some of the chefs additional surprise dishes. My dining partner had a modified menu due to being a fish eating vegetarian and her dishes were just as exciting and flavoursome as mine (ok I tasted hers as well). One course came with a sake matching which had mixed reviews between us... "it's like rocket fuel" was her response. All the other matchings were a hit. Overall Maha's is up there with some of the best places we have dinned in and would absolutely recommend.

V

Veronica Lin

Zomato May 26, 2017

4.5

Had lunch here on my bae's birthday. Had the 6 course set. The meal took us two and a half hours. The food was very good. Very refreshing and very interesting. The dessert was very solid. Couldn't finish it but tastes great. Love the slow cooked lamb shoulder.

S

Sneha Arora

Zomato May 25, 2017

4.5

Beautiful food, lovely presentation, charming service, great value. The 12 hour low cooked lamb with roasted carrots, caramelized dates and macadamias, with witlof accompaniment; and the dessert of chocolate bomb with surprising middle treat were the highlights of our tasting menu experience. Service and ambience were wonderful.

A

Alessandro Love Good Food

Zomato May 16, 2017

5.0

WOW!!!!!!!! This was the BEST food experience in Melbourne I never had. For a business dinner we went to MAHA first time for me and first time I ever eat a middle eastern food. The food was just amazing we had the 5 course menu' and everything come to the table was superb. Amazing service every single waiter as the knowledge for all menu. Sommelier superb suggest this Pino from New Zealand and the wine was as good as all meal that come out on the night. Congratulation again Best in Melbourne.

T

The Frugal Cats

Zomato May 12, 2017

5.0

We had the ultimate fine dining experience at Maha! The food and service were absolutely flawless. One of the cats is a big fan of Shane Delia and religiously watches all his shows on the Food Network. We were extremely excited to try Maha and boy it lived up to all the hype! We had the Sunday Spice Journey Soufra, which was a 4 course menu, as an early mother's day lunch celebration. We enjoyed every single course. The duck and mejoule dates bastilla was amazing amd so was the cured swordfish. The candied pumpkin hummus with chicken and macadamia was the best dip we've ever had. The roast chicken/pork with smoked eggplant, kale and almond jus was delicious. Every dish was so simple, yet bursting with flavours. The lamb shoulder with prune and olive tabouleh was out of this world and would just melt in your mouth. For dessert we had rice pudding with date and cinnamon, orange blossom and a chocolate foam. Again, we were pleasantly surprised. Our cocktails, mocktails, teas and coffees were made to perfection too. Overall, we highly recommend Maha and we most certainly will be back :3

F

Fredster64

Zomato May 03, 2017

5.0

Wonderful restaurant with multiple set menus. Delicious middle eastern/Ottolengi like food. Loads of interesting and different flavours, exceptional service and a very very good wine list. I'm having the 2 courser next visit. Can't wait!

M

Markii_

Zomato Apr 22, 2017

5.0

Was lucky enough to dine at maha last night with a friend who personally knows Daniel the head chef, we had opted for the 6 course menu but were treated to a personalised menu of maybe 8+ courses, I lost count. Everything we ate completely blew my mind, could not fault anything. Service was amazing and the staff were very helpful with drink selections. Cannot wait to return!

H

Homer

Zomato Apr 21, 2017

4.0

Have you tried their drinks menu? Unique middle eastern alcohol Raki, Arak and the likes. We went for lunch and had to book early. The staff were pleasant and very helpful. Add in the lovely ambience, it was a memorable lunch.

H

Hangry Horace

Zomato Apr 15, 2017

3.0

My partner and I ordered the 4 course shared meal. The starters were absolutely delicious. The cured swordfish and beef kibeh neya were the standouts. Our second course arrived not long after we finished our first course which was great but our orange blossom glazed pork cutlet was cold. The waitress apologized and told us that a new plate was on its way. After 10 minutes, the pork cutlet arrived and it was better temperature wise. It was lacking in flavour though. We also waited quite a while for our third course. The hapuka fish was cooked to perfection but I wasnt a big fan of the 12 hour roasted lamb shoulder. It was quite salty and lacking spice. Desserts were okay. Doughnuts were a little heavy/doughy. I enjoyed the chocolate dessert the most as it was well balanced. Service was attentive and friendly.

A

Angela Eats

Zomato Apr 14, 2017

3.5

Came here for dinner and chose the 6 course degustation. I really enjoyed most of the dishes. I really liked the beef, lamb, spanner crab and dessert. Wasn't the biggest fan of the overpowering tomato dish and the pork (chewy and fatty). The service could have been a bit faster, but overall I enjoyed my night. (Bf rates it a 4 though LOL)

N

N D

Zomato Apr 09, 2017

4.0

The food and ambiance was fantastic. Really enjoy our 4 course shared meal. However I asked for the no lamb option and received a vegetarian substitute which I was very impressed with, had I known this I would have chose a different set menu. The veg dumpling I received was not very good. But luckily I was too full from all the other delicious food had.

A

Ashley Rose

Zomato Apr 01, 2017

4.5

A sub-basement dining experience that brings the perfect date night ambiance. But, be prepared to wait. Whilst the staff were clearly doing their best, we waited 20 minutes for our pre-booked 8.45pm table. Which would be fine except the waiting area is very very small and we felt rather in the way which wasn't the most pleasant way to start the evening. Once seated, the service was impeccable. We opted for the 6 course degustation and not one of the dishes disappointed. A little less typical Middle Eastern than we expected (no bread, dip, olives etc), but this is fine as it leaves room for a true Middle Eastern fine dining experience. The wines were also perfectly matched to each dish with a thorough explanation for each. Stand out dish was the swimmer crab (caviar, harissa, apple and mint) and the beef/lamb mains - which were both melt in the mouth. Oh and the 'Moorish Espresso Martini' was the first in recent months to rival my beloved 1806, very unique. Overall a Melbourne must visit for a true Middle Eastern dining experience, with fantastic service - but would love to see the wait/queue perhaps handles slightly better.

A

Annie And Peter Food Journey

Zomato Mar 24, 2017

5.0

We selected the lunch set menu (6 courses). The food was well presented, the professional staff explained to us in detail what is in each dish. The fresh ingredients and with unique cooking process. Definitely as a dinner you can felt it from the heart of the chef and team. Well done Shane and Maha team. Love the cocktails there they are unique and matching with the theme of the food and restaurant. Going to try their burger and their wide range of their beer from around the world at the bar for a quick bite. Cant wait to go back there again. Highly recommended. Quick note, if you are luckily you could meet the celebrity chef Shane Delia too.

G

Good Food Good Mood

Zomato Mar 22, 2017

2.5

I'm going to be controversial here and say I don't like Maha. I first went there five years ago and found everything completely dominated by fennel which is a flavour I dislike and generally quite a polarising one at that. But honestly the reviews on Zomato are so spectacular I'm considering going again because everyone I know raves about it as well. I love what Shane Delia has done with his casual eat 'Biggie Smalls' but with Maha perhaps my expectations were too high and I was inevitably disappointed although in saying that there aren't really too many other alternatives for fine dining middle eastern food but I suppose I'd rather go to one of George's offerings and have Mediterranean

J

Jennitals

Zomato Mar 22, 2017

5.0

LIT!: 2nd time to one of my favourite restaurants and it doesn't disappoint. We had the 4 courses and lived every dish. I love how they change around their dishes in the set menus. They were so kind to cut the birthday cake perfectly. P.s- best hummus ever.. NOT SO LIT: n/a - too lit

I

Isabell Necessary

Zomato Mar 10, 2017

4.5

We came here to Maha as a family for a few birthdays, 6 of us altogether. My mother is of Maltese Heritage and LOVES coming here, especially for Maltese Independence Day. It's such a fantastic find, the decor is tasteful, lighting to suit the mood, and music that transported you to the middle east- albeit a tiny bit loud. The service was great, and i liked seeing a good variety of backgrounds for all the staff there- male, female, younger, older, from all different countries and different generations of immigrants. The food was explained nicely, the wine poured efficiently, and water topped up in a subtle and effective manner. The smell of the food was just as good as the taste- such a variety for our palate, and really reminded me of all the dishes the family had whipped out over the years that were their childhood treats. Pity no Pastizzis haha, but that little spice packet we also got i am so excited to use. Definitely come here for a special occasion, I'd love to return with a more intimate party and really go through all the food and talk about just the food. Delicious. Fantastic experience.

J

José

Zomato Mar 08, 2017

5.0

The Maha journey started with trying to find the place, then you find the door and stairs leading to the basement, it feels exclusive and you know you're heading for a treat. I can't stress enough how friendly the staff are, they have the right balance between professional fine dinning and casual chit chat. I was already getting ready to give this place a high rating before I even tasted the food. Which brings me to the food, I was speechless half the time, complicated flavours, so much flavorful goodness in every bite. It's authentic Ethnic done extremely well, mixed with modern cuisine. The drinks menu is extensive, I was not disappointed with the beer list, spent a while trying to figure out which to order first. Had the 4 course meal and was beyond satisfied, but next time I'm going for the six course because I'm way too curious to eat everything on the menu. Thank you for a beautiful night.

W

Warren Fraser

Zomato Mar 06, 2017

4.5

Had the 4 course Spice Journey and was not dissapointed it's food heaven tastes to savour with wines to match, I'm a fan of the TV series and loved this modern take on the dishes, Staff excelled in presenting the food journey, the only down side was a surcharge on card payments, and in today's competitive market will make a difference.

F

Foodandwinefan

Zomato Mar 04, 2017

2.0

Extremely disappointed with the substitute dishes for vegetarian, felt completely unsatisfied and ripped off, and the wine matches were way off. when mentioned wine needed to be changed it was, and discounted too, but for a top restaurant my expectations were definitely higher.

H

Helen

Zomato Mar 03, 2017

2.0

We came here a year ago for my daughter's birthday and it was a lovely experience with delicious food. We returned for her next birthday and found standards had dropped. Food was average and grossly overpriced. The charge for mineral water was the biggest rip off. We won't return.

C

Cynthia Giang

Zomato Mar 01, 2017

4.0

Awesome lunch deal of $20 for a burger and beer. Grabbed the pulled pork and was very happy; the meat was not dry, and quite filling. Interiors were absolutely wonderful. Good vibes here!

L

Lou

Zomato Feb 12, 2017

5.0

Last night we had a 6:30 seating for 12 people with the 5 course seer menu. The food was excellent and came out in good timing (not too fast or too slow between conversations). Service was also excellent, never had an empty glass - which is contributing to this mornings headache 😂 There was another booking scheduled for 9pm but we weren't rushed to move along by the staff which was lovely - apologies to those we kept waiting 😬 Highly recommend the swordfish - spectacular!!

V

Valerie L Jovee

Zomato Feb 04, 2017

3.5

Firstly, good job on the concept. There aren't many middle eastern fine dining joints around in Melbourne. However, Maha didn't really stand out for me even though they were decent food. I particularly didn't enjoy the hummus or the olive oil ice cream. The waiters were friendly but meals came out quite slow. I was kinda disappointed especially having anticipated zomato 4.9 rating. I enjoyed the fact that I didn't have to pay for the meal but I don't think I would spend too much money here.

M

Michele Walton

Zomato Feb 02, 2017

5.0

The $35 per person weekday two course lunch, like the two course dinner, offers a lovely range of Lebanese flavours and textures to share. But it’s hard not to go for the three course $45 pp menu which was fabulous. local olives, fel fel. cauliflower hummus, chicken, cashews, parsley. olive oil braised potatoes and beans, marjoram, black olive

B

Bhawna Gi

Zomato Jan 31, 2017

5.0

WhAt a place!! Mazed and impressed by the quality of service, innovative food and superb concept and ambience. Must go for a fine fine dining experience. The food menu is well thought of. And the Arak is a must try for all the liquor connoisseurs.

C

Cranky Crow

Zomato Jan 27, 2017

5.0

Went here in early December and it was amazing!! It was such a great experience from start to finish. Beautiful venue, excellent and thoughtful service, and really delicious food. We had the 5 course banquet and it was sensational, we ate until we burst! Easily one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had, and I was lucky to share it with my best friend. We can't wait to go back.

D

Dr S

Zomato Jan 26, 2017

5.0

Never have I ever been so spoilt or felt so indulgent as I did in Maha. everything about this place is spectacular. I don't even know where to start. you book online on a friendly easy to use website. Receive an instant text confirmation. You get a reminder a day before with parking information. You will need parking because you will need to roll your way home after eating here. You touch the entrance door and walk into a warm loving atmosphere with hot flirty waiters. There is a lead waiter in a suit that takes away your coat and other bulky items like your laptop bag and umbrella. He then skillfully swishes the napkin before he places it swiftly on your lap. He puts down the drinks menu (the wine menu is separate) and offers you still, sparkling or tap water. My fellow yelper friend and I got their mocktails. I got a martini with sour cherry and watermelon juice. Quite sweet and tasted like a redskin. My friend got their Turkish lemony mocktail - very refreshing! We ordered their four course banquet. she is a pescetarian; so, they replaced the meat dishes with suitable ones for her. We started off with bread rolls with carrot dip, olives, beef Kofta, pumpkin kibbeh (was like a cream cheese spread) and saffron spiced chicken wings. Second course was chicken tagine and I've forgotten the rest due to hitting instant food coma! By the time we got to third course, we were so full that we had to ask for takeaway because the food was too good to let it go to waste. The third course was lamb shoulder, swordfish, wheat pilaf, and fattoush salad. Every dish was bursting with flavor and so unique. For example I had never seen such massive cous cous (how did it get that big - I mean this pearl cous cous were like grandma sized pearls). the fish was so delicate and succulent. the lamb shoulder was tender and fell apart easily. Eggplant had never tasted so good. I just ate and ate and didn't need to add anything - no pepper, no salt, and no chilli (God forbid). Each morsel was like heaven in my mouth. The desserts were OK. The sorbet was refreshing. The carrot cake was the best I've ever had. It didn't taste like carrot cake - just very unique and interesting! Turkish delight doughnuts are not for me - fried and the flavour of Turkish delight - no thank you! There were lots of funny moments. I asked the waiter where the toilet was and he responded with "Did you mean the toilet or the nightclub?" Didn't even crack a smile saying that. when we asked for takeaway, he winked at us. As he put our dishes down or cleared our plates, he gazed at us way longer than normal and turned around and just stood there a tad too long (hmm - these Italian men!) Our takeaway was provided in beautiful bags. sturdy bags - the cardboard paper kind, not the cheap plastic kind. The takeaway boxes come with instructions - eat ASAP! HAHA! We cleansed our hands with spritzs of orange blossom and got a present -a bag of some legendary sumac ($8 bucks each) They remembered our stuff as we left. We must have waited for a minute longer and the host said to us "We didn't want to see you go so soon which is why we delayed in bringing your bag." SMILE Great humour. Fabulous food. Great service. Value for money. Felt so indulged and happy. maha is truly special. AND now i'm going to order their recipe book!

O

Oni San

Zomato Jan 19, 2017

5.0

Visit #2 1/3/18 The more things change, the more they stay the same. A kitchen renovation has done nothing to blunt the on point service, sensational food and sumptuous wine list at Maha. As my vegetarian and I sat down for a 4 course dinner, we met our charming and discreet hosts and waitresses, and prepared ourselves for the evening to come. As you'd expect from the chefs at Maha, the menu was well balanced, each course being light and tasty, and never bogging down in heavy stodge. The cured swordfish was just smashing, the broccolini and babaganoush dish was heavenly and the dessert of raspberry granita with basil ice-cream with white chocolate ganache was an excellent pallete cleanser and close to the evening. A 'black magic' cabernet with hints of aniseed and young blackberry was a welcome accompaniment to all three of the savoury courses. Strangely, there was one thing during the evening which for some reason stood starkly aside from the all around excellence of the evening, and it was the bill. Not the cost you understand, it's worth every penny, but the way in which payment is made. It's not peculiar to Maha, but it provoked a long conversation on the way home about the general ambience if the evening. Going to Maha is an experience. From your arrival, to the magnificent soft linen napkins to the thoughtfully designed toothpick holder, everything matches, it is understated and elegant and utterly lovely. I just feel it should finish the same way. When the bill arrives, the final dance of the evening ensues, a card is given and (I feel) should be whisked away to be processed and gratuities given, discreetly and elegantly. When an EFT machine arrives at the table, no amount of sophistication can hide that you are, in full view of the table and your guests, calculating tips and money. Perhaps I am simply neurotic or obsessing about trivial detail, but after the magic of the evening and the smooth service of delicious food and wonderful wine, it seems somehow, I don't know... crass perhaps. Allow me to be clear, this is in no way a reflection ection on Maha, or the staff, all are exemplary, more a sad comment on technological determinism. I wonder if anyone else out there has had a similar thought.

L

Laura Edwards

Zomato Jan 18, 2017

5.0

This place is beautiful in every way! Food, staff and service all 5 star! Really enjoyed my 30th Birthday here, we had the degustation menu with matching wines. Every meal had the most amazing flavour and texture combinations matched perfectly with each wine served! All meals were explained to every fine detail and all had wow factor!! All of the wines were described and matched the food very well adding to the flavour of the meals. Service was friendly, informative and very attentive. At one point in the night I dropped my fork on the floor, before I could even look down to pick it up one of the service staff had picked it up and provided me with a new one. The staff realised it was my birthday and bought out a little 'surprise' cake to finish off the night! Such an amazing venue with fantastic food and great service! Looking forward to coming back again!

M

Melbourneats

Zomato Jan 17, 2017

5.0

We had the 6 course meal, $120 pp and that was a pretty good price. They started us off with the chefs complimentary dishes which I thought was delicious, these included the olives, raw swordfish slices and deep fried onions with pumpkin and hummus purée, which looked like prawn crackers but beige coloured. Our dining experience was lovely, the waiter looked after us very well. I've never tried middle eastern infused with Turkish foods before as I was always a hesitant person to try new things, but I'm glad my partner took me here for my birthday and it will probably be the best middle eastern/Turkish food I've ever eaten. The atmosphere was beautiful, set out to be like you are actually in the Middle East, lighting could have been better as it can get quite dark. Would come back again. Take your lover, friends, family and even your middle eastern/Turkish friend here for some good food and service!

F

Foodreviews

Zomato Jan 14, 2017

3.0

New Years Eve 2016. Underwhelming. Having dined at Maha on several occasions, I was left looking a fool in front of my peers. "Don't have lunch," I insisted. After the ipad took 30 minutes to guide us to our seating, we were greeted by admittedly delicious cocktails. As cock-eyed optimists we were expecting the "feast" to follow suit. Unfortunately this did not eventuate. While the dishes (2 out of 5) where tasty they did not represent The Maha which I had portrayed to my friends. Where was the eel?!?! I will return to Maha on a regular night, but I do not expect to be greeted by, "The B Team," and a haphazard menu. I look forward to another memorable meal at Maha, as this one was not.

K

Kels Dowel

Zomato Jan 13, 2017

1.0

Worst dining experience of my life. I will never return. Save your hard earned dollars and dine somewhere else in Melbourne. The food and wine was extremely over priced. Food was not hot and when set back to the kitchen, the chef came out and spoke to us and was extremely patronising. I will be telling all my friends not to dine at this restaurant.

P

Poi Master

Zomato Jan 07, 2017

4.5

Came here for a weekday lunch for two. The food was outstanding, the service was excellent and the price quite affordable (for food and service of this quality). We ordered the meal with 4 courses. The first course (meze) was the most memorable, highly recommended! The dessert was surprisingly good too. We liked the variety in the meals and that it is something different to what we get at other 'fine dining' restaurants. They did a great job catering to our dietary requirements without any fuss (we requested pescatarian). The restaurant was crowded but the acoustics seemed to be well designed because we could still hear each other well. Perhaps this was because we were tucked away in a corner? The only wishes I had were that the music was a little softer and the lighting not so dark (especially for lunch).

S

Sheetal Prasad

Zomato Jan 06, 2017

4.5

Great food! Really nice atmosphere. Nice matching wine to go with each course. Cocktail menu had an authentic middle eastern theme. Great!

R

Rebecca Plieger

Zomato Jan 04, 2017

5.0

The food was delicious and plentiful. Left feeling totally satisfied. Love the unusual textures and tastes. Great experience. The ambience is great too. Highly recommend.

H

Hungry Princess

Zomato Jan 03, 2017

5.0

You may first think its a little pricey, but once you experience Maha for yourself, these thoughts are quickly forgotten. It is more than worth it. There are other reviewers who can give you a detailed run down of the food and the ambiance blah blah blah ... but my quick bullet point summary is > Lunch specials are like the dinner service but much more affordable ($35-75 vs $60-120) . Warning: they take time (weekdays only). I recommend this if you are on a budget. They even have a delicious lamb burger special + beer for $20 ($5 extra for chips). > Fantastic list of Malta / middle eastern drinks and gorgeous cocktails > Food highlights: lamb shoulder, smoked swordfish, hummus. (a consensus among many different dinners of different backgrounds) Beautiful place for *any* occasion.

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Anipsed

Zomato Dec 26, 2016

4.5

Dined here for a friends birthday a couple of weeks a go. Service was amazing and food was delicious. We ordered the 4 course menu. They catered to my dietary needs and i left feeling very satisfied. They even had a special birthday treat for my friend with dessert. Highly recommend it.

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Mariposa

Zomato Dec 24, 2016

5.0

From a dark, sexy and mystic vibe, Maha have transformed their space into a bright, clean, modern and minimalist decor. What I love about the new interior are the subtle heart beat hints of color that remind me of the Mediterranean Sea, the golden Middle Eastern sun and the sands of the Sahara. These colors create the perfect back drop presenting the unique style of cuisine at Maha. My favorite and most talented Australian chef Shane Delia has captured the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine through a new philosophy. This philosophy, ever so evolving, turns nostalgic flavors, mysterious new textures and fusion techniques into Devine illustrations of color, delicacy and memorable flavors. An inspired modern take on Middle Eastern food influenced by talent, travel, education and passion. The service here is flawless, smooth and sophisticated. The staff are highly knowledgeable and graceful. The range of drinks and cocktails will also take your palate on a journey around the world. This is culinary joy, culinary art and another level of dining class! Standing ovation Maha- I feel you deserve a second hat in 2017.

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Styles

Zomato Dec 23, 2016

3.5

Visited Maha on a Friday evening with my wife. Quite and extensive and impressive drinks menu, wife was happy with her pomegranate sours cocktail and I with the Lebanese beer. We ordered the four course option. Mezze was quite nice, especially liked the swordfish as it had the pop of flavour I had been expecting. The hummus was flavoursome. Next up was the tagine and an asparagus dish, wasn't convinced with the tagine, some may like it so maybe it was just us that might not have found it enjoyable, the asparagus dish was nice. Third course was the salmon (market fish) and the lamb. Small portion of salmon, fine as we were getting quite full at that stage, it was decent enough, lamb was slightly disappointing, it just lacked any oomph, hate to use the word bland Fourth course was the desserts, Turkish delight doughnuts, a chocolate cake i believe with orange sorbet on top and the parfait. The parfait was my favourite. Afterwards on the drive home I asked my wife what her favourite part of the set menu was and she said the hummus. Service quite good, did have a main waiter, however three of the four dishes were served to us by other staff. All friendly. Much respect is deserved for the effort that has obviously gone into the place, from the owner to the chef to the front of house staff, i was just left longing for something special.

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Loz Arthur

Zomato Dec 09, 2016

4.0

Had a delightful 5 course meal here on Sunday night. Each plate was intricately decorated and had such a great variety of flavours! Great drink choices with a real Mediterranean feel - not just your usual choices. Probably a little overpriced but you know this going in. Great atmosphere, highly recommend!

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Shash Shikka

Zomato Dec 06, 2016

5.0

Such a beautiful venue to have a birthday dinner ! The food was incredible and staff were more than welcoming. We absolutely loved everything on the four course meal and finished up with a Persian tea. Certainly recommending it to all my friends, and come back again! Yum yum! Thank you Maha

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MM

Zomato Dec 03, 2016

3.5

Loved some things about this place, including most of the food. We had the 4 course menu and the first 3 courses were good. Having a set menu contributed to a beautifully balanced meal - well, until we got to dessert. But the mezze was terrific, in fact the cauliflower hommus was superb. Olives, bread, all good. Chicken tagine was homely but good, salmon was delicate, light and perfectly cooked. A salad and grains balanced the meal and the 12 hour lamb was as expected. And Maha had no problem dealing with the dietary restrictions of one member of our group. So far, so good. In fact, if we had ended after 3 courses I would have been a happy diner. But dessert was, with the exception of an interesting turkish delight filled donut, disappointing - too rich and too muddled ( a sludge of rich chocolate with melted ice cream on top and another non-memorable thing). In relation to service, the waiter who we saw for most of the evening was fine and the sommelier was good. But the beer and cocktail that we ordered upon arrival didn't arrive until after the wine had been opened and poured and the waiter who snapped at us for enquiring about the beer didn't win any fans. And the fact that the second course dishes were placed on the table before we finished the first suggested either poor co-ordination or that we had exceeded our alloted time for the course - not optimal. So, overall, while Maha has fine dining prices our experience of the food and the service wasn't consistently at that level.

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Biggiechee

Zomato Nov 30, 2016

4.5

I came here for a birthday lunch on a Sunday for their spice journey set menu. Each dish is a delight for the senses. They look after their customers and customise dishes if someone has food allergies. My favourite was the date and blueberry tart with goats milk icecream. I would definitely go back again.

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Ashley

Zomato Nov 23, 2016

2.5

I hate to say it, but I was underwhelmed. Ordered the 5 course menu with matching wines and it started pretty well. A good starter, well matched wine. The 2nd course chicken was the dish of the night. However moving through the menu was disappointing. The slow cooked lamb showcase was very underwhelming. Dry flavourless lamb, huge quantities of side dishes that two people couldn't possibly eat. Decent service, however on one course the waiter poured the wine and advised that he couldn't find the sommelier so had no idea what he was pouring. This was not worth $350

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Nicole Power

Zomato Nov 22, 2016

5.0

We decided on Maha for our anniversary lunch and we are so glad we did! The food was outstanding. I had the vegan menu and everything was so delicious My husband had the regular menu and enjoyed everything. It's great that they cater so well to specific dietary requirements. We did the matching wines as well which were good apart from the sommelier forgetting my husband dessert wine (when he only poured mine we though he was coming back with a different wine as we were having different desserts but he never did). I am sure we will be back in the future for another special occasion (as it's pricey).

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Spudsburgeradventures

Zomato Nov 20, 2016

5.0

Had a fantastic time here, we opted for a late dinner, starting at 9:15 and going with the six course dinner. We were treated to an appetizer that wasn't mentioned on the menu, which consisted of cured kingfish (I think), fresh olives and some crackling served with the most amazing hommus I have ever tasted. The 6 courses went as follows: scallops with onion and garlic, duck and pistachio sausage with fig and Tunisian brick, red emperor with yogurt, pork jowl with pumpkin hummus, slow roasted lamb with cumin, coriander, sumac and pomegranate, poached strawberries with jam, yoghurt ice cream and whites chocolate and finally their signature delight filled doughnuts. The kitchen even brought out a special little tart for us at the end as we were celebrating our anniversary, which on top of the already fantastic service and food, was a great touch, and certainly something we didn't expect. Personal favourites were the red emperor, the pork Joel and the lamb, but it was all amazing.We were even greeted by Shane as we entered, which for me was a real highlight. You obviously pay well for this amazing service and food but it is completely worth it. Could not recommend highly enough, everything exceeded expectations and cannot wait to go back!

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Gilroy

Zomato Nov 20, 2016

5.0

This is the best food around. Four course soufra couldn't be faulted. Had the matched wines when I was last here 12 months ago and did the same this time. Wouldn't recommend it as I felt I could have chosen better ones off the list myself. Our waiter was bearable. Tended to talk too much and spilt the water every time he poured a glass. However couldn't fault the food. Absolutely amazing. Desserts to die for.

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Alfred David

Zomato Nov 17, 2016

4.5

Great little restaurant in the CBD, and have been a few times. The staff are very friendly, and also happy and vibrant. Food is top notch.

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Whyeat Tho

Zomato Nov 14, 2016

5.0

What we ate: 5 course dinnerStand out food: EVERYTHING - they didn't miss a beat. Everything from the scallop entree, to the perfectly cooked lamb shoulder, and freshly crisp fattoush was perfect What we drank: Arak Brun, Pomegranate Sour cocktail, Jinzu Mary cocktail. If you don't get the pomegrante sour, you've missed out. Cool feature: The Arak comes out on a silver (or brass) platter and is served the traditional way - shot separated from the water and ice - so you can mix it the way you like it. Fit-out and ambiance: When you take the stair-case down to Maha's, the dining room feels like a modern and decked out sinai. There is a perfect amount of illumination to see your dining partners face, but dim enough to keep it romantic. Can't wait to come back

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Vallia Dahdouh Meseiha

Zomato Nov 06, 2016

5.0

The best Middle-Eastern inspired food in Melbourne. Been 3 times and have never been disappointed. Chef Shane is always welcoming and a joy to have a quick chat too!!! The menu is always changing with I love, because we never have the same dish twice. The staff is outstanding and very attentive!! Love this place and couldn't recommend this restaurant more.

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Jacob

Zomato Oct 18, 2016

4.5

A great place to treat yourself. The restaurant itself is beautiful - from the touch screen entrance doors to the decor within. Fantastic atmosphere and great lighting, with the dark theme being a big favourite of mine. Don't get me wrong, you'll be sure to pay for your experience here, it's expensive and difficult not to spend a few hundred dollars within a sitting. Despite that, you pay for top-notch service and an experience you wont forget. The cocktails in particular were all superb. We had the four course option (between five of us). There was plenty of food, the timing between courses was perfect and the food offered plenty of variation. Perhaps most importantly, it was incredibly nice. Would definitely recommend.

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Fancy That

Zomato Oct 17, 2016

5.0

Amazing experience.. Food was best I've had for a long time and the service of the staff was beyond exceptional.. Defiantly worth a flight from perth..

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Katherine's Food Diary

Zomato Oct 17, 2016

5.0

I decided to treat our family to some Middle Eastern at Maha for mom's birthday this year. Even though none of us had any dietary requirements, I was impressed at how flexible Maha was with the menu. They check if you have any requirements when you make the booking, and double check once you're seated and if you do, they will provide you with replacements. First up, we had mussels in seafood soup and yoghurt. Then came our cold mezze, with consisted of a platter of olives, cheese dip, red bean dip and ricotta quiches with our small plates of warm Turkish bread and quail. Warm Turkish bread - Dad's favourite. It was the kind of bread he'd be happy to eat on its own. I ate half of it slathered with the delicious cheese dip. The quail was beautifully cooked, juicy and just came off the bone. I loved the combination with the sweet, sticky figs - definitely my favourite dish of the day. Next came our sahen kbeer, which were large sharing plates. We had a salad with bread, baked rice topped with parmesan, rockling confit and of course, their signature 12-hour roasted lamb shoulder. The salad was a bit overgenerous with the bread - it could have used more greens and less of the bread. Maha's signature dish definitely lived up to its hype - the lamb was really moist, tender and the skin was crisp and full of amazing flavour. It was my mom's dish of the day - according to her, it was "to die for" and the best lamb she had ever had. EVER. For dessert, it was more like a tasting plate. I know how everyone always says you must try the Turkish Delight doughnuts when you're at Maha, but at this stage I was already too stuffed for something that heavy, so I was very pleased to see the mousse, sorbet and ice cream! The pear sorbet was refreshing and very welcomed after the savouries. Overall, lovely ambiance and helpful staff. I would say it was definitely a fun and satisfying experience and a great way to celebrate a birthday.

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FoodingAroundMelbourne

Zomato Oct 14, 2016

5.0

Probably the best food I have ever eaten. We had the 6 course banquet, left feeling full, but not so full i felt I could burst. My top 3 faves from the banquet were 1. Scallops, with their meaty bite and crunchy fried onion. 2. Slow cooked pork which cut like butter and 3. Basil, strawberry and yogurt Icecream desert. Their list of cocktails and wine is expansive. I can't recommend this place enough. We also saw Shane Delia (head chef) briefing the wait staff and leading the charge in the kitchen. Awesome experience.

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Beverly

Zomato Oct 12, 2016

5.0

This place is the actual bomb. Book ahead! And don't eat anything beforehand... you've been warned! Every damn morsel is 'to die for'. The sommelier is a wizard and the wait staff are impeccable.

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Michele Walton

Zomato Oct 10, 2016

4.5

The $35 per person weekday two course lunch, like the two course dinner, offers a lovely range of Lebanese flavours and textures to share. But it’s hard not to go for the three course $45 pp menu which was fabulous. local olives, fel fel. cauliflower hummus, chicken, cashews, parsley. olive oil braised potatoes and beans, marjoram, black olive

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Tony

Zomato Oct 09, 2016

5.0

Went here with Alenka and Chris. In an unassuming position you most likely would not stumble upon! Inside befitting of a quality restaurant. We did the five courses. A good mix of dishes taking us all on an experience. Meeting the head waiter Shane a nice touch. It really adds to the experience. A must go and well deserved 5!

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Bel Sheeney

Zomato Oct 05, 2016

5.0

What can we say but bravo! This was a rare culinary experiences whilst in the devine city of Melbourne. We were lucky enough to visit the once in a lifetime restaurant that is Maha in Bond Street, with a group of friend. The food was something we will never forget and will spread the word far and wide that it is one of the best restaurants in Australia. Bravo!

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Binaka

Zomato Oct 02, 2016

2.0

2nd time there. Very average food. Spice Journey missing spice. Corned beef was like Spam. Octopus was like rubber. Dessert & salad was boring. Asparagus & mezze/starter platter was ok though. Wouldn't bother going...

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Convivialsins

Zomato Oct 02, 2016

4.0

was here for the five course dinner.. maha had been on my hit list for a loooong while now... and I had reaaally high expectations. especially for the 12hr roast lamb shoulder. it was good but not great. my local pub does a lamb shoulder exceptionally well. I have to say though the surprise was the air dried egg ricotta almond was really good... for its size it packed a lot of punch in flavour and satisfaction. The WA barramundi was good but nothing special. Just a good quality piece of fish that was cooked well. Nice and juicy melt in mouth. The skin could be crispy lightly salted though. overall the experience was good.

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DP

Zomato Sep 26, 2016

3.5

Great Middle Eastern food, very modern venue. The peppermint crisp it's a must try. I went for lunch and the only negative I have to say it's that the service was pretty average but overall I will definitely visit again

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Denii

Zomato Sep 26, 2016

5.0

Food was really quite amazing! Outstanding, even among so many high-quality fine-dining /creative type options around Melbourne. Wine list is great! Service is great! I would, however, have appreciated an a la carte option for dinner, just for the flexibility to mix in more of what I love.

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Melbourne Explorer

Zomato Sep 20, 2016

5.0

Great middle eastern restaurant in the CBD's Bond Street. Fantastic flavours beautiful environment. Well worth a visit. Find me on Instagram @melbourne_explorer or at MelbourneExplorer.com

Q

Zomato Sep 18, 2016

4.5

Finally made it to Maha. Started with a passionfruit oasis cocktail at the bar followed by the four course sharing style menu. Delicious and generous portions. Cauliflower hummus was so good I didn't let the waiters take it away from me. The cured swordfish was also another standout and the dessert was worth rolling out of the restaurant for.

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Yasmine Latife

Zomato Sep 16, 2016

5.0

After a long time using Zomato (and basing restaurant choices on the reviews) I wanted to finally provide feedback to all the beautiful restaurants I have experienced in the past. Maha Restaurant was definitely an amazing food dining experience. Hubby and I have been several times now and we have throughly enjoyed each dish that was served. Coming from a middle eastern heritage, the food is a pleasant twist to very traditional dishes. It's something I surprisingly enjoy and love to experience. The service each time is AMAZING and the food quality top notch. Its a beautiful place to come and experience and will definitely be back to try new and exciting dishes. Ps. The lamb shoulder dish is to DIE FOR! YUM YUM YUM!!!!!! Thank you to Shane and all staff for always exceeding my expectations! ** Below are photos I have saved from one particular visit.

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Veginspo

Zomato Sep 10, 2016

4.5

A beautiful place to dine. Hidden underground is this wonderful Middle eastern themed restaurant Maha with the best service I've ever experienced. The ambience is beautiful, and the perfect place to go on a date. We chose the 5 course meal tailored for vegetarians, they cater for all sorts of dietary requests. Each dish was interesting, new, healthy and delicious. The only thing stopping me from giving it 5 star is the long intervals between the meals, I ended up being there for almost 3 hours.

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Chloe Anderson

Zomato Sep 10, 2016

5.0

Absolutely no fault in anything Maha had to offer. We dined for hours, they catered for our gluten and dairy intolerant guests and even onion allergy. Every course was superb, the dumplings really stuck out for me. 100% recommend this for a beautiful relaxing dining experience.

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Tina Wilson

Zomato Sep 05, 2016

5.0

How have i not reviewed this gem!!!! I have been going to Maha at least once or twice a year for 5 years. The menu is ALWAYS delightful. The Spice Journey Sundays may be a 4 course sharing feast but there is always ample amount of food. I have also had the 6 course menu and it is unreal!!! PLENTY of food with a couple of pleasant additions on your journey through this menu, so you end up actually having about 9 or 10 courses. Just writing about it now I feel the need to book a reservation for the near future :) It really is my favourite restaurant ever and Shane Delia and his team have completely and totally nailed it!!! Since the renovations took place, it seems that it just keeps getting better and rightfully so. Maha is always my first recommendation to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience and those who I have recommended it to are Maha devotees! Keep kicking those goals Shane!

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Elysium

Zomato Sep 04, 2016

5.0

The delicately made & presented state of art food, the friendly & professional service & the charming interiors, are not all but some to make this place an attractive destination to spend enjoyable times at.

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Louise Rhodes

Zomato Aug 21, 2016

4.5

Shane Delia is famous from his TV show Spice Kitchen, and his blend of Middle Eastern influences. Shane continues to experiment with flavours from his childhood and picked up on his travels with some innovative deals at his chic Melbourne restaurant Maha, like his $20 express lunch with wine where he tests creations on a willing public.

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Coffeeaddict

Zomato Aug 19, 2016

5.0

Yum yum yum. We were invited out for a set menu at maha tonight and this place was incredible. Every dish was better than the last. The beef cheeks were faultless and the barramundi was to die for. The staff were so friendly and made the service so personalized. If you are looking for a nice place to go for a celebration and something a little different I highly recommend this place. Love.

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Cassie Huett

Zomato Aug 14, 2016

4.0

WOW! what a great meal. My partner was given a voucher to use at Maha for his birthday and it did not disappoint! From the moment we sat down to the moment we left it was a great experience. The food was sublime, the space beautiful & the service was spot on! I only wish the couple beside us could have enjoyed each others company a bit more rather than that of their mobile phones. Seriously, they were on them THE WHOLE MEAL for the whole evening. While this didn't detract from my dining experience at all, it just made me feel a bit sad that it's such a common occurrence these days (and I'm only 38!). What happened to human interaction?

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Tobes Jones

Zomato Aug 11, 2016

3.0

we went with 6 people had the 5 courses with the wines matching. pretty disappointed I was still hungry after all the food and we spent 1,000 so I won't be going back. food was amazing but just not enough of it the portion sizes were really dissapointing

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6ixty

Zomato Aug 02, 2016

3.5

I really feel for people in the hospitality business. While I enjoy eating out and do it a lot, who am I to judge? As an amateur 'food critic', I found my experience at Maha to be regretfully underwhelming. That is no fault of the staff - service here is impeccable and they really do everything to make you feel special; It is both unobtrusive and personable. Venue wise, I'm not so sure. Looking at the newest photos uploaded by Maha here on Zomato, you're given the impression that it's a light and airy space. In reality, it's subterranean. The dark mirrored walls, the wooden slats cut at 45 degree angles hanging from the ceiling, the street art mixed with Arabic - they all gave me a slightly 80s vibe. It is definitely luxurious, just unexpected. Ultimately though, it was the food that affected my experience the most. It is most definitely not bad but at the same time, I know I will struggle to remember it with the passing of time. I'm not sure why. I enjoy Middle Eastern food but I think it's at odds with the fine dining experience I had. Where I expected generous and bold, I got paired back and refined. Unfortunately just not to my liking despite the obvious hard work and pride goes into this place.

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VegoLover

Zomato Jul 25, 2016

4.0

Maha is both vego and vegan friendly with lots of delicious choices. Been there twice and always enjoyed the super fresh produce and varieties of veggies and creations. 2 courses for 2 people is plenty whereas the next option up with 4 courses is definitely too much!! Pricewise, 2 courses of a vego/vegan meal seem reasonable at $55pp whereas 4 courses at $85pp was too expensive with drinks on top of that!! Not a fan of the doughnut but the other desserts are quite good.

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Rebecca R

Zomato Jul 15, 2016

4.5

Came to Maha last night to celebrate a birthday and wasn't disappointed. The interior is amazing and as you walk in you feel like you're entering a different world. We had the four course set menu for dinner with some cocktails. The espresso martinis (Maha style) were delicious. We especially liked the olives, swordfish (amazing!) and saffron spiced chicken from the first course. The second course stand out was the lamb kefta with fried Kale. Third course, we loved the winter fattoush and lamb shoulder. Unfortunately the taste of the fish was quite different than my liking, not enough seasoning. In the final course, my favorite was the rhubarb cream, the carrot cake and doughnuts were a bit much and by now we were so full. Would definitely come back for a special event or to try the Sunday lunch. Service was fabulous too.

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Devin Fransiscus

Zomato Jul 14, 2016

3.5

Went here for dinner and had a great time, mostly because of the staff. They were friendly and polite. As for the food, its good, but not great. highlights were the lamb shoulder, poached chicken and the fish.

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Fan

Zomato Jul 12, 2016

4.5

Took hubby there for his birthday as we had been planning to visit awhile now and we love watching Shane Delia on TV! I let my husband choose the course, being the big eater he is, he chose 6 but I was done by the 3rd. Each dish was very tasteful but it was a shame I couldn't finish the remaining dishes. The atmosphere was very lovely too, the staff were very friendly and down to earth. We had an American gentleman looking after us and he made our night even better with plenty of laughs. Shane Delia was also sitting a few feet away from us having dinner with some friends... So an added bonus seeing him there too! Would definitely recommend and take some friends along to our next visit.

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Kell

Zomato Jul 08, 2016

4.5

I was very excited to give Maha a try and this Middle Eastern establishment certainly didn't disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed the $45pp three course lunch menu, with the highlight being the pear tart dessert (and this is coming from a savoury lover) but more on that later. The first course came with many little dishes, and the fried pumpkin fritter topped with parmesan was a hit - I wish they gave us more of this. The dip served with fried prawns was fantastic too, as the rounded flavour worked well on the palate. The cured swordfish had huge potential, but the mayonnaise was too overpowering. Other dishes were good but not much worth noting. The second course came with three more substantial dishes. The mussels in the tomato based sauce was wonderful, albeit the heaviness and blandness of the pearl couscous dragged it down a bit. Perhaps less of that and more vegetables such as tomato, onion or garlic would be great. The fattoush salad was also great as the acidity balanced out with the leaves, micro herbs and pine nuts of the dish. Nothing much to say about the third dish, also another vegetable-based one. Now, dessert time. Rather than sharing the course like we did the first two, each diner got their full serving of the pear tart. How wonderful! Served on a chocolate base and filled with caramel, the tartness of the pear paired with the pear jelly (was it flavoured with rose too?) made the dish tasting balanced and addictive. But I think the highlight has got to be the Ras el Hanout and date ice cream served on top of the cookie crumble. GENIUS. Will come back for this dessert alone, but am unsure if a standalone dessert can be ordered outside of the set menu.

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Richard Marchandise

Zomato Jul 07, 2016

5.0

The dinner experience was spectacular and the amazing service was memorable. Great atmosphere, busy yet didn't feel crowded. So many good dishes i struggle to name them. Finished the banquet with a glass of Arak to digest. Sublime is the correct word to sum up my evening here.

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Jonnoyeo111

Zomato Jul 07, 2016

4.5

It was actually my first time hearing about 'celebrity' chef Shane Delia but it will be ingrained into my memory after this meal! Absolutely delightful from the entrees to the desserts. The colours, and the different variety that was presented was very welcomed. Middle eastern fine dining at its best. The highlight for me was the lamb. Have been back another time since and was not let down.

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Soleil

Zomato Jul 05, 2016

5.0

We came here to celebrate my partners birthday, and I have to admit I can't wait to return. We ordered the beautifully delicious Spice Journey and to be honest, in terms of value for money, we definitely left winners. It's incredibly generous. It's a lovely experience to share the meals, it was a delight to be served by you.

H

Happy Gonzalez

Zomato Jul 03, 2016

5.0

Delicious dinner offering at this hidden downstairs Melbourne gem! We loved everything on the tasting menu, the food was 1st class and the matched wines on the money. Highly recommended.

M

Must Be Hungry

Zomato Jul 02, 2016

5.0

You come across many restaurants in Melbourne but nothing quite like Maha. We truly had a spice journey tonight that we won't forget. We not only tasted unique flavours but also had a great experience in such a charming venue. $85 for courses is pretty standard as a price but here you truly get the value for your money as we both came out very full and satisfied. Moroccan wine was such a good choice and the burramandi was to die for. To be honest it is hard to think any better places than this and I would like to thank all the staff for this lovely night. Very happy and I wish I could simply shake Shane Delia's hand for being so real with his food.

M

MF

Zomato Jul 01, 2016

3.5

This is the hardest restaurant to be reviewed so far, as i think this restaurant didnt deserve 4, but also didnt deserve 3.5, it supposed to be ard 3.8, wish zomato is more flexible with their rating. The drink that we ordered (3 of us) mojito, was only okay, too much pomergranate and the rhum was way too overpowering the whole drink. The watermellon and strawberry was the only one thats good, lebanese ice tea taste like toothpaste and kinnie have a very bitter aftertaste. We chose the 5 course tasting menu, and since i dont eat lamb and goat cheese, i informed that to the waiter. The first course was the air dried cured beef was good, it was rich and salty and the crumb was delicious! Second course was saffron poached chicken and it was okay, the chicken and puree itself was nice but the baby corn doesnt seem to match the other ingredients there. The beef cheek was superb, thats the highlight of the whole dinner. Sadly, thats it, the main, after i told what i dont eat, it actually doesnt matter as it was a shared main, so they still serve the lamb anyway as normal portion. We didnt eat the cracked wheat pillaf as it was loaded with cinnamon and thats basically the only taste, the winter fattoush taste like a standard salad, and i dont eat lamb so i cant comment, so for the whole main, the fish is the one only that i enjoyed tho the other component of the fish like the white bean puree and the vine leaf was wayy too salty. Dessert we supposed to get the milk and honey but instead we got like a sour pannacotta like with some chocolate crumble and chocolate ice cream, the thing is we purposely ordered the 5 course tasting instead of 6 coz we also wanna try the milk and honey, so we were dissapointed but didnt complain straight away as we were already full by then anyway. Service was excellent. Elegant and friendly. But sadly wont go back so soon for their food.

M

Melbourniancritic (The Melbourne Experience)

Zomato Jun 29, 2016

4.0

Run by awarding winning head chef & restaurateur Shane Delia, Maha redefines Middle Eastern cuisine for all to enjoy. Shane & his team use a progressive, fresh & innovative approach to create a delicate yet flavoursome selection of Middle Eastern dishes that will excite the senses. Choose from one of their custom designed shared menu options for lunch or their extremely popular Burger & Beer weekday lunch specials at the bar. Otherwise why not try any one of their mouthwatering unrestricted Middle Eastern evening menus for a truly memorable dining experience. Photo Credit: @maharestaurant

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Lauren Binks

Zomato Jun 26, 2016

5.0

Maha is one of my all time favourite restaurants! I live in Perth but regularly sneak over to Melbourne for long weekends, and Maha is always one of my go-to places. The staff are skilled, friendly and chatty. The ambiance somehow manages to be perfect for families, groups of friends and couples. And the food! I have dreams about it, honestly. I'd recommend Maha for any occasion. If somebody took me here to break up with me I reckon I could take it philosophically if we still got to eat :p

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Michele Walton

Zomato Jun 22, 2016

4.5

Maha means ‘beautiful eyes’ and is the name of Shane Delia’s (of SBS Spice Journey fame) wife. A lovely touch at the end of the evening is a small sample of some of the spice sold by the restaurant. The great strengths of Maha are its central CBD location, gorgeous sound absorbing atmospheric decor, service and great food.

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Mjuice

Zomato Jun 19, 2016

4.5

fantastic! being vegetarians (yes those trouble makers) we were told that there is no set menu for us & the wife really appreciated not knowing what was coming up next. the food was the star, the service was great with a deduction due to a staff member touching the plate when informing us what was on the plate. 👍👌

K

Kenneth Seymour

Zomato Jun 13, 2016

4.5

Dined at Maha recently and thoroughly enjoyed our evening from start to finish. Commenced the evening with a couple of cocktails to prepare our palate for the Spice Journey. From the moment the food started the wait staff took the utmost care to explain every dish to us. Wine was matched for us and suited most courses. I would definitely return and highly recommend Maha to anyone considering making a booking.

J

Joe

Zomato Jun 12, 2016

1.0

Bad luck for us. For the 6 course degustation the courses were salt heavy which was disappointing but also killed the wines. The beers we started with were in glasses that were not thoroughly rinsed and had a flat head and soapy taste. Yes they were busy that night but $800 later we were happy to leave. Much better value elsewhere.

E

Eazy Over

Zomato Jun 07, 2016

5.0

Oh man what an amazing dinner!! The beautiful dining room was so warm and comforting. We ate the dego menu and did not disappoint! Will be back again and again!!

D

DuckieLovesToEat

Zomato Jun 06, 2016

4.5

To celebrate my birthday, I had decided to come here and invited a few friends. 2 of my friends have dietary requirements and it such a relief that they accommodated for that. We booked for dinner at 8pm. If I haven't seen photos of what the front door looked like, I can fairly say that I will be lost. Nevertheless, we found it and we were greeted warmly and seated. I must say that the staff were attentive without making you feel crowded. They made sure that everything is well taken care of. The waitress who looked after us was exceptional. It was such a shame that I didn't get her name. Anyways, lets us talk about the food. So we all decided to go for the 5 course degustation. We started off with a jug of maha elixir. The drink was really delicious. The food was divine. I must say the vegetarian option was amazing. Thanks for a memorable night Maha! This place is highly recommended.

H

Havachatkiwi

Zomato Jun 03, 2016

4.0

We had a lovely set menu lunch with about 8 courses and enjoyed all. The only thing we felt was the main meal with its 3 dishes was the best but came out too late. We were too full with the small serves we'd had prior to enjoy it to its full potential. It seemed a shame sending good lamb and delicacious salad back to the kitchen. Dessert was also huge but fortunately light. The alcohol list is excessively expensive.

J

John Naughton

Zomato Jun 03, 2016

5.0

Fantastic! Every dish was wonderful (couldn't fault a single dish), the service excellent; informative and friendly. We were a table of 6 (three couples), the ambience is really lovely; great buzz but easy to chat. Love this place and can't wait to go back.

D

Dottore Vince

Zomato Jun 03, 2016

4.0

Great food and ambiance. Great value as well given the quality of the food. Cheapest wines start at around $75 for an average drop. The offer of "up sizing" our meal with fresh truffles at $12 per head was declined. The 2% surcharge for using credit card facility just meant no tip was left for the lovely waiters.

J

Zomato May 29, 2016

4.0

Though I wouldn't say I'm a huge fan of middle eastern style food, Maha has me nearly converted. The service is nearly 10 out of 10 complete with the sweetest older gentleman who did everything to make sure we were comfortable and happy. The courses are share style and while may not look like a lot, are incredibly filling. The fish was deliciousness on a plate and the little cake with ice cream at the end was forced into my tummy even though I could barely breathe because it was that yummalicious. Only downside is it is a little squishy downstairs and while I love a little darkened dining ambiance I felt like it may be a little too dark nightclub bar style.

M

Marcus

Zomato May 28, 2016

2.0

Salty and underwhelming Took my girlfriend here for her birthday. This was my fourth time at Maha over a number of years. Quality has definitely gone down, whilst prices have gone up. I remembered attentive service and delicious food. How things have changed. We waited 20 mins for a table that we booked 3 weeks in advance. We didn't get served a drink for 20 mins. After seating, we didn't get a menu for another 15 mins. The first dish contained so much salt it was unrecognisable. The second dish (some kind of chicken) had a poor odour and its taste and texture resembled subway chicken (you know the poached stuff that sits in the bain marie). The lamb was cold and fatty. The salad was clearly pre-prepared and had sat in a fridge that was far too cold. In fact no dish was served hot. The wines were an average ensemble from Mornington and Yarra valley. The sommelier did his best to convince us the wines were interesting but they were bland at best. The waiters were unprofessional. One waiter decided to wipe the floor by putting chux under her feet and dancing around between tables whilst we were dining. You might see this behaviour at a nightclub, not a high-end restaurant. Anyhow, think I'd rather now get a taste of authentic middle eastern food from Brunswick instead. Shane, not sure you can link your brand to this current incarnation of Maha. You might need to get back in there and clean it up.

T

Teeny Reeny

Zomato May 28, 2016

4.5

My partner and I both really enjoyed the experience here! The venue is cosy and comfortable, the service was impeccable and were made to feel very welcome and the food was divine. My only note is that we had the 5 course degustation and it was way too much! We hated the idea of wasting anything so asked to not have the dessert - we pretty much rolled out of there. So I would suggest that unless you are absolutely starving, order the 4 course, it will be plenty i'm sure.

M

Michael Refalo

Zomato May 21, 2016

4.5

What an experience to dine at Maha. Everything about the establishment is executed to detail...this place has certainly lived up the the hype. Specialising in middle eastern & medeteranian, the majority of the menu seemed somewhat foreign, so the simplified set menu options is a great way to rxplore the "spice journey"

L

Lisa

Zomato May 18, 2016

5.0

Love the set menu, ambience and level of service. Staff are very friendly and attentive (in a thoroughly professional manner). Food and wine pairing was delicious - so many flavours. Such a memorable dining experience at Maha. Definitely a favourite for future Melbourne visits.

L

Leon Thomas

Zomato May 15, 2016

4.0

A set menu that's a pleasing surprise, though I wish one could a la carte some of the dishes. When you arrive to the restaurant, you step down into a whole new world (middle east I think), leaving the bustle of Bond street behind. As far as initial impressions go, this place hits a home run. Though the clientele acceptance includes a nice shirt and jeans, one almost feels like they should be donning a suit (or a fine dress). Anyways, onto the food. Your only option is the number of set courses (2,4,5 or 6). Limited to be 2 hour block, we chose the 4 course sampler, and was pleasantly surprised. The 'spice journey soufra' starts off with a sample of cured swordfish, spiced chicken wings, a deep fried pumpkin dish, cauliflower hummus with mince and some olives. Mixed bag, with the pumpkin and chicken wings being the winners whilst the others could be passed. Course 2 was a little better with the duck and beef offering. The duck was in a lovely pastry that just seemed to melt on your tongue, whilst the beef was a lesson in look and taste conduction. But all in all, relatively pleasing. Course 3 was the mains, containing the rockling and the signature 12 hour roasted lamb shoulder, served with a side of fattoush and pilaf. To be honest, whilst extremely tender, the lamb was good but felt like it was missing some juices to offset the dryness of the lamb. Maybe it'll depend on if the fattoush or pilaf is your thing but I think I'd prefer the one at Cumulus instead. Anyways, still relatively content, we moved into course 4 (dessert sample). On offer is the Turkish delight donuts, the pedro Ximenez cake and the halva parfait, with the winner clearly being the cake slice. Overall, the experience was good and we were left needing to be rolled out, which is always a plus. Suppose it depends on if you like the set menu approach or not as to how you rate this place. Overall, I'd say it's good and worth trying. But check it out yourself, as this ain't no baseline!

T

Tom Curney

Zomato May 15, 2016

4.0

Delicious food with a great decor. The restaurant is set up very well and makes for a very enjoyable visit. I certainly recommend it to anyone interested in high quality food.

S

Sterhalt

Zomato May 14, 2016

2.5

Went there tonight for my niece's birthday, as she loves Shane Delia. I chose the 6 course meal while she had the 5 course. The food was hit and miss especially the roasted lamb which we found really bland. The service was impeccable, however 2.5 hours for 6 meals left us full by the wait. More so the dishes given at times were a combination between the 6, 5, and 4 course set menus and not what was stated for the courses we ordered. Don't think I'd be back for the journey as it was a very long one.

A

Al Rostami

Zomato May 14, 2016

5.0

Went there on a very busy night and ordered 5 courses. Food was really delicious and looked amazing. Lovely experience and great service. Highly recommended

Z

Zoe

Zomato May 14, 2016

3.0

Had the 5 course menu. Nice but wasn't exactly blown away and was expecting more to be honest. I'd be going to other places before coming back here again.

A

Alana Camm

Zomato May 12, 2016

4.5

My boyfriend and I had dinner here last night for the first time. We had the Spice journey Banquet it was sooo wonderful. We love trying lots if different things so this was perfect for sharing. All the flavours were amazing. I especially loved the pan fried barramundi and the cauliflower hommus with bread!! My boyfriend loved the lamb shoulder and the kingfish ceviche. The service was wonderful and music was exactly what we like. We will definately be back. Thanks Shane for an amazing experience!!

D

Daniel

Zomato May 08, 2016

1.5

Not my favorite place and food is very average. Since the new renovation the atmosphere has gone downhill. Place feels like a cafeteria and quality of food and service has deteriorated. Quite a popular spot for business lunches, but we won't be back.

O

Olive Sundays

Zomato May 08, 2016

4.0

Maha is a restaurant that will take your taste buds on a journey through the Middle East. Shane Delia incorporates authentic Middle Eastern flavours and has created a unique menu that has a creative and modern style. Turkish delight doughnuts. Need I say more. The dining experience is a banquet that includes a variety of share plates. You can select the 2. 4, 5 or 6 course meal (paired with wine if you choose).

D

Daniel

Zomato May 04, 2016

4.5

I took my vegetarian girlfriend here for her birthday. The food was impeccable and so was the service. The cocktails are lovely and the venue has a lovely ambiance: The only criticism that I can give mAha is the amount of food your given is excessive over a 5 or 6 course meal and I left with an uncomfortably full feeling in my stomach . But one could argue that we could have ordered a menu with less courses. Because the food was so good we didn't want to stop eating .. I recommend maha to anybody. Well worth the money !!

A

Anna L

Zomato May 03, 2016

5.0

No seriously if this isn't on a must for ppl visiting melbourne then why botherthis is still my favourite place to eat been back several times and recommended it equally as often Cant say enough good things about this place Love the atmosphere love the menu and everything about this place Easy to book Menu is alwys fresh and interesting Alwyas have a great night Definitely a special place for tea

S

Sharna Lee

Zomato Apr 26, 2016

4.5

Great food and great service all rolled into one. The staff are knowledgable and friendly, food looks and tastes great. They went above and beyond for my birthday and we'll certainly be back.

L

Linnie Eats All The Food

Zomato Apr 24, 2016

4.0

Catching up with the gang meant we could go wherever we please. Mr Burberry strongly suggested Shane Delia’s middle eastern one hatted restaurant - Maha. So of course I made the reservations for a Saturday night to indulge in good food. Maha is tucked away in an alley way and you wouldn’t even know it’s there unless you’re looking for it. Mr D and I got there first and we went inside. When you enter the sliding doors, you take the stars down and Shane’s books are on display (also for sale as well). While I was distracted with the books, the lovely and patient staff asked for my reservation and directed us to a semi-private room (SCORE!). We were provided with drinkies and food menus and since we had a large party, we all had to choose the same set menu. As the rest of the gang trickled in slowly, we all finally decided to get the 5 course menu for $95 per head. I decided to be naughty and got the matching wine for another $65 (uh oh!). Anywho, as we chatted away, the wait staff came with a surprise dish - fried oysters! Miss Teeth and Miss Asian Fusion couldn’t eat oysters so they substitute it with some fluffy crispy what-chu-call it (I forgot what it was). The oysters was super AWESOME SAUCE. There was no oyster taste at all and the seasoning, oh my goodness it was HEAVEN!! If this isn’t even part of the banquet yet, I was super excited to see what the menu has to offer (EXCITED!).

S

Sweetandyummie

Zomato Apr 14, 2016

4.5

Amazing restaurant with great customer service and they are so helpful to change the menu to suit your requirements. Its great value for money with the amount of dishes and serving size. The turkish delight doughnuts and the 12 Hour roasted lamb shoulder are my favourites.

M

Micky B

Zomato Apr 07, 2016

3.5

Massive fan of shane and the food he creates in his spice journey series. My partner and I were expecting something similar. We received a complimentary entre of an oyster wrapped in a Greek angel hair style pastry which was an explosion of deliciousness!! The Crispy skinned fish was lovely but lacked any punch, there was a very moist piece of chicken with a Crispy skin garnish which was also lovely. A green side salad left me very confused, it was ridiculously salty and my partner and I both struggled to eat any of it. The waiter noticed and asked about it but didnt seem to care.... with a polite shrug. The main which was a signature dish was a slow roasted lamb shoulder with fatoush Salad and pulse side. Hmmmm I'm sure it's very traditional but it reminded me of traditional souvlaki meat.... almost boiled lacking any punchy flavour. The fatoush needed more lemon and some of the salt from the green salad and the pulse side was blah just plain blah. Nice texture though. Finally we finished the meal with a really delicious dessert made with yoghurt, lemon gel and merangue. Worth a mention was the alcohol, the matching wines were pleasant and the history provided by the waiter made for some light entertainment. The pomegranate cocktail we had was amazing!!!! After work drinks yes please!! I'd go just for that one. Friendly bar staff 😄 3.5/5

S

Sharna

Zomato Apr 03, 2016

5.0

Been here many times, the food is AMAZING !!! We usually get a 5 or 6 course meal which is a massive struggle to get through. The food is full of delicious flavours, never a disappointment.

C

CW

Zomato Mar 30, 2016

4.0

We didn't have a booking and we were wise to come just as the restaurant opened to get 2 seats at the bar. We didn't mind... Had a few nibbles and cocktails to share before we decided on the 4 course + dessert share banquet. To our amusement, the waiter at the bar said to us "Ladies, just confirming that you realise that the prices on the menu are 'per person'?". I guess we weren't dressed well enough in addition to the fact we'd already had some nibbles and 2 cocktails each!? So minus 0.5 points for this. I cannot really fault the food nor the drinks. Of course, everyone will have their own preferences. They do this dumpling-esqe dish that is just amazing. The lamb is also a must try. Disappointingly, we found a creepy crawly in our salad and we let the waiter know. The maitre d came around to offer apologies and offered us a new salad but we were so full anyway that we declined this. I take another 0.5 points off for this. Otherwise, we had a great night even though we didn't receive table service and would love to come back on our next trip to Melbourne.

H

Harry Tahana

Zomato Mar 29, 2016

4.5

Went for the first time on Sunday did not know what to expect and was happily blown away!...had the four course share menu could not fault it good choice of matched wine as well....service was great food spot on...will be back for the other menus!!!

T

The Greek Freak

Zomato Mar 19, 2016

5.0

Exquisite food. My goodness the food gets better with every course. Had the 4 course and adored it all. The swordfish was magnificent. The parfait dessert was a stand out. Been there twice in a month and would hapoily go there tomorrow

M

MN-A

Zomato Mar 18, 2016

4.0

Great atmosphere here. Friendly service and pretty good food. We chose the 4 course share banquet with a good variety of dishes, hard to pick a favourite amongst them. Very good wine selection too.

H

Hummus

Zomato Mar 07, 2016

5.0

Completely speechless. This place is truly an unforgettable dinning experience... Probably among the best in Melbourne! They nail the dishes time after time, both texture & flavour! Totally worth the price tag.

H

Helene

Zomato Feb 28, 2016

4.0

Had dinner yesterday evening with a group of 5. Went for the Spice Journey Soufra. Tasty food, lovely Pinot recommended by waiter. We were all very full by the end. There were quite a few Turkish elements in the food, which was nice having lived there for four years. But I personally like my food a bit more spicey. I love middle eastern cuisine and would definitely return to Maha and recommend to friends, but so far Embers mezze bar in Sydney is still my fave in Australia.

O

Out Of My Kitchen

Zomato Feb 25, 2016

4.5

It has been a long time between drinks (well meals) at Maha. In fact it is my first visit after a couple of years and the renovation from a year ago. The Soufra is still a great value lunch at $55 per person. Lots of great dishes and great flavours. The flavours ping pong around with spice, sweetness, crunch and more. Amongst the starters, the kataifi oysters are a mouthful of delight as was the swordfish & kewpie. The trend continues through the Turkish dumplings/yoghurt/sumac/peas/mint and main of delectable spiced and brined pork. It was great to see the Turkish Delight dumplings are still on the menu too. I'll ensure my return is sooner rather than later.

A

AaronN

Zomato Feb 21, 2016

4.5

Have been here on three occasions for a burger and beer on a Friday (most recently a couple of weeks ago for a soft shell crab burger). Atmosphere is amazing and each time have been blown away by the food. Cant wait to return， and looking forward to having dinner here soon.

B

Ben

Zomato Feb 12, 2016

5.0

Steve the waiter! What can I say. Professional, informative, integrity driven. Any place that wants quality in their staff should look to Steve! What an operator! Thanks Steve for your personable attributes that made my dinner a memory for life.

F

Finger Lickin

Zomato Feb 12, 2016

4.5

Invited couple of friends for Friday lunch and it didn't disappoint. The service is perfect. We had the 4 course meal with matching wine and not a single dish was less than spectacular. Would have to be one of Melbourne's best restaurants at the moment.

T

The Swine

Zomato Feb 07, 2016

5.0

The Swine attended Maha for a work get together - what an absolute pleasure this was!! If only all work outings were this satisfying!. Despite a Maha waiter accidentally spilling half a jug of water down the Swine's leg - needed a wash anyway - this place still rates as the Swine's most favourite eating (and washing) experiences ever. The satisfaction level from each course was amazing. The flavour from each Middle Eastern morsel was just divine. Yes Maha is expensive but well worth every cotton pickin dollar of your hard earned cash. The Swine loves his dollars so you can probably tell he is absolutely smitten with Maha. Got a special occasion? Put on your good duds - and get down here quick.

J

Julia Nicholson

Zomato Feb 02, 2016

4.0

I don't often write reviews but I feel other diners should be aware that Maha charges 2% surcharge for visa credit card payment. Our group spent over $1100! Love Shane, loved the food, just cant remember the last time a restaurant passed on any kind of visa surcharge. I really would have thought they would absorb that cost, which is actually no more than a few cents.

M

Melbourne Foodie

Zomato Jan 30, 2016

2.5

Was so looking forward to visiting Maha as we hadn't been for many years. The latest renovation for me misses the mark - really doesn't suit the cuisine at all? Service was efficient and friendly but offered sparkling water with no mention of charge per person. We had the 4 course sharing banquet and whilst everything was ok I really expected more. Not more food as this was quite adequate but more flavor, everything just felt bit too similar and really no dish stood out as memorable. We won't return

T

Theodora Minas Gianniotis

Zomato Jan 24, 2016

4.5

Lived up to the hype. Restaurant was less formal to what I expected which was great . We had the 4 course spice trail which was so much food. In the first course I would have loved to see more cured kingfish than hummus, though the hummus was amazing, & well matched with the wine selection, the only fault was that I would have put the perfectly cooked salmon with the ravioli & the ribs with the slow cooked lamb as the amazing Morrocan red was to overpowering for the Salmon. Lamb was cooked very traditional & I would have liked to see something more here. Not sure how the Salmon was cooked but I would love to learn, perfect, melted in your mouth before you could bite & the ravioli, took me back to Turkey. Nonetheless the dishes were each perfect, & so well balanced, spices & nuts were in all dishes, which for me is a must to any Middle eastern cuisine. As for desert the loukouma stuffed with loukoumi or donut stuffed with Turkish delight was a sensory pleasure, from the honey, to the wafts smell of cinnamon & nuts. I would also recommend finishing with either the Moroccan, sensational, or the Arabic coffee, I went Moroccan tea & it was great. I would like to see as I said more of his inspired dishes from his recent travels & I hope Shane keeps inventing inspiring & nodding to traditions. Service was very good, everyone had a role & it was well executed!!

D

DaniStreetEats

Zomato Jan 22, 2016

4.0

Headed to Maha a couple of nights back for dinner with my partner and was pleasantly surprised with the overall experience the food was great, service was good and we didn't need to wait for a table.

F

Food Lover

Zomato Jan 18, 2016

4.0

I always wanted to try this place as I love Persian food and heard a lot of good things about this place. We managed to get a booking for Sunday as Saturday was booked out. Went for the 6 course meal. Staff was quite helpful in explaining what's in the menu and differences. They paced the whole experience quite nicely. Amazing food! $120 per person which I found a bit dearer. Only complain I have is they charge 2% credit card surcharge which is not acceptable for a restaurant in this Calibre (mainky because EFT transaction does only cost that much at all. $1 is fine). My bill was $249 + gave $20 tip and they advised 2% surcharge. Not cool :(. WIR? - yes, I'd probably will to try other options but they need rethink about credit card surcharges.

B

Big L

Zomato Jan 16, 2016

3.5

The four of us went to Maha for a few aperitifs and dinner and the food and drinks were excellent. The cocktails list was mostly different than usual with a few classics and all very nice. The meals were fantastic, not one thing was just average, it was all great. The ambience felt too closed in and crowded for a high end restaurant and the noise was very intrusive to decent conversation; it seemed like every table was talking over the next one. The wait staff ranged from excellent to ordinary - different staff brought out different courses and told us what everything was, why and where from which was good but the service went from excellent to indifferent between courses. Maybe we went on a bad night - the food was excellent but service and ambience wasn't up to scratch for a restaurant of this cost.

J

Jules1

Zomato Jan 16, 2016

5.0

Aha aha - Maha you are impressive. The cocktails, menu, food quality, service. The four course menu is highly recommended. Thanks so much and keep on keeping on!

J

John Isaac

Zomato Jan 15, 2016

4.5

This place is just brilliant. Mentioned to the lady on the phone our booking was for Nancy's birthday. It was just a passing comment and I had completely forgotten about it when they brought out a nice cake after dessert. The slow roasted lamb shoulder dish and pilaf is the winner, however everything we tried was absolute quality.

A

Amelia

Zomato Jan 13, 2016

4.0

We went to Maha Restaurant on our recent trip to Melbourne. The menu concept is different to your regular restaurant. You simply pick the number of courses you'd like, ranging from 2 to 6, and they take care of the rest. We chose the 4 course menu. Service was lovely and attentive the whole time, and the atmosphere was great too. As for the food, for me the pork ribs and turkish dumplings from our second course were a highlight, but the true winners were the pilaf and the lamb dish from the third course - amazing middle eastern flavours and the labne with the lamb was the perfect final touch. Of the desserts, I especially enjoyed the turkish delight filled doughnuts! We were so full by the end of the night I could barely breathe, but it was worth it. Would definitely recommend coming here!

K

Kara Loves To Eat

Zomato Jan 10, 2016

5.0

Wow.. i went a couple of months back with friends and we opted for the six course digustation. I am yet to stop talking about the amazing experience at maha. The food is spectacular. Attention to every detail in the food and its flavours. The staff are wonderful, knowledgeable and accommodating for all at the table. Have and will continue to recommend and cannot wait to return.

B

Blue

Zomato Jan 10, 2016

4.5

Visited Maha for their spice journey and had an amazing experience. Atmosphere and service were top notch. The four course menu was well put together and simply sensational. The stars of the menu were the chemen cured swordfish, slow cooked pork belly and the honey parfait. We had matching wines and they even went out of their way to match beers as well. Would highly recommend this restaurant.

L

Let’s Eat!

Zomato Jan 10, 2016

4.0

My friends and I ate here on Friday night and most of us had visited here before. I'm half Lebanese and tend not to eat out at Middle Eastern or Middle Eastern inspired restaurants, because I can get this at home. However, at Maha it's a totally different ball game! All the wonderful flavours and aromas that I'm so familiar with, but executed with an exceptionally creative, modern and individual twist. Each dish was exciting and almost too pretty to eat, with perfect timing between courses. A warm and unpretentious ambiance with decor reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The gentleman looking after our table that night may have been new to the job, clearing plates a little quickly and sometimes before we had all finished, but hospitality is a tough gig and I certainly didn't see this as too much of a negative. Most importantly, he was helpful, patient and professional. I truly feel that the team care about your experience here. They are polite, informed and friendly. My only teeny, tiny negative was the Turkish coffee was quite grainy all the way through and I only mention this because it was the very last thing that we finished on. This certainly isn't anything bad and won't stop me from coming again or recommending it to others. Thank you for a lovely evening, you've definitely inspired me for my next dinner party at home!

C

Champagne And Chips

Zomato Jan 10, 2016

4.0

I am not really one to get caught up in restaurant hype. I still haven’t been to Chin Chin! (I know!) I also don’t get terribly wooed by the celebrity chef effect. I love Shane Delia’s ‘Spice Journey’ cooking show but had never really entertained the idea of eating at Maha, his restaurant. That is, until my buddy Carly named it as one of her favourite places. Serendipitously about a week later one of my foodie friends suggested a blogger catchup at Maha.

S

Susie Graf

Zomato Jan 07, 2016

5.0

Went there for Christmas lunch and one of the nicest experience's we have had in a long time. The food, staff and service was absolutely brilliant. Even the staff who had to work on this Xmas day were so happy and kind. As usual the food served to us by Shane was top notch and we are so very lucky to have him in Melbourne. Everyone if you ever need a great Xmas lunch next year, do yourself a big favour and make a reservation!!

S

Simrata Anand

Zomato Jan 06, 2016

4.5

An amazing experience. I went there for our Christmas team lunch and went for the degustation option. I loved every bit of it. The flavours were bold but so subtle at the same time. Every mouthful was a pure bliss. The service was great. On our table few people also went with the 4 course Menu option it was good to see the food was coming up almost the same time and the service was great. The set up was average however the ambiance was nice.

F

Foodie03x

Zomato Jan 04, 2016

4.0

Went to maha to celebrate my birthday and was very impressed with the food and service overall. Fave dish was the pork ribs, flavours were incredible and meat just fell off the bone. Dessert was another winner, possibly the nicest cakes we've eaten to date. Only negative was that we were seated towards the back of the restaurant where there was very minimal lighting and struggled to actually see the food! Other than that it was a fab pick!

M

Milla Vanilla

Zomato Dec 20, 2015

5.0

Decided on the 4 course and portions were spot on for the three of us. The room was quite dimly lit but it adds to the ambience; also kudos to the person that owns the music playlist because it was on point! Knowledgeable staff serving honest, unpretentious and most importantly, delicious food and drinks. The pomegranate sour cocktail was definitely one of the best cocktails I've ever had! Would've ordered more if I didn't have work the next day.. This place ticks all the boxes: cleanliness, prompt service, flavourful food. Can't really think of anything to fault. Although sitting at the bar was a tight squeeze but no biggie. Would have been even better to see the man himself but I guess I'll try my luck next time!

S

Scotty

Zomato Dec 20, 2015

4.0

Fantastic experience. We done the 4 course and the food was great. Besides the Lamb, that was a little over salted. The only let down was our waitress was very unpleasant but the rest of the staff made up for it. Would highly recommend to try this place and we will be back for sure.

C

Craig Willis

Zomato Dec 14, 2015

5.0

Had the Sunday fixed price lunch and boy was it good. Almost too much food but brilliantly presented and the service was outstanding. Shane runs a very smooth operation and we could not fault one thing on our visit. Will go again but have to wait for lunch to digest fully. You must have the Turkish delight donuts at some stage.!!

C

ClaireJ

Zomato Dec 14, 2015

5.0

We had our work Xmas lunch at Maha this year, what a success!! We had the six course tasting menu and some had the matched wines with it. The food was amazing, the wines perfectly matched! Our table also included one vegan (me!!) and the six course vegan tasting menu that they provided me with was sensational. Some of my work colleagues were impressed by my menu also :) The staff that waited on us were brilliant. They were very informative, friendly, accommodating and also enjoyed the odd laugh with us. We were lucky enough to have a table in a slightly separate room which was great, spacious and a bit quieter than the main area. I will definitely be recommending you to everyone (especially the vegan community!) Thank you Shane for making your restaurant inclusive for us vegans!

A

Ananya Behera

Zomato Dec 05, 2015

3.0

Went to Maha for a casual Friday lunch with my colleagues. We were pretty excited to try the "Roasted Chicken Christmas Special Burger". The restaurant, itself, is pretty dimly lit so the ambience wasn't as good as i would have preferred. The burger itself was pretty decent and came with a pot of beer or soft drink. It was two patties stacked, the base was a good thick chicken patty and the top patty was smaller and made up of pork and bacon bits. The bun was smothered with a chipotlesque sauce that made the entire taste of the burger better. Overall the burger would be 6 on my scale. We ordered a couple of bowls of chips which were much below average in taste. Honestly, would not go again to eat the burger.

T

Tolan

Zomato Dec 05, 2015

5.0

We had a wonderful evening on Thursday - i had requested a quiet area for a dinner for 8 of us, and we were placed in a semi-secluded area which was just perfect. We chose the 6 course option and it did not disappoint. Every course was delicious and so interesting to taste. Our waiter provided impeccable service throughout the night. Thank you to you Shane and your staff for providing a very memorable night. We'll definitely be back.

N

Nathan Amery

Zomato Dec 02, 2015

3.5

I booked Maha for my girlfriend's birthday based on reviews and that it was a cuisine that looked a bit interesting and different. We both eat out a lot, fine dining included, so we had plenty to compare it to. My overall impression was that the food was mostly good, but the whole thing is not quite there. With a more professional service, and a polishing up of the dishes on offer, it could be 4.5. Best Bits: The swordfish. The slow-cooked lamb. The cocktails. The smoked humous. The desserts. Worst bits: The service. The scallops. The Food: We opted for the 4 course menu with matched wines (note that their is no a la carte option at Maha), which cost us around AUD $330 with the two cocktails we had at the start (which incidentally, were excellent). The first course was a mezze platter, with cured swordfish, smoked humous with crispy lamb, potatoes with squid, caraway seed rolls and olives with a spicy dressing. The cured swordfish was excellent. The taste was different, unlike any other dish I had had before and it was delicious. I also really enjoyed the smoked humous. Everything else was good, not spectacular, but good enough. Next up was lamb koftas with potatoes, and scallops in pastry. This was my least favourite course, and for me there is no excuse for it. The scallops were overcooked and rubbery - the one thing you should NEVER mess up on as a restaurant serving scallops. Secondly, they were a bit...nothing - and I'm a huge fan of scallops in general. They didn't really fit in with the rest of the food, I couldn't taste any middle-eastern flavours, the pastry was fine, but just odd. Also, they were served on a bed of salt, in their shells, which I'd seen before several years ago in much lesser restaurants - it felt dated. The koftas were okay, a bit much on the salt and fat flavour - slightly pub food-esque. The potatoes they were served with were nice though. Onto the main of slow cooked lamb shoulder with radishes & yoghurt, salmon served with roe and some sort of spicy rice, which I forget the name of. Served with Lebanese bread salad. The lamb was delicious, but then what slow-cooked meat isn't? I do feel it would have benefitted from something different - it was just slow cooked lamb - no obvious spices coming through. It was something I could have achieved at home pretty easily, and this annoys me if I spend money eating somewhere nice. The salmon was okay, but it felt a little out of place. The rice was fine as a side dish. The bread salad tasted pretty good, well dressed with a good sharpness. However, I did feel it looked a bit...homely. Lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber in a bowl, even with crispy wafers of bread, hardly looks 'fine dining'. Desert was basil ice cream with apricot and pepper jam and a dark chocolate pastry, donuts with turkish delight, and a lemon parfait. I really enjoyed the desert. The basil ice cream and apricot & pepper jam stole the show, and the lemon parfait was delicious. While the staff were happy to swap out the turkish delight filled donuts for my girlfriend who doesn't like turkish delight, the alternative seemed quickly thought up, stuffing the donuts with chocolate instead. This really didn't work well with the syrup they were served with. We asked to have a desert from one of the other menus, but this was refused. Which brings us onto... The Service The restaurant was certainly understaffed and very busy. The latter is a good sign, but it should never be at the expense of customers' experiences. We were rushed through the food menu, with minimal explanation of the dishes. We didn't feel relaxed, staff seemed stressed out, over worked and lacked that calm exterior even when things are busy. I felt they had little time for us, no one came over and asked "is everything ok? Can I get you anything else, sir?". However, service times were ok (not great, but ok) - we had drinks within 15 minutes and food within 40 minutes of sitting down. As the restaurant emptied, we got more attention from the staff, but it was a case of too little too late - it was earlier when it mattered. The wine waiter was...odd. The idea was of course, that if you opt for the matched wines, he comes over and tells you about each glass with each course - that's what happens in real fine dining restaurants (which this didn't feel like). I genuinely believe he was drunk. Either way, he certainly isn't the guy to have a customer facing role, no matter how much he knows about wine. If he wasn't drunk, he appeared it. He actually stumbled into my arm on the way from the table, offering a muttered apology into the distance; plus he was slurring his words slightly as he spoke. He did successfully tell us about the wine, but lacked all finesse - we could have been in a bottle shop. All in all, the service felt like a fine dining restaurant that was run by near-pub-level staff - they were perfectly pleasant, but just not at the level of professionalism required. It was ok, mostly decent food arrived at the table successfully, but it wasn't special and what I'd expect for the price. The fact that napkins were re-folded after you left your seat, and they were placed on your lap for you, suggested 'fine dining' was what they were going for, but they missed a lot of the obvious stuff. I don't think I'd go back, not because it was terrible, but because I can eat better for the money in Melbourne. Plus a fixed menu means I'd be eating the same thing again (unless I just opted for more courses).

S

Simon Meakin

Zomato Dec 01, 2015

5.0

My wife & I celebrated our 10 year wedding anniversary with dinner at Maha. We took the 4 course Spice Journey Soufra which was pure heaven for the tastebuds from start to finish. We're big fans of Middle Eastern cuisine & Maha did not let us down. The service & staff were impeccable, my star struck wife & I were also paid a visit by Shane Delia himself (who we're big fans of). All in all Maha did not disappoint as our venue of choice for our anniversary (we even received complimentary celebration Brownies!).

G

Green Gourmet Giraffe

Zomato Nov 30, 2015

5.0

At the last moment I secured a place at Maha last week for their No Bull All Vegan Affair Degustation. Maha, in Melbourne CBD, has been highly praised by many for its fine Middle Eastern food, including the vegan/vegetarian menu. I had high expectations of the 5 course meal ($99) and was still pleasantly surprised by much of the food.

A

Ally Mudford

Zomato Nov 29, 2015

5.0

Had an amazing dinner at Maha last night. As a huge fan of Middle Eastern food I was sure I was going to love it and I was not disappointed. My partner and I had the four courses with matched wines. Loved all the food, but the standout dishes for us were the cured swordfish, the 12 hour lamb, the chocolate pistachio m’hencha (the accompanying basil ice cream is incredible), and the Turkish delight doughnuts. The focus seemed to be very much on taste and experience rather than over the top food styling. The matched wines were all fantastic and a bit different from the usual. The staff were very attentive and friendly, and it was also great to have a chat to Shane at the bar. He seems to be very hands on in the restaurant and takes time to speak to many of the diners which is a great personal touch. We will absolutely be back very soon!

B

Brian K

Zomato Nov 29, 2015

5.0

While most fine dining restaurants entice diners with over-priced and over-exaggerated decors on a plate, there are many attempts to over-complicate ingredients often compromising on the fundamental flavours of a specific cuisine. Situated in the sub-basement of one of Melbourne CBD’s alleyway, this restaurant appeals to both the casual/fine diners and does not disappoint! My Partner and I celebrated our anniversary there last Friday night as we wanted to try something out of the ordinary. We did not know what to expect as we walked down those ambient lit set of stairs, being immediately welcomed by the enthusiastic staff escorting us to a cosy table with a warm ambiance. The waiters were well trained (intricate description of menu details), efficient (nice pace of bringing out food and taking away plates), and genuinely attentive to all our requests. Maha finds that fantastic balance between modern cuisines staying true to its Middle Eastern values without compromising the generosity of the dishes (best fulfilling 4-course menu to date). Thanks for the unforgettable experience and the surprise at the end #mymaha; it brought us both gratifying grins on our Middle Eastern journey. Wide variety of cocktails, Middle Eastern specialties and well traveled wine on offer to tickle your senses. We will definitely be back and shall spread the word to everyone!

G

Girlabouttown

Zomato Nov 18, 2015

5.0

Delicious food and amazing wine list. Good for a special occasion as definitely refined dining at its best with a Middle Eastern twist! Will definitely return.

J

J88

Zomato Nov 17, 2015

4.0

Absolutely beautiful generous lunch.. Impeccable service, high quality authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Absolutely loved it! Cozy ambience... Great bar!

F

Foodie85

Zomato Nov 15, 2015

4.0

Had the 5 course set menu and I left feeling very satisfied. Each course was packed full of flavour. The restaurant was a bit dark inside and the wait between courses was probably a tad too long. I definitely would return though.

B

Billimoriap8

Zomato Nov 15, 2015

4.0

Maha.. Was a choice to celebrate my wife's birthday.. The 4 course dine in as served were not just meals but a spice journey into savoring the moorish delights. The staff were friendly and knowledgable. Overall a wonderful experience. Will come back! Inshallah

#

#alwayshungry

Zomato Nov 12, 2015

3.0

Beautiful restaurant. We tried the 6 course set menu. It was pleasant but nothing wow. The meal was very filling, cocktails absolutely delicious and wait staff attentive.

C

Chef.fc

Zomato Nov 11, 2015

4.5

We have eaten here a couple of times, and on both occasions we ordered the 6 course tasting menu. The service is absolutely fantastic, as the staff show a great interest in making sure you are comfortable and happy. The sommelier was also quite professional and very easy going. The food itself is always amazing. I have never had one dish here that I would describe as less than incredible. The generous portions are much appreciated as well. This is one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. Can't wait to return!

J

J122

Zomato Nov 11, 2015

5.0

Amazing, Amazing food! My partner and I both shared the 4 course dinner option and absolutely LOVED it! My partner is Lebanese so I was a little hesitant to see how critical he would be of the food, but I'm glad to say he loved it! We were impressed with the prompt friendly service and the menu is a great idea especially for people who love to share meals. Having the 4 different options to choose from makes ordering so much easier. We will definitely be back and recommending to friends and family 5/5

A

Alex Tee

Zomato Nov 09, 2015

5.0

Dropped in for a birthday lunch at Maha and had the 6 course tasting menu and walked out with a smile. Very reasonably priced for the quality and amount of food we got. The lamb and tea smoked duck were absolutely exceptional! Great service and wide range of drinks to choose from, a much anticipated return!

H

HungryMe

Zomato Nov 09, 2015

4.0

My partner and I came here for a birthday lunch and went for the tasting menu (6 course degustation style). As it was a Friday, the vibes were pretty corporate during weekday lunch time, but I suggest going from 1pm onwards to avoid that which we did. My favourites were the Smoked Duck Salad, Wagyu Brisket and the Pomegranate Brulee. We got a complimentary birthday sparkler and slice of cake which was such a nice gesture, cake topping was fantastic but the cake was too dry! But, still thank-you for the gesture :) The decor is beautiful and chic, great balance vibes with the modern tunes from across the oceans! We wanted to saw hi to Shane Delia but he was working hard on his laptop at a corner table, so we hope this message gets to him to thank him for a wonderful birthday.

J

Jason Olive

Zomato Nov 01, 2015

4.5

Always amazing. Arrow early and grab a cocktail at the bar. The cocktail with morello cherries is a must. You dine from a 2+ course set menu of beautiful sharing dishes and can mix and match - eg one person has 3 courses and and another can have two. Wine is a little pricey but well worth it as they've got a great selection of local and international players.

J

Jit

Zomato Oct 28, 2015

4.5

This is a tough one for me to review objectively. They say everyone is born with a few doppelgangers and I've found one of mine in Maha owner Shane Delia. When someone looks similar to you you have a natural empathy. You want that person to do well. You want them to do your 'look' justice. Luckily for me Maha needs no agenda or bias to impress. The decor is amongst the best you'll find in Melbourne. The cocktail menu is very unique and whether you go with the share plate, banquet or à la carte you won't walk away disappointed. Great modern take on middle eastern food.

P

Paul Kington

Zomato Oct 27, 2015

5.0

Amazing food. Great service. Extensive range of alcoholic beverages from around the globe. I will definitely be back there again soon. You get the exact quality you pay for.

C

CLABEL

Zomato Oct 27, 2015

3.5

I went to Maha a couple of times already. My favorite are the dessert and their burger. You wont be dissapointed. The burger is so juicy and they put pork belly on top of the patty, the cranberry chutney with the mustard mayo complete the dish. The 4 course meal is also good and the portion is just enough. Very good service and great ambience.

O

Olive Sundays

Zomato Oct 27, 2015

4.0

Maha is a restaurant that will take your taste buds on a journey through the Middle East. Shane Delia incorporates authentic Middle Eastern flavours and has created a unique menu that has a creative and modern style. Turkish delight doughnuts. Need I say more. The dining experience is a banquet that includes a variety of share plates. You can select the 2. 4, 5 or 6 course meal (paired with wine if you choose).

G

Gorman

Zomato Oct 15, 2015

1.0

Disappointing. Terrible service and overpriced. Now I am just writing more because 140 characters are required. Not sure why brevity isn't embraced.

N

Natalia Kajkic

Zomato Oct 13, 2015

4.5

Amazing nothing but!!! New dessert on the menu is tooooo good. Love the atmosphere !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

L

Lulu T. Legrand

Zomato Oct 13, 2015

4.5

ELEGANT RESTAURANT, CLASSY AMBIENCE, GOOD FOOD, CHARMING STAFF AND TWO NO-NOS -- Maha is located in an ugly alley in the CBD, but you immediately forget about it once you enter the restaurant, most of which is located in the basement. Classy, charming, comfortable with a varied and ample layout, elegantly decorated with an great ambience and a very enthusiastic staff it is a great place to have a good eating session at good prices. I had the 4 course lunch on Sunday, the Shane Delia's Spice Journey for 65 bucks. And mind you is not just 4 dishes, it is a holy-molly of dishes! There were 13 dishes exactly. And not all of them were tiny. This is the best value for money degustation I have ever paid for taking into account the variety, quantity and quality of the food and the class of the restaurant. There were so many dishes and flavours that it is impossible not to love something. Local olives (very nice), Fava, prawns, herbs and almonds (lovely), Chemen cured swordfish, preserved lemon and mayo (lovely), red lentil dumplings peas and sujuk, (great) Ricotta pastizzi harissa mayo (great), 12 hour roasted lamb shoulder (great,but the sour cream was a bit too thick), salmon with Lima bean, asparagus and walnuts (great, and cooked to perfection) Burghul and apricot pilaf (Ok), Fattush salad (OK) Blood orange parfait (great), Turkish-delight filled doughnuts (lovely), Chocolate and pomegranate tart with spiced ice-cream (it was great but I thought the chocolate tart base was nice but not great, and a pity because the rest of the elements on the plate were stupendous) . The other two dishes, whose names I have forgotten, were very nice as well. Overall, I think the session was great, but some of the punch and strong flavours and spices of the Middle East were missing for me. However, at Maha they don't pretend to be authentic Middle Eastern, just Middle Eastern inspired, so that is forgivable. The staff were charming, friendly and very enthusiastic about the food they serve, and that is the way it should be. Half way your meal a lady approaches tables to see how everything is going, which is a lovely detail, and they are really helpful and ask you about the timing of the serving, as there is so much food that you cannot eat everything at once. EXTRA KUDOS Their toilets are great, extra clean and very classy as well. NO-NOS >> Clearing empty dishes from a table before placing others should be a must in any fine dining restaurant. The second batch of dishes were brought to my table and put on it without removing the pile of empty dishes. I had to manoeuver them myself to be able to position the two. When I finished with these two, they remained there with the rest for more than 10 minutes. The waiter who was looking after me was overwhelmed attending to bigger tables, so despite he being lovely his attention to the little corner I was in was deficient. I saw him removing empty dishes from most tables, not mine. There were other staff members who looked at my table, looked at me, smiled and did not remove the dishes. That is not fine dining, sorry. >> There is nothing that annoys me more that going to a restaurant, and finding that the staff are kissing somebody else rear and forgetting mine. That is even worse when the "royals" were seating at the table next to mine. It puts me off immediately. MY PERSONAL TASTE I dislike dim lights during lunch especially if you are in a basement that has little natural light coming in. I loved the big dinning room upstairs and I would have loved being accommodated there. A FEW SUGGESTIONS > An extra staff member at lunch on Sundays is needed. Despite everybody working very hard and being wonderful, service was lacking at times. > It would be great accommodating eaters a few tables away from other tables if you have the room, or at least asking them where they want to be seated. Despite having many small empty tables, I was seated by a couple whose table was 5 cms from mine, and it was difficult getting up without putting your bum on somebody's face or hearing their private conversation.

L

Lucinda Welch

Zomato Oct 13, 2015

5.0

Had an absolutely wonderful evening at Maha. The food was some of the best I've ever eaten and the service was fantastic. Well and truly surpassed my expectations.

M

Melanie Jayne

Zomato Oct 12, 2015

4.5

We recently had our second visit to Maha and found it just as pleasing as the first time around! I could not fault the customer service at all - it was so genuine when everyone kept saying, "oh your second time here? Thank you so much for coming back!". It was also really nice of them to squeeze us in on Grand Final day with no booking! (We are from Perth so it's not like we could come back another night.)My night was also made when Shane came over to say hi! It has changed quite a bit from 18 months or so ago (as you would expect) more of a sharing vibe now which is nice. Although I did LOVE that chocolate mousse dessert of the old days... Next time we will be back for the full menu again! Thanks Shane and Crew!

2

2girls1breakfast

Zomato Oct 10, 2015

5.0

One of the most pleasant dining experiences ever. Incredible food and they cater to all dietary requirements. We order the Soufra menu and it was more than enough.

C

Culinary Expert

Zomato Oct 08, 2015

1.0

For all those who reviewed with positive results - all I can say is you were either paid to write what you did or your related to the establishment. The food was, to say the least, less than ordinary, in fact terrible. My client and I had the 5 course set menu of which we left after #4 & paid around $250. The duck salad (#2) resembled a $1.99 pre packaged Coles rocket salad with mayo, #3 was a fat laden beef something & #4 was the lamb with sides of I don't know what. We didn't stay for whatever #5 was, albeit who cares !!! Anyway, needless to say a return visit is highly unlikely and not a recommended establishment, but nothing ventured, nothing gained, unless of course you want to waste hard earnt money !!! Sometimes people try to hard to be something they never will be - you can fool some people some of the time, but true culinary experts can never be fooled. Summary - don't bother - plenty of other middle eastern restaurants way, way better and not many worse !!!

B

Ben Muir

Zomato Oct 06, 2015

3.0

I've been going to Maha for years but on Friday night I was disappointed. The food didn't have the same excitement and flavour of past menus. The beef brisket was the best dish of the six courses. The dessert is way off the mark in my opinion with the mix match of flavours that don't compliment each other. I also thought the service was less refined than past visits. It felt more like a production line than a dining experience or journey. It's also really hard to hold a conversation with a party of 6. The refurbishment has made the space much louder. I won't let one strike out of numerous visits deter me from returning but hopefully the magic of old will return in the food and restaurant ambience.

A

Ameliajcollins

Zomato Oct 05, 2015

5.0

Maha is one of the best. Shane's a wizard at combining flavour combos that explode in your mouth. The service is exceptional and the decor is gorgeous. This is an experience not simply a place to eat great food.

P

Pleo

Zomato Oct 04, 2015

1.0

- A lot of hype about this restaurant. - Food was tasty but for the price you could find a more satisfying restaurant with similar cuisine. Restricted menu and no a la cart option. - Warning re: sparkling water they say $6 for one bottle and if you finish it it's as much as you want for no further charge - they omit to say "per person"! - there were 4 different waiters serving the table, it was confusing and disruptive - the crammed effect of the tables and some of the decor reminded me of a Vietnamese restaurant down Victoria street - I was practically sitting on my neighbours nap we were all so tightly packed - when I booked I mentioned it was for a special bday, needless to say no acknowledgement as you usually do at other fine dining restaurants - pet hate, when the staff take your wine glass when you haven't quiet finished!!!! PLEASE leave the glass alone until your customer finishes and if unsure AsK!!!!! - having experienced all the above then you are hit with a credit card surcharge, again something I have never experienced at a fine dining restaurant in Melbourne - overall a restaurant completely geared in making money from start to finish, please don't try to make it so obvious! Very disappointing, I am rather shocked at the hype and rave reviews as I had been eagerly awaiting to try this restaurant for so long.

C

Claire Loves Food

Zomato Oct 04, 2015

4.0

Walking into Maha I was blown away by the beautiful modern decor and buzzing atmosphere. We were escorted to our table of five which was nice and private and very large-plenty of room for share plates! Although all the food was delicious and full of flavour the service was very disappointing. On arrival the waitress approached the table and sarcastically said "I'll come back when you're ready to listen to me" very strange and rude. Needless to say I had a bad taste in my mouth before we had even started our first of the four courses. It only got worse from there. For a fine dining restaurant like Maha I was certainly expecting more sophisticated service. I definitely won't be rushing back anytime soon!

J

Jacinta Murphy

Zomato Oct 03, 2015

5.0

I will preface this review by stating that I love eating out and like to think of myself as an enthusiast of the Melbourne food scene and very good home cook. I also like to think that I have a reasonable grasp on what is good and what isn't. My partner took me to Maha on Friday night to celebrate our anniversary and I absolutely adored my experience. We opted for the six course dining option minus the matched wines as we felt like testing the cocktails as well as wines. Our waiter Brad had an affable and charming manner. The highlight of the meal for me was by far the smoked potato soup with eel, barramundi which was cooked to perfection (I cook this myself at least once a fortnight so was impressed by the moisture retained in the flesh) and the lamb. I have to admit that I have never eaten a brûlée in my life...yes that's right...never...until Maha! The pomegranate brûlée with the cleansing mint gel was incredible! The waiters suggestion to "try to get all the elements in each mouthful" made for a dining experience like any other I have had before. We were surprised with a cute little chocolate brownie and sparkler to celebrate which was a nice touch. In summery my partner and I loved the entire visit to Maha and the genuine effort to provide a memorable experience. We felt like valued customers and were absolutely spoiled with the experience and cannot recommend it highly enough. Many thanks!

T

The Pierced Palate

Zomato Oct 02, 2015

4.5

The decor made you feel like you were away from the hustle & bustle of the city yet in an exotic & sophisticated environment, though not pretentious. Staff were warm & friendly. Food, there were dishes that blew our mouths & they were dishes that didn't, but presentations of food was beautiful all through. For our 1st course, we got smokey, earthy, creamy, sweet & salty flavours & textures from our smoked eel & potato dish. Succulent, fresh, salty & umami. These all came from the oyster dish on this 2nd course, served with roasted sesame seeds & sour onions, probably one of the best flavoured oysters I have tasted so far! Accompanied the oysters were the smoked hummus & lamb which was rich & salty & also the duck & apricot briwat which came deep fried in a samosa shaped pastry, a little bit of a let down as I wasnt expecting that from Maha & I am not quite fond of how oily it was but the filling itself was quite good - sweet, gamy & salty. 3rd course, we got the barramundi, mushrooms & vine leaves. Sadly the fish was a bit overcooked but flavours of everything else made up for it in a way. I am not a fan of pumpkin at all, I can in fact count how many times I have consumed pumpkin but Maha's brisket & spiced pumpkin dish threw me into a rendezvous for the night with pumpkin. This 4th course gave us smokey, meaty, earthy, sweet, creamy & fresh sensations, absolutely delicious! On our 5th course with the lamb shoulder, fattoush & cracked wheat, there was nothing that made me go 'WOW' but never the less, it still tasted good. Unfortunately with the 6th course which was the dessert, it was a bit of a disappointment to end our Middle Eastern inspired food trip. The brûlée itself was very very firm & the sourness of the pomegranate was too overwhelming for me. We were also given turkish delight filled doughnuts with rose water & as a sweet toothed person, I found the sweetness in this dish too overpowering as well. Loved how the rose water flavour came through though. Middle Eastern food is full of rich & bold colours, textures & flavours & in some dishes on our visit, that's what we got served with. Definitely a place to go to at least once if you are in Melbourne.

C

Check Please

Zomato Oct 01, 2015

4.5

We chose the four course tasting menu at lunch. Too yummy!! Most elements looked and tasted complex, others looked more simple and surprised with multi layered flavours or textures. The crew were trained up and enthusiastic. Go Claudia! And bonus, a well developed attention to detail. Just fabulous.

F

Fizzkakz

Zomato Sep 28, 2015

3.0

Food is good without being amazing. Given the price tag (around $100/head), I would expect amazing. The wine and drinks selection was very good and not unreasonably priced. The fit out and ambiance is really lovely. The service was attentive but a little cold. We had 3 different waiters over the sitting and we had to remind staff that we had asked for drinks/menus a couple of times. Not a biggy, just a bit annoying. Definitely not a bad experience but I won't be rushing back.

I

Innafatkid

Zomato Sep 27, 2015

4.5

This has got to be one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. We came for New Years Eve and stayed at the Rendezvous Hotel around the corner after seeing Shane Delia on TV and being impressed with his love of all things Maltese/ Middle Eastern. We had the 8 course meal and I would hesitate to call it a degustation as the serving sizes are generous and by the end I felt like I was eating so that my tastebuds could spite my stomach. The lamb shoulder was memorable and the desert bowl that looked like a garden (see photo below) was also a standout. I cannot fault the service or the atmosphere there were heaps of little touches that just made it a cut above the rest. Was a little less expensive than most other fine dinning restaurants and delivered more. Will definitely be back and happy to recommend.

T

The New Fave

Zomato Sep 23, 2015

5.0

Maha is without a doubt one of my favourite restaurants in Melbourne. Brought to you by chef and restaurateur Shane Delia, this enchanting Bond Street venue specialises in Middle Eastern cuisine. Recently renovated, it's not just the restaurant which has had a facelift From its revamped website, to its menus and Maha branded products, there is now a common theme of gold and (almost) Tiffany blue running through all aspects of the experience which gives it a luxurious and exotic vibe.

J

John Jag

Zomato Sep 19, 2015

5.0

This place is great. We always come here when we visit from Sydney. Shane D dishes out the best Mediterranean/ Middle Eastern food we are yet to try. He really does it well. You won't be disappointed.

K

Kylie Mapleson

Zomato Sep 18, 2015

4.0

Lovely dinner, although pricing may be misleading. $700 = 4 people with alcohol!! Service was superb, food tasty, ambience ok. Not a restaurant I would rebook anytime soon but a good night out with the family.

F

Ffsmaryjane

Zomato Sep 18, 2015

5.0

Perhaps best middle eastern restaurant we've tried! Had the chef'so selection. And everything was just a different distinctive exotic taste, nothing I've ever tried! The wagyu was amazing! And to top it off with an amazing olive oil Ice cream!

J

JJfood

Zomato Sep 15, 2015

4.0

Had the set menu degustation with my wife, I got matching wines. The food was amazing, it was nice to have all the middle eastern food prepared in a modern fine dining manner. Absolutely loved the food, the wine pairings were ok but nothing to remark about really. Was also cool to be able to smoke shisha in the little court yard area out the front. Loved it

M

Melike Kasap

Zomato Sep 11, 2015

5.0

Oh the matching wine! Oh the Turkish Delight Dessert! The slow cooked beef ! The olive oil ice-cream!!!!! Attentive waiters! Fancy but welcoming! What amazing food!

S

Sketchy Turtle

Zomato Sep 08, 2015

5.0

Maha did nothing but impress. Beautiful surroundings, fantastic menu and lovely drinks. The lamb is a true showstopper and a meal that I would certainly return for. I will be dreaming of rose water and pomegranate molasses until I return.

S

Shane Lucas

Zomato Sep 07, 2015

4.0

Always a great night at Maha. The food is exotic and beautiful. Service is generally good but had a few mishaps over the years. The lamb will make you want to come back. Have the banquet it's amazing.

A

Annie Haak

Zomato Aug 30, 2015

4.0

Took my fiancé for his birthday and had the 5 course meal. Our first dish was a soup which was not part of the meal, it was absolutely delicious!! Super creamy and crunchy. The first course of the meal was a cauliflower blossom - it was a nice dish it was a little bit salty for my liking but still enjoyable. The second course was a tea smoked duck - it was my least favourite dish, bit too much greens and not much duck. Third course - wagyu brisket which was cooked perfectly and presentation was beautiful. Fourth course - had mixture of small dishes (lamb shoulder: yummy, fried red lentil dumplings: favourite, salad and cracked wheat pilaf: mix between risotto and cous cous ) and fifth course is bitter sweet chocolate fondant - tasted like they had put a bit of chilli in the chocolate fondant. Tasted okay, I prefer more sweet desserts than bitter. I havent tried lebanese food before but was pleasantly surprised. The staff were really friendly and it was my fiancé bday so they bought out another small cake and sparkler. Very considerate! Worth a visit if your feeling adventurous!

M

Matty T

Zomato Aug 29, 2015

5.0

I took my fiance here for her birthday. We opted for the 4 course menu without matching wines as we were keen on one of their stunning Italian reds. Impeccable food and service. I could not fault this even if I tried. The Turkish delight doughnuts and Turkish delight martini were the best way to finish off!

M

Maggie Hunter

Zomato Aug 29, 2015

5.0

Divine food, excellent table service, quick and attentive, beautiful serene decor. Maha makes the best Mediterranean salad and slow cook lamb. Make sure you leave room for desert.

H

HH24

Zomato Aug 29, 2015

3.5

What a beautiful restaurant, wine list is fantastic, cocktails were even better. But unfortunately the food just wasn't that great since its redelopement. Was so much better back in the day.

A

Andree Semmens

Zomato Aug 28, 2015

5.0

From the booking to the bill the whole dinning experience was flawless. Delicious flavours, exciting textures and beautifully presented. The staff were professional, answered questions and catered to dining requirements (gluten). A special dining experience, the cost matched the quality. Nice to see Shane Delia out greeting diners. Well worth a visit 👍

M

Mike O'Brien

Zomato Aug 27, 2015

4.0

Good food, nice atmosphere and good service. I found a piece of plastic in the sauce on one of my dishes and they were very apologetic, but really, at the prices they charge, that sort of thing shouldn't happen. I should have made more of it at the time.

4

4chillies

Zomato Aug 27, 2015

5.0

We had a great night. The service was excellent from all staff all night. Love the atmosphere of the restaurant. We had a hard time choosing which menu option to go for and settled on the 6 course option so that we got a few new courses and a few old favourites. Everything was delicious and we were completely satisfied when we left. The 12 hour lamb shoulder was a dish to remember...

S

SN

Zomato Aug 16, 2015

3.0

Always a brilliant place to visit and they have an evolving menu. Drinks come out pretty rapid ... And then it almost seems a long wait before the starters arrive - and you're left thinking if you should get a second drink or hang on to your appetite .. :-/ Great grub, friendly service.

N

Not My Bread And Butter

Zomato Aug 15, 2015

5.0

As a fussy-eater, Maha has been my go-to upmarket restaurant for many years. Now that my diet is fussy with pike (gluten- and dairy-free pescatarian), I was curious to see if Maha could handle the new difficulty level. I am please to report that the short answer is “yes”; our wattress scoffed at my dietary requirements and said that the previous night they had successfully fed a woman who had 42 food allergies without major incident. Impressive. The staff handled my requirements with professionalism. They checked these with me on arrival and made it clear which dishes were gluten- and dairy-free as they served each dish.

M

MelbourneHunger

Zomato Jul 24, 2015

4.0

A good experience last night indulging in the five course menu. All the dishes were sound and you could tell a lot of thought had gone into the overall experience of the evening. At face value we thought the dishes were of a small serving, although found that it was satisfying, without that pant-splitting finish. A favourite was the smoked potato and eel dish - surprised me with the layers of flavour. We also loved the tea smoked duck, greens and black garlic mayo. The slow roasted lamb shoulder also deserves a mention, although for me this is a staple across many cuisines and should always be the main star! - it was good though. Service staff were attentive without being annoying and seemed to cover the restaurant well. Special mention to the sommelier. Thought the new fit out was done well but, Shane if you are listening.... The plain wall across from the main entrance to the bathrooms.... it is SCREAMING out for a middle eastern inspired mural of some kind. Would make that space amazing.. more so.. just saying. A great experience overall, worth an evening... or lunch... or something else inbetween.

E

Eyes > Belly

Zomato Jul 24, 2015

5.0

My top dining experience of the year! Superb flavours and stunning service. Make sure you come here hungry as portions are generous! I even loved the Turkish coffee here (something that I normally don't enjoy).

D

Dev F

Zomato Jul 23, 2015

5.0

Short, sharp, crisp menu. Smart, exciting, even engaging cuisine. Some of the items served in the five course meal could only be termed as redefined middle eastern. And the staff was helpful in explaining what had gone on in creating a wonderful mix of flavours. Smashing food.

J

James S

Zomato Jul 12, 2015

5.0

WOW! What an incredible experience, wait staff were impeccable and the food was simply out of this world. The staff does absolutly everything to make sure you leave with a smile and accomidate to any special needs. We sat down for the 5 course banquet and the portion sizes were excellent, we even recieved two servings of the lamb (no lamb could ever compair to that DEELISH!). A massive Thank-you to Shane and the all the staff at Maha!

G

Geraldine Thomson

Zomato Jul 12, 2015

4.0

We were accommodated at a table at the bar on a Saturday night even though we didn't have a booking. Lovely ambience and comfortable. Food delicious (especially the grilled swordfish) and service quick friendly and efficient. But one complaint. I was surprise to discover their signature 12 hour lamb dish was made with an exceedingly cheap cut of lamb - the cut we would use to make lamb broth or stock. This is a cut of lamb normally used in soups where it is perfectly acceptable. I suspect if you served this up in a good restaurant in Europe in this fashion you would get a few complaints. Maybe this is normal middle Eastern practice but not one I have ever encountered in a restaurant whether a cheap and cheerful or upmarket.

S

Sandeep

Zomato Jul 10, 2015

5.0

So good that we bought the book! Save room for the banquet. The food is delicious and you'll want to make sure you have room inside for all the food. Worth a visit!

Z

Zan Akter

Zomato Jul 09, 2015

5.0

First time I went for work lunch in a group of eight, loved it so much took my uncle and partner next time and the food is gorgeous. It was very filling and the service was extra ordinary. We always felt valued and I'm sure I'll be going back soon

V

Vincent

Zomato Jul 06, 2015

5.0

Fabulous dinner last night at Maha We chose the 4 course option, every dish was full of amazing flavours matched with excellent wines. Very impressed with happy friendly staff Also the $15.00 parking directly opposite in Bond Street - wonderful on a cold wet night in Melbourne Nice touches on leaving - spices to take home and orange blossom to rinse our hands Certainly deserved all the praise this restaurant gets

J

Jimmy

Zomato Jul 02, 2015

3.5

Enjoyed a lovely lunch here with my husband to celebrate our anniversary. Food was interesting and delicious with intense flavours. Floor staff were very attentive and professional. Good experience.

O

Out And About

Zomato Jun 30, 2015

4.0

I had a work lunch here in a group of 10 and were impressed by the quality of the service and professionalism of the staff. Across our table we had 4 dietary requirements and they were spot on each time. We paid $55 each without wine which, for lunch, is fine dining territory. No one went hungry but I didn't get the impression that it was quite at fine dining.

S

Szeling

Zomato Jun 28, 2015

4.5

Important occasion dinner w friends flying in for it - thank God we chose Maha. Everyone very impressed with food, atmosphere, service - efficient, attentive and friendly but not annoyingly so as is often the case in other high end places. Turkish delight doughnuts amazing. Not vegan but will come back to sample their vegan menu as it looks fantastic.

P

Peter Wu

Zomato Jun 24, 2015

5.0

Best restaurant in Melbourne, amazing dishes, great service, great wine list, easy menu options, great atmosphere. Kids under 12 eat the banquets at half price. What more could you ask for.

H

HHJ

Zomato Jun 21, 2015

4.5

Loved it. Had the 5 courses and struggled to get through it but loved every mouthful. Every course was fantastic. We even had a surprise birthday treat which was lovely. The matching wine was also great. The only minor negative was that we had many different people attending to us which led to a couple of hiccups with timing. I will definitely be back.

Q

Quincesandkale

Zomato Jun 18, 2015

5.0

Maha is one of my favourite fine dining restaurants and they look after vegans incredibly well. We had a visit to the table from Shane Delia. He said that they no longer have a vegetarian menu but a vegan menu with vegetarian additions. This is such a wonderful approach. I have eaten far too many vegan dishes that started life as vegetarian with all the flavour removed. He said that the chefs in the kitchen all like the challenge of cooking for vegans. It was great to see vegan food taken seriously.

I

Ian

Zomato Jun 17, 2015

5.0

The dining experience is nothing short of amazing. The staff are very helpful and not in your face. The 5 course menu was fantastic. Beautifully presented and lovely flavours for the palate. Everything on the plate just seems to work together and compliment each other. Lovely setting and intimate atmosphere. This middle eastern venue is not to be missed. Well done Maha!!

D

Dumplings For Breakfast

Zomato Jun 14, 2015

4.0

Always enjoy ourself at Maha. Big, wholesome dishes with big flavours, I always leave full and comforted and ready for a bit of a nap! Desserts are always great too (if you leave room for them) with the honey and walnut donuts being my favourite. They do great menus for Mothers and Father's Day too.

F

Farzana

Zomato Jun 12, 2015

5.0

Sublime food, impeccable service and divine atmosphere! So many beautiful Middle Eastern flavours to savour over 5 super-filling courses. The char-grilled corn/enoki/scallop dish and wagyu brisket were particularly delicious, as was the beef crackling starter. Shukran Shane Delia and team for one of Melbourne's finest dining experiences- a pleasure and privilege to celebrate a birthday here.

M

Michael Johnson

Zomato Jun 09, 2015

4.5

Took my wife on Sunday to celebrate her birthday and had the 4 course for $65, what great value. We ate our way through the 13 dishes and we were glad when they said that's it as we were both stuffed. The staff were outstanding and made the experience great ( I rarely tip but I did here). The only two disappointments were the doughnuts were a bit doughy and second was not meeting Shane. He is one of our food heroes and it would have been great to meet him, guess we have to go again.

I

I_M_M_ND_

Zomato Jun 09, 2015

4.0

Love it! Chief is a very guy. Lovely dishes. Kinda of Asian and European food. Heard they renew the menu recently. Will come for another visit.

C

Chris Munn

Zomato Jun 08, 2015

5.0

My wife and I travelled 4 hours, from a little town in western Victoria. We both thoughly enjoyed our 4 course meal. Both first timers at the cured fish and salmon and really enjoyed them. The staff were lovely, attentive and showed great knowledge. The lamb was to die for absolutely wicked, and the desserts WOW what an ending. Thankyou for a top night. Awesome.

A

Ashley Foley

Zomato Jun 08, 2015

5.0

Excellent food with an intriguing blend of spices. Service was faultless right down to picking up on the fact that my wife loves Turkish delight and so we received a little surprise, extra dessert, which was not included in our set menu option. The wine list is extensive and wines by the glass more than pleasing. The macaron with the birthday sparkler topped off what was a very fine dining experience. Highly recommend.

E

Epicurean

Zomato Jun 07, 2015

4.0

My partner and I arrived early for our 6pm reservation and were greeted warmly by a courteous waiter. As the clock struck 6pm sharp, all the waiter/waitresses dressed in light blue aprons were seen marching out of a room. All of them appeared enthusiastic, ready to serve the hungry diners. We opted for the 4-course dinner, also called the Spice Journey Soufra which cost about $85 per person. The food was well presented and exceptionally delicious. What I relished the most was savoring the fried eggplant with pork and the salmon with mushrooms. Undoubtedly, this place allowed diners to sample the playful and flavorsome Middle Eastern Food in a contemporary setting. Overall, delicious food experience and laid-back surroundings absolutely place this restaurant as one of my favorites! - Epicurean

J

Jackieallen2002

Zomato May 31, 2015

0.0

AMAZING. Dined at MAHA on Sat 30th May - what a treat. We indulged in the 4 course and matching wines menu proceeded by a pomegranate cocktail which was to die for. Service great. Atmosphere lively. My new favourite.

A

Amogilin

Zomato May 27, 2015

0.0

Dined: 23rd May 2015. We had dined at MAHA previous to the new refurbishment, and that was an exceptional evening. Dining there on Saturday night was a completely different story, It felt like a different restaurant. Firstly, food was still at the exceptional high standard you would expect at that price. The person who served our menu was rude and short in her approach. She was not pleasant at all. And to top of the evening we were dining with a few friends and we had asked to split the bill, to which the answer was no. Then to make matters worse, the person who took our payments then decided to add the credit card surcharge. are you kidding me? Not only should this be covered by the merchant, it's not fair to roll this over to the consumer. That is just part of that additional service and it makes it a seamless experience for the merchant in terms of reconciling receipts so the merchant should really pay those fees. Quite frankly, I will not be back again.

D

Dereran

Zomato May 25, 2015

0.0

Great Food, gracious and friendly host. Staff?. 10 of us enjoyed the last sitting on Friday night and v enjoyed the delights of the 6 courses and matching wines... Shane came and said hello and was generous with his time. Food was great. Maybe it was late but the arrogance and lack of attendance to detail of the staff was surprising and unexpected. Spoilt a good night but the food was good.

M

Mr Gatsby

Zomato May 25, 2015

0.0

Amazing food, best service ever.. Sometimes you go to a place, food is amazing, service is average. Sometimes the service is not that good but the food is actually tasty. Well at Maha you just can't go wrong ! Food (lamb is just a beauty that you should at least try once in your life) , service ( waiters are really well trained and enthusiastic ), the atmosphere is just brilliant. I use to work in Disney World in Florida and I am always very attentive when it comes to hospitality and customer service. The best I've seen outside of Disney World. Just that, nothing more.

L

Lta.vets

Zomato May 24, 2015

0.0

Dined 23 May 2015. Jenna was our waitron. Superb service. Few dietary restrictions managed efficiently. Menu 4 proffered a delicious array of dishes. Hummus can only be described as legendary. Chestnut purée was a masterful stroke. Swordfish a standout. Scottish sommelier was on top of his game. The most flavourful meal in an age.

N

Nidha

Zomato May 21, 2015

4.5

Since learning I was going to Melbourne from Perth with my partner whilst he worked the only thing I could talk about was wanting to go to Maha and eat Turkish Delight filled doughnuts! For 2 weeks that's all I talked about.. Even though I had a terrible cold and my tastebuds weren't there.. I can honestly say this was the best meal I've ever tasted in Australia for my partner who was fine he said it was the most amazing meal too. The staff were so attentive and explained our courses so perfectly. The hummus so silky, 12 hour lamb perfect and I couldn't even take a picture of the doughnuts so warm and crispy I ate them as soon as they landed on the table... Nothing disappointed me about this establishment... Our only fear now is where can we eat next that will outshine this experience - which is going to be too hard!

W

Wendy Bourke

Zomato May 19, 2015

4.5

Worth a visit. Enjoyed a family birthday celebration recently and chose the 8 dish degustation which was quite incredible. The dips were incredibly good, the slow cooked brisket was second to none and the pork was just as amazing. There were a couple of additions to the menu compliments of the chef and the range of dishes and quality of the food was exceptional. Lovely ambience, quite refined but relaxed and the whole experience was memorable for everybody.

S

Sarahclark33

Zomato May 12, 2015

0.0

Outdoes itself every time. I have never had a bad meal, let alone a bad dish at Maha. I have no idea how they manage, but everytime I go, I am more awed by the absolutely delicious food. The smoked hummus is incredible - I could eat it every day and not get sick of it and the 12 hour lamb lives up to its reputation. Every dish right down to the lettuce was phenomenal. To top it off the waitstaff are friendly yet efficient and professional. Will most definitely be back. Thank you for an amazing night.

N

Nm

Zomato May 09, 2015

0.0

Run Maha Run. I have never written a review in my life. But it's time that someone needs to address this situation. I was told that this place called Maha" was " AMAZING". It is far from it. Very disappointing. This place is OVERRATED. From the food to the fit out. Looks like a bargain basement cellar with a coat of paint. The only "thing" that this place has got going for it is "nothing". Absolute rubbish. The food was minimal, tasteless and overpriced. The local Middle Eastern takeaways along Sydney Rd would be award winning compared to this place. In the end, they couldn't even find our jackets in their cloak room. Again, thanks to social media jury, the people that write great reviews must be paid handsomely or are employed by the venue. Don't even bother. You would get better fed at any nearby takeaway venue than this place. If you have recently booked this venue I'd suggest you cancel immediately and delete any trace of this place. What a joke. Good luck.

C

Cojo

Zomato May 08, 2015

0.0

Disappointing lunch. We should have twigged when we entered Maha, the majority of people were having the burger and beer option, $20. But we loved the original St Katherines lunch meze so we settled for two courses,$35 plus matched wine, $25. First course...hummus definitely A1, the rest, 3 dishes, good too. The wine, Swinney's Riesling Pinot Gris gurwitztraminer blend, $30 retail from the winery tasted great but that is all you got, a taste. Second course salmon, salad, roasted grains?, was also good but very light on, good we didn'tresist the offer of the fabled lamb dish at $5 extra, loved it. The wine was a Spanish red, still just a taste, more for the male ,lucky me, but still not more than a taste. All together our drinks would have been less than half a bottle. At $50 for the wine that feels like a rip off Shane. The service was excellent but the experience was disappointing. We will live the happy memory of St Katherines. -----08 May, 2015----- Disappointing lunch. We should have twigged when we entered Maha, the majority of people were having the burger and beer option, $20. But we loved the original St Katherines lunch meze so we settled for two courses,$35 plus matched wine, $25. First course...hummus definitely A1, the rest, 3 dishes, good too. The wine, Swinney's Riesling Pinot Gris gurwitztraminer blend, $30 retail from the winery tasted great but that is all you got, a taste. Second course salmon, salad, roasted grains?, was also good but very light on, good we didn'tresist the offer of the fabled lamb dish at $5 extra, loved it. The wine was a Spanish red, still just a taste, more for the male ,lucky me, but still not more than a taste. All together our drinks would have been less than half a bottle (750 ml). At $50 for the wine that feels like a rip off Shane. The service was excellent but the experience was disappointing. We will live the happy memory of St Katherines.

A

An.dao90

Zomato May 05, 2015

4.5

Slow cooked lamb with pumpkin sauce will have u craving more!! just amazing. ambience and staff are fantastic too

F

Forfoodssake

Zomato May 05, 2015

4.5

written by forfoodssake Bianca: There is just something incredibly charismatic about Shane Delia, his food is in part, an extension of that charm. ‘Maha’ has become a must visit whenever mum and I make the trek to Melbourne, this time we had Alex in tow. We were visiting on the day of their re-opening, so the place was abuzz with Shane’s family and the man himself. Madre couldn’t help herself and expressed our love for the main man to one of the staff members who promptly mentioned it to Shane as he was making the rounds – he then stopped past, had a quick chat and obliged us with a photo. What can be said about the recent $1 Million dollar refurb? It was a fairly dim and cavernous affair before, with dark wooden hues. It’s now more of an open plan with a prominent white and muted light green colour theme, we happened to hear Shane explain to other guests that his desired chairs were stuck in customs so they were forced to hire some in the interim. We quite liked the leather spirally ones. It’s a much sleeker and contemporary dining room but Alex felt it was a little ‘cafeteria’ like. During dinner service there is the option of four dining choices – a 2 course $55, 4 course $85, 5 course $95 and a 6 course $120. We decided to go with the 4 course at $85 p.p . With a clear focus on ‘shared’ plates it really is the quintessential Middle Eastern experience of bountiful amounts of food, eaten in good company. Alex was impressed that we would be receiving all 13 items from the four course menu – quite a generous amount of food, we left not wanting for anything. That of course, did not mean we didn’t eat the leftover scrolls when we got back to the hotel. What happens in Melbourne stays in Melbourne! Part of the charm of our first visit to Maha, was the theatrical nature in which the waitress explained each course, this was really the only thing we felt was lacking on the night. It was their opening day after a 5 week trading hiatus and I believe they held a large lunch

B

Browns.cows

Zomato May 03, 2015

0.0

Amazing. Our daughters took myself. &my husband for an early Mothers Day lunch today as they will both be away next weekend. I was a bit sceptical when walked down the empty lane way on a beautiful sunny day, was thinking would rather be outdoors on Southbank. How wrong I was. When we walked inside it was really busy & it was just o'clock. it is a set menu & we chose the paired wines! Every dish was delicious and we were all pleased we opted the wine pairing which complimented each dish. Was SO SO good I want to spend every Sunday there . Will e back very soon.

M

Matt.standford

Zomato May 03, 2015

4.5

Doughnuts yum!. I wish I had enough time for lunch here at least once a week, food is fantastic and the service is amazing. you won't be left feeling hungry afterwards! If only you did take away Turkish delight doughnuts, they are delightful.

S

Simone Weid

Zomato May 02, 2015

4.5

One of the main reasons we chose to visit Melbourne and we weren't disappointed. Amazing food, amazing service amazing everything! We had the 6 courses with matched wine and the food just got more amazing with each course... It will be hard but save some room for the chocolate rum ice cream.... One of the best!

U

Uncle Grandpa

Zomato Apr 27, 2015

0.0

BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL Went to Maha for a long lunch on a Friday afternoon and I can only say i was blown away by entire meal. We had the Soufra tasting menu and it was unbelievable. All i can say is - go and taste for yourself, a solid step up in my opinion from the original.

M

Maya Goda

Zomato Apr 25, 2015

2.0

My excitement vanished the moment I walked in.. Went to the "newly vamped" Maha last night to treat my friend for his birthday. Having visited Maha 3 times across the past year and completely satisfied on all levels previously, I was super excited and eager to taste the new menu and check out the new fit out, however, my excitement soon vanished the moment I descended the staircase. Sadly, my friend and I were very disappointed with the whole experience. The new fit out doesn't not suit the cuisine as it once did. Gone is the warmth and charm that Maha had. Instead it has a sterile, cold appeal with drab decor and stark white walls, no charm whatsoever. Maha looks unfinished and boring. We were sat in a dark corner on a small cafe style table, compared to lovely spacious tables of 2 surrounding us, with majority of the waitstaff look disinterested. Although the water was replenished regularly, I cannot say the same for our drinks....dishes were cleared away, with noticeably empty cocktail glasses awaiting a replacement, this aspect was overlooked each time, the attention to detail that Maha once had has been replaced with extra tables, having to dose-doe the waitstaff and neighboring diners. We had the 4 Course set menu.....The food, tasty, fantastic flavors, however, the only 2 criticism I have, is that the 12 hour slow cooked lamb was dry and under seasoned along with the Market Fish (Salmon) being dry and overcooked, both dishes were rather bland. Sorry Shane, but I'm not sure what vision you had with this new look, personally it doesn't work. Sadly, I will not be coming back anytime soon. .

W

Wheelbuddy

Zomato Apr 24, 2015

0.0

Dinner for 2. We went out tonight , first time fine dining in melbourne and really liked it , service was nice they explained all the dishes and the food was delicious .

A

Allanah

Zomato Apr 21, 2015

0.0

Amazing Experience for Date night!!. Had an amazing dinner at Maha Restaurant last night for our Date night! Food was delicious, atmosphere was great and staff were attentive and very knowledgeable Cocktails and desert were to die for!!! Love the new fitout and the atmosphere it creates! Couldnt ask for a better way to spend Date night with my husband while the kids were on school camp!!

F

Foodtingtons

Zomato Apr 19, 2015

5.0

We had an amazing lunch today. The food was absolutely beautiful and there was so much of it. Very polite and efficient service. Fantastic value for money. The chef also catered to my partners dietary needs and to my 6 year old nephew without any questions. Thank you for a gorgeous lunch. We are looking forward to coming back!!

I

IZ

Zomato Apr 19, 2015

4.5

I ate at Maha last night at a table of four. We had the five course menu. We hardly spoke to each other after the food started being served!! Every dish and every mouthful was just superb. Will definitely be back- can not recommend it more highly. Thanks for the lovely service, ambience and incredible food.

T

Tootiefrootie

Zomato Apr 19, 2015

2.0

Disappointing. We had a large group having the 5 course menu. The menu read so well but the food was underwhelming. Also the refurb includes many hard surfaces which all bounce noise, making it very difficult to hear. We had to shout across the table and still couldn't hear each other.

L

Ltl

Zomato Apr 19, 2015

0.0

Disappointing. We had a large group having the 5 course menu. The menu read so well but the food was underwhelming. Also the refurb includes many hard surfaces which all bounce noise, making it very difficult to hear. We had to shout across the table and still couldn't hear each other.

K

Kitty Sanders

Zomato Apr 19, 2015

4.5

Best restaurant in melbourne.. Seriously the best restaurant t in melbourne. Slightly pricey but the food is incredible. The flavors are ridiculous and the amount of food is awesome. A must !!!!! Will be back.

B

Bnic

Zomato Apr 13, 2015

4.5

Excellent in every respect. We went to Maha to celebrate two birthdays in one - my 60th and my brother's 70th. I have always enjoyed Shane's cooking on his TV shows, and was looking for a good excuse to go. We were not disappointed. Having grown up in the hospitality business, I know good service when I see it, and it's usually a rarity in Melbourne. At Maha, however, staff are knowledgeable, friendly without being over- familiar, and there when you need them. As for the food, it was sublime. I read a review that described it as bland. I can only assume that the reviewer was a smoker, or had found some other way of destroying his taste buds, because the food is certainly far from bland. It can be easy to overdo Middle Eastern flavours, but the balance at Maha is just right. With the four course menu you get the chance to taste a wide variety of dishes, and all of us were more than satisfied with the quantities. Interesting wine list, too. My brother, who lives in New York, and has eaten in many top restaurants there, described it as one of the best meals he has ever had. Thanks too for the little birthday treats. I have been recommending Maha to all my patients, and I hope they too will enjoy the experience.

R

Ryan Ilahi

Zomato Apr 12, 2015

5.0

Maha is a culinary experince of the Middle Eastern cuisine. It is one of Melbourne’s best restaurants and rightly so. Whenever I have visited this magnificent institution, I have come out satisfied. Located in a sub-basement venue on Bond St, Maha is the signature venue for sought-after chef and restaurateur, Shane Delia. They recently went through a major renovation, so me and my friend wanted to check out the new set up. Hence on a Friday night, we showed up there with a lot of appetite.

K

Kate And Rob

Zomato Apr 11, 2015

4.5

Three visits - and three glorious meals! Bland? I don't think so.... Subtle, evocative, clever, delicious, fragrant and downright delicious? Absolutely! See you next time! -----26 Sep, 2014----- Short version. Last night was our second visit to Maha. We loved it as much as our first. Longer version. I have had Bariatric Surgery. Even though my capacity to 'inhale' food has been compromised, I still love beautiful food as much as ever. Maha for me is magic. The four course (shared) menu offers tiny tastes of so many flavoursome dishes. The concept works for us!

M

Meri.lake4

Zomato Apr 10, 2015

0.0

A Real Delia-ight. Over in Melbourne from Perth. Dined at Maha on Thursday with brother and sister in law. Oh my goodness!! What a wonderful meal and outstanding dining experience, with great company. I think it would be the most favourite meal of my life!! Thank you!!

C

Chape_au

Zomato Apr 10, 2015

2.0

Bland, overpriced, pleasant decor. Ok, decor, staff, speed etc was fine to good. Food was underwhelming in the extreme, bland, under seasoned and overpriced. I was really waiting for the killer dish to come out to wipe away the blandness but it never did. Plenty of people there, not sure why perhaps , its the high urbanspoon score?

K

Katie

Zomato Apr 10, 2015

4.5

Great Food, Great Concept. Stumbled across MAHA last min without a booking, as they were fully booked we were sat at the bar & decided on the 2 course set share menu! The food was incredible, the barman superb & helped match some great cocktails to my food. We will be back!

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Salono

Zomato Apr 08, 2015

4.5

Stunning. I ate here on Easter Saturday evening at the 8:45pm time slot and was impressed from the moment we walked in the door. Upon arriving, there were a number of people waiting for tables and we were asked to join them at a communal table near the bar, however were whisked away to our table in about 1 minute. The newly renovated restaurant is very modern and my only criticism is that I sat along a bench seat which had the open hallway to the toilets directly behind me. It would have been nicer if this was enclosed so you don't have to see people coming and going from the toilets. We ordered the four course menu and a bottle of wine for dinner. We had been before so knew that the servings were large and that four courses for us would be plenty! As per our last visit to Maha, the food was beautifully prepared and full of flavour. Such a diverse range of textures and flavours, it really is quite an experience. The dishes, however, were not as spicy as the last time we went (December 2014), however that's not to say they weren't just a nice. The lamb was spectacular and the desserts delicious. The service here is top notch and rivals that of Vue de Monde any day, though you only pay about half the cost for a similar experience and definitely more food! I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone wanting to celebrate a special occasion or just a great night out. -----18 Dec, 2014----- Fantastic. This would have to be the best middle eastern restaurant in Melbourne. I had the 6 course dinner option and Shane Delia threw in a 7th course on the house. All dishes were amazing and I would highly recommend this restaurant for any special occasion. The desserts are worth the wait!

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Mrsmaky

Zomato Apr 04, 2015

4.5

#perfection

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Regie87

Zomato Apr 01, 2015

0.0

Magnificent Maha. We went to Maha last night to celebrate my friend handing in her final thesis and from the moment we walked in to the restaurant we knew we'd made the right choice. The venue, food and service was unpretentious and excellent. We had the 4 course option as it included the most desserts and loved every one of them. Our favourites were the hommus and the parfait ...delicious! Thank you to the staff for recognising the celebration and bringing my friend a slice of cake with a sparkler to celebrate although we struggle to fit it in after all of the other yummy food. We will definitely be back.

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Yahya_eid

Zomato Mar 25, 2015

4.5

Great anniversary outing. Took my special one to Maha for our 1 year and the place made the night an extra special one. Shane Delia is a master of putting his own spin on Middle Eastern cooking and his success is well deserved. We attempted the 8 course degustation and couldn't eat or even think about eating another bite afterwards. Favourite was a tough one but can't go past the 12 hour slow cooked lamb. The deserts were incredible, wish I could remember what they were but I do remember how i felt after the first bite and that thought alone is enough to take me back there again and again. Also tried the 961 beer produced in Lebanon and was a great drink to match the meals. Decor is beautiful and modern, staff are super attentive, friendly and knowledgable. Highly recommend, especially for a special occasion.

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Andrew Nixon

Zomato Mar 25, 2015

0.0

Maha resturant. Went to maha last night for our 25 th wedding anniversary on advice from work colleague. food was just lovely lots of different flavours.How anyone could describe it as bland ( one reviewer) is beyond me. Wait staff were great very attentive took time to talk vey friendly, even brought us a small cake with sparklers as we had mentioned it was a special anniversary. Left very satisfied .Would come back again thank so much for a lovely evening dispite Melbourne s freezing weather .

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Reneevenetta

Zomato Mar 24, 2015

0.0

Much more than a restaurant !!!. My fiancé took me to Maha on Sunday night for my birthday. From the moment we stepped inside I knew it was going to be something special. The wait staff are attentive, personable and friendly. We enjoyed the 4 course banquet, every course was a journey and an experience. From the cured swordfish to the 12 hour slow cooked lamb which melted in your mouth. The food was genuinely incomparable to anything I have had. Shane Delia has created not just a dining mecca but a beautiful journey of food. They have mastered the little things perfectly with orange blossom with the bill and an extensive drinks menu ( I recommend the watermelon martini ). Thanks for an amazing spice journey, I will be back next birthday and recommend to everyone. Renee

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Julie T.

Zomato Mar 22, 2015

0.0

Gastronomic delight. Had a truly awesome meal here last night.. Shane Delia, kudos to you, the subtle mix of spices within each dish was so flavoursome. The quantity of food (we chose the 4 banquet) was just right. We had an early booking, so noise factor wasn't a problem, by the time we finished our meals we could notice the increase in noise, the place certainly jumps after 9.30pm. I really could not fault any dish and the wait staff were so attentive. Shane, I feel I have truly gone on a "spice journey" with you. Well done.

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Natashawoolmer

Zomato Mar 20, 2015

0.0

Divine!. From the moment I popped the hommus dish into my mouth, to the last sip if my rosewater lemonade & last lick of lemon curd off my spoon - all I can say is - O my, I am in heaven! The spices & flavour a are mind blowing! The delicate wafer of rose water meringue, slow cooked lamb with baby radishes, delightful swordfish, rich chocolate mousse, having my hands sprinkled with orange blossom & rose water - ahhh! Attentive, friendly, well paced service. Rustic but modern decor with a Persian flair. I enjoyed watching Shane Delia on Tv now I was eating his food! Wow! This restaurant just blew me away. I ate solo on a Friday lunch - yes, busy & noisy but I didn't mind, when I am eating this food I am taken to another realm.

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RM

Zomato Mar 19, 2015

0.0

Another fabulous night. Tonight was my sixth visit - but the first one since the refurbishment. A special occasion, we were looking forward to it, until I read the last few truly awful reviews on Urbanspoon. Our anticipation turned to trepidation... What we experienced was a very enjoyable night. After a small glitch - we asked to move tables, as we were initially right next to the passage to both kitchen and amenities- we were happily seated, attended to with drinks and our food order. We opted for the five course menu: every course was delicious, and very filling. The wait staff were extremely attentive and very friendly and really we could not have asked for anything more. Re the new decor.. It's certainly more casual than what it was before, but not unpleasant. Also, it's still possible for two people to dine here and hold a conversation. We will definitely be going back and have no hesitation in recommmending Maha to friends.

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Hiltondh

Zomato Mar 18, 2015

0.0

AhHa MaHa again. My second visit this month was as good if not better than the first. Firstly the service is impeccable - friendly and informative. The meal was perfectly paced and the food is sensational. Maha is such amazing value for money. Outstanding ingredients, cooked and presented perfectly. The pomegranate seeds were a revelation, my fruit shop doesn't sell pomegranates like that. I just love it and will be back again soon! -----06 Mar, 2015----- Ahah Maha. A wonderful middle eastern experience. Great value for money. The food and service were exceptional.

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Filled With Food

Zomato Mar 17, 2015

0.0

March 17, 2015 March 17, 2015 | Libby Szetho Maha 21 Bond St Melbourne, VIC 3000 Ph: 03 9629 5900 Trading hours: Lunch Sunday – Friday 12pm- 3pm Dinner Sunday – Saturday 6pm till late I had the pleasure to visit Maha during the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (MFWF) with my sister and her friend. Bookings are recommended as it gets very busy during lunch and dinner time. Maha was part of the restaurant express signature series, costing $40 per person for 2 courses, a glass of wine and tea or coffee. This was my first time at Maha and I did not look up the reviews on Urbanspoon so I had no expectations going in. I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed the food. The restaurant had dim lighting and the atmosphere was uplifting, making it perfect for a date or a group gathering. The staff were very friendly and polite but we did have to wait a long time for our dessert. I think they forgot about it. Nevertheless, I do want to go back and try their burgers. When we arrived, the table was set like this: I love the chairs! They are gold metal bar chairs and they complement the wooden finishing so well. We were offered either white or red wine. If you like the burning sensation of alcohol, red wine will be perfect for you, but if you like a smooth taste, go for the white wine. Between the three of us we ordered two entrees, three mains (2 X fish , 1 X lamb) and one dessert. Entree: 1. Pressed Spiced Wagyu Brisket, Spiced Pumpkin, Sujuk powder, Pickled Carrot This meal was so delicious. The wagyu and spiced pumpkin are an amazing combination together! The wagyu was tend

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Hungryhippo

Zomato Mar 17, 2015

1.0

I made a reservation for my girlfriends birthday and made sure I had put it in the special request part of the reservation. We have been so excited to finally check this place out and it was nothing but disappointing. First of all we arrived and stood at the front waiting to be seated for about 5 min several wait staff walked passed without even asking if we were being helped. when we finally sat down we had chosen the 4 course meal. first course came out and to be honest it was very bland and tasteless compared to other middle eastern restaurants. The food was boring and bland. the food advertised in the menu was not the food served to us. I had been looking forward to the pork belly all night but to my disappointment it was never served. Even their signature Lamb was a let down lacked flavour and spices. Dessert wasn't the best also. To top the night off my girlfriend and I sat there watching all these birthdays get a special something with sparklers and everytime they came past my girlfriend would light up thinking it was for her. Again disappointing way to end the night. I won't ever come back to Maha maybe instead of spending a million dollars worth of renovations they should spend the money on staff travel to the Middle East and getting a grasp on what spices go with what

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Mark Mcculloch

Zomato Mar 16, 2015

4.5

Hungry. Went to MAHA with3 friends, i had to skip any seafood option replacing seafood with a smashed radish :-( dip was nice, but 1 small piece of bread for each of us made dip hard to eat wine was stored on another table, suppose thats nice to keep table clear but sitting there with empty glasses trying to get a top up i have eaten in prob every middle eastern restaurant in Melbourne and love banquets, but never left hungry we left and got burgers up the rd

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Lucyxoxo_

Zomato Mar 14, 2015

2.0

Slightly disappointed. We came to Maha on a bustling Friday night to try the four course spice journey. Before coming in, I called in to make a booking, and specifically mentioned that we don't eat pork and if that can be accommodated. The lady on the phone was very friendly and said they will swap the pork dish for something else. The day before our booking I actually called again to re-confirm that our dietary requirement is that we don't eat pork. On top of this I asked if they make special arrangements for guests who are celebrating a birthday, which they said they did and said they will organise sparklers for us. On the day that we dined in, the service was great, our waiter was very friendly and even reconfirmed with us that we did not want pork and that we were celebrating a birthday. However, when our second course came, pork was brought to our table. We thought this was fine, mistakes happen, and the waiter apologised. But when they brought the replacement dish back, to our disappointment, was a dish that was not only a lot smaller than the pork dish, but was also vegetarian! We would have at least expected that the dish be swapped to something of a similar caliber, like a meat or fish dish, but It was grilled baby corn with a yellow purée, which was already a dish on the four course menu, so quite essentially we got the same dish twice. During the course of the evening we saw other tables around us having sparklers brought to them which we thought was very sweet and cute. However, when our last course (the desserts) came, no sparklers were brought to the table, even though I made arrangements for this the day before and the waiter at the beginning of our evening confirmed with us that we had a birthday. So what could have been quite a special moment for my partner was promised but not delivered. We felt that overall the night was great, food was good, but we were let down on the few details that could have really made the night special.

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Debjayel

Zomato Mar 12, 2015

0.0

Go somewhere else. Vegetarians be warned - appalling rip off! The vegetarian option for the 6 course meal included 3 separate courses of the same smashed radishes, and for the main course, one slice of roasted pumpkin was served instead of the slow roasted lamb! For the meat eaters, unless you like your meat so rare that it's still twitching, you'll also be disappointed. Service was very sporadic - our waiter went home in the middle of our meal! Unlimited mineral water for $6 was limited by hard to get glass refills. All this for $120 for one person, not including drinks! Went there with friends to celebrate a birthday. Restaurant was advised about birthday at time of booking, but not even a candle or good wishes. Icing on the cake was being hit with a 2% surcharge for using credit card to pay a $1000 bill! Extremely disappointing. Left a very bad taste & none of us will ever go there again.

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Nicola Morris

Zomato Mar 09, 2015

0.0

Left disappointed.. We came to Maha around ten months ago and had such a great experience, so coming again we were really looking forward to the night. However, I'm sorry to say, from start to finish it was an overwhelmingly disappointing experience. When we entered we were left awkwardly standing at the entrance for quite some time before anyone even bothered to greet us (although many people saw us), then after being shown to our table we were met by a waiter who, well, to be frank, did not want to be there. Over each course our cutlery was practically thrown on the table, our comments/questions were ignored and we were made to feel as if it was just a case of "order already and leave me alone." We had a ridiculous wait between each course, asking several times what had happened to the food. We waited at least 1.5 hours between the first and second course (from a five course set menu). Not to mention, on a couple of the courses, the food was placed on the table with no explanation as to what we were eating. As the menu had been taken away, we were left guessing. I appreciate the restaurant has undergone some renovations however the new decor is unappealing and feels like I could easily be sitting in a slightly more modern version of Stalactites. Perhaps casual dining is the atmosphere Maha is going for. Each to their own, it wasn't to my taste as I loved the previous set up of the restaurant where the ambience was welcoming, the food amazing and the service attentive and friendly. To be fair, the food here is beautiful, and again we really loved it. But the wait times and the service just left us bitterly disappointed. At the end we were presented with a full bill, not even a suggestion of a complimentary glass of wine, for example, and given our experience and our concerns had been voiced multiple times this was a surprise. Upon leaving I personally insisted on speaking to the floor manager, told her what had happened, to which she apologised and hoped we would come back again soon. It is such a shame, but that won't be happening.

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Macwhirterne

Zomato Mar 04, 2015

0.0

MFWF express lunch an underwhelming experience. I should begin by saying that significant other and I have been to Maha 3 times at night and loved, loved, loved it so it seemed a no brainer to take the girlfriends there during MFWF this year, especially given the refit. Maybe the problem is with the Express format but the tables were completely bare a la Coles cafeteria (am I showing my age?) and the service poor. We did feel a little bit second class. Food was really good. Maybe the waiter was joking with us but we had a couple of uncomfortable moments which doesn't make for either a light hearted time or a showcase for an otherwise fabulous restaurant, which is what I assume participation in the Express lunch program is partly about. Of course, I'll be back, being a local and having had previous wonderful experiences at Maha but I don't think the companions will.

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Gourmet Chick

Zomato Mar 03, 2015

0.0

I went with my friend Jade to the Restaurant Express Lunch at Maha which has just had a major renovation... The wild barramundi was crispy skinned and slivers of zucchini and a fava puree served as a nice foil to it. Chocolate and pomegranate tart was dark and bitter with peppermint crisp ice-cream adding some zing.

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Jen.cami

Zomato Feb 27, 2015

0.0

My favourite!!. Every time I've been to Maha, the food, the atmosphere, the service is always amazing! Definitely my favourite by far! It's always good to see the owner Shane around too :)

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Casey Jenkins

Zomato Feb 18, 2015

4.5

Romantic dinner for 2(the gay and the not so kosher Jew)). We enjoyed every little bite we had in our 4 course evening with a lovely atmosphere! The wait staff all had a sense of humour and even Shane was walking through and joining me in joking around! The food had fantastic tastes and spices! The sword fish melted in your mouth! The yoghurts spiced! The hummus and lamb with Kashews! The main with and its side of Fatoush with the slow cooked tender meat falling apart! WAS DIVINE!!!! And then to finish it all off! 3 plates of little desserts with dark chocolate ice cream and pomegranate and a wafer that had a slight crunch! Turkish delight stuffed donuts.. I can feel the cellulite going to my thighs, my goodness what a satisfying meal! The term good bang for your buck comes to mind! Will be back xo Ps one of the girls asked us if we were enjoying our meal.. And if we needed more food.. I think she was trying to kill us by offering more food so we could explode! Still a delight :) Please don't have the lights so dimmed early because when I walked out it was still so bright! That's my only negative point.. End rant!

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Marina

Zomato Feb 13, 2015

4.5

Amazing service, atmosphere and flavour. Worth splashing out on the degustation for a date night

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Toni

Zomato Feb 12, 2015

4.5

Amazing shared menu. I love this place. We had the 4 course shared menu and everything was amazing. Especially loved the lamb, cooked perfectly and flavours to match. Lovely venue for the perfect date night. Job well done Maha!!

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Lady

Zomato Jan 19, 2015

4.5

Simply divine. What a treat, everything her is impeccable, we did the degustation menu and each dish was more delicious than the last, beautifully plated as well, everything was divine, they also recommended the most lovely wine that complimented all our dishes, and the service was very attentive, never did we have to wait for drinks to be topped up, very well trained and knowledgeable staff, it was a wonderful evening and a delicious dining experience.

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Soozs.com

Zomato Jan 14, 2015

0.0

The full package. I have dined at Maha three times between 2012 and 2014 and each visit makes me like the place more. I don't often get to eat food that has me puzzling over what it is or how it's made - either because of unusual ingredients and techniques or because a dish appears to be something simple and familiar only to turn out to be so unexpectedly excellent. Last visit I had a pasta like dish with tomato and pea sauce that looked decidedly unexciting but which has me salivating even thinking about it now. Who knew there were still ways to put those simple ingredients together in a way that had me wanting to lick the bowl? And the chocolate 5 ways dessert platter had us all speculating on just on earth some of those textures were achieved. The slow cooked lamb is the least impressive dish to me - not because it's not good but because compared to the excitement and creativity of the other dishes the lamb seems a little too predictable. I'd like the option to have a banquet which doesn't include the lamb just to make room for more of the fun stuff. I'll also say that sometimes the service can be a little rushed. That doesn't worry me so much, I quite like the bustling feel of the place but it doesn't have the quiet sombre feel some people like in fine dining. Last visit Shane actually served our table and was self-depricating and funny as well as obviously proud and congratulatory to his wonderful team. He seems like a genuinely nice as well as talented guy. The parting gifts of spices and the like are a nice touch. One of my favourite Melbourne places to eat.

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Marinks87

Zomato Dec 29, 2014

0.0

A wonderful evening. I took my then 'girlfriend' to Maha in early November on a Friday night. We chose the mid-range banquet and loved it!! We loved every dish. The only problem was trying to fit in desert! The night was made extra special by the extremely attentive wait staff and manager who helped me plan (and partake in) the perfect wedding proposal. I can't wait for round 2!

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RH

Zomato Dec 19, 2014

0.0

My partner and I had the four course share menu. The entrees were great, couldn't fault them. Found the main which was the lamb with sides a bit overrated. The lamb was way too salty while the salmon needed seasoning. It all tasted a bit average. The desserts weren't any thing to write home about - the doughnuts were very doughy. But overall it was a nice evening, our waiter was fantastic - although the other waitresses come and clear your plates literally as you put your spoon down but obviously that's due to the second sitting. The spices to take home were a nice touch

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Foodlover

Zomato Dec 14, 2014

4.5

Fantastic. We went to Maha for my anniversary, and treated ourselves to the 6 course tasting menu with matching wine. Although expensive, I was not disappointed and had a very enjoyable evening. The staff were excellent and truly made it a dining experience. Great atmosphere, I will return.

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MeLuvsFood

Zomato Dec 11, 2014

2.0

Christmas rush?. I'm sorry I was so dissappointed with your 6 course lunch. I was the only one at our table who was honest when your waitress asked, the others were being polite. Your soup was inedible, the scallops overcooked with tasteless dumplings, floury under-sauce & oily fried kale. Chicken couscous course and beetroot sponge dessert didn't work. Swordfish, dip & olives were yummy. Previous comments below have loved your food, maybe we should have had the 3 course menu. Hoping the kitchen just had a bad day with the Christmas rush. Wish you all the best as it sounds like you have a faithful following.

J

Jenny McWren

Zomato Dec 10, 2014

0.0

Very special. Just exquisite. We attended for a work lunch today and I thoughts things could have been tricky because it was so so busy! Despite this everything went seamlessly. The food was divine and the service was slick. You're very impressive maha :-)

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Mirojos

Zomato Dec 07, 2014

0.0

World class!!. This is my first ever review and it's taken a class act like Maha to bring me to my keyboard! My wife and I dined there the other evening and we were blown away! I can only describe Shane as a culinary genius and his take on food is new, fresh and full of innovation! After travelling the world and experiencing some of the top restaurants this meal was divine and Australia should be proud to call someone like Shane their own! We had the four course Spice Journey and it truly was. As you walked in it exuded uber cool and we were seated in the lounge area and I wasn't expecting the most comfortable dining experience but to my surprise it was. In fact if we were sat in the lane way on some milk crates I still would have walked away happy! You may have seen his food on TV but do yourself a favour and go in and try it you'll walk out extremely happy. Class act, looking forward to dining there again!

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Michael

Zomato Dec 06, 2014

0.0

Environment is ok. It's in basement and lots of people inside but still feel fresh air. It was a 3-course lunch. The best in entrée is diced chicken with peanut sauce. Main course is average. Nothing impressive. Dissert is frozen peanut sauce with cream. Fantastic! Each course was served with a different wine. I don't drink alcohol so no idea about this. Main complain is it took too long to serve. Ours is all 3 course set lunch menu and booked well in advance but still took almost 3 hours to serve the 3 courses ...

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Matt

Zomato Dec 02, 2014

4.5

Sunday Session. Had a spice journey with the family on a super hot Sunday. Inside was cool and busy. Food is very good. As a restaurant owner we picked over every detail. From the plates to the toilet all of it is well thought out and professionally run. Food is really tasty - nothing overpowering. Vegetarians would run into trouble unless ordering off the menu is allowed as the menu was set for our spice journey. No problems for me! The Salmon and Pork was yum yum. Loved all the different plates that the food comes out in - very cool. Service is friendly - sometimes a little rushed when dishes are explained. One criticism was the water sticking his finder inside the bowl of food he was describing - not a good look. The vases that decorate the restaurant also don't match (they are pretty though) the vibe or cuisine. Highly recommended restaurant for those who like fine food and exploring new flavours. Last note if you can get the cherry sorbet it's the best I've ever tasted!!!!

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Andrew Oakes

Zomato Nov 30, 2014

4.5

Amazing food, fantastic service and stunning cocktails made our anniversary an incredible experience

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Sair29

Zomato Nov 29, 2014

4.5

The food was perfection, the service impeccable (our waiter on the 27th was incredible), my birthday at Maha was spectacular. The staff were very accommodating to my dietary requirements and catered to my 2 year nephew. Cannot fault Maha and am planning my next visit. Thank you for a great experience and the surprise birthday treat!

A

Alisonpeake

Zomato Nov 28, 2014

0.0

Expected bit things ... disappointing!. To be fair it is December & a busy time in hospitality, but I was expecting much more from a restaurant with Maha's pedigree. Everything about the experience, service, surroundings & food was sloppy. The place needs a serious refit... the carpet wouldn't be out of place at the Espy & I am surprised I didn't stick to it.... the rest of the fixtures were at best tired. There was a heap of confusion about where our table( for 2 ) was when we arrived so we opted for a drink at the bar ....... considering I had booked online 2 months earlier it shouldn't have been that hard. Staff generally tried hard and some were very professional, but service was patchy, and many of them need a serious talking to about professional appearance, cleanliness & presentation. When the whole place is so tired looking no wonder the staff don't feel energised ... the whole place has a rundown vibe.( including the toilets which were far from pristine) The food was passable but not spectacular and in this day & age paying 2% surcharge to use a credit card at a restaurant is not acceptable. All in all very disappointing and I won't bother to return, but considering they are obviously catering to the Friday night suits who seem to be filling the place I suppose they don't care? An OK night out if you want a middle of the road dining experience or place to hang out with friends in the city after work, but if you were expecting a fine dining experience or commitment to quality there are much better places to go.

J

Jaco

Zomato Nov 22, 2014

0.0

Not great, not bad. Very rushed service, food is ok

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Stellaquinert

Zomato Nov 19, 2014

0.0

Ten Stars. Went there last night for dinner and had the 4 course menu with matched wine. I am by nature very fussy and always there is something to disappoint but not with Maha. What can I say but I that I was absolutely astonished at how good the food was the service and the people were amazing. It has to be the best dining experience of the year for me

T

TheExpat

Zomato Nov 14, 2014

4.5

Delicious - not your usual Middle Eastern fare. I grew up with Middle Eastern tastes and was surprised to see a few friends from Middle Eastern background were disappointed at the menu. This is not you typical kebbeh type of place. The traditional Middle Eastern flavours are there but in a new format, with a 'western' mix. We went for lunch and had the four course meal. What a feast! I loved every single dish, but my favourite was dessert (yes, I have a sweet tooth): chocolate brownie with fig ice-cream. Out of this world! Service was impeccable and I appreciate their ability to cater for some of food intolerances we had. Everything was perfect from beginning to end: our waitress was lovely and attentive, the maitre was always around paying attention to see if we needed anything, and the kitchen superstars made sure the dairy intolerant at our table still enjoyed their experience to the fullest. Oh, and the m.u.s.i.c! Fantastic selection. I haven't had service like this in Melbourne for a while. Keep up the good job! I will come back, for sure. Highly recommend it for an experience of food, which is pretty mych at the core of Middle Eastern culture.

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Weedyraspberry

Zomato Nov 13, 2014

0.0

Deedog. My husband and I went for his birthday lunch. The food was magnificent. We had the six courses with the most beautiful sav Blanc we have ever had. Nearly three hours later we could hardly walk we were so full, but it was worth it. The food was delicate and the flavours subtle yet distinctive in their matching with the foods. Certainly not your traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. Next time we will have the four course only. We also mentioned it was my husbands birthday and they bought out a brownie with sparkler. The only disappointment was we didn't see Shane:( maybe next time. Highly recommend Maha for a special occasion -----13 Nov, 2014----- Fazza. My husband and I went for his birthday lunch. The food was magnificent. We had the six courses with the most beautiful sav Blanc we have ever had. Nearly three hours later we could hardly walk we were so full, but it was worth it. The food was delicate and the flavours subtle yet distinctive in their matching with the foods. Certainly not your traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. Next time we will have the four course only. We also mentioned it was my husbands birthday and they bought out a brownie with sparkler. The only disappointment was we didn't see Shane:( maybe next time. Highly recommend Maha for a special occasion -----13 Nov, 2014----- Deej. My husband and I went for his birthday lunch. The food was magnificent. We had the six courses with the most beautiful sav Blanc we have ever had. Nearly three hours later we could hardly walk we were so full, but it was worth it. The food was delicate and the flavours subtle yet distinctive in their matching with the foods. Certainly not your traditional Middle Eastern cuisine. Next time we will have the four course only. We also mentioned it was my husbands birthday and they bought out a brownie with sparkler. The only disappointment was we didn't see Shane:( maybe next time. Highly recommend Maha for a special occasion

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Freddy A.

Zomato Nov 09, 2014

5.0

Credit Card surcharge. Good dinning experience overall, I just don't understand how a place where you pay at least $100+ per person charge you a credit card surcharge. That just feels cheap so I won't be back in a hurry but if I do I'll cash $200 on $1 coins beforehand.

D

Deb-m

Zomato Nov 09, 2014

4.5

Magical food and wine experience with superb service. The 6 course degustation with paired wines actually ended up being at least 9 courses of premium food with an incredible matching of wines from around the world. Every dish was artistry of taste combinations and topped off by waiting staff who really know the food, understand how it works with the wine and ensure sparkling water is refilled regularly to cleanse the palette. Sommelier, Ross, has been very clever in his choice of wine with each dish and as it unfolds in your mouth, his intention becomes clear. Every staff member is clearly part of a passionate foodie team who care about the quality of food, the dining experience and really know their stuff! Big tip - starve yourself before you go as servings are more than generous but do go the 6 course if you can. It's the top of the range. Can't wait to return. What a night!

S

Sarah

Zomato Nov 07, 2014

4.5

THAT LAMB!!. Recently went here on my boyfriend's birthday for the Spice Journey Sunday lunch. Absolutely amazing food and faultless service. Staff were so smiley and didn't mind us taking our time to get through the four courses - the food was far too good, it felt like a crime to have any of it go back to the kitchen!! Thank you for a perfect afternoon, we didn't eat again until lunch the next day!

A

Anthony Hasseldine

Zomato Nov 04, 2014

4.5

Good food, great service, shame about the unnecessary credit card fee. We really enjoyed our dinner at Maha last week. The staff were knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. The food was very good - most dishes very tasty, with just a couple that were less than exciting. I'd give it 7.5, maybe 8/10 for food. It isn't a cheap restaurant, but the prices felt reasonable, given the venue and the standard of food, wine and service. The only sour note was the 2% credit card fee. I can get a $3 coffee with my credit card these days without incurring a fee, so if I pay $250+ for dinner, I expect to be able to use my credit card without penalty. It just seemed a tasteless way to end the evening, and it resulted in me reducing the tip amount from what I would otherwise have left. (To be honest, I felt bad about that afterwards, because it wasn't the servers' fault, but I was feeling slightly miffed.)

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Rhino

Zomato Oct 18, 2014

4.5

Awesome. I took my wife here last night for her birthday dinner. We hade the 6 course menu, which ended up being 10 after the kitchen kept sending out more and more food. Our waitress was awesome and very knowledgeable about all the food and made our night very enjoyable. Shane bringing out our main course was a highlight. Thank you for a wonderful evining.

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Peter Farrant

Zomato Oct 11, 2014

4.5

Went here for our parents 50th wedding anniversary, fantastic night out. Had the 4 course soufra menu, it was perfect for a mix of people to share. Our waiter was incredible, a real people person who made the night about my parents, especially my dad. Thanks Cecil. The food was all beautiful to see, smell and eat. Great range of drinks. Definitely our fav restaurant for a special night out. So easy.

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K.diep

Zomato Oct 08, 2014

4.5

This was on my bucket list for a while and finally came by through a work dinner. We had the 4 course with wine. The waitress looking after us was very helpful and the food was great. Although I was expecting a bit more from the reviews. Overall a great experience but I may be back but not one to hurry for.

C

Colin.house99

Zomato Oct 06, 2014

0.0

We'll never know. We too looked forward to dining at Maha. Sounds like great dining. We booked well in advance for a surprise birthday meal, but unfortunately were emailed 2 weeks later to say we couldn't go that particular night as they'd double booked. Seems pretty weird. We've never had that happen in over 35 years of fine dining, which spans the old fashioned bookings 'book' and the bookings software in use these days. The night in question is right at the highpoint of the Spring Carnival, so maybe somebody of note was super keen to get in? I know this can never be resolved, but feel the need to get it off my chest. Plenty of other great dining around, luckily. Colin

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Jones Crew

Zomato Oct 03, 2014

4.5

Lunch at Maha With the kids. We went to Maha for lunch with our 2 teenagers and had the 4 course sampler .... We were delighted with the food and service, the kids enjoyed all the desserts, we enjoyed all the mains my husband liked the lamb best but I thought the duck was a delightful eruption of flavours. Atmosphere was perfect I love a restaurant that can get the lights and music level right, not many do. As we rolled out soooo fulllll... We chatted about each course and what we liked and disliked which is always a good sign with us the longer we talk about our meal the better it was.... So all round a great way to spend the last days of our school holiday thanks Maha.

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Cosmo

Zomato Oct 01, 2014

0.0

I was so excited to try maha as this was definitely on my foodie bucket list- were fans of the show too. Service was good as you'd expect and the food delicious. Only let down was Shane spoke to every single table but ours during the night. Im sure he was busy but felt strange when he spoke to tables on either side of us.

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Greenlife1

Zomato Sep 28, 2014

0.0

Good food, but .... Good food but they only pretend to turn the 'music' down and $100 ph. should get us a table cloth.

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PG

Zomato Sep 27, 2014

4.5

Wow! What an experience... One to remember that's for sure. The food was ahhhhmazing, outstanding service.. And to top it all off we met the man himself, mr. Shane Delia! Was just perfect in every way :) Please open a restaurant in Adelaide!!!!!

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Wolfgang

Zomato Sep 23, 2014

2.0

Big price, little spice. My wife and me were so excited when we saw all the great reviews for Maha and looked forward to a special experience for our wedding anniversary. Unfortunately we set our expectations far too high and were very disappointed by some aspects, but not all. We went there early to enjoy a Shisha and a cocktail to ease into a nice extended degustation. Our first point of contact was the barman, who repeatedly called my wife and me "bro" which was quite funny at first, but when he questioned our drink choice, telling me all about gin martinis we found it a little too forward. The Shisha was quite flavourless, which from my own experience happens when the molasses is not fresh, we asked 2 staff members to bring us another piece of coal, but it only made it to us after 15 minutes, at the same time our table was ready. The Shisha wasn't on the bill, which was nice and showed that our feedback was taken seriously. Once we were seated we chose the 6 course degustation with wine matching and got excited again, as our waiter Brad walked us through it. We were ready for the spice journey. We were given a shot of smoked trout soup as a "gift to us" and it was very nice. The first two dishes were delicious and exciting and one of the wines was a gewuerztraminer a favourite of ours, we were happy. The next dish was fish and lacked flavour, not a winner, but we weren't bothered, because the next offering was a kangaroo loin with seven spiced kale and western australian truffle. Unfortunately all we could taste was salt on the kale, that was surprisingly tempura battered, there was no trace of seven spices or truffle just a mouthful of saltiness. What a disappointment, where are the spices...? Next came the signature dish of the house a 12 hour roasted lamb shoulder with pilaf and a green salad. We tried the lamb and again sadly no flavour, no spices, no sauce, except a teaspoon of labna. The lamb was definitely slow cooked and tender and beautiful, but the only flavour detectable was ... lamb. The pilaf's predominant flavour was dill, the salad was ok. The matched wine was this time served to us by our "bro" from the bar. He explained that this wine is only a couple of years away from developing its full flavour, but a great light red to go with the lamb and a pretty good value for money drop (i know you think i'm kidding, but no, that was the description). By now we were disheartened, 2 winners, 3 disappointments a bad ratio. We were both slipping into a bad mood and our special anniversary experience was turning a bit sour. Luckily Brad was such a nice host and dessert was delicious and obviously a lot of effort went into it. As we were the last people in the house, Brad again made sure we were alright and we had a lovely chat with him. To us he is a great asset to Maha and knows what customer service is all about. He was the only reason we left the place in a good mood. Given Maha's long standing reputation and the people loving their food, I assume that the kitchen just had a really bad day, just a shane it coincided with our so rare opportunity to have a romantic night out.

C

CMN

Zomato Sep 22, 2014

4.5

4 out of 5. We dined here for our anniversary last Saturday night and enjoyed it very much, with one small exception - chocolate brownie for dessert. We had the five course degustation and must say that the first 4 courses were fantastic, beautifully spiced and plated - everything we expected. But a brownie for dessert? When I saw it listed I thought, it's Shane, there will be something special about it, but all I can say is ... meh! I looked at the other diners around us eating really interesting and unsual desserts, then down at my brownie with disappointment. I don't understand how this fitted in with the other dishes we had just eaten. It was like the master had created the preceeding dishes and turned the dessert over to the apprentice.

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Baz Juan Pablo Sanchez

Zomato Sep 20, 2014

4.5

Maha is located on Bond Street, CBD, which appeared more like an alley to me, the restaurant is on the basement level, but don't be fooled, for once you enter inside you will be lost in a Mediterranean world, but more about that later. Maha serves Mediterranean inspired Middle Eastern cuisine that boasts bold flavour combinations that retain authentic characteristics. The four course set menu began with a mezze of chargrilled flat bread, a selection of olives, carrot dip, smoked hummus and traditional lamb sausage to name a few. The starter spread was followed by a lot of dishes adequately sized to suit a Sheik. A special mention to the Flavoursome Crispy Skin Salmon. This dim-lit Middle Eastern hideaway in the CBD’s Bond Street was a far cry from the local-cafe-and-latte kind of weekend venture i am oh so used to. The ambience is great. There is a distinct ‘Arabian night’ theme in the furnishings and fabrics used, the dark, wooden panelled walls erred on regal, traditional lanterns subtly lit the dining room like glow worms and nicely matched cushions and Persion-esqe carpet did much to add to the ambience of this sleek, subterranean lair. The overall look makes the whole dining experience a little more mysterious The service we received was outstanding, Every staff member was incredibly hospitable and accommodating. Maha is certainly deserving of all the accolades it has received for Service with some catchup needed in the food stakes. Rating 8/10

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Nadia

Zomato Sep 18, 2014

4.5

Confused.... A group of us dined at Maha on the 12th of September 2014 and we had pre-selected the five course menu. I am from a Middle Eastern background and could not wait to experience the way Maha would redefine Middle Eastern cuisine. I experienced the redefined cuisine and was left utterly disappointed. Don't get me wrong, the food was delicious and we had an amazing night but it was definitely not Middle Eastern. I don’t think there was enough food and it didn’t have the amazing Middle Eastern flavours that I have grown up with and absolutely love. I was also confused with the dessert on the menu. There are so many delicious Middle Eastern desserts like riz-b-haleeb (Lebanese rice pudding), baklava, maamoul. I assumed Maha would serve a traditional dessert with a modern twist. The dessert was neither traditional nor Middle Eastern...it was a brownie. It has been nearly a week since dining at Maha and I am still confused! Maha lacks connection with its Middle Eastern traditional roots. Maha does have delicious food and a great atmosphere but it is not a true representation of Middle Eastern cuisine.

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Laura Canil Campione

Zomato Sep 15, 2014

4.5

Amazing!. My partner took me here for my birthday as there is a vegan banquet option which was impressive enough in itself! Normally I struggle to find anything actually vegan on the menu and end up with a salad and bread. Well the food at Maha was unbelievable! We got a 4 course banquet and everything was amazing! We ate so well and the staff were really friendly! Truly one of the best experiences of my life. I would recommend Maha to everyone!

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Ben D

Zomato Sep 15, 2014

0.0

Takes alot of Guts Shane - Well Done :). I dont think I have ever seen a resturant owner take the time to personally reply & thank all the feedback recevied on this site. it takes alot of guts to do this Shane, this goes to show how much dedication and passion he has for customer satisfaction!. Me & My Wife first visited Maha NYE 2011 as Honeymooners, our dining experience was second to none. From the waiters knowledge and service, to the unmatched quality of food and the fusion of middle eastern cusine. Shane even gave us complimentary cake to bless our marriage! Thank you to Maha and Shane for an experience that has still got us talking about it. We are actually visiting Melbourne this weekend and will be booking Maha on Friday Night!! Cait Wait. Ben

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Emma

Zomato Sep 14, 2014

0.0

My advice-don't take a 6pm booking on a Saturday night and expect to enjoy more than a two course meal. There's no point in allowing a table to order pre-dinner cocktails and then serving the first course before the cocktails arrive. We were rushed through our first two courses which we'd intended on enjoying with a couple of bottles of wine to be followed by a third for main course but didn't get a chance to enjoy the third we'd selected. The food was tasty and service was fine, but while the menu may suit a busy kitchen service, it is quite inflexible for the diners experience.

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Msteenbuck

Zomato Sep 12, 2014

0.0

Impressed. Went to Maha last night for a friend's birthday. All I can say is WOW! The service was incredible and the food was to die for. We were all vegan and we had the 6 course menu. Shane went out of his way to serve us some of the courses which was appreciated. All in all it was an awesome complete experience. I will definitely be going back and letting everyone I know how great the place is.

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Richard K

Zomato Sep 09, 2014

0.0

After being so impressed after our first visit, we decided to enjoy Father's Day dinner here. Sunday spice journey menu was brilliant. Very flavoursome dishes that are a twist on the standard Mediterranean/middle eastern cuisine. "Doughnuts" filled with Turkish delight to finish were a hit! See you again.

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Amy

Zomato Sep 09, 2014

0.0

Disappointed. (following on from my last post which submitted before I finished) We waited for close to 15 minutes before deciding to leave. On our way out, the waiter called out to my brother in law "Hey did you want your change?" My brother responded "No it's OK". The waiter actually smiled for the first time all night and exclaimed "Oh thanks man!" I was so disappointed because I had heard wonderful things about Maha from many of my lebanese friends up in Sydney, but I will never return because of this rude man. The other staff, such as the lovely lady who topped up our wine, seemed very nice and would have changed the whole experience. -----09 Sep, 2014----- Disappointed (Continued). (following on from my last post which submitted before I finished) We waited for close to 15 minutes before deciding to leave. On our way out, the waiter called out to my brother in law "Hey did you want your change?" My brother responded "No it's OK". The waiter actually smiled for the first time all night and exclaimed "Oh thanks man!" I was so disappointed because I had heard wonderful things about Maha from many of my lebanese friends up in Sydney, but I will never return because of this rude man. The other staff, such as the lovely lady who topped up our wine, seemed very nice and would have changed the whole experience. -----09 Sep, 2014----- Disappointed. I came here for my birthday last night and must say I wasn't very impressed. After going to an amazing middle eastern restaurant in Sydney, my sister suggested we go to Maha in Melbourne while I was visiting, as she had been before and loved it. There were 6 of us and we were unable to decide on which menu to eat from- my husband and brother wanted the 4 course menu, but the rest of us weren't that hungry and were just after the 2 course menu. My sister had been here before and said she and her friends were able to order the 2 different menus, so we decided to check with our waiter. He suggested that we make up our minds as the chef wouldn't appreciate this on such a busy night. We were a bit baffled by this as we looked around at his idea of a busy Tuesday night and saw a few empty tables. My sister told me it was much busier last time they went on a Saturday night, and the staff had managed their request just fine. If it wasn't possible, he could have just said so and been polite about it. I asked him if it was still ok to order from the vegetarian options, to which he responded "You are vegetarian. so you order from the vegetarian menu." Wow. When the waiter returned several times throughout the night, has arrogant attitude was the same. The food was amazing - but we left with a bad taste in our mouths. When it came time to pay, we all put our cash together and we ended up paying about $20 in excess. I suggested we wait for the change as my sister had paid too much and we agreed that our waiter didn't deserve any extra for his efforts. We edited

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Amd

Zomato Sep 06, 2014

0.0

Happy!!. Had a lovely 2 course meal, which was surprisingly very filling. The flavours were absolutely delicious. Drinks were quite expensive but overall it was a nice experience and I would return.

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Belinda De Vos

Zomato Sep 03, 2014

4.5

Best in Melbourne. Beautiful, Beautiful restaurant. A lovely ambient feel, sensational staff and best of all amazing food. My Husband and I were so full we didn't think we could fit in dessert but when it came we just couldn't resist. We will definitely be going back again and again.

M

Maryanne_m

Zomato Sep 01, 2014

0.0

Thank you for a wonderful night!. I've been wanting to go to Maha for ages and finally took my husband there for his birthday last Thursday. We had the best time! We had to roll ourselves out the door because we were so full! We had the 5 course meal and each course just got better and better. Our waitor was George, who helped made our night even more special. He was fantastic! Thanks again for everything George! There were many highlights: first was my Crystal Violet mocktail, I highly recommend a taste for you non-alcoholic drinkers. The 12 hour slow cooked lamb was to die for! My husband is totally not a foody but he demolished it! The 5 course meal doesn't include Shane's turkish delight donuts, but I've always wanted to try them so we were given a bowl. They were so good! The lowlight was the fact that we were just too full to savour all of the dessert. Which was also divine, I must add :) To top it all off, we got to meet the awesome Shane Delia himself and got our photo moment too! :) The service was fantastic. The flavours were wonderful. We loved your restaurant, Shane. Thank you for an excellent night and we wish you all the very best.

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Gary Bee

Zomato Aug 30, 2014

4.5

Best in Town. To the crew at Maha, I have been coming in for sometime now, sometimes for dinner and even sometimes a catch up with friends for a shisha and meze. The food is fantastic, we have had so many different dishes there and all i can say is WOW. many thanks guys.

T

Tyler Brown

Zomato Aug 30, 2014

4.5

Maha love..... We went here Sunday 24/8 for our 25th anniversary. Having never watched the show (or even knew about it) we just wanted to go somewhere in Melbourne that served fantastic middle-eastern food. We, like a lot of others, had the four course menu and were totally satisfied. I understand that the higher volume courses are more for individual portions, rather than the shared menu of the four and two courses. Great portion sizes, flavour and service. Definitely will be back when next in Melbourne.

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Maurice Cali

Zomato Aug 30, 2014

0.0

Birthday at Maha. Going to Maha on 25th sep for my bday. Been watching Spice journey with my wife every week and love it, cant wait to go to Maha. Stay tuned for my review.

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Lbaker

Zomato Aug 29, 2014

4.5

Just fantastic!!!!. This restaurant was the highlight of our weekend away to celebrate my husbands 50th! We were greeted warmly upon arriving a little early for our table, shown to the bar where we were made two of the nicest cocktails we had ever had. Once at our table we chose the 4 course meal, and then the food came out, Wow!! every dish was outstanding..Then the very lovely Shane Delia came across to our table to see if we were enjoying our meal and have a little chat. The food was just sensational, I was full but wanted to try everything that came out as it just all looked and tasted amazing. The waiting staff were attentive, but not in your face. We have not stopped talking about since we dined there, and wished we had booked in again on the Saturday night as we had a lousy dining experience elsewhere. Well done to Shane and staff, we will be back...

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Rato

Zomato Aug 27, 2014

4.5

I was very fortunate to be taken to Maha for a special lunch today & may I say, it was beautiful. We had the 4 course lunch menu & I enjoyed every single dish, particularly the mastik pudding with rosemary tapioca. I was so impressed with the professionalism & courtesy shown by the staff. The menu was well thought out in taste, texture & serving size. I left feeling very happily satisfied & cannot wait to come back to try some new dishes one day soon.

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Hilda

Zomato Aug 26, 2014

4.5

Mr Delia, I was interested in going to your beautiful restaurant for a special dinner, but after reading the menu and the prices I know that I will never be able to afford to pay that much for dinner. But I would like to congratulate you on the excellent reviews. What empresses me most is the fact that you reply to every review. Well done.

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BigSmiles

Zomato Aug 22, 2014

0.0

I'm on the fence with this one. Incredible wine list, friendly staff, beautiful decor. After choosing the two course we were asked 'if we were hungry'. Ummmmm....? ? Wine matching was great, beautiful wines. And look- I know Maha is a higher end restaurant but portion sizes could of been slightly less retrained, especially for things like the yoghurt on the lamb, fattoush salad and olives. Underwhelmed we chose to leave to have cocktails and dessert elsewhere.

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Safa.almarhoun

Zomato Aug 18, 2014

0.0

Nice- But overrated. Recently we dined at Maha's restaurant after seeing the Spice Journey show and hearing from a couple of people how AMAZING the restaurant and the food is. So being of Middle Eastern origin and having lived in several countries in the Middle East, Europe, North America and now Australia, I wanted to judge for myself. The service staff when you first enter the restaurant are nice, however- our waitress was abrupt and when one of us asked how does the menu work as its not your typical restaurant menu, the waitress was impatient and wasn't willing to explain but rather focused on just getting the order and moving a long. The drinks were nice, the food was also nice, didn't enjoy the Salmon though. Overall, it was nice but nothing over the top and exhilarating, especially for the massive bill at the end of the night.

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Sean

Zomato Aug 10, 2014

4.5

This was my first time trying middle eastern food, and I will be going back for more! The service was impeccable, my wife is pregnant and they were so happy to help leave some things off the menu or change some things. The food was beautiful, visually stunning and the most amazing taste. With each mouth full you could taste all the herbs without them being overpowering. We had the 4 course menu which had heaps of food in each course. It was also nice to try some dishes we saw on the spice journey from the week before. One of the top places to eat in Melbourne.

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Ezz

Zomato Aug 07, 2014

4.5

This has to be Melbourne's hidden gem, I have been a regular here for a while now and can honestly say the service is exceptional and consistent and the quality and variety of dishes is something that tantalises your taste buds on each visit. Exceptional value for money. Having spent a lot of time in Dubai and Abu Dhabi I can honestly say that Maha puts a lot of the celebrity restaurants to shame in the UAE. Maha I hope will become a Melbourne icon and a place people can visit atleast once while in Melbourne....Well done Maha team!

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Barbotanya

Zomato Aug 07, 2014

0.0

Disappointed!!!!. I had high expectations of this Restaurants, but I was bitterly disappointed. I was excited to find out that Shane was going to be in the kitchen the night that we were there, so we ordered up big. What a mistake we made, not only did we wait ages for our food to arrive, but it was not up to the standard we were expecting. The food was way over priced for the quality we received, so we will never be returning.

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Georgie

Zomato Aug 06, 2014

4.5

My sister and I had a night to remember! We absolutely loved the experience. We had the four course soufra banquet. Every course that came out was beautiful! We especially loved the 12 hour roasted lamb! To die for! Yum!!! Thankyou to the beautiful staff, we had 2 lovely ladies looking after us. Just amazing! We both left with smiles on our faces, and a little token tea from maha. Loved it! Well done Shane!! You should be proud!

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A Food Story

Zomato Aug 04, 2014

4.5

Our first little taste of Shane Delia’s food was a beautifully presented bowl of steak tartare, or kibbeh neya in Lebanese. But this wasn’t just any old meat, this tartare was wagyu. With a golden egg yolk perched on top we finished preparing the dish ourselves with a little mixing.

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Nannoo

Zomato Aug 03, 2014

4.5

Absolutely "Maha-vellous". Let's just say that when a restaurant exceeds your expectation in every possible way, you're just going to come onto Urbanspoon and rave about it. That's what I'm going to do now. I had a birthday dinner for my husband a week ago and made reservations at Maha because they had an extensive vegetarian menu as my husband is vegetarian! The restaurant seemed quite simple in it's outset but the food was at a different level and its definitely justified by how much you pay! The restaurant doesn't have an ala carte menu and everything is 'set'based so you order based on how ravenous you are although I suggest that if you don't have the privilege of having four stomachs like a cow you have the, 4 course menu (even that is a feat in itself). The highlights were the Pork (I know quite strange for a middle eastern restaurant but unforgettable), the spiced crusted salmon, crispy chicken (look to be honest everything was unbelievable). Give it a try, you won't regret it. Thank me later! Oh and the vegetarian food if you're wondering was just as good.....

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Christina Fernandes

Zomato Aug 02, 2014

4.5

We enjoyed every meal and every minute at MAha - the food was delicious and the service was faultless (NZ waitress Danni)! We had the 4 course and would have preferred a 3 course dinner option as we needed a long walk after but we will definitely be going back and have been recommending Maha to friends and colleagues travelling to Perth.

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Megan C

Zomato Aug 01, 2014

4.5

Lucky enough to have my birthday lunch this week. Really loved that the set menu was available in a vegetarian option. It's such a nice change to be able to try everything that comes to your table instead of limited options. Loved the little dumplings, pilaf and fattoush. Even the little birthday dessert with candle was a nice surprise. Wait staff were helpful and knowledgable. Definately will be back to try the dinner menu next. Thanks!

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Lieut_morgy

Zomato Jul 31, 2014

0.0

Have spoken to Shane after my review below:. Hi Shane, thank you for taking the time to speak to me. I hope you know I do very much appreciate the reasons you have decided to go down this path with your bookings procedure. As I said I still cannot accept the cultural shift this is a symptom of. I still wish Maha all the best and I hope at some point you may find a better way to both deal with your issues of a few 'no-shows' and still allow other customers to be taken at their word. I realise this is a big ask, I guess I'm an idealist... you guys aren't 'Vue de monde', you're better than that ;)

I

Ilovelookingfornewcafes

Zomato Jul 31, 2014

0.0

Still shattered. Several times a year I get together with my sons for an extra special get together. I just can't get over our treatment by their Maitre'd and staff. . I know it was last year but after such high expectations I just can't stop talking about it . Shane will probably only ever understand if he ever experiences it himself. -----09 Jan, 2014----- A total let-down. It appears that the staff at Maha do not have a debriefing session after service or we would have received an apology from Shane. We planned a family dinner weeks and weeks ahead of time in order to have the Sultan Banquet and were given an 8.30 time slot. We arrived early (so we could unwind and relax) however by 9.30 we were over the whole experience. As we were walking out the door the maitre'd promised our table was ready and there would be no more waiting. Upon ordering we were advised it was too late for the banquet and they recommended the Soufra. Such a disappointment and months after the fact I am still extremely upset. A well deserved family dinner gone horribly wrong. Really stunned that no one from Maha had the common courtesy to apologise.

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Otakufilms

Zomato Jul 30, 2014

0.0

Some of the best food in Melbourne, such a pity I won't be going back. Why?. Really loved eating at this place, have done for years. Some of the best food in Melbs for sure. What a pity though..... now apparently I can't book a table without giving you my credit details and risking an $85 p/p fine for cancellation inside of 4 hours!! So let me paint a picture here: I book a table for four and on the way to the restaurant my car is side swiped by a truck or my elderly mother have a heart murmur and we need to change plans an head to emergency instead. I call the restaurant to let them know and now I'm up for $340 'fine' for a dinner I didn't even eat!? Considering the number of last minute booking requests a place as popular as this must get I find it completely impossible to believe they cannot replace a booking in that time. Not to mention that it's simply outrageous to suggest you can demand to have my credit card details before I've even walked through your door! What a pity guys, such a dreadfully mercenary and money grubbing trend :(

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Kng

Zomato Jul 28, 2014

4.5

Amahazing!. Maha is amazing! I've been looking forward to going for a while and it exceeded expectations. The service staff were friendly and were particularly sensitive to my friend's dietary requirements. We went on a day off from work and were able to enjoy the 4 course menu over a few hours, the food was coursed just right so we didn't feel like we were being slammed with courses. My favourite dessert was the turkish delight doughnuts and I loved the roast salmon (market fish) with carrot and cumin puree. Intimate with a few friends, but has a great atmosphere for a date. Definitely telling my friends about this place!!

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Gastro

Zomato Jul 27, 2014

4.5

Good for a once off. If you like trying different cuisines then this one is a must. Very tasty and interesting presentations of various dishes in a modern setting with mood lighting made for a great evening.

A

Adamalta

Zomato Jul 27, 2014

4.5

Have been here a few time now and love the Spice Journey menu. Great food and flavours. Staff were friendly and helpfull with drink choices.

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Ver_ecdl

Zomato Jul 14, 2014

4.5

Exceptionally Good!. Went there in February for a Valentine / Birthday treat. The atmosphere is very welcoming, the waiters are very good and mostly come from a variety of backgrounds according to the dishes served. Was very impressed when a Maltese waiter presented a Maltese inspired dish and explained the contents and how it is made to us! Food was above excellent, and although we were full by the second serving, we kept on eating the delicious food. cocktails and drinks were also very good. We enjoyed it so much we left a hearty tip, and cannot wait to go there again! Well Done!

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Jess

Zomato Jul 03, 2014

4.5

Flavour sensation from beginning to end!. We came in for lunch on Monday 30th June. My hubby and I had a rare ‘date day’ so we took full advantage of not having to make any decisions and went for the six courses with matching wines. From the second the white bean soup with eggplant kibbeh was put in front of us we embarked on a flavour train that was everything we could have hoped for and then some. The wild barramundi and the chicken with Iranian smoked rice were a whole other level. That poached egg sauce with the chicken we will be dreaming about for a long time. There was a party in our tummies from start to finish. The chocolate and pomegranate opera was ridiculously incredible and was a perfect ending to our six courses. The matching wines were amazing. The bison & gazoz is my kinda cocktail, great beers and we even ended our lunch with a Shisha in the bar. We will definitely be back. The staff were truly wonderful, I didn’t catch the names of the staff that looked after us, but thankyou for a great afternoon, you made our child free day very enjoyable:)

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Tom

Zomato Jun 30, 2014

4.5

Review. I decided to take my wife on her birthday on 30th of June for a lunch at Maha.It was our first visit to this restaurant.The atmosphere was great,food was fantastic and backed up with delightful staff. I was having special diet with carbo & dairy .Being a chef from last 35 years I know how hard it become to cater for such request.But the chef he did a great job.It was a very delightful experience .We will be back .Thank you for the birthday dessert.

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Jade

Zomato Jun 29, 2014

4.5

Went here for a friends birthday dinner. Great atmosphere, friendly and knowledgable staff and delicious food. We all had the 2 course meal which filled us all up!

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Andrew D

Zomato Jun 28, 2014

4.5

WOW! We got a last minute booking here and it turned out to be highlight of our boys trip to Melbourne. We had the six course option with matched wines, it was pricey but upon review it is fantastic value. The food was superb and there was so much if it, the wines were perfectly matched. Our waitstaff were incredibly knowledgable of both the meals and the wines, they were attentive and friendly and genuinely made us feel welcome. In a city famous for the standard of their restaurants Maha is a cut above. Thankyou.

T

Tennille

Zomato Jun 28, 2014

4.5

There needs to be a 'love it' button as 'like it' just doesn't cut it. I have dined at Maha 5-6 times and have never been disappointed. Although I'm not a big lover of lamb - this is what I look forward to most when visiting Maha! I've traveled throughout the Middle East and Maha easily stacks up. I would eat there every day if my budget allowed. It was nice to see Shane there on one occasion too.

S

Spohie

Zomato Jun 27, 2014

4.5

Ermagherrd. Where to start. Everything was excellent! The next course had my sister buzzing with excitement. I could tell by her anticipation that this was going to be the main event..

J

Jrj

Zomato Jun 24, 2014

0.0

Shane Delia really has created something special with Maha .

C

Claire Johnsen

Zomato Jun 22, 2014

4.5

Amazing! I think that's all that's needed to be said about the food. Be warned there is so much food, go on an empty tummy!

H

Hanna Murray

Zomato Jun 20, 2014

4.5

Food was spectacular. Recommend the four courses and variety, authenticity and quality of produce spot on. Service impeccable - highly recommend.

E

Eat Australia

Zomato Jun 19, 2014

0.0

Maha is a welcome breath of fresh air from the many European and Asian influenced restaurants in Melbourne (as well as the plethora of Mexican and American food of recent years). Where Maha succeeds is by taking traditional elements and turning them into contemporary dishes. The flavour combinations can be simple, but the modern techniques and precision elevate them. Two of the dishes, which might seem the most simplistic, the soup and the chicken and rice, were some of the most delicious I have eaten this year. If you are looking for something a little different when choosing your next meal out, then Maha fits the bill for whatever the occasion.

M

Moodlesoup

Zomato Jun 14, 2014

4.5

Very impressive.. We visited in march and were blown away by the exquisiteness of each dish put before us. such incredible care and attention to detail and fabulous service. the only thing we didn't enjoy were the matching wines with each course. we will definitely return and recommend to friends.

G

Ginny

Zomato Jun 13, 2014

4.5

Absolutely beautiful. The staff were so friendly and the food... Omg the food. Amazing. Everything was perfection. We will definitely be coming back

J

Jess Carey

Zomato Jun 09, 2014

4.5

Shane Delia’s Maha has been a Melbourne stalwart for a while now, bolstered by guest appearances on MasterChef and his own TV show. What I didn’t realise, despite the fact that I work within a stones throw from the place, is that they d

M

Manger Maven

Zomato Jun 07, 2014

4.5

Worth the trip. On a recent visit we dined at Maha in the hope of replicating a memory of a previous experience with them. All I can say is very few restaurants can stay on top of their game over a period of 2 years. We were absolutely delighted with the experience, all the more so because of the anticipation. Great food well supported by the staff.

S

SG

Zomato May 28, 2014

4.5

We went for my birthday and the service was attentive and informative - first class. Nothing too much trouble. Food was exquisite and they went to the effort of substituting dishes according to preference. A wonderful experience.

S

Stuart Wilkinson

Zomato May 23, 2014

2.0

Awesome lunch great atmosphere unfortuntaly the owner sitting next to us with a pal had to listen to their colorful language and experience him send a course back to the kitchen , success builds arrogance .

J

Jade Pacecca

Zomato May 19, 2014

4.5

Best restaurant experience!. Maha was one of the best restaurant experiences I've ever had. I've always wanted to dine here, since both my parents are Maltese and Perth doesn't have much to offer in the way of Maltese inspired cuisine. Every aspect of the evening exceeded my expectations and I can't wait to return. The waitress managed to find a signed copy of your book which both myself and my family will thoroughly enjoy. My mum is very excited about the traditional Maltese recipes so I can't wait to try them (she was born the same year as your nenu!). What a way to remember my birthday!!! Thank you!

S

Simone

Zomato May 17, 2014

0.0

Astonishingly good food backed up by exceptional staff that go out of their way to make your night at this restaurant an experience. Thanks George! Tim and simone

A

Anne Sinclair

Zomato May 14, 2014

4.5

A wonderful dinning experience for a celebration exception food wine service highly recommended

S

Silvia Sk

Zomato May 14, 2014

4.5

Just wow. My partner took me here last night for my birthday and he honestly made the perfect choice. The food was simply stunning and the service was impeccable. We had the four courses and I am still salivating at the thought of the beetroot and fennel cured salmon, the slow cooked lamb, the barramundi. Seriously I could go on and on. The fact is I think the whole menu was to die for. I have told all my friends to come here and hopefully it will not be too long before we visit again. Thank you Maha for a perfect dinner to round out my 20s.

K

Kasette

Zomato May 11, 2014

0.0

Indulgence at its best. Celebrating a belated birthday for hubby last night we had the 6 course degustation. Being non venison lovers, our delightful waitress was only too happy to swap this course out for the lamb we were drooling over. The cocktails were lovely, the ambiance fabulous, and the food OMG the FOOD was to die for. My favourite course was the cured salmon with olive oil powder, salt and vinegar jelly. What an explosion of flavour in the mouth. Service was fast and efficient without feeling rushed. Every dish was fully explained on arrival, drinks were refilled promptly without needing to ask. A truly indulgent night, worth every cent of the $380 bill, and we cannot wait to return next time. Well done Maha you rock !

I

Info

Zomato May 10, 2014

0.0

Maha delight. Was my first Maha experience last night, and was not disappointed. Had a girls dinner and all 7 of us will be back. Atmosphere is sexy warm and inviting, great bar staff and interesting cocktails !! Food was exciting, interesting, great combinations and explained well by staff, and from a restaurant owner that's a compliment. Bravo Shane & team keep up your great work ! Ciao M

V

Viv4taste

Zomato May 10, 2014

0.0

Middle eastern magic. Modern Middle Eastern food at its best. Came here for my birthday, a great experience. Will be back

S

Smw

Zomato May 08, 2014

4.5

Fantastic place hidden in the side streets. Had the banquet and requested vegan and what they produced was spectacular both in taste and presentation.

M

Miffy7

Zomato May 07, 2014

4.5

We came here for lunch to celebrate Mother's Day early and opted for their four course banquet menu which was good value at $45 per person. I enjoyed everything that was served especially the braised lamb neck and the lamb shoulder. Maha's famous Turkish delight doughnut was good and this was something I wanted to try after seeing Shane make it on the show RSC. My family walked out full and happy. It was a bonus to get a photo with Shane! Thank you for the great food and service!

P

Petrina_a

Zomato May 03, 2014

0.0

Disappointed. This was my second visit to Maha, my first being over two years ago. I was really looking forward to going again but unfortunately it didn't live up to my memories. A general lack of love going into the food is what I can put it down to. I had the 5 course menu and the first 3 were nice. The main included the lamb and the barramundi. The lamb to be honest was very plain, no herbs had gone into it nor could I taste any lemon or anything other than the meat, which was tender but, I thought could have been so much tastier. The Barra was delicious, perfectly cooked. My favourite dish of the night was the rice side dish. The biggest let down was dessert. a thin slice of a wafer cake with fake mock cream, so disappointing. Not worth $95 definitely didn't blow me away at all.

A

Andrew Young

Zomato May 02, 2014

4.5

Great!. Celebrated my birthday at Maha last night. Staff were extremely knowledgeable about the food, beer and wine, as they should be at a restaurant that's at a high price point. Food was uniquely prepared and you can tell that what you're paying for is the creativity of the chef and the careful preparation and execution of the dishes. Kudos on the birthday treat as well! Cheers

E

Eat Australia

Zomato Apr 28, 2014

0.0

This post contains photos only.

D

DAMMIT JANET I LOVE FOOD

Zomato Apr 27, 2014

0.0

This place transcends you to somewhere else with its exotic rhythmic music and its dark elegant decor. In addition it is located in a sub-basement venue so that it perpetually feels like night. The service is efficient and the portion sizes are quite generous. (I originally had my eye on the 6 course menu but as it turned out the 4 course menu was already a struggle to finish) Note that the menu here changes regularly so that there is always something new and exciting to tantalise your tastebuds. If you haven’t been here before, put this on your places to try list!

A

Alexis

Zomato Apr 27, 2014

4.5

Every dish is delicious. We really enjoyed ourselves here, although a little pricey, but definitely worth it, it was a friends birthday, who considers herself quite the 'foodie', so we had to take her somewhere special and Maha was perfect, we did the banquet and every single dish was divine, all of us enjoyed it greatly, such a great range of wines as well, its a great restaurant to go to if you want to treat yourself or others.

H

Hjordan

Zomato Apr 26, 2014

4.5

Beautiful ANZAC night. We had the 5 course banquet with matched wines. Our night started off with a warm relaxed welcome and an amazing ANZAC inspired cocktail, it may have been the best whiskey based cocktail I've ever tasted! The banquet, matched wines & service was flawless. Our favourite dish was the Iranian smoked chicken with slow cooked egg matched with French Chenin. Great atmosphere while still feeling private & intimate.

A

Anna K

Zomato Apr 22, 2014

2.0

Nice salad but .... I haven't been this disappointed by a restaurant experience for quite some time, years in fact. First and foremost, I don't appreciate only having a set menu option. If I wanted to eat on a production line, I'd grab a sanga and head to the Toyota factory before it moves offshore. Secondly, the food - the 12-hour lamb was stringy, tough and underseasoned and on the cold side as was the pilaf. The dip was just dip, olives are olives and the "Lebanese" bread was nothing but supermarket pita bread ... and also stone cold. If one's only going to offer a set menu, one should do it properly and not insult diners with foodcourt-quality dishes. Then comes the wine list. The more affordable by-the-glass options were woeful - I was told they don't do a full-bodied shiraz by the glass which is bizarre in this day and age. Heathchote aint that far. This meant that my only option was from the "premium" by-the glass list - a $28 glass - utterly disgraceful. Whilst I accept that all restaurants make their money from booze, this took it to another level of insulting. To end on a positive note, the interior is impressive, the two salads were quite nice and the service was great but not enough to warrant a second visit. There just aint enough woohoo in maha.

C

Clinglebells

Zomato Apr 16, 2014

2.0

Food is ordinary. I had always wanted to try Maha but was afraid to get disappointed by the price vs the food, and unfortunately I was right. I ordered 4 course set menu and the best thing I can only say about the meal is the hummus dip and the desserts which turned out to be quite interesting and delightful. As for the others were very ordinary and overpriced. The worst is the lamb which was supposed to be the signature dish. The lamb was under-seasoned, overcooked and the lamb smell was very strong, to the point that I asked for chillies from the waiter to improve the taste (It did help). What a disappointment despite the nice reviews. And certainly not worth the price I paid.

L

Lainey

Zomato Apr 13, 2014

5.0

$$$ but delicious Middle Eastern food. I enjoy coming to Maha for fine dining Middle Eastern food. Previous visit a la carte was given same footing as banquets but now they really REALLY want you to have a 2-6 course banquet. 2 course seemed small but the cheesecake was a good albeit expensive topup. Got more quantity of food in last visit but a bit more variety in this one (as each course consists of a few different dishes). Would have preferred to know about a la carte when seated but u only got the banquet info hence the banquet hard sell. Amazing drinks menu esp loved the non alcoholic options. Slow cooked lamb very soft and tasty. Service was great as always very attentive staff! What I love the most about Maha is the Middle Eastern flavours combined with exotic ingredients and great cooking techniques. A real treat for my partner and I. When Shane comes out of the kitchen to say hi I get a bit star struck! Still waiting for him to say hi to me! :)

G

Glenn Mann

Zomato Apr 11, 2014

0.0

Had my first fine dining experience at Maha for my birthday. Was certainly a great experience! A group were singing birthday songs Capella style to other patrons - sounded good. Went with a friend who appreciates fine food & wine. We had the five course set menu. So many highlights, though my overall favourite was the barramundi, ginger and almond, semolina and saffron dumpling - amazing! Also the 12 hour roast lamb was delicious & vinegar jelly that you spread over the salmon also worth a mention. The matched wines went well with each course. Overall great company, great food, great wine & friendly service.

R

Raylene

Zomato Apr 09, 2014

4.5

Just perfect!. Simply divine, amazing food, attentive staff, great range of wines, every mouthful is delicious, immaculate venue, such a pleasure to go to Maha and indulge, slightly pricey but definitely worth it.

M

Mclarke

Zomato Apr 07, 2014

0.0

Amazing birthday treat. Had the 4 courses - every mouthful was sheer joy. The wine was amazing. Thanks for a wonderful experience. The staff at Maha are just terrific, easy going , friendly and very knowledgeable. True professionals. Hope to be able to come back some day.

J

Jool22

Zomato Apr 07, 2014

0.0

Overpriced Sunday lunch. We booked about 6 weeks ago for a Sunday lunch. Looking at their website a the time, we decided to go for the $45 four course set lunch. When we turned up, all that was available was a $65 four course lunch, no other choices. We were rather peeved that we had not been notified of the change but overlooked it. The starter, a ravioli with pine mushrooms and chocolate "soil" was very nice. The rest of the dishes were rather oily, even the salads. The white plates had scratches on them from the dishwasher, which was not good enough for this "fancy" restaurant. I guess when you have to cough up $65 for a lunch, your expectations go up as well. If the price had been $45, I would not have been so picky. I think it wasn't worth the price they charged. I would not go there again. I've had much nicer meals elsewhere for the price.

A

Alanajoy73

Zomato Apr 05, 2014

4.5

Can't wait to come back!. Went to Maha for the first time tonight for a belated birthday celebration and had the 4 course banquet which was wonderfully generous. The service was impeccable and the food divine. I loved the smokey hummus, wagyu with kale, zucchini falafel and the unique and exquisite desserts (particularly the watermelon and beetroot, peppermint crisp ice cream!). I loved that the food had a modern take on delicious cuisine yet wasn't pretentious. Can't wait to come back, thank you!

U

Uberfrauline

Zomato Apr 03, 2014

0.0

Adelaide to melbourne to disappointment. Four of us travelled from Adelaide to Melbourne specially to dine at Maha, Vue De Monde and Movida, unfortunately we would not return to Maha, happily return to the others. We had the banquet, some flavours were nice, but the star of the show, the lamb, was lack lustre, underseasoned, underspiced, dry, we didnt eat it. Funny thing is the waiter actually knew the lamb was a disappointment to most diners that evening, yet they still continued to serve it. We believed the desserts were unbalanced and needed a bit more foodie love. The ingredients and produce used in the banquet is not worth the money. No compensation was offered for our disappointing meal and we paid full price without an apology or even a complimentary coffee. You need to ask the question? Is the food being tested and tasted properly before it leaves the kitchen? Vital.

M

Michael Epis

Zomato Apr 01, 2014

4.5

Wonderful experience. Turned up with no reservation and were accommodated immediately. we had the 4 course menu and were stuffed afterwards with every single dish a winner. Highly recommended and left with a signed copy of Shane Delias book. A great way to end our week in Melbourne.

G

Gupta.asid

Zomato Mar 31, 2014

2.0

Why even bother going there. It was one of the worst dining experience , for the money we spent i would recommend something like attica service was average ambience was confusing .. we thought were going in a middle eastern restaurant not in a posh cafe food ... oh god .... we did the full degustation it started well but after second course we were lost. portions too big ... meat was dry ... i had to sip water to swallow the meat in .. flavours were same in all the dishes i am sorry to say but it looks like a hype ... i had much better middle eastern food i syd road if any one really wants to go don't bother full banquet menu order few dishes you will be better off

S

SandL

Zomato Mar 20, 2014

4.5

Delicious food and warm engaging service that you don't expect in such a top restaurant. We had our 1 year old son with us for dinner and still felt welcome. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff. We had the 4 course menu and can highly recommend. We'll be back.

A

Adam Megens

Zomato Mar 19, 2014

4.5

My Fav. One of my favorite restaurants in Melbourne.the slow cooked lamb is to die for and the turkish delight donuts are awesome.

N

Natalie

Zomato Mar 17, 2014

2.0

Noisy dining room, ambience sadly lacking. Felt and sounded like we were in a 'food court' - you can hear multiple conversations all around you in the main dining area and tables are packed in such close confines to each other. Would certainly benefit from some luxe furnishings, soft lighting and privacy between tables. Food was plentiful (we did have 6 courses though) but not what I would call 'fine dining' and not outstanding. Multiple different waiters at every course, water glasses not refilled, no linen tablecloths, no candles nor the warmth and character that I expected from Maha. Sadly not worth the $400+ we spent and I was disappointed - I was expecting so much more.

Z

Zosha

Zomato Mar 16, 2014

4.5

Best restaurant in Melbourne. Have been lucky to have tried many great places worldwide but Maha is my place of choice in Melbourne and I always bring overseas friend here. Why? They CARE! Shane and his team go above and beyond to make you feel welcome and cater for every diet! Have dined here with a vegan, vegetarian, and 2 people with allergies and nothing was too much trouble and the food was delicious! Great atmosphere and a relaxed yet cool vibe, without being pretentious, no cocktails in jam jars here! Snaps for Maha, am heading to Europe soon and will be telling my foodie friends when in Melbourne there's no better place to eat.

V

Vivian

Zomato Mar 16, 2014

4.5

Delicious food and excellent service. We dined here last night and had a wonderful dining experience. Delicious food with amazing flavours and lots of it. My only criticism is the pita bread served with the first course was shop bought rather than made in house. The service was excellent. I didn't mention it was my birthday but a number of the staff saw one of my gifts and wished me a happy birthday and surprised me with some cake at the end of our meal. I'll definitely be back and will be recommending Maha!

B

Bronwynburgess

Zomato Mar 13, 2014

0.0

Restaurant Express lunch. This is my last of the 4 Melbourne Food & Wine Festival Express Lunches. We shared cardamon cured salmon and the zucchini falafel balls for starters. The falafel balls were sensational! The highlight dish of the lunch. The salmon was very nice with beautiful subtle purees on the side. For main was butterfish with almonds or the iranian chicken leg in rice. The chicken rice dish wasn't to my liking. The smokey flavour was a bit overpowering and very little chicken in the dish. The butterfish was well cooked and succulent. The crispy skin on top however was a bit fatty tasting. Very nice restaurant. The staff were attentive and the setting lovely.

R

Reuben Aitchison

Zomato Mar 12, 2014

0.0

Mid-East Magic. I'm always a little nervous when I see imagery of dishes that appear more art than sustenance, but then I remember that eating is not about fuel or sustenance for me - it is about sensation, it is about flavour, it is about texture. A business lunch at Maha the other day provided a number of wow moments around our table. From the rare slivers of wagyu with crispy kale to the 12-hour lamb shoulder, the combination of flavours and textures was sublime. My only disappointment was leaving the restaurant without sampling one of their Turkish delight-filled doughnuts. But that gives me a great reason to go back again. Superb eating, attractive surrounds and excellent service.

F

Food Is Life 👌

Zomato Mar 12, 2014

2.0

We booked the $40 food and wine festival express menu and as soon as we sat down, our waitress accused me of not specifiying this on the phone when I 100 per cent did. Really didn't appreciate that at all, esp. as she went on about it and was wrong! That aside, food was good.

B

Brillat_Savarin

Zomato Mar 11, 2014

4.5

Friendly and honest service, excellent food, great wine pairing - thanks for a wonderful night Shane

G

Gabn

Zomato Mar 11, 2014

4.5

Thankyou for sharing your experience. Went with some special friends on Sunday for a catch up & birthday celebration. What a fantastic experience. The food was beautiful - you know when you have those wonderful flavour matches that make you smile inside. The staff were friendly & shared their knowledge with enthusiasm. Brilliant idea to take your spice journey from the screen to the plate Shane - thankyou

K

K C G

Zomato Mar 08, 2014

4.5

Hadn't been here before but decided to take a group of friends in the hope that it didn't disappoint ... And it definitely didn't. What a fantastic meal! Had the restaurant express. Between us we tried the falafel, barramundi and chicken leg with Iranian smoked rice. Falafel blew everyone's socks off as did the fish. Chicken dish wasn't as good - but still OK. Peppermint tea was delicious. Service was spectacular. I really rate Maha and can't wait to come back :-)

S

Sallyekong

Zomato Mar 05, 2014

4.5

Amazing. Maha is a unique dining experience in many ways. From the moment we were seated, our waiter (the wonderful Brad) asked whether we were here for a special occasion. It was my birthday, so we advised Brad of this. We chose one of the banquet options and every dish that came out was not only unique in presentation, but flavour and ingredients as well. But any moments of awkward staring and thinking "umm, how do you eat this?" were quickly relieved by Brad, who carefully explained what each dish was and how to eat it. Towards the end of the meal, Brad came out of the kitchen with a sparkler and a macaron looking dessert on a plate, and sang Happy Birthday. Maha is exceptional. The service is first class and so is the food. I suppose you could argue that given its prices, it needs to be, but I think it's very difficult for upper class restaurants to make regular diners feel comfortable, which Maha does very well. And this is what sets it apart from the rest.

L

Luibelui

Zomato Mar 02, 2014

4.5

What more can we say but amazing!!! The menu looked amazing but there were a few things that we didn't eat (shellfish) and the kitchen were more than happy to change it for another option. Everything was flavourful and delicious. Every dish was better than the next. It was a flavour explosion. The desserts were up die for and the service impeccable. I can't wait toxins back on our next holiday to beautiful Melbourne.

U

Uroldoc

Zomato Mar 01, 2014

5.0

Delia delights. Shane, things are humming along. Brilliant service, flavour explosion-cooking from the heart is always appreciated His prompt response to urbanspoon reviews highlight his appreciation of his clientele

O

Olivia Baillie

Zomato Feb 26, 2014

4.5

... I hope they have changed the menu because I would love an excuse to go back! It was a bit pricey, but it was definitely worth it for the quality of food and service. Quality over quantity is always a good rule to follow!

M

Melludee

Zomato Feb 24, 2014

4.5

I think Ashley would agree with me that everything in this first course was absolutely delicious. From the hummus to the salmon, everything was so divine that I’m fairly sure we licked those plates clean (save the olives). The second course came out with hardly any wait between; and after our delectable first course, we were super excited!

F

Foodinfocusz

Zomato Feb 22, 2014

0.0

Wonderful food, flavours and good service at this very popular restaurant. This visit even better than the last, if that’s possible!

H

Hunt4r

Zomato Feb 20, 2014

4.5

Perfect!. Loved it!

L

Lisa Booey

Zomato Feb 18, 2014

4.5

My favourite go to restaurant for fine dining. Consistently flavoursome and decadent with perfect service and timing. Went yesterday and was ecstatic to see Shane floating around and extraditing. It was my birthday and my partner asked if he could sign his cookbook for me. Thankfully he did and I'm happy to say Shane is very humble and a genuinely nice and funny person. Thanks a lot and will be sure to return soon!

N

Nick

Zomato Feb 18, 2014

0.0

Terrible. We were given a gift voucher for our wedding for Maha. My wife fell pregnant and wasn't due until after the voucher expired. We were told by Maha that we could extend without a problem. We tried booking for this weekend but have been told TOO BAD as it's now under new management/ownership. 'IT DOESN'T TAKE 12 MONTHS TO HAVE A KID' were the exact words from the new owner Shane. Absolutely appalled by the service, so incredibly rude. We were also told that we had a nerve calling and wasting their staffs' time. What a shame. Wish we could give a negative star rating.

S

S And D

Zomato Feb 16, 2014

4.5

Plates of Heaven. We went to Maha last night for my Birthday. From the great atmosphere to the flavours in every dish, the meal was magnificent. When taking our drinks order, the waitress politely advised us that our table was re-booked. This meant that we would have a set time limit to eat. We weren't aware of this when we booked or when we confirmed the booking. There must have been a communication breakdown at some point because she seemed to believe that it was something that we should have already known. The waitress came back to let us know that she would try to keep us at the table for as long as possible. We opted for the five course menu and I went for the matched wine option while my wife had the Rose Water Lemonade. The soup came as a bowl of the dry ingredients with a corn bread dumpling and the waiter poured the soup over the dry ingredients at the table. A nice touch that made the course a little more special. The second and third courses were delicious. The third course in particular came with Iranian rice which was the best rice I've ever tasted. Then came the fourth. The shared plates of Barramundi and Lamb with fattoush and pilaf. At this point we were getting pretty full, but didn't want to surrender. Let's just say we were thankful that these dishes were shared. After the dishes for the fourth course were collected, a new waitress came to the table and said "okay, are you ready to move to the lounge?" We were surprised by this, because we hadn't heard anything after the first waitress had said that she would try to keep us at our table for as long as possible and we had noticed that the restaurant was not full. So we picked up our drinks and relocated to the lounge where our dessert was served. As delicious as it was, we quickly ate it and left. The lounge is suited for cocktails or coffee, but the set-up and the people smoking in the street above us (with the windows open) didn't make the dessert as pleasant as the other courses. In all, the meal was fantastic and the service was extremely professional and attentive. The matched wines all came with a story about where the wine was made and how they complimented the dishes. The only issue with the matched wine was that, because of the time-limit, five glasses of wine in two hours made for a very happy diner and meant that my wife was driving home. We will definitely be returning to Maha as it is truly something special. Next time, we will be making sure that our booking is not one that has the re-booking time limit. Other than that minor issue, Maha is a 10/10.

A

AH

Zomato Feb 15, 2014

5.0

Maha is undoubtedly my favourite restaurant in Melbourne! I have been here on several occasions and it never fails to disappoint! Every single thing that comes out of the kitchen is to die for, especially the 12 hour slow roasted lamb shoulder! The homemade chai is the perfect way to finish a meal too! What tops it all off is the exceptional service; honestly the best service in Melbourne! Had my birthday lunch here and the dessert even came out with a sparkler in it, what a way to make me feel special! The ambience is also very cosy and I highly recommend Maha to all!

P

Penny

Zomato Feb 15, 2014

4.5

Excellent. Never a disappointing meal! Atmosphere, food and service is second to none. Thank you!

A

Angela

Zomato Feb 14, 2014

0.0

Great middle eastern food. We had a family dinner at Maha in late 2013. Although pricy for meal size, the food was good, as was the service. Look forward to all dining there again.

J

Jasmine Foley

Zomato Feb 12, 2014

4.5

Shane Delialicious. I recently took some Queensland friends to Maha for a night out. I've got a five month old baby and am largely under house arrest nowadays, so I was very excited to be let out of the house with the promise of good food and wine (lots of wine!). I'd seen all of Shane Delia's Spice Journey shows and had high expectations. And I wasn't let down. The parking was easy, directly across from the restaurant. The staff were very helpful and crawling all over the place. If you threw a rock in any direction you'd be highly likely to hit a staff member squarely in the forehead, theres so many of them everywhere. There was one cute waiter in particular who had a penchant for adverbs and adjectives when describing the wines. I didn't understand much of what he said, but the wine he recommended was delicious. And he was easy on the eyes so I enjoyed listening to his descriptive although indecipherable explanations. The shared menu was fantastic. We had the four course dinner which was plenty of food. The variety of flavours was great and each course seemed to outdo the last. After the last savoury plate was almost licked clean, the waiter offered to bring us more meat. I like those waiters. Then dessert came. I was seriously looking forward to the turkish delight doughnut but was very very surprised by the watermelon and beetroot, peppermint crisp icecream and rosewater ice. On the menu, this didn't excite me but on the table - oh my god - it was like a swingers party in my mouth! There was a whole lot of excitement going on in there...... Shane...... Can you make me a bucket of that stuff? And that brings me to my final part of the night. Shane. Ah Shane. Who doesn't love a celebrity chef to impress friends from country bumpkin Brisbane? Shane greeted us and posed for a photo! He even waved at me when I honked my car horn at him at the end of the night (Hey I'm a crazy housebound sleep deprived mother..... I can honk my horn). My only regret is not buying his cookbook. Shane, if you read this, can you send me a free signed copy. Make sure the watermelon dessert recipe is in there. Overall, great night, great food, great wine, great staff and great atmosphere. I will definitely go back when next I'm allowed out of the house.

H

Helen

Zomato Feb 09, 2014

4.5

Definitely go!. We had a birthday celebration - 4 of us - and we chose Maha. We did the 4 or 5 course set menu and we loved it all. Everything was great - such amazing flavours, my only disappointment was the sardine dish which just didn't do it for me. Definitely worth a visit - great food and the staff were excellent without exception. It was also great to see Shane Delia on the floor - his passion for food is so inspiring. It's not the cheapest of places but it has a lovely ambience, not too noisy and it's well worth the expense.

M

MissyNess

Zomato Feb 06, 2014

0.0

This is one of those place I use to go for lunch all the time (burger special) when I worked in the city. Headed up by Shane Delia, it is considered one of the top restaurants in Melbourne. With a great middle eastern atmosphere to match the food, this place is great for a night out or date. We got the 4 course shared menu and before i even go further, it was heaps of food and we were full to the brim. - See more at: http://missyness.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/maha.html#sthash.UxNSTUSC.dpuf

C

ChrisR

Zomato Feb 05, 2014

4.5

Unexpected. Wow this restaurant is something special. The food can be a bit challenging but in a very good way. The familiar and very unfamiliar harmoniously co-exist. We had the 5 course fixed menu and each course was a taste revelation.For me 4 courses would have been enough quantity wise but the taste parings in each course were so "confronting" it was worth sampling it all. The sommelier "Will "was a real enthusiast and certainly had a left field take on wines ,they were fantastic. So for the adventurous put yourself in his hands. The Whiskey Sour cocktail at the bar was inventive and very successful.Waitresses were so-so bar staff great...George and the manager certainly know how to make dining a welcoming experience.

L

Larissa Troy

Zomato Feb 01, 2014

2.0

Not entirely sure how I feel about my experience at Maha. Having the first child free weekend away in 3 years, my husband and I decided a trip to Melbourne was the way to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary and my birthday. As I am a massive fan of Shane Delia's cooking I was adamant that dinner would be at Maha. Having tried to book a table a week or 2 in advance, I was told that the restaurant was full. I left my details but never heard back. Needless to say I was surprised to hear that another couple staying in our hotel managed to get a last minute booking. Upon calling to see if I could get a table I explained that I had been trying to book for weeks and was told I was put on the wait list but never heard back. The manager could accommodate but only 'fit' us in at 9pm. I explained that we were coming for special occasions and she assured us that we would be looked after. The restaurant was buzzing and the atmosphere was great. We had the 4 courses matched with wines. The service was attentive and all the staff waiting on us knew we were there for 2 special occasions and a very rare weekend away. Tara told me that she would get Shane to come and say hello and I had intended to buy his cookbook and hoped I could have it signed. I was excited to be able to get the chance to meet my favourite chef. I was told that as it was my birthday I'd get a special treat from the kitchen and saw plenty of other people receive their treat. As the night drew to an end we finished our meals and drinks, got the bill and finally left at about midnight. We received no promised 'treat' and needless to say that I didn't get to meet Shane as promised. It was clear by the reaction of the staff I spoke to that it had all been forgotten when I mentioned it while waiting for our taxi. I left without my book, without my birthday treat and feeling a bit underwhelmed. The whole experience could have been a lot better had we not been forgotten or given promises that could not be delivered. Would I go back? Not sure. However if I did, I'd hope to be looked after as originally promised.

D

Dillington

Zomato Feb 01, 2014

4.5

Have just finished our meal in Maha and while not the best food I've ever had, it was a very close call. We had the four course set menu with wines to match and it was exceptional. The quality of the food was great and the service fantastic. The floor staff are knowledgable but honest as to the limit of that knowledge. They are also friendly, personable and professional. A lovely way to spend our 10th wedding anniversary. Will definitely be back.

B

Bree

Zomato Feb 01, 2014

4.5

Visited this restaurant last night and was amazed by the quality and variety of food, ambience and impeccable service! We chose the 6 course menu (my partner had matching wines) and is was divine! Could not fault a single dish - flavours and variety of middle eastern inspired dishes were fabulous. I am also pregnant and mentioned this at the time of booking to ensure the menu would be appropriate and nothing was too much trouble - didn't even need to mention again on arrival - was very well catered for. Highlight of the night was meeting my food inspiration himself - Shane Delia! What a kind, down to earth talented guy! It also appears that all the staff enjoy working at Maha, everyone very friendly with the interactions with one another - a well run restaurant! Cannot wait to visit again for our next special celebration....do yourself a favour and make a booking at Maha!

B

Blergh!

Zomato Jan 25, 2014

4.5

Wow! Just wow!. We had such a fantastic time - the food was brilliant, the care and detail that went into each dish demonstrated the pride that all the staff have in their establishment. We simply couldn't fault a single thing! The waitstaff were friendly, attentive but not in your face, our water glasses were always full, and empty plates cleared promptly. The portions were well thought out and just big enough to leave you satisfied (although I didn't have room for my much desired Turkish Delight Martini). Everyone seemed to be having a great time, including the staff (I was watching them interact and they all seemed happy to be there together). Thank you to Shane and his whole team for making our anniversary so special. The gorgeous cake with the sparkler was a lovely surprise. And thank in Shane for autographing our book - I look forward to trying the recipe for your donuts! We can't add any photos - so busy eating that just forgot to even take a single photo!

J

Jaymie

Zomato Jan 12, 2014

4.5

Nice food, Questionnable service. A group of 5, we booked dinner for the first night of service following the Xmas break. When we arrived, our table was not yet ready so we were shown to the bar where the bar staff were great in accommodating us. Our waitress approached to let us know that our table was ready however we were waiting on our drinks. She did not come to get us, meaning that we had to ask staff to let her know that we were ready. The food was lovely, we ordered the 6 course banquet and shared a lovely bottle of French wine. The major let down was our waitress' attitude - it seemed as though explaining our courses was a severe inconvenience to her, let alone coming to fill up our water glasses - this required many requests on the part of each person in our party. The music was absolutely terrible - how does Asain rap fit into the Middle Eastern experience? It was so loud we had to ask staff to turn it down. All in all a nice night, but several let downs.

R

RMC

Zomato Jan 04, 2014

0.0

Great stuff. Had an end of year function here and the flavours were fantastic. I would definitely go there again. My only slight issue was the portion sizes, but the flavour more than compensated for that.

F

Foodlover

Zomato Jan 01, 2014

4.5

Great New Years in. My partner and I joined a couple of our friends to spend New Years Eve at Maha Restaurant. Our initial impression of the restaurant was good. It's set below ground on Bond Street. We had a slight wait for our table to become available, perhaps reflecting the popularity of the venue, but were seated reasonably quickly. As we were sat our waiter showed excellent sales technique to offer the ladies in the party the current house cocktail, whilst my friend and I tried a beer, one from Turkey and one from Lebanon, all of which were quality. The food selection was impressive, and it being a special occasion we went for the 8 course set meal, with myself and friend also taking the sommelier selected wine to go with each course. Wow, what a dinner! Special mention must go to the corn soup with chicken kibbee (sp?), which was topped by the wagyu beef, and when we thought it couldnt get any better, the main course of 12 hour roasted lamb was out of this world! The style is very relaxed, so even though we hadnt finished our meal by midnight, there was no issue from the staff to popping outside to see the fireworks at midnight, then returning for the final two desert courses afterwards. My friend an I decided we would complete the night with Arabic coffee and Strawberry shisha, so were shown through to a small lounge area to have this. By this time, after 7 or 8 glasses of wine that came with each course we were very merry, and all agreed at the success of the evening and how well we had fared. Big kudos must go to Jason and Ross who kept us well supplied with wine and food. They were both well presented, courteous but not aloof, knowledgeable, and professional. We didnt get to see the celebrated chef Delia, though the place was doing a roaring trade so he was likely busy in the kitchen, and what a fine job he was doing. We will definitely recommend Maha to our friends, especially for celebrating a special occasion. The place is quite simply a gem

H

Hungryeyes13

Zomato Jan 01, 2014

4.5

Awesome. Great food and impeccable service! I'm obsessed with the slow cooked lamb and the dessert platters!

J

Julia Eats Melbourne

Zomato Jan 01, 2014

0.0

Maha fell short of my expectations. By no means am I saying that Maha isn't a nice restaurant but when you look at what you pay versus what you get Maha doesn't come out on top. Firstly, I must say that the service was friendly and prompt. Unfortunately when it came to the dishes we ordered nothing was exceptional. Nothing was bad either it's just that nothing stood out. The thing that most surprised us was how small the main dishes were. For the price ($40) we simply couldn't' believe that the roast snapper was so small! We were expecting an entire fish by the way it was written up on the menu but was was barely the size of two mouthfuls! The lamb was nice but again the flavours weren't very complex and I can easily cook a lamb shoulder in the oven that tastes just like this. Given the fact I can't rave about the food I can't give this restaurant a thumbs up nor can I give it a thumbs down based on the service. I'll leave my review as neutral and leave it for others to decide. Unfortunately, it's unlikely that we'll return to Maha.

C

Carlo Di Martino

Zomato Dec 25, 2013

4.5

Christmas at Maha. I've dined at Maha several times and always been amazed at the quality, presentation, service and overall value for money of the food and wine and the Christmas lunch was no exception. It was beautifully conceived and perfectly presented and served and all special dietary requirements in our large family group were well catered for. Congratulations to everyone at Maha for another perfect dining experience!

M

Mxwalker1958

Zomato Dec 20, 2013

0.0

Had a great night !. This was my first visit back to Maha after first going when the restaurant first opened. I had a great night then and my second visit did not disappoint. We had the 4 course soufra and it was delicious and there was plenty of food. My wife has a nut allergy so all her portions were delivered nut free. We will be back again soon and it won't be so long between visits. Thanks Shane !

S

Sam

Zomato Dec 18, 2013

0.0

Nice food let down by decor. Good food and quite good value for money considering the number of dishes we ordered. I would definitely come back again for the food. Good, competent although not very engaging staff. Very let down by the decor and set-up though, which looked a bit cheap and very ordinary. I felt this really detracted from the experience and wasn't to the standard I've come to expect of a quality cafe/restaurant.

D

Dan

Zomato Dec 18, 2013

0.0

We went to Maha for my bday and had the 6 course lunch. The meal was fabulous. Each dish was beautifully balanced and the flavors just great. The service was also brilliant. We came with our 2 year old and the waiters went out of their way to make our lives as easy as possible.. Just a fantastic restaurant!

L

Lee Cos

Zomato Dec 17, 2013

2.0

Disappointing Experience. We were looking forward to eating at Maha very much as we had heard and read some great reviews. The opportunity arose when we had some friends over from interstate and we wanted to take them somewhere nice to cement a memory together so we chose Maha. On arriving we were shown to our table and then just left, we didn't have menus and no one asked if we wanted drinks. As there were only three other people in the restaurant we were surprised by the lack of service. We actually had to ask someone for menus. When the food arrived we enjoyed the entree very much, but the mains left a lot to be desired. The meal was cold as it had probably been sitting on the counter too long for someone to take it to our table, as we had waited 45 mins in between entree and main. Everybody who came in after us was getting there meal before us. The fish dish was bland and had no flavour and wasn't even seasoned. I was quite embrassed to take my friends there as they are used to fine dining restaurants and this experience was anything but fine dining. To top it off the waitress was rude and disinterested it was obvious the boss wasn't in the house. I don't mind paying for good food and service but when you are on a limited income and have put aside money to experience anything less it goes against the grain. I would really like to give it another go, but if I get the same experience as I had, I would be just throwing good money away.

W

Wonder

Zomato Dec 12, 2013

0.0

So disapointed - amazing food let down by very poor service. Having watched all the of the Spice Journey shows, purchasing the Maha cookbook and loving it, then waiting quite a while for a booking on a night that suited the whole family, I really wanted to love Maha, but unfortunately the extremely poor service let the restaurant down on the night. Our night started badly with a waiter pouring bottled sparkling and flat water into our glasses a few minutes after we sat down without asking our preference or welcoming us to the restaurant. We did think it was unusual, and were discussing how she decided who got flat and who got sparkling but didn’t follow up with a staff member, about 15 mins later the same waiter came back and apologised because she had gone to the wrong table. We were then given the wine list and the sommelier introduced himself and asked if we wanted any assistance, we thought this was great and opted for a Lebanese white at his suggestion. Unfortunately we weren’t then provided with the meal menus for another 30 minutes, and it hadn’t been explained to us that a number of the meal options also came with an accompanying wine option – to get the most out of our experience we definitely would have gone with this option, but as we were already on our first glasses of the bottle we had purchased it was too late. Two of the four of us opted for the Spice Journey meal, and while the food was amazing the wait in between meals was far too long, our booking was for 7.15pm and we didn’t finish our meals until after 11pm. There was also no explanation of any of the dishes, which given this meal was linked to the Spice Journey shows, it would have been great to hear the inspiration and which region or country was behind each dish. To top off the poor service, we hadn’t had anyone come and ask if we would like more wine for over an hour and when the 12hr lamb dish came out and my glass was still empty, I called the waiter over and asked for another glass of wine to accompany my meal, assuming we had completed our bottle I opted for a single glass of another wine which was promptly served. We finished the meal and finally had desert and offered tea and coffee to finish which we declined, only a few minutes later to have the sommelier come over and let us know we still had over a glass of wine in the bottle and did we want to finish it!! The other two members of our party also had their drinks order forgotten and had to call a waiter over and reorder. Given all the great reviews I’m assuming we got the restaurant on a bad night, and while the food was great, for the price of our meal, and that it was celebrating a special event we were left very disappointed.

T

Trung.le83

Zomato Dec 09, 2013

0.0

Exceptional. Hi This is my first review. I just wanted to Thank Maha for a great evening on our anniversary. Beautiful food and great service.

M

MikhaelfBlue

Zomato Dec 07, 2013

4.5

The Burger and Beef Lunch Special at Maha is obviously popular and I doubt it will be going anywhere soon. Had the beef pattie been a notch less salty, I would have considered it one of Melbourne's best burgers.

A

Anuj Batra

Zomato Dec 07, 2013

4.5

Had a wonderful dining experience! The food and cocktails suggested were amazing and the service was exceptional too. Even my 20mnth old son was treated like a special guest! Cant wait to go back and have this experience all over again!

T

Thelionheartlily

Zomato Dec 06, 2013

0.0

Wonderful. I am a big fan of Middle Eastern style food already and this place met and exceeded every expectation. It is _THE BOMB_! We had the four course meal and although the portions were not gigantic, there was a decent variety and number of thoughtfully put together dishes. This meant that we were so stuffed by the end of it we were practically rolling out of the restaurant. There was excellent service, excellent food, sophisticated decor and a lively atmosphere. It was simply a wonderful place to dine at.

G

Gradmania

Zomato Dec 04, 2013

4.5

Amazing experience. Finally, after having been a fan of Shane Delia and wanting to dine at Maha for years now, I had the chance on my recent trip to Melbourne. Even better, I was able to celebrate my 5-year anniversary with my partner. We were not disappointed. We went on Saturday night and the atmosphere was great - always a good sign to find a restaurant packed with people enjoying themselves. Also great to see Shane himself walk the floor overlooking things. The menu has a variety of banquets but you can order ala carte as well - we chose this option and had a shared "small plates" entree, which was very enjoyable. But the mains were spectacular - I had the wagyu which was richly marbled and cooked to creamy perfection, and by rights should have been the dish of the night if it weren't for the tea smoked duck. This was about as good as it gets - if you're a fan of duck or you've been to Maha before and not tried it then you're going to have to go back and take care of that. The depth of flavour is quite incredible. We finished the meal with the famous turkish delight donuts which are every bit as good as people say they are, and a wonderful dessert featuring "chocolate soil". All in all this was a meal and experience we won't soon forget - we expected something brilliant and somehow got even better than that. Many thanks to all at the restaurant!

C

Cheerful

Zomato Dec 03, 2013

2.0

It was very disappointing V.... It was very disappointing Very overpriced The lamb shoulder was plain and tasteless I went with my family we are from the Middle East and the food was too more plain and tasteless to be called middle eastern fusion Very confusing menu Very very small portions Very disappointing experience will not be back

J

Janice Lee

Zomato Dec 01, 2013

4.5

An unforgettable experience. Went to Maha to celebrate my best friend's birthday and we had the 6 course vegan degustation. It was amazing!! The dishes were a little on the salty side, but it was still amazing! Great wait staff - everyone was knowledgeable about the food and everyone was really friendly. Great atmosphere & I can't wait to come back for more. I left Maha with a more than satisfied belly, a smile on my face and it was an unforgettable night... a huge thank you to everyone at Maha!

F

Fernandop76

Zomato Nov 30, 2013

4.5

Great service and food. Last night my partner and I had a reservation at Maha in Melbourne. I have very strict dietary requirements at the moment and thought I'd be eating salad for dinner but was delighted that our waiter Ross was very accommodating in offering to suit my dietary needs. He remembered all of my long list of no no's and organized a fantastic customised four course meal. The food was excellent and experience was better so a big thanks to Ross and the team at Maha. This was our 2nd visit in the past few years and this was even better than the first time. One of my favourites, I'd easily recommend, we'll definitely return and look forward to chef Shane Delia's food and Ross' excellent service once again. Fernando

S

Spoonfuls Of Wanderlust

Zomato Nov 26, 2013

4.5

This is a photoview post (contains mostly photos only). Value? The 'soufra' was excellent value! Would we go back? Yes - perfect for celebrations and special occasions.

P

Paul

Zomato Nov 23, 2013

4.5

Last week I was lucky enough to spend a memorable night here for my birthday. Whilst not having tried many middle-eastern cuisines in the past to compare, I was in awe of the uniqueness and beautiful flavours of all 6 dishes I was presented. I can see why the restaurant has established such a good name for itself. The service was exceptional and the staff were well trained in the dishes. Furthermore, the meals we tried were all vegan which made it even better, despite not being a vegan. I am not sure this is one of the cheaper restaurants but if it is quality you are after, I promise this is an experience you won't forget.

S

Shil1402

Zomato Nov 23, 2013

4.5

We were here last night for my partners birthday...and lets just say I was definitely in the good books when we left. We chose to sample what was on offer, ordering the Latifa degustation. What a wonderful array of flavours we experienced - each of the six course was amazing. While he didn't know it, when Shane took the time to say hello to us he made my partners night...when did chefs become rock stars ;) I now have a new favourite restaurant.

D

Dflawless

Zomato Nov 21, 2013

4.5

My wife and I celebrated our 3rd wedding Anniversary at Maha, and we had a fantastic night! Great ambience, and a memorable dining experience. Our waitress Anna, was outstanding. In fact she was one of the main reasons why our experience was made so memorable. Answered every question we had, fullfilled all of our requests and over delivered with absolute professionalism. The slow cooked lamb is amazing, definitely going back for that! Thank you again Maha for making our night memorable. D & M.

J

Jenstarhurst

Zomato Nov 21, 2013

0.0

Highly Recommend and Will be back. Hi Shane and team, I was at Maha last night with some friends and we had the Latifa food journey and it was nothing short of amazing. The flavours of all courses were delicious and was hard to choose a favourite. The whole Maha experience was fantastic. The staff were friendly and very knowledgable on the whole menu. The night was topped off with Shane coming to have a short chat. I look forward to coming back again with my husband. Thanks again and I certainly will be back. Cheers Jenni

A

A Chronicle Of Gastronomy

Zomato Nov 20, 2013

0.0

The fluffy and slightly sweet tasting buns had been toasted on one side and the patty was charred but still moist. Fried shallots added a bit of a crunch and the cheese and basturma gave the burger a nice flavour hit. The olive mayo was presented as a dollop on the upper bun so had to be spread out with a knife. It was indeed a very good burger, and I particularly liked the bread. The patty was quite thick, which made it impossible to fit the burger in my mouth. My mind kept thinking back to the uni lecture where we learnt about people dislocating temporomandibular joints from trying to bite too-tall burgers top to bottom. The only quibbles I had were that some edges of the patty were a bit too charred and the mayo was a tad salty, especially when eaten together with the basturma.

N

Nancyc

Zomato Nov 20, 2013

0.0

Each bite boasted a mouthful of flavour that truly represented Middle Eastern cuisine – Fresh and bold, satisfying, yet somewhat mysterious.

S

Sarah

Zomato Nov 12, 2013

4.5

Food absolutely amazing. Was disappointed that we got charged $6 each for a glass of sparkling water, which not all of us had and was not made aware that it was at a cost. Also our alcoholic drinks were $19 each outrageous! Obviously you go there expecting to spend slit, but because you are paying that much to charge extras like that is just annoying!

P

Phillip McKay

Zomato Nov 11, 2013

0.0

Top shelf. Expect nothing else from George. Have been to Press Club many times and have always wanted to go to Maha. Anniversary dinner seemed like the perfect excuse to give it a go. Highlights: Every course but the duck was outstanding Lowlights: Very little, perhaps the service at times could of been better Overall very good and well worth a visit

P

Pritty_2000

Zomato Nov 07, 2013

0.0

Amazing!. A few of us went to Maha last night. We opted for the Latifa menu and what a great menu it was. I had high expectations (I have heard so much about how great it is) and they were defiantly met! Food was delicious, amazing and delicate and I was itching for the next course every time. To top off the night, Shane Delia came to introduce himself to us and he was delightful! Amazing job Shane :)

B

Brenton Woods

Zomato Nov 07, 2013

0.0

I went to Maha for lunch with work colleague a little over a month ago and the food was amazing! I took my partner there for her 30th birthday last Monday night and unfortunately was a bit disappointed. We had a few dietary requests that were unfortunately overlooked in the first 2 meals that came out. This was rectified by the waitress and new meals were brought out. The meals were not quite as good as I remembered them being last time. I am a pescan vegetarian (eat seafood and vego) but if I see something meat that I like I will still eat it. I ate the lamb the first time I was there and it was amazing! I requested to keep it in the menu this time and was a bit disappointed that it was nowhere near as good. I'm a little unsure if Maha is worth the hype and the price tag? I'm not saying it's not, just undecided....

A

Ana Truong

Zomato Nov 05, 2013

4.5

Thank you Maha!. Celebrated an anniversary last night at Maha and had a fantastic experience. The food and the ambience were amazing but I have to specifically applaud Maha for their impeccable customer service. While waiting for our dessert we had a nice little chat with one of the staff who was checking up on us (sadly uncommon these days). He congratulated us and shortly after we were brought a congratulatory cake (which tasted amazing)! I am so glad I chose Maha for this special occasion and will definitely be returning very soon! Tip: The soufra (4 courses) is plenty! We were both incredibly full halfway through dessert!

C

Chan Hsu Mei

Zomato Nov 04, 2013

2.0

Disappointed. Excellent customer service, great ambience , sadly let down by the main reason for its existence; food. The best dish was the desert the rest was bland, over sanitised, modernised, incredibly disappointing food passed of as some kind of exotic middle eastern food. I guess it is a great restaurant for some but not for those who have tasted real middle eastern food.

G

Gtlockyer

Zomato Nov 01, 2013

4.5

Fantastic evening. We went to Maha last night (oct 31st) and enjoyed the most amazing meal. We have been lucky to dine at some very nice restaurants like The Modern, Arzak and Mugaritz and I have to say the quality of food and the taste sensations were up there with the best. Would also like to thank the staff for such a relaxed approach and the lounge area for after dinner shisha was a lovely way to end the night Compliments to the chef and everyone involved!

T

Therese

Zomato Oct 27, 2013

4.5

Went for valentines day 2013 and have been a few times before that. Food is absolutely delicious. Generous servings. Down to earth fantastic customer service. The chef came out and wished us happy valentines and each couple was given a long stem red rose. Even on a non-occassion event, the food and service is perfect. A++++++++

T

The Hoffs

Zomato Oct 22, 2013

4.5

A delectable eating experience. Very enjoyable, great variety yet complimentary plates

C

Cupcake3000

Zomato Oct 18, 2013

2.0

Good service one day, not so good the next. It’s a mystery to me how I can go in one day and have a great experience at Maha then go back again and service just drops off a cliff. Had a great experience a few weeks ago when their pork belly burger deal was running – attentive staff, great burger – I left a good tip. Today I go in and for some reason the guy greeting at the door decides to ignore me at the front of the line and goes and takes the people behind me to their seats before me. Not even a ‘I’m sorry, I’ll be right back’ – just flat out ignored. Yes, there’s nothing like being dissed the moment you walk in. After a short wait a lady comes along, checks our booking and guides us to our seat, asking if we’re familiar with the burger and beer deal. I say yes, but I’d like a lime soda with my meal, not a beer (had this swap on the last visit). I’m told I can have a lemon soda. I asked ‘Can’t I have a lime soda? I had this last time I was here ’ On my last visit, the waiter prompted it as a good swap because I didn’t want beer. Unfortunately, this time I just get a silent stare like I’ve asked for something she’s never heard of. After a great deal explaining that we had it last time, she finally agrees to allow me the drink swap. At the table there are a couple of black glasses that on my last visit were generously topped up throughout our meal. But not today. We don’t even get offered table water so the glasses just sit there empty the whole time. The lime soda arrives, but its just a wedge shoved in a glass of soda, not the lovely crushed version we had last time. So I’m stabbing at the wedge with my straw trying to shred it up myself. Today’s burger deal is with beef – can’t say I enjoyed it as much as the pork belly offering, but its a tasty burger (a bit on the greasy side, though) and the chips we ordered as a side were quite nice. Still doing a great job in the kitchen. But today I leave feeling a little perplexed over the service – and definitely no tip.

A

A.

Zomato Oct 16, 2013

4.5

Saha!. Maha has been a restaurant I've been dying to try for a long time now, as I'm a huge Shane Delia fan, and I finally got around to trying it last night with a friend from out of town. From the moment I arrived to the second I left the service was impeccable; so professional and attentive. The dark timber panelling, low ceiling and dim lighting create an intimate and warm inviting atmosphere. My friend and I decided to do the Soufra and it was nothing short of amazing! It really features the diversity of Maha's middle eastern cuisine. The standouts for me from this four course meal were the hummus w/ lamb and pine nuts, pumpkin soup, delectable salmon, 12 hour slow cooked lamb, the crispy fish w/ cauliflower, fantastically spiced pilaf rice and the trio of desserts - all of which were superb but the Turkish delight doughnuts were exceptionally divine! Before our dessert was brought out we had the privilege to meet Shane who was extraordinarily lovely! A great idea to end the night was the deliciously smelling hand sanitizer our wonderful waitress provided us with, as well as the complimentary spice mix I will be sure to use. A big thank you to Shane and his outstanding staff at Maha, I will certainly be returning soon!

S

Saffron

Zomato Oct 14, 2013

4.5

Amazing. Went to Maha for a birthday and had a great night, food was amazing, wine was amazing, service was....amazing!! My only criticism would be th dishes on the degustation were a little large but most wouldn't complain about that.

A

Annie Akina Zhou

Zomato Oct 13, 2013

4.5

Came here twice for the spice road special on Sunday, amazed every time, also happy with the service, would recommend anyone to come here

L

LoveWholeFood

Zomato Oct 05, 2013

4.5

Consistently Great.. We've dined here several times, and consider it a sure thing. Consistently attentive service, excellent food and incomparable attention to detail are Maha's trademarks. Shane Delia's presence seems to ensure a much more polished and smoother running establishment than some of the other restaurants George Calombaris has a stake in. Standards have slipped slightly from the heady days of Maha's infancy, but it is still a very strong performer if you are in the mood for interesting, superbly crafted and thoroughly flavoursome Middle Eastern dishes.

K

Kateo

Zomato Oct 02, 2013

4.5

'Soufra'cking amazing!. Took some work colleagues to Maha for a 4 course Soufra lunch. An amazing selection of dishes were presented in each of the courses which consisted of 3 savoury dishes followed by dessert. It was hard to pick a favorite dish as we enjoyed all of them! Flavours were amazing and even though the dish sizes may look small you certainly walk out of there satisfied and full! Staff were fantastic too. Looking forward to going back there soon!

S

Sheepish

Zomato Sep 29, 2013

0.0

Overall, we enjoyed this dining experience, as the food was very tasty, and we left satisfied.

L

Little Babushka

Zomato Sep 27, 2013

4.5

Absolutely love this restaurant! It is right around the corner from my work so I often go there with friends for bday lunches, catch ups etc. would definetly recommend the $35 two course to anyone - you can tell them all your dietary requirements and they will bring out food to suit. Last time I went there with two friends with very different requirements and they met all of them in spectacular style. We were all extremely full and my favorite dish was the dip of duck, figs and walnuts :) just watch the $6 charge for sparkling/still water and remember to ask for tap water!

F

Foodmeo

Zomato Sep 22, 2013

2.0

Very disappointing. Whilst .... Very disappointing. Whilst I have no complaints about the food on the night- I did actually experience a rather embarrassing mishap at Maha. I celebrated my 30th birthday there on Fri night. Unbeknownst to me, my brother from Sydney had called up Maha to organise a bottle of French champagne and $100 off the bill for me and my table of 5. My brother called me today and awkwardly had to ask whether there was anything special with my dining experience at Maha and sadly I had to say no and he told me about his 'surprise'. For a so called top restaurant it seems you were unable to handle a relatively simple request for a surprise for my 30th and ruined my brother's well intentions.

T

ThatFoodie

Zomato Sep 14, 2013

4.5

Shane Delia'a restaurant is one that everyone should try. I recently celebrated my birthday with my partner here and we had a great fine dining experience. From the moment we walked in, we where greeted with great service that continued flowing throughout the night. The food was absolutely delicious. We opted for the six course meal which was PLENTY of food. The flavours in every dish where amazing. Nothing was to dry, spicy or bad tasting. Every mouthful of the food was enjoyable. The waiters were very knowledgeable on every dish and where able to explain where the ideas had come from. By the fourth course we where full but couldn't waste this delicious food as well as not soak up more if this wonderful environment. At the end of the meal they came out with a lovely birthday surprise dessert! I couldn't have asked for a better place to celebrate my birthday and have not stop boasting about the amazing quality food and staff at Maha. Shane Delia, you have done a fabulous job and I cannot wait to go back, hopefully this time you're there! Thank you for the fabulous experience

P

Paul Smith

Zomato Sep 13, 2013

4.5

Second visit, the staff are wonderful, all very helpful and obliging, great food, great atmosphere, lots of smiles everywhere.

A

Aida

Zomato Sep 10, 2013

4.5

Well...not what it used to be :( I'v visites Maha on probably 10 occasions and have always highly recommended it to friends and family. Have been absent from maha for about a year and wow, what a change. Compared to previous visits, we selected the soufra rather than the individual plates. Food has lost its "oomph", not as exciting and wait staff definitely not as attentive as previously. I will still recommend maha however will not go out of ny way to dine there. Hope this is not an experience shared by others as I am a big Delia fan!

G

Geordie

Zomato Sep 06, 2013

4.5

First trip to Maha and it lived up to all expectations. We had the Sultan menu. Too many delicious flavours to have a favourite course. Only disappointment was bad coffee at the end. Already planning our next visit...

F

Foodiecritic

Zomato Sep 01, 2013

4.5

Amazing sunday lunch for fathers day, first time there,the food was amazing, will definitely return, loved the banquet.

A

Ally Marsh

Zomato Sep 01, 2013

4.5

Beyond our expectations!!. We ordered the Latifa banquet's and had such an amazing night. Great atmosphere, great service, and mostly the food was out of this world! Our first time here and we will definitely be back. You must must must try the 12 hour cooked lamb

O

Orian Ibraheim

Zomato Aug 30, 2013

4.5

Birthday satisfaction. My father booked us in for a Sunday birthday lunch. Walking down into the restaurant the decor was so welcoming and beautiful. We had a set banquet to share between the 4 of us. Every dish that came out was enjoyable and fun to eat and I will be back again to have a dinner or another banquet!

B

Brett Costa

Zomato Aug 24, 2013

4.5

An absolute delight. When dining at better establishments in Melbourne you must come with the excitement of the adventure, it's not Friday take out I couldn't of been happier, with taste, creativity, flavour and srvice.. The experience, the atmosphere , but most of all the food by chef Shane Amazing , amazing , will be back

R

Robinvic

Zomato Aug 13, 2013

0.0

Mahaha all the way to the bank. By the time you reach the bottom of the stairs you know that this expensive fitout is about recouping investment and cashflow. The overstructured meu options ensure a minimum spend and the tiny portions of lowest cost product emphasises that it is all about the dollar. The thinnest slice of meat on an even slimmer piece of parsnip and that is a main course. A selection of entrees consisted of 1 oyster, one thimble of soup (why even bother with cauliflower soup?) olives and hummus. Now that is really inventive - what about cheap and stingy? This is all about bragging rights.

P

Peter

Zomato Aug 03, 2013

0.0

Mission Accomplished. Shane, Let me begin by admitting my fear of eating out, I can not tell you the amount of disappointment I have experienced here in Melbourne with restaurants attempting to cook and serve food... I come from an ethnic background and have been brought up around food, food and more food so you will understand that food is a very serious part of our lives as we continue to follow our ancestors' traditions in recipes and presentation. Any attempt to deviate or modify the cuisine is quickly condemned. Now, 3 weeks ago when my wife made a mention of trying Maha, I jumped straight onto your website. The words "he skilfully redefines the ancient cuisine through fine dining" scared the hell out of me!! You can imagine my heart rate rising and blood pressure belting in my temples 'THE FEAR' and 'DISSAPOINTMENT' kicked in. I tried to convince my wife to perhaps look at maybe choosing another restaurant but her hart was set on Maha. So 3 weeks later, there we were, 6:05pm Friday night at Maha.... Well let me tell you, your team of chefs are nothing less than some of the finer chef's in Melbourne, (ONLY A FOOL WOULD THINK OTHERWISE) and your floor staff could not be faulted. By the time I had eaten my 'chicken kibbeh, mussel, prawn and scallop moghrabieh,and my ' boat smugglers stew' I was well into my middle eastern journey of tantalising flavours and did not look back once. Your walnut crusted beef cheek is some thing that can not be described in words but if I tried... (Flawless) Your 'rangers valley wagu & 12 hour lamb with the fattouche exceeded expectations by a mile and just when I thought it could not possibly get any better; we received our ' frozen baklava'. ( I was lost for words). Shane, congratulations on a huge success in redefining the ancient cuisine and thankyou for sharing it. Well done!!

L

Linda Wataszczuk

Zomato Jul 28, 2013

4.5

Delicious Dinner. Dined at Maha last night for the first time and was impressed with service, food and wine. We had the 6 course Latifa menu and enjoyed every mouthful. It was really good to see Shane working the room, unfortunately he didn't personally visit our table but he seemed just as affable as he does on his SBS tv series and great to have such a hands-on presence from the owner. We had the early 6 pm sitting and were not rushed at all. Left around 8.45 pm feeling very satisfied. Recommended highly.

C

Cafe Talk

Zomato Jul 26, 2013

0.0

Probably Need to Go Back!. Our 40th Wedding Anniversary last year and where to go for lunch? Family insisting on Maha. So off we went expecting the continuing raves for Maha. Had booked; shown to table by friendly staff and couldn't wait for the fabulousness to begin. Remarked that the table for 2 seemed small for what we expected to get. Chose 4 course Soufra. From beginning to end we were so undelighted by the food. Were we to be thinking "how fab, or unusual or have you ever had middle eastern or other food before? Main course came and we just looked at each other, thinking, seriously? There were 2 pieces of fish , like fish finger size and I asked the waitress where my chicken was as I didnt want the fish as explained earlier? Oh, we will have to make some up and it will be a while and I said no probs! Really.I was starving! such small portions/twee comes to mind. Charge extra.That's fine. Dessert. Something like porridge? Then we were presented with a choc square? with a sparkler and asked if we knew of ???(our daughter's name) who in turn had rung Maha from Paris(France) to insist that to take care of whatever her parents wanted. Sweet! Nephew, addict to Maha's food, asked if we got a "gift" to take home? as they always do that? Aside from that I am thrilled to see Shane back at the helm and participating on this review board. You don't have to be in the food industry like us ( for 35 years) to expect respectful food, decent portions even for a Soufra, an obvious adoration to please the patron, but this day , sadly was one to remember for all the wrong reasons.

E

Eat Tweet Love

Zomato Jul 24, 2013

4.5

Went here last Thursday for my birthday & after living overseas for a couple of years decided I wanted to go back to an old favourite.... Did not disappoint, still as I remember which I was thankful for given some of the recent reviews have been a bit negative. If you are thinking about the 8 courses be sure to come hungry!!

A

Asif Eliyas

Zomato Jul 23, 2013

0.0

Perfect. Hi I have been to Maha a few times now, never been disappointed going back this Thursday night, Shane keep up the good work, it is the best middle eastern fine dining restaurant in Melbourne, the flavours are great, I do not eat pork or ham and Shane always has organised other stuff, which has been mind blowing. the caviar was great, the slow cooked lamb is to die for, I would recommend the soufra as 4 course is enough for me. A BIG THUMBS UP, GREAT FOOD, REMINDS ME OF THE MIDDLE EAST WITH A TOUCH OF EXOTIC CLASS. SEE YOU THURSDAY SHANE :) the best donuts with Turkish delight

A

Andi

Zomato Jul 22, 2013

4.5

Great!. Went there on late notice for partners birthday after previously seeing the owners cooking show on tv. The food was delicious! The service was lovely if slightly too busy. We did the 6 course meal and we were soo full afterwards. The foods had great unique flavours and presented well. Can't wait to go back. Pricey yes, delicious yes, worth it yes...

J

Jbomb

Zomato Jul 19, 2013

0.0

Decor a hit! Burger a miss (so is the music). Went there with a few work friends today for their lunch time burger + beer deal. Was disappointed to find that they don't offer gluten free alternatives as the patties themselves weren't gluten free. The beer was nice and light but the burger is a miss! The chicken burger was so greasy and so were the fries we ordered. The prosciuto that came in the burger seem unneccessary as its flavor almost overpowered the patties. One thing that was missing in that burger is something fresh - like lettuce/tomatoes of some sort. or maybe throw a salad in the mix. Combined with the greasiness it was hard for me to eat the whole burger. The patties by themselves though were nice, but the combination of mushroom mayo, swisse cheese and chicken patties is a fail. Heard many good things about maha but dissapointed with this particular visit. Might come back for dinner though to give it another go.

T

The Crow

Zomato Jul 16, 2013

2.0

Chicken Out. Second time at Maha after an 18 month lay off and i have to say it was disappointing. Casual service is fine as long as attention to detail remains, water poured at the table but no bottled alternative offered - picky yes but at premium prices i think you can afford to be. The food in the main was fine and we had a set 3 course with matching wines at lunch. Unfortunately the"middle eastern scotch egg" which was a combination of chicken and chickpea was served with the chicken still raw . I am unsure if this dish would have worked as it was obviously inedible and we decided to take a pass when the waitresses offered to return with another one. Hey it was an error and these things happen but it always perplexes me that a restaurant can simply say at the time of presenting the bill that they have not charged for the course that was inedible. Surely this is a given and i would have thought some sort of service recovery would have been appropriate, certainly from a restaurant of this standing.

M

Melbournesque

Zomato Jul 14, 2013

2.0

Disappointed Return.... I had been to Maha 3 years ago and raved about my experience. This time I was so disappointed. We went for a friends Birthday.The decor seemed tired, the table unset, the hospitality staff continually rushed their description of what was being served ( we had ordered a selection ) and the food disappointing all round. Broken plates hit the floor somewhere in the distance during a small disappointing dessert and for the cost I can find so much better.

P

Pia Major

Zomato Jul 06, 2013

2.0

A beautifully presented restaurant with a lovely interior and cosy warm furnishings. The food though was questionable. A mish mash of flavours and a confused menu. Our 6 course menu left us feeling full and sickly in the stomach from the richness of many of the courses. Not sure that I will return.

L

Lala N' Paw Paw

Zomato Jul 06, 2013

4.5

Wow.. We had the Sultan's Feast with matching wines, what a meal. So much good food, do yourself a favor and don't eat lunch. The food was amazing, there was no such thing as a small portion, the servings were very generous. It was an experience just like a degustation should be. Highly recommend.

M

Mena Defazio

Zomato Jul 04, 2013

4.5

Went to mahafor dinner sunday 30 june,it was amazing loved it definatly wll go backson. X

F

Farhaana Desai

Zomato Jul 02, 2013

4.5

Delish. I had the Turkish delight martini and it was yum! We ordered the 6 course menu which was too much food and meant that we could not enjoy the last few courses as much as we wanted to which was disappointing. Next time I would get the chef's choice and order more food if we needed it.

F

Fellatio

Zomato Jul 01, 2013

2.0

Waste of money. Went with f.... Waste of money. Went with friend.service ok cocktails awful. Deg menu some poor other good quality couldnt see connection between regions and menu personally wint be back overrated and whats with the decor. Omg so yesterday -----07 Jun, 2013----- So dissapointed, friend and I had latifa six course deg most of the dishes where so far removed from the middle east we struggled to see the connection between dish and region or country, I was truly expecting an explosion of arabic flavours but once again the flavours were less than exciting. Wooden table tops unsure of and waiter service was good especially from one lady courtney otherwise staff would appear just after her repeating the same thing. It was mostly the transient european wait staff that did this. Cocktail list dissapointing and turkish coffee at the end well they forgot the sugar hence that went back. Overall my expectations too high for maha possibly influenced by the current tv series. Would I go back yes, but would try perhaps a la carte and ensure the meals are close to point of origin as possible and avoid the fusion style and in saying that I wount be back anytime soon and no I wouldnt recommend the maha.

N

Naomi0886

Zomato Jun 30, 2013

0.0

The burger of the month on our visit was ‘In Gus We Trust’, which was a generous sized wagyu beef pattie with pickled lettuce, smoked bacon aioli on a brioche bun. PG ordered this, and while i’m not a huge fan of beef I opted to try their vegetarian version which was a falafel pattie with plain aioli. And as an extra we ordered their delicious Habibi Fries to share.

D

Dee Radwan

Zomato Jun 28, 2013

0.0

I used to love you!. I travel to Melbourne monthly for work and frequent Maha at least twice a week when I'm there. I love the food, the alcohol and especially the argileh, I've always been a huge fan of Maha and recommend it to everyone I know. However, my last trip, mid June 2013 was very disappointing. On my second visit to Maha, I found the service horrendous. I asked for new charcoal a fair few times as I'm a regular smoker and know how to smoke properly. As the night went on I could see the Manager (bald guy with glasses) get increasingly frustrated and it made the experience very awkward and uncomfortable that the following night I had to search google to go elsewhere for an argileh. I ended up going back the following night and ended up making a comment to the waiter about the experience 2 nights before, he was very apologetic as he recognised me from the previous visits. He gave us a free dessert and was so pleasant. When we left the restaurant the Manager yelled out to us being a smartarse saying "thanks guys have a lovely night" which was extremely inappropriate and rude. Going to a restaurant of this calibre and spending hours there drinking, eating and smoking, I'd expect nothing but the best service and this experience has left a very bitter taste in my mouth especially considering my love of everything Maha (including the cookbook!) I don't appreciate feeling uncomfortable and bringing new friends to the place after this! And I wouldn't be writing this review had the Manager not yelled out as I left! Prior to this Maha was my number 1 restaurant!

J

Justin

Zomato Jun 21, 2013

2.0

Food was fabulous and service was definitely good..... Save room for deserts! BUT booked a table for 8pm and still had to wait til 830 to be seated... Whats the point of a booking. Bad first impression. We were bang on time BTW.

S

Sammy

Zomato Jun 18, 2013

4.5

Had a few meza which was nice and the service was great. Would go back again

P

Piper

Zomato Jun 18, 2013

4.5

Delicious!. The food here and the customer service is the best I have had! This is, by far, my favourite restaurant!

M

MM

Zomato Jun 10, 2013

0.0

Amazing experience, the food was sensational - hard to pick my favourite dish but the coconut and lime soup was probably the highlight... and having Shane Delia serve the courses and explain his inspiration for each dish was outstanding customer service... absolutely recommend!

F

Foodie13

Zomato Jun 08, 2013

4.5

Everything is amazing. Loved the Soufra menu. Everything is spot on everytime! Can't wait to return

G

Graeme

Zomato Jun 02, 2013

0.0

Great Food Experience. Loved the food and the atmosphere. We had the 4 course banquet which was more than enough and all dishes were delicious. Will definitely be back.

F

Foodfinder

Zomato May 31, 2013

4.5

Had their degustation meal, $125 for 8 courses + 1 amuse bouche. Sex on 9 plates....

D

Damian

Zomato May 27, 2013

4.5

Fantastic Experience. My partner and I have been going to Maha now for over 3 years. Every time our experience has been fantastic, the only exception to this being November 2012 when it wasn't quite up to it's usual standards. However, we went back recently (May 2013) and found that it is back to it's best. We did the Souffra option with matched wines and both were sensational. The atmosphere and staff were great, overall an excellent experience. If you are after big, bold flavours rather than a fine dining experience than I suggest you choose the Souffra, otherwise the Sultan's feast is also excellent. We definitely recommend Maha to all our friends and family.

O

Ocean Girl Charlie

Zomato May 26, 2013

4.5

I get excited every time I get to go!. Not only is it some of the best food I've ever eaten, the whole experience is extraordinary. Probably the best restaurant atmosphere I've been in, the staff are helpful with any questions and suggestions and they are so experienced with food intolerance that they have substitute dishes that in my opinion are better than the original menu item. My mouth is watering just thinking about all the glorious spices.

R

Robzevnav

Zomato May 20, 2013

4.5

Fantastic food & great atmosphere! Maha is an excellent place to go to experience a fantastic amalgamation of great flavours & cultures. The staff are also very attentive. Great for an intimate date or to go with friends.

L

Larnie

Zomato May 16, 2013

2.0

This review is about 3 weeks old... a small group of us took advantage of lunch time beer and burger deal and overall it was disappointing. Service was sloppy and drinks took too long to arrive. I'm not a beer drinker so was happy to pay for glass of wine but wine by the glass was overpriced so it would have been nice to have had a "deal" with wine option. I requested my burger to be minus the sauce but burgers were dropped on the table with no mention of which burger was mine. Burgers were delicious but by mid afternoon, we all had bad breath/taste in our mouths. Unfortunately this experience has changed my view... I once "loved" this place.

M

Mothlight

Zomato May 06, 2013

0.0

Very expensive, some delicious, some average. Was it worth it having a gift card? Yes. Would it be without one? Probably not. We had the 4 course soufra $75 per person., which was more food than we could possibly eat (even causing an uncomfortable night afterwards, both in quantity and richness). I can't imagine how I would feel after the 6 or 8 course meals. The beetroot and beef dip (and bread) was delicious. The olives with spicy paste were good. The pastry (can't remember what meat was in it) was ok. The bean soup was really good. For the mains, the fried fish with bits of sausage was really amazing. The lamb shoulder had one really nice bite, the crispy skin part, but the rest was a bit mushy and bland. There were a few bits of rabbit which were fine. The wine was pretty nice but I would expect that for $25 for a half glass. The wine list was pretty bewildering and didn't offer much guidance. The waitstaff recommended some nice ones but didn't really offer much beyond that. The dessert really needed to be about half the size (and variety). It was nice but I'm still feeling a little shell-shocked from the overwhelming amount of sweetness. So, it was an interesting experience, lots of different flavours and spices, but without receiving another gift card, I'm not sure I would go back there. I'd probably enjoy going to 2-3 really nice meals for the same price.

H

Hungry

Zomato May 03, 2013

2.0

I would not recommend the dessert degustation. Apart from the coconut and sago pudding which was great, the other 3 dishes where too unbalanced and sweet. Too much watermelon ice in one, brownie a bit dry and too many sweet flavours on the plate. The Turkish delight doughnuts didn't have enough Turkish delight and I've had better at Lil Boy Blue. The mini macaroons were nice though and portions generous but otherwise a letdown for a hatted restaurant.

M

MelbourneMum

Zomato Apr 26, 2013

2.0

It's ok.. We tried Maha based on a recommendation from a friend. It was ok but not worth the price they charge. You can hear every word said by the tables next to you so it's not good for a private evening. Food quality was variable. The lamb shoulder was delicious but the waygu beef was tough and, frankly, terrible. Service was also patchy. It took about 20 minutes to get our bill and even longer to process the credit card. Yet when there was an opportunity to ask if I'd like to get another drink, they were right there to push one. There are many great restaurants in Melbourne. I would suggest you give this one a miss.

A

Ashok Brini

Zomato Apr 23, 2013

4.5

Very professional. Unlike a few new kids on the block this place exudes professionalism

K

Kev

Zomato Apr 22, 2013

4.5

Briliant Set Menu. Have been thinking to eat here for along time. Finally on Thursday last week, me and my sister were give this a try. We cannot decide on the menu, so 6 course latifa looks great for us. To be honest by the third course which was Boat Smugglers stew, we already pretty full, the serving size is incredibly generous, in fact I would say Maha is too generous with the size. The first dish - Chicken kibeh, is different served with some sort of corn cream soup, really tasty and perfectly matched with the meatball. 2nd course of scallop with taro and potatoes, wow for me, what amazing flavour again. 3rd course Boat Smuggler stew, pan fried fish (w/ prawn mousse inside) served with slow cooked pork belly (w/ tamarind seuce), really beautiful dishes... maybe dishes of the night. Then came wagyu beef and slow cooked lamb, which was fabolous as well. The dessert is ok with watermelon ice and peppermint choc ice cream, however with beetroot sponge at the bottom was too sweet for me, maybe just my tastebud Overall, is great experience, I have to be honest maybe not for everyone, but I will definately will come back and try some new smart dishes from Maha

S

Sarah Stone

Zomato Apr 20, 2013

0.0

Like it. Was a really different and great experience would definitely go again

D

Diana

Zomato Apr 19, 2013

2.0

Waste of money left hungry. Finally got to Maha and wish we had not bothered. The staff are worth the trip, but the food left us hungry and feeling ripped off. A tiny meatball floating in coconut foam was not the beginning to a memorable occasion. It finished with frozen much and beetroot as a desert. Two wafer thin slices of steak smaller than my little finger left my husband speechless and when the wine hit on an empty stomach he was not at all a pleasant date. the next course was a bit of smashed cold potato with a thin sliver of what we read was scallop, i think the closest the potato got to scallop was the water it was cooked in maybe once a scollop had swim in it, we think we found a small sliver buried under a tiny smashed cold spud drenched in mayonnaise but my husband was not convinced. The 8course banquet for two left us thinking the named lady of the event must have been anorexic we were starving and very unhappy after a much anticipated night out , it was a complete waste of time and money Latifa, Maha never again only get once chance To end on a good note the staff are truly amazing.

J

Jennifer Y

Zomato Apr 14, 2013

2.0

MAHA??. We were here for lunch this afternoon and requested earlier in the week when booking for a table, to be sat along the walls as you enter the dinning area but was seated in the back larger dinning room where everyone was seated. Obviously they wanted all their customers in one room so they didn't have to run around? Front dining area was empty!! When we were going down the stairs, it was like going down to a dark cave. We were then greeted by a maitre'd who we thought wasn't welcoming. He held on to the drinks menu while asking us what we wanted for a drink. Only after we asked for it, he then gave us one drink menu for the four of us, so one of us had to be the waiter to take orders. The plates were so stained. I am surprised that they still dare to use them. The first dish that came out was the soup. Can you imagine four white bowls of soup sitting on a white top table? It looked bare, unappetising and unprofessional. Table mats would have helped. The food is expensive and mediocre. Chocolate mousse as one of the desserts in the set meal? This is way to ordinary. Don't even get me started on the macarons. They were more like hard sugar lumps. And what's up with the Turkish delight filled dough-nuts? Why are they getting smaller? The dishes are getting smaller too. This was our fourth time here and it has progressively gotten worse. There will not be a fifth visit.

V

Vickibonbon

Zomato Apr 05, 2013

4.5

Delicious food, attentive service. Third time to this gorgeous establishment was a wonderful experience. Opted for the 8 course degustation which was sensational. I'd like to frequent more often. Very special indeed.

M

MissyNess

Zomato Apr 03, 2013

0.0

This is not my first time, but this was my first time that I had their $15 burger lunch special. For $15 you get a lamb burger and beer. Served on a crunchy toasted brioche bun with olive mayo, onion rings and generous amount of shaved kefalograviera cheese. The thick home made lamb patty is juicy and guarantee to make you walking out happy and satisfied. Walking into the dim lighted restaurant, you are welcome with a sense middle eastern ambiance laced with class. This is not my first time but this was my first time that I had their $15 burger lunch special. For $15 you get a lamb burger and beer. Served on a crunchy toasted br

B

Burger Friday

Zomato Mar 29, 2013

4.5

Maha Bar & Grill is a one hatted restaurant known for its Mediterranean inspired Middle Eastern cuisine prepared by renowned Chef Shane Delia (who recently snaked his way through a field of carnage to finish second to Brad Hodge in the Celebrity Grand Prix at Albert Park). In much the same fashion, the burger at Maha has snaked its way through a field of fierce and not-so-fierce competitors to take ownership of second place on our list of burgers. So the aim of my blog entry today will be to pay tribute to the guys who finished second (aka the bridesmaids) with a little Mediterranean inspired Middle Eastern influence (at least in the general vicinity of those areas - geography is not my strong point).

P

Peaches

Zomato Mar 25, 2013

2.0

Gimmicky. So gimmicky. Maha has got to be one of the most ridiculous restaurants in Melbourne. Honestly. The decor is, I don't know, dated? But it's newly furnished so... hmmm. Walking in was like stepping into 1986 and not in a fun, quirky way. The menu is really unaccomadating. I understand banquet style dinning but that's not what this is. You are discouraged from ordering separate options from the menu because it mucks up the delivery time of the food, so in order to eat at the same time you have to get exactly the same dishes as your companions, which do not arrive on the table generously plated up in the centre for sharing, but as individual servings. How is this typical of Mediterranean or Middle Eastern dining? The food was good, some dishes were brilliant like the Fisherman's Stew which was beyond delicious. Others, not so much, my much lauded veal cutlet (which was presented as a slice of meat rather than an actual cutlet) was tough & not terribly tasty & surrounded by what I think we're meant to be small chunks of lamb but were more than likely bits of pine bark. Having our conversations rudely interrupted as each dish arrived for the waiter to describe at length what we were about to eat while the food got cold in front of us was unnecessary & annoying. We are not idiots, we read it on the menu and to be honest at $200 a head for food & wine I'm not really interested in being patronised, it might be nice to assume that your customers have at least some food knowledge. It might also be nice to enjoy both our meals & eachother's company without having our conversation punctuated by the demand for us to stop and listen once again for a description of the food that we knew we had ordered. This is not even touching on the over zealous attention we got from the waiter who took cue from a little polite banter to suddenly impose himself and include himself in our conversations from then on so that any time he would come over to once again roll napkin placed on the table or ask for the millionth time if we needed more drinks, he would launch into a witty recount of his life experiences. It's nice to know that he liked us but not that nice. Then comes to paying for the bill and not only does it come in the most ridiculous hollowed out book of a box that is, one would assume, meant to be quirky but by this stage is just another tiring bit of paraphernalia, but the presentation of the bill is also accompanied by another lengthy speech asking us to donate to a charitable cause benefiting all of those middle class white kids affected by peanut & dairy allergies. Honestly. Is this a thing??? Once the bill is paid the final stamp of Maha is then given by squirting guests with "Eau de Maha", a cologne that appears to be cheap, repackaged lemon & orange blossom water, whether you like it or not you're gonna get a spritz of liquid that makes you smell like cheap shampoo. If you want fine dining go to Vue de Monde. If you want Middle Eastern or North African food go to Sydney Rd. If you want something in between go to Abla's. But do yourself a favour and give Maha & it's desperate attempt at New York fusion chic a miss.

T

Tony Chen

Zomato Mar 23, 2013

2.0

Average to good. This place used to be a fav for lunch... but not that i've tried a few other middle eastern places around melbourne. the flavours here are just too light. the desserts are just boring.

N

Nick

Zomato Mar 16, 2013

4.5

Great Influences. Have been 5 times and walked away impressed each time. Its rare to go somewhere and have complete confidence that whatever they bring you, you will enjoy. Lamb shoulder a real treat, if a little overcooked for my taste last time. My experience has been there for lunch during the week when not overly busy, so service and timing has been satisfactory. This is a special restaurant if you like middle eastern with mediterranian influences and sharing plates. Great decor and professional, friendly service. Surprised by some negative reviews. Make sure you review the menu before you go so you know what to expect. Gladly recommend this as top shelf, if thats possible for middle eastern food!

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Richard

Zomato Mar 13, 2013

0.0

Over hyped. Even if you did not know the connection you would be struck by the simlarities between this place and The Press Club. Same dark color palate, dishes served on boards, sharing encouraged and middle eastern food with some twists. I liked this place but for me, I had the same reaction to it as I do The Press Club, it's good food, well presented and well cooked but there is no "wow" factor. There is no dish or ingredient that jumps out and makes you excited. We had the "soufra" (read banquet) which consisted of a board of mezzes to share followed by some lamb and swordfish followed by turkish donuts. All good and no real complaints but nothing that is going to make me go back next week. The room is a nice place to be, the service was very good and very professional. A good option if you are after this style of food.

A

Agent 99

Zomato Mar 11, 2013

2.0

Really overpriced disgraceful service and food! I can't believe how rude the waiters were! And the food served were simply not up to the standard of what they charge we got tomatos slices,olives and bread for entrée! Which is nothing special and requires no effort at all to make.There are far better restaurants out there in Melbourne.I would NEVER recommend anyone to go there.

A

A.Little

Zomato Mar 10, 2013

2.0

Terrible food!Shocking service!! I went to MAHA 2 years ago,and the food used to be good.but on friday i went with group of friends,the waiters were extremely rude,cocktails which was $23 and tasted terrible.no one came to explain their wine list, until i asked,the floor manager had to ask someone else. Slow cooked lamb was extremely dry,and salty.we could not eat them.for what you pay at Maha,it is REALLY NOT WORTH IT.

C

Candice

Zomato Mar 02, 2013

4.5

I found Maha to be an outstanding restaurant and for $40 the three course soufra was excellent value. All the dishes we were given were of a great standard and I found that there were a number of things which I do not usually eat which I really enjoyed here because of how they were cooked. I think it is great that Maha focus on selling different courses of soufra as they can concentrate on having a small amount of dishes being cooked in their kitchen to an excellent standard.

M

Mia

Zomato Mar 01, 2013

2.0

Terrible. Went to maha 2.5 years ago , it was sensational. Went again tonight, it was disgraceful. Snide waiter. Extremely small servings. Food was of very average standard . With the main course ( we chose soufra) , the slow cooked lamb was dry and fatty and pretty tasteless. The waiter to his credit offered to bring us another plate, and it was a completely different dish . Tender and mixed with parsley, pistachio salad which wasn't even present in the first lamb plate . We will never ever return here again, and will tell our friends who we had been raving to about the place, to not bother. I cannot express enough what a disappointing experience this was . I do NOT like maha anymore

N

Natalia

Zomato Mar 01, 2013

2.0

Food was very interesting. Presentation was excellent . Service was fantastic. However , i needed drink lots of water all night and i think that there must be something added to the dishes that makes you feel like you had dinner in some cheap Chinese place With msg added to food. I will not come back.

T

Theworldofira

Zomato Feb 25, 2013

0.0

For our first Valentines as Mr & Mrs I was treated to a delicious feast at Maha Restaurant in Melbourne...

K

KennyK

Zomato Feb 21, 2013

4.5

Never Disappoints. The first time we pop into Maha was for my birthday and we have been back several times now and we have never been disappointed nor have we walked away thinking "I am still hungry". We normally settle for one of the banquets and each time it has proven to be an experience. The service is wonderful and the quality of food is brilliant. Can't wait for the next visit again!

P

Pearcy

Zomato Feb 16, 2013

4.5

Great venue. Not bad food but super overpriced for what you get. Don't think I'll be back- simply not worth it.

E

Epicurean Of Southbank

Zomato Feb 15, 2013

4.5

Maha Restaurant is part of the Made Group of restaurants (The Press Club, Little Press & Cellar, Hellenic Republic, PM24, St. Katherine's and Mama Baba) and for me, is the most unique find that I have stumbled across in a while both inside this select group of restaurants and frankly out and about in Melbourne. As usual, I turned up with one other in the bowels of the Bond Street basement location with no reservation and was happily escorted to a table. I quickly became accustomed to the beautiful smell of spice and was seated in the back dining room amongst the gentle purr of the other patrons. Before ordering the six-course "Latifa" tasting menu with matching wines ($130 p/p) we tasted two iterations of Raki, which is a Turkish national drink - an unsweetened, anise-flavoured alcoholic delight. After adding some water and a cube of ice to dilute it, the taste reminded me of absinthe with a strong taste of licorice. Not to be confused with ouzo or sambuca, it was a nice way to set mo

S

Shrillpog

Zomato Feb 14, 2013

4.5

Last night my boyfriend I went to Maha for the first time to celebrate Valentines Day. We had a choice of two banquet meals and we decided on the sultan. I must admit I am not really familiar with middle eastern food and this was a fantastic introduction! We had 9 courses, each were beautifully presented and tasted amazing. Shane Delia, the head chef, came and delivered two of our courses with a little back story of how the dish came to be. It was good to see the celebrity chef actually present in his restaurant rather than doing bigger and better things else where. The staff were extremely attentive and meals came out promptly (easy seeing as everything was pre chosen). The only problem I had was that I was full after the second course so I struggled to fit the delicious food in! Then afterwards I went into a food coma! I would suggest that if you are going to attempt the sultan banquet, don't eat for 24 hours!! This restaurant is high quality so it was very pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for. Also, order one of the pomegranate sours, it was an amazing cocktail!

J

Joliem

Zomato Feb 07, 2013

4.5

Marry Me Shane Delia!. If you're looking for somewhere to celebrate something special, or to seal a big deal - Maha's that place. Every bite is sensational, down to the cocktails. The atmosphere is vibrant but not noisy, the service exemplary. The banquet is the way to go- a great way to sample as much as you can in a combination that works well. Worth every bit of the very many dollars your meal will cost!

R

Rosemary

Zomato Jan 14, 2013

4.5

Food was delicious, and very attentive staff. Would definitely go there again.

J

Johnny U

Zomato Jan 09, 2013

4.5

Nice. We went there for dinner as a random mid-week treat and tried the 6 course degustation, plus the addition of Turkish Delight donuts. The 6 courses were all quite tasty and the chef altered some of the dishes for pregnant women, which was a big plus. The donuts were a let down, but mocktails were good.

T

The Red Dress Melbourne

Zomato Jan 05, 2013

4.5

Love this place. Unique flavours and combinations that give your taste buds an adventure!

T

Tara H

Zomato Jan 03, 2013

5.0

Wow! Best dining experience to date! Fantastic service, nice ambience & food that was not only delicious, but visually impressive! The takeaway tea and spices add a nice finishing touch. Highly recommended for vegans & vegetarians looking for somewhere to wine & dine.

P

Pat

Zomato Jan 02, 2013

4.5

Christmas lunch. Had christms day lunch here $135 each good range of food but quality not outstanding.Would have expected better for the price ,quantity was ok

B

Barbie

Zomato Dec 14, 2012

2.0

The only thing amazing about this place is the cocktails and staff. Sitting through the 8 courses degustation was excruciatingly awful. Too much flavors put together that don't belong together!

T

The World Loves Melbourne

Zomato Dec 11, 2012

4.5

Maha Restaurant from the Made Establishment stable and Shane Delia, is one of the most popular restaurants in Melbourne - with Middle Eastern cuisine that dances on the taste buds, impeccable service and chic ambience. This is Middle Eastern fare with a modern twist featuring Chef Shane Delia and his enormous kitchen prowess. The highly successful SBS series Spice Journey is a revelation and a further source of acclaim for Shane Delia. The series is a nod to Middle Eastern culture as much as a culinary odyssey.

A

Amanda

Zomato Dec 06, 2012

4.5

Wow!. Had the 4 course lunch here last week, such delicious food and so CHEAP! $45 for 4 courses in middle of the city, incredible.

E

Eric

Zomato Dec 03, 2012

4.5

Great restaurant, get the soufra!. I've eaten here twice now, and both meals have been fantastic. Fantastic food and really great service. My only recommendation is that you get the soufra! The Sultans degustation is good but I think the Soufra is better because you get a more authentic selection of dishes, and in more satisfying quantities. It's cheaper too!

J

Jack Boy

Zomato Nov 30, 2012

0.0

Knock out. Great middel eastern food

V

Vickie

Zomato Nov 22, 2012

4.5

Great but be wary of "non-freebies". I really enjoyed my dining experience at Maha. The two of us had the full degustation meal. Food was quite unique and what's great is that unlike other degustations, the portions are rather generous so you won't be leaving hungry for sure. My only major gripe about this place is that they tried (and succeeded) in serving some random in-between dish goodies. The waiter basically came over with 2 glasses ready and starts describing what he is serving...almost as though we had ordered this. In the end, you will most likely feel obligated to try it. The drink was quite tasty but it added perhaps over 10 bucks (per drink) to the bill!

M

Minda Barley

Zomato Nov 18, 2012

4.5

We were well looked after and food was served within the time frame we requested and we all left with full bellies and smiley faces. Winner!

C

Caroline Tripoli

Zomato Nov 18, 2012

4.5

Best arabic food. Maha is so good lots of atmosphere and the food is outstanding although a little pricey but actually worth it will def go back

M

Meeneeq

Zomato Nov 17, 2012

2.0

Horrible!. My partner took me here for my birthday a few years ago. Nice ambient atmosphere but they tried to be over creative with the food and really failed. We chose one of their banquets from what i can remember. Most of the stuff we did not like. They should stick to more authentic food and its origins rather than trying to be so gourmet. Too many weird flavours going on. It's a fail from me, the bill cost a fortune. I felt so sorry for my other half because it was the biggest waste of money (over $300) for nasty food even though it was for my birthday.

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Tammy Pruscino

Zomato Nov 14, 2012

0.0

Have been meaning to go to maha for a while...unfortunately we were not very impressed! I love traditional middle eastern food but the food here was just too fancy and tryhard! service was great, atmosphere good (although it was really cold in there) but i didn't feel like we got value for our money..i don't mind paying money for a good meal but it's very disappointing when you walk out unsatisfied!

M

Miss B

Zomato Nov 09, 2012

4.5

Thought I would surprise my in sister and brother in-law for a belated birthday dinner.... I think my husband got the biggest surprise paying the bill!! Ok, I did opt for the $125pp degustation plus a bottle a wine a few beers one cocktail and one champagne = $720!! I think the food is a little too try hard and overpriced, however I still enjoyed it. The service is impeccable and much to do with my overall experience. I think this might be the last time my husband takes me out so at least I made the most of what was on offer!!

T

Timothy

Zomato Oct 31, 2012

4.5

Loved it. Well done, i will be back

T

Thegrazingpanda

Zomato Oct 28, 2012

0.0

I have visited this restaurant many times – partly due to the fact that it serves Halal meat – which meant I could eat most of the menu – but mainly due to the fact that the food and flavours here are blissfully delicious! I am a huge fan of middle eastern flavours and food.

C

Chloe

Zomato Oct 18, 2012

4.5

So a few nights ago i went to a restaurant called Maha in Melbourne and I loved it. We went to celebrate my mum and a friends birthday and there were 5 of us that went.It was a amazing experience and had a great atmosphere that is laid back but you still feel like you are at a fancy restaurant.The food is middle eastern, mediterranean and is delicious.We had the 6 course degustation and it was some of the best food i have had at a restaurant.Before you get your first course they bring a little bread roll and then a little shot of hibiscus tea and you have to say "saha" right before you drink the tea.

M

MlbD

Zomato Oct 17, 2012

2.0

Disappointed. After having looked forward to dining at this 'top-rated' restaurant, the actual experience was an expensive let-down. We ordered the Soufra menu, which all-in-all was not exciting, flavoursome or inspiring and certainly not in keeping with the price charged or the status of this restaurant.Two of our party were not fans of the eel dish and we were advised by the wait staff that the chef could substitute this dish for another selection. What was served up to us was the base of the eel dish minus the eel. Not impressed! A 50min wait between main and dessert. Not sure why and no explanation given. We were there to celebrate a birthday and as a nice touch they brought out a 'little' cake with a candle, but would have been more thoughtful if it was a different type of cake to that already served up for dessert, when there were clearly other choices on the menu.

L

Lola

Zomato Oct 14, 2012

2.0

Overrated and overpriced. Don't bother

M

Monika

Zomato Oct 04, 2012

2.0

After spending 4 hours here last night we both found it very disappointing considering everyone had talked it up. Got the sultan's 8 course degustation and did not leave full. Desert would have had to be the worst part. Whoever thought beetroot sponge would taste good was very mistaken. And the soufflé was nothing exciting. The only good thing was the staff, very friendly.

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Sebby76

Zomato Oct 04, 2012

0.0

Not all that. We had high expectations of Maha. Having dined at places like Hellenic Republic, Press Club and Spice Temple in recent times, we thought Maha, at the upper end of the price bracket for these 4 would have been right up there. Unfortunately we were disappointed. We had the 6 course Sultans degustation and found that overall, the servings were too small, and whilst the food was good......it certainly wasn't awesome........and @ $343 for 2 people ( inclusive of matched wines ).......we want awesome. Press Club was more expensive, but it had more courses, better food ( and more of it + better wines imho ).....and was truly awesome. Hellenic Republic is cheaper, and also more awesome......Spice temple certainly has way more 'WOW' factor and is probably half the price for twice the food. Another thing that annoyed us was that apparently the slow cooked lamb is their signature dish...........so why then, would you not include this as a core part ( or at least an option ) of your main banquet/degustation menu option? Very disappointed with this. When we gave constructive feedback to the head waiter, he listened attentively, but absolutely no effort was made to rectify our concerns...........I would have been glad to try the lamb had it been offered!! But alas, no such offer was made. In fact, absolutely nothing was done to address our concerns. Overall, I'd pay $40 a head ( not including drinks ) for the meal we had and consider it fair value. Interestingly, the couple next to us heard our feedback and echoed our concerns. I wonder how many others may have thought the same. Maha, if you are listening........you need to lift your game, or else I give you 1 year max before you are "under new management". More food, with more "wow" factor will bring you a long way - stick to the basics. The plate to food ratio is a little ridiculous ( too much plate - not enough food). Stop being so silly. Expected more. Much more.

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Sina Letafat

Zomato Sep 12, 2012

2.0

After my fantastic first experience on mothers day at Maha I took my date to this place on a Wednesday night. We got there 10 min early which we got sat at the bar but tool them 10 min to ask for a drink by a not so friendly barman and also 10 min after our booking time we had to ask if the table is ready. Considering that no one of the customers have left the restaurant they said the table is ready and can seat us by the bar man (not professional). Also took 10 min for the waiter to come to our table (totally under staff) and serve us. After about 7min that we ordered mains they realized that our rabbit dish takes longer as they ran out. But surprisingly withing 10min we had our mains on the table which explained lack of communication between kitchen and also FOH. The food and also desert was as delicious as before and great but lack of staff and not having professionals on was poor service. I have to add that I bet no one noticed we left the restaurant. I don't think I will go back there again although the food is nice.

K

Kelly

Zomato Sep 11, 2012

4.5

We had the 6 course Sultan's and it was absolutely delicious. If it didn't go against proper food etiquette I would've licked every plate clean. Hats off to Steve our waiter, very charming and kept us most entertained throughout the evening! An all round fantastic dining experience.

C

Christina

Zomato Sep 08, 2012

4.5

Being from a middle Eastern background I had high expectations and I found Maha's interpretation of middle eastern cuisine quite authentic and unique. The decor was lovely and the service was outstanding. Definitely a dining experience everyone should try. Great for a romantic night out or a family outing.

S

Sue

Zomato Sep 07, 2012

2.0

Bitter disapointment. Having wanted to eat here for a couple of years now i was sooo excited at finally getting a few people to come with me having used my birthday as an excuse. I have to say that reading the reviews written here now i think that we may have just been unlucky but i was soooo disapointed with the whole experience. we had the soufra and what a rip off it was... a mezze of pickled mushed and jarred veg with a shot glass of fishy and uninspiring textureless something with a roll, followed by a veal cutlet carved into three and a slice of smoked eel..ok but again lacking texture and then the overcooked stringy dry lamb with a bite sized piece of fish on pumpkin puree with a salad of which i would question the portion size for one person let alone 4 and again a tiny portioin of tasteless rice, the dessert was good as you would expect of a restaurant that is trying to end on a good note but not a redeemer if like me you are not a desert person but are all about the savouries. The service was sketchy...backpackers trying to do their best but obviously overloaded and overwhelmed and a sommelier who wasnt interested once he estsablished that we didnt have deep pockets. Having dined at The Press Club and Hellenic Republic and knowing that these are all restaurant brand places I cant help but wonder what is going on here, spreading the name too thin is my guess and the loosers here are the diners....BIG SHAME ON YOU GUYS........

K

Kay

Zomato Sep 03, 2012

0.0

What I like about Maha is that the menu makes decision making easy; whilst the al la carte is available, there really are 2 options; the 6 or 8 course Sultans dining menu is a degustation experience, and boy was I tempted by it. That being said, I also love rustic dining which is why we chose to have the 4 course soufra; that is 1 cold entrée; 1 hot; mains and dessert.

F

Food Critics Wife

Zomato Aug 21, 2012

4.5

We just ended a 4 day weekend with lunch at Maha. We ate at an almost embarrassing number of 'hot spots' over the 4 days, and I have to say Maha close to tops the list. We had the Sultan's feast- I was told it was a must do- and it certainly was. The food was interesting, exciting, varied and just plain delicious! We did the wine match which just made the experience even more exciting- beautifully matched wines..... Some choices that I would consider risky eg a light sake white, paid off- I felt like I had eaten and drunk new things- and I liked them. The service can not be faulted, I was worried when we waited a few minutes for a menu and water.... But it was perfect from there on in. The staff certainly knew what they were talking about and seemed to enjoy showcasing it. Standout were the John Dory- this was the course served with the sake, the 12 hour lamb and sides- amazing! The salmon fritters- really it was all fabulous. Topped off with a dessert that generated an ooooooohhhhh and tasted as good as it looked. Ambient location- even for lunch- I imagine even better in the evening. Recommended!!!!!!

G

GGx

Zomato Aug 14, 2012

5.0

Food - We had the Soufra 5 course meal, well presented, excellent variety, very well prepared food. Ambience - I'd rate this restaurant as one of the top most for its ambience in Melbourne. Service - Well taken care of, excellent service. Value -Pricey eatery, but worth your hard earned money. Will I revisit? I have, twice by now....and there's always something to bring me back here.

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Patrick Malcolm

Zomato Aug 09, 2012

4.5

Great night out. Went here as a party of five and had a great time. Got the chefs choice menu, which was fantastic. Shane Delia delivered the main course. Atmosphere is cool but relaxed. Deserts were great and an interesting wine list. Plenty of food too!!! Will go back. They should be proud of what they have got working here.

V

VyLex

Zomato Aug 09, 2012

4.5

Mahavalous!. My boyfriend and i went to Maha to celebrate our anniversary and was pleasantly surprised by the exceptional service and food. There was a cosy ambience about it. The chefs were very accommodating to my boyfriend's strict vegetarian diet and came up with delicious alternatives for our 4 course meal. We definitely recommend Maha for those who would like a great dining experience.

N

Noneedtocook

Zomato Aug 06, 2012

4.5

Great food and service. I took my partner here for her birthday and must say that we had an enjoyable evening in regards to the service and food. We had the sultans banquet menu enjoyed most of the dishes. The service was excellent to the point that being my partners birthday, the waiter brought out a slice of almond cake with a sparkler singing happy birthday to my partner. It's that kind of attention to detail that makes a place special. Highly recommended for those who want to celebrate a special occasion without breaking the bank.

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EnjoyEatWatch

Zomato Aug 01, 2012

4.5

Last time I was there for lunch with La, and the restaurant was almost empty. The staff were attentive and helpful. And then we realised that through the screen into the banquet room we could see Shane Delia – I got so excited! The waiter told us he was in there preparing the new winter menu that was to start the next day. Eeeee!

M

Meowth

Zomato Jul 31, 2012

4.5

Yumm. I went there with my partner. We agreed that the food was almost better than sex :)

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Amy Vee

Zomato Jul 22, 2012

4.5

Amazing food and great service. Well worth the price tag. One of our group was Vegetarian and Maha were only too happy to accommodate. What a wonderful overall dining experience! Have been 3 times now and can't wait to go back!

M

Mel

Zomato Jul 20, 2012

4.5

Wow. Love it! We went to Maha last night. The place was full, with a great vibe about it. Just walking in we immediately thought 'oh, this place is NICE!'. We had the 8pm session, and arrived right on 8, our table was available but we sat at the bar for a cocktail first, huge selection of drinks....the cocktails are beautiful. Once we were seated we had to wait a little while for our waitress but given most tables were having the 6-8 degus, we weren't surprised (that's a lot of plates to be taking backwards and forwards). We chose the 8 course degus after some deliberation (all the options on the menu sounded great) with the accompanying wine selection. If you're going to do it, do it properly! Expensive yes, but well well worth it. Every one of the courses was SO delicious, and the wines complimented them perfectly. The pork broth was a standout, as was the lamb, and the fish.... oh, it was all fantastic! The waiter bringing the wines knew his stuff. 8 courses in the end was probably a bit too much, (we couldn't get through the whole souffle at the end, sadly) we'd definitely go back and have it again, but wouldn't eat lunch that day to make sure we had room! Would highly highly HIGHLY recommend this restaurant particularly on a special occasion, the staff just make you feel so special, and the food and drinks are rock star stuff.

B

Bianca Jade

Zomato Jul 19, 2012

4.5

Tastes as good as it looks!. Maha has a dark, broody feel to it as you descend from the street into the restaurant. I loved the dark furnishings, the decorative pillows and the coloured glass vases. The service was a little on the slow side, but nothing to complain about too much. The menu is divided into a few sections, a 6 or 8 course degustation or a 4 course set menu or a la carte. I chose the 6 course degustation and although I don't remember everything I ate, I do remember loving it! The flavours were really vivid and well balanced. Everything on the plate made sense and tasted as good as it looked. Also, the spices offered with the bill was a nice touch!

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Sue

Zomato Jul 06, 2012

4.5

Special occasion dining at its best. Been here twice on Sunday nights, and was impressed both times. Ambience at this place is amazing. When the restaurant is not too full, it feels intimate and romantic. The lighting is nice and dim, perfect for a dinner for two! I think the soufras are the way to go - you get just the right amount of expertly cooked food. Came out of the kitchen at just the right pace, and the waiters were knowledgeable without being intrusive.

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Ava

Zomato Jul 05, 2012

4.5

Love it!. Love, love, love eating at Maha!!! The banquet is spectacular and the service is perfect. Make sure you get the turkish delight doughnuts....amazing!!

T

The Sneaky Pigeon

Zomato Jun 19, 2012

0.0

Didn't live up to expectations. Our waiter was completely lovely but the food fell short. Chicken tajine was not what I had in mind and a bit one dimensional. The peanut butter parfait dessert was delicious but I wanted more. A bit disappointing.

E

Eh888

Zomato Jun 19, 2012

2.0

Overpriced and Underfed. Very overpriced for the food. Found food to be bland and a pathetic resemblance of actual middle eastern cuisine. Only way to be full there is to attend with the wallet of a shiek. Will not revisit and do not recommend by any stretch.

K

KYYL

Zomato Jun 17, 2012

4.5

I can confidently say that I have never had a less than brilliant meal at Maha, which, with it’s lively atmosphere and generous sharing menus, is one of my favourite venues for dinner with friends. The other great thing about the restaurant is that, with Shane Delia being an ambassador for the Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation, the menu is very flexible in catering for different dietary requirements. During a recent visit with a friend who is both gluten and dairy intolerant, we opted for the four course soufra, which was modified to accommodate these requirements. The starting mezze comprised small plates of Victorian olives with Maltese chili, a cumin carrot dip with warm turkish bread, fried chickpeas and creamy jerusalem artichoke shourba with a bite-sized, spicy lamb kofta. Gluten and dairy free dishes included a Moroccan bean salad, eggplant with pomegranate molasses and cumin carrot shourba with gluten-free bread. The mezze was followed by a selection of small plates. The pea sa

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Jason

Zomato Jun 12, 2012

4.5

Confusing. Dined here for the 8 course Dego and was expecting a nice balance of dishes over the eight courses. First course was enjoyable, not a "wow" factor. Second course again equally enjoyable but surprised at the portion size. The Dego was turning into 8 full courses. After about 4 courses we were full. I know some people would be happy with large portions but it defeated the purpose of a Dego, as we were not looking forward to the next course, we wanted a nice balance but they seemed to think over filling diners was preferable to enjoying the experience. Overall, all courses were enjoyable, nothing special, just good restaurant cooking served over many courses. Staff were friendly enough. Wouldn't rush back, too many other options in Melbourne to get through.

L

Littlemissfoodsnob

Zomato Jun 11, 2012

4.5

Great service, our young waiter was knowledgable & passionate about wine. Just snacked in the lovely bar area & ate Mezze (which was pretty over powering with garlic/chilli, slightly ruining our enjoyment of the great red our waiter had recommended) but small beef, I'd totally go back, lovely intimate spot to drink nice wine & catch up with friends

D

Dumba

Zomato Jun 05, 2012

4.5

Intimate dining and pleasant ambience. Had the 6 course degustation and found a few of the courses were very salty, but overall the experience was excellent. The highlight is the corn fed chicken tagine.

H

Hhunni

Zomato Jun 05, 2012

4.5

Maha is one of my favourite places to eat. I love the 4 course souffra meal and it never fails to disappoint. I wouldn't recommend the 8 course sultans meal, as I found the flavours and dishes in the 4 course were better. The only thing I dislike about this place is the 2 hour sitting time. I prefer places that let you sit, talk and take your time to enjoy your meal. Also if you do the sultans menu, allow for 3 hours and book for the 8pm sitting. Otherwise they move you to the courtyard where it's noisy, crap service and the tables are so tiny you can't fit your drinks on the table at the same time as your dishes.

J

Jbaby_18

Zomato Jun 01, 2012

4.5

Great Service. Ate dinner here for a special occasion. Had the 8 course degustation and purchased a bottle of wine. Right from the phone call to place a booking the staff were welcoming and professional. They explained the menu and gave us time to decide. The wine list was very extensive and had wines from Oz, NZ France, Italy and further afar. The sommelier was not only knowledgeable but also excited about wine and matching it with food. Standout dishes were the John Dory (enjoyed most by my guest who doesnt usually like white fish) and the peanut butter parfait. By the end we were more than satisfied. The staff instinctively knew we were getting full and paced the meals for us. They waited until we were ready for dessert even though it was late. They did all the little extras, like a birthday treat and a present to try at home, which added to the good memories of the night. All up a great night.

B

Bellissima

Zomato Jun 01, 2012

0.0

Quite good. Exemplary service but thought they were trying a tiny bit too hard, really can't fault the effort they went to however. Food was very good, but had some slightly weird flavours sometimes. Overall a very enjoyable evening.

E

Epiphany Krasadakis

Zomato May 27, 2012

2.0

Mahahahaha!. I went out eagerly anticipating an exquisite middle eastern meal, but unfortunately the Turkish Delight martini was it ! The entree consisted of 1 scallop floating in a sea of coconut juice. Heellooo! Great if you felt like some Asian flavours but I could have gone to Coda for that and I know they would have been alot more generous with the serving sizes. The servings were the most disgraceful I have seen anywhere in Melbourne. The dessert was the one that topped it all ! A shaving of Lemon Tart ,not a slice not a sliver but a shaving. I am sure that my slice of Lemon tart was divided into 100 shavings for everyone in the restaraunt. The wait staff were equally dissapointing , sorry guys you take our orders and bring our food from the kitchen to the table! Your not high society or Brain surgeons, remember we are paying your wages so keep up the attitude and maybe McDonalds might be your next stop! So if you want to expeience being robbed in the city go to Maha! We worked out the name, it's the sound coming from the kitchen as they serve you the bill! Mahahahahaha!!!!!!

W

Waleed

Zomato May 26, 2012

2.0

There is a tender who Chooses who to provide service to I think his name is Nick. He claims that he's the place owner!! Turned out that he's not!!

S

Saleh

Zomato May 26, 2012

2.0

Worst restaurant ever have been in my life. There is waitress who is called Nick treating his customers based on there gender and beauty!!! I device you if you would like to have a bad mood just visit this restaurant and see Nick!!!!

P

Peppermint Stick

Zomato May 24, 2012

4.5

We went to Maha last Friday night and had the 8 course degustation menu with wine accompaniment. The latter is an absolute necessity and for the former definitely come with a very empty stomach. The wine selection was superb with many treats from the Rutherhlen region which never disappoints including a viognier with great flavour. Definite high points were the chicken tagine and the peanut butter ice cream with crackly salted caramel. We found the duck could have done with more depth and flavour as well. One to try.

N

Narelle Johnson

Zomato May 23, 2012

4.5

One of my fave high end restaurants. Service does lack a lil bit but food is amazing! The cocktails just as good.

K

Kathryn Narelle

Zomato May 18, 2012

2.0

Average with a $450 price tag for two. So expensive. great food but kind of expected more in terms of taste and flavour. Highlight was receiving a free sample of spices at the end.

F

Foodlover

Zomato May 14, 2012

4.5

Satisfied..... I came here for a anniversary with my partner a while ago (2010), the service was great atmosphere was good, not too fine dining style but still had class which was good. We paid $75 per head if I remember correctly for the 4 course meal and came out stuffed! Everything was delicious and very tasty, the cocktails were fantastic too. Will return soon, and hopefully the standards are still the same.

D

Dining Nirvana

Zomato May 13, 2012

0.0

Maha is one of Melbourne’s most popular restaurants, and has been for four years. It is one of those subterranean restaurants, which creates a sultry, gorgeous atmosphere wherein brilliant food and middle eastern ambience come together to envelop our senses....Ahhh…. The signature lamb shoulder – roasted for 12 hours so it just falls apart when you touch it. What’s not to love about unctuous, melting shreds of sweet, tender lamb meat beautifully complemented by a fresh tabouleh of parsley, olives and pistachios. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. And the snapper dish was absolutely divine – a revelation of fresh, firm seafood partnered by a tangle of dark, silky tagliatelle and the surprising crunch of onion rings. It was absolutely delicious.

S

Spwopw

Zomato May 13, 2012

4.5

Faultless & brilliant for vegans!. This was our fourth visit and we ordered Soufra for vegans - leaving it to the chef and his team to surprise us with their innovation. We couldn't have been more delighted. The offerings were imaginative and flavoursome without losing any of their middle eastern authenticity. The sommelier was equally as impressive with an outstanding recommendation (Rusden Barossa Valley 'Chookshed' Zinfandel 2007) The winner of the night for us was not the turkish delight donuts ( even though they were great!) - it was the Sour Cherry and Coconut Sorbet 'salad' for dessert which left an explosion of unique flavour that will live in our memory long after the evening is over! Oh and the service was outstanding - everyone was genuinely warm and engaging. We obviously can't get enough of this cuisine because we also bought the cookbook this time as well?

L

LK

Zomato May 12, 2012

4.5

I particularly love reading articles about the owner of Maha (along with George Colambaris), Shane Delia, as he seems to capture everything I love about food and cooking in his outlook on food. For example, he states on the Maha website, “As long as I have good food, and family and friends to share it with, my life is complete", which is so much how I feel about my life and the role of food in our lives. The passion he has for his native cuisine and his love for hospitality was really evident in the beautiful experience we had at Maha.

V

Viktor

Zomato May 04, 2012

4.5

Good but not great. This restaurant has been on my wish list for a while now, so I was excited when I got the chance to finally go. I enjoyed the food but it didn't blow me away. Could be that the anticipation of finally getting to eat here raised my expectations too high. Unfortunately the kitchen was also struggling on the night as the wait between courses was long. I'd still recommend going here but there are better restaurants in Melbourne.

G

Goldie S

Zomato Apr 21, 2012

4.5

Absoult Divine!. After having dine here three times in the last year this is one of that everyone has to try. There are no words to express the experience of Maha and yes it is one not to be forgotten experience too. The service, food and cocktails drinks are so refreshing! Have made this an place a must share with family, special friends and visitors to Melbourne :)

M

Msihua

Zomato Apr 20, 2012

0.0

..the winner for me, was the 12 hour roast lamb. I seriously love lamb and this was delectable.

A

Amy W

Zomato Apr 18, 2012

4.5

In this course, cured king salmon topped with black chilli and a spiced toffee-like disc featured alongside smoked eel parfait, with tahini and lemon gel accompanying. The little disc was delightful: it had a dominant aroma of fenugreek, but was slightly sweet and provided a nice textural contrast to the tender salmon and creamy eel. The tangy lemon gel, which tasted very much like your usual lemon curd, was an interesting addition which added yet another flavour dimension. The eel parfait was heavenly; I could easily imagine myself slathering that on a toasted baguette like it was nutella.

M

Missy

Zomato Apr 08, 2012

4.5

The best lamb in the universe and the best desserts. Only thing I could fault was the fattoush - bit soggy. I love this place and would eat here ever day if someone would come with me

B

BP

Zomato Apr 05, 2012

2.0

Got charged about 70 dollars for a birthday cake, then our group got charged an additional 60 dollars to "serve" the cake that was purchased off Maha. Bit steep for a chocolate cake wouldn't you say?

T

Th

Zomato Apr 03, 2012

4.5

We took family here for a 60th. We could not fault the service, food, wine, ambiance. One of the best dining experiences in Melbourne! We left completely content & it lived up to the expectations. AMAZING

F

Fatboo

Zomato Mar 22, 2012

0.0

Food at Maha was good, but we had issues with the service. [Express Lunch Review]

A

Andy Mak

Zomato Mar 16, 2012

4.5

This little Middle Eastern restaurant is tucked away on Bond Street and has a lovely atmosphere and extremely friendly staff. We thourghly enjoy the food and our time here.

E

ELouise

Zomato Mar 12, 2012

4.5

Delicious. Dined here on Sunday for the 4 course $65 set menu. Everything was absolutely delicious! Being a vegetarian I was perfectly catered for, nothing was a hassle and every meal was really well thought out. The staff were lovely, without being annoying, and the decor is perfect. I loved it so much I have now booked a private room for my birthday. Can't wait to head back!!

R

Raj

Zomato Mar 07, 2012

4.5

Superb. Had a wonderful lunch at Maha - everything was wonderful. The food, the service, the drinks. The soufra was a varied selection of inventive dishes. I will be going back!

M

Mary Karatzas

Zomato Mar 03, 2012

2.0

Had the lunch express. The two entrees of salmon and chicken with walnut foam were minuscule to say the least. There was only one choice of a main which happened to be a share plate of meat, fish, rice n salad. Was a little boring and not very inventive (like the entrees were). The lamb dish was very oily and left me feeling a bit greasy. Average really for all the hype.

A

Al' The Picky EAter

Zomato Feb 25, 2012

4.5

Maha's Sultans Spring menu 2011. Heirloom tomatoes, sea urchin , basil labneh, spiced tomato chai - a crystal clear consommé, mildly spiced but refreshing, with a dash of creamy labneh to break the surface.

R

Rc

Zomato Feb 21, 2012

0.0

Just eat here!. Great food, awesome service, we had the John experience, an amazing waiter who loved the food he brought out and you could tell everytime he brought something out. Still a favourite, lunch special is a must, soo much food! can't say enough of this place!

A

Aeg

Zomato Feb 20, 2012

4.5

Delicate and delicious!. My partner brought me here for lunch. I am vegetarian, he isn't. We chose the 4 course soufra, as he had been advised I could be accommodated. Wow. I was more than accommodated - no token gestures here! We shared the cold dishes, all lovely. We had separate hot entrees and mains, shared dessert. Everything was delicious. Some dishes I could replicate myself, others, not without a recipe, and that's something I really appreciate in a restaurant. Everything was also delicately prepared, and perfectly balanced. We had a cocktail each with our meals, which were lovely, and perfectly made. For a special occasion, you couldn't fault Maha. We both left absolutely full, completely satisfied. I would particularly recommend for vegetarians, as you will rarely get looked after to this extent at a restaurant of this standard. Personally, I regard the true mark of a good chef to be their skill with vegetarian food, as the ingredients don't necessarily get the work done for you in the same way as a good cut of meat. For the record though, my partner also loved it, the chicken in particular was a standout. If you're looking to impress someone, or treat yourself, I would definitely recommend Maha.

K

Kelly

Zomato Feb 20, 2012

4.5

Never disappoints. Will always be my favorite restaurant in the world. Every meal is packed with flavour! Absolutely delicious!

A

AJ

Zomato Feb 20, 2012

4.5

Awesome food. Great service. Amazing food. Very unique and interesting flavours. Walked out thoroughly content and satisfied. Great service. Coming back for the special de-gust in march.

S

Sym

Zomato Feb 16, 2012

4.5

Went there for dinner last night and loved it. Love how he puts a Maltese infulance on his food .will be back

C

Cags

Zomato Feb 15, 2012

0.0

Timely Excursion!!!! I've been to Maha a number of times now,and as expected,the standard and presentation of food is decent enough. However,consistently the wait to be seated,as well as the time expended between courses is unacceptable. Be prepared to write off at least 3-4 hours of your evening. Detracts so much from any attempted ambience or experience!!

T

Twifty

Zomato Feb 12, 2012

4.5

My new favourite cuisine !!!. Warm and welcoming greeting, recognised from our previous visit, each of us were made to feel special and we knew we were in for a treat. Maha exceeded expectations and this happy diner was thrilled !! A thoroughly enjoyable experience.....the food (OMG the FOOD !) was exciting, delectable and plenty. Our group of eight proceeded to debate our favourite dishes of the 4 course soufra (a chef's choice menu) created by Shane Delia and meticulously presented to us by a well-polished and friendly team in Randie, Alan, Alan, Alan, Alan and our very knowledgeable Sommelier who served our wine matching experience. The winning votes from our table were: Cauliflower puree with smoked eel, shoulder of lamb with green olive and pistachio tabouleh, fattoush salad, chicken with walnut mousse (amazing presentation of this one) and finally ALL 3 desserts! Thank you for a wonderful night, we were not left wanting for anything. Delighted.

H

Hayley

Zomato Feb 11, 2012

4.5

Think I've found my new favourite restaurant. Wonderful dining experience at Maha last night. Food superb and staff exceptional. Wine list comprehensive as was the sommeliers knowledge of it ( thanks for the great advice!) . Would highly recommend the soufra- great way to experience all that Maha has to offer. Can't wait to go back!

K

KB

Zomato Feb 11, 2012

0.0

Outstanding. Gorgeous Food, Beautiful cocktails, Absolute sublime service - def worth the money and will return and recommend!

D

Dangerousduplicity

Zomato Feb 05, 2012

4.5

The service is flawless and the atmosphere potent with exoticisms. Minimum $150 per head if you intend on wine and you will, even though the experience is intoxicating enough.

T

TC

Zomato Feb 01, 2012

4.5

Turkish Delight Martini. An awesome take on a classic, infused with real turkish delight pieces and the scent of rose water (i think) upon every mouthful is truly beautiful

C

Clenden

Zomato Jan 25, 2012

4.5

Beautifully presented a tasty food. Great service, a real dinning experience - will save up and be back

T

Tulipa Manse

Zomato Jan 21, 2012

4.5

The Super Maha!. I lost count on how many times I have been here.... We normally take longer lunch on Fridays to come here from work ... its all delicious food! Great attentive service and the lamb dish... its to die for The dessert is always yummy The 3 course meal for lunch - its the way to go

M

Matthew Cork

Zomato Jan 06, 2012

0.0

A pleasant night without the "wow factor". Went to Maha last night based on recommendations from numerous family and friends and a penchant for middle eastern food done really well. My partner and I both ordered the 6 course "Sultan" degustation menu paired with matching wines. Highlights for us were the pork belly, a delightful contrast between the richness of the belly and the crunch of the crackling; the line caught snapper which was cooked to melt in your mouth perfection, and the 12 hour lamb shoulder, which was wonderfully tender and rich. I found the service to be attentive, and friendly - dishes came out too fast for our liking initially, like they were trying to rush us out for the later sitting, but things did slow down, and we were moved to the courtyard to finish dessert and relax which was fine. All in all a solid dining experience with some notable highlights, but like a lot of couples who walk out of "fine dining" restaurants circa $350 poorer, one starts to ask the question, was it worth it? You be the judge.

D

Daniel Low

Zomato Dec 27, 2011

4.5

Fantastic!!!!! Ordered the lunchtime 5 course meal and loved it!!!!! Definitely will dine again!!!!! Thank you!!!! Best experience of 2011

P

Pam

Zomato Dec 22, 2011

4.5

Great for lunch. The 3-course lunch menu is great value, delicious and generous. We had pleasant, efficient service. Perfect if you can get away from work for a few hours!

S

Sweet And Sour Fork

Zomato Dec 20, 2011

3.5

The zucchini flowers were encased in a light yet unbelievably crispy batter that gave way to smooth ricotta under my knife. The herbed, almost risotto-like rice was the perfect accompaniment to the four small pieces of quail, which were smoky and tender, and glazed with a sweet and sticky sauce.

M

Marcus Sim

Zomato Dec 20, 2011

2.0

What a joke!. To pay top dollar for food is fine, but you would like the service that comes with it. The service of this restaurant needs a lot of work attitude of the staff towards the customer is quiet sad! They had no life seemed that they didnt care. When asked for drinks or just more of something eyes rolled over like "what now?" Cocktails need a lot of work...... Bluestone has a better list........ Sad to say food was good but staff just racked it for my friends and I ....

H

High Expectation

Zomato Dec 12, 2011

0.0

Had our annual Christmas dinner last Friday night at Maha. Overall the experience was very nice - even the Shisha pipe at the end of the night for a bit a laugh. The food was good although didn't quite meet my expectations. The service was amazing and ambiance very nice although we did ask for the piercing lighting to be dimmed and the music a tad too loud for conversation. Will I return? Probably not. Although if someone is paying maybe?

N

NinjaZu Ate

Zomato Dec 07, 2011

5.0

Oh my god what a dinning experience. This place has moved into my top 10 of Melbourne - the food was amazing!! if you havent experienced this i suggest you get there, this is the best fushion middle eastern food ive ever seen. I was so impressed i bought the cook book!

J

Jaime

Zomato Dec 05, 2011

4.5

I love the variety on dessert platters! Maha‘s platter consisted of fluffy donuts, chocolate ice cream, panna cotta with honeycomb and a middle eastern inspired creme brule.

A

Addy

Zomato Dec 01, 2011

4.5

We decided to have the four course lunch soufra . Here's our first course.. So there's the olives , saffron pickled vegetables , red bean and mushroom dip , and house made labneh . We loved the labneh, it was spicy, smooth and creamy! The dip was also yummy! For Bee, to replace the labneh, a hummus dip was offered in replacement and also some gluten free bread. 2nd course Zucc

M

Michele

Zomato Nov 22, 2011

0.0

Nice overall. Some dishes were delicious some things missed the mark a little like the black rice gel nobody at the table ate it, pork dish superb, service flawless and a little gift for the ladies when you leave. i left feeling looked after.

R

Rae

Zomato Nov 13, 2011

0.0

Really disappointing. We went for my birthday. I must go out to the wrong pricy restaurants in Melbourne because I'm never impressed with the food. But I wasn't paying this time so why not try again. Well, it was the most disappointing food I ever had in an expensive restaurant. At least the staff were terrific, the decor was very good, as was the wine. We had the new summer degustation menu. There were too many elements in each course, but nearly all the elements had very little taste. Unheard of for Middle Eastern food. It was all like bland hotel restaurant flavours. The best was the cold clear tomato soup at the start because at least you could taste the tomatoes in it. The dessert course was little donuts balls in honey syrup and their tasteless texture was tough and dry. The worst dessert I ever had in a restaurant. I'll skip writing about the other courses because I wish I skipped eating them. One or two elements were fairly good in some of the courses, so the chef should work with that and leave out what has no taste. At this level of dining a chef should know how to develop deep layers of flavour in each item on the plate, not how to reduce flavour. I suppose he may have wanted to have "rounded" or "balanced" flavours but all he did was tone everything down to almost nothing. If the flavour is deep and complex in 1 or 2 elements, the course doesn't need any more. No reason to have 5 or 6 little elements for no essential reason.

M

Michelle

Zomato Nov 07, 2011

2.0

Food okay, atmosphere and service unpleasant.. I agree exactly with Socialite's assessment-it was pretty well clear the staff were just interested in "telling you" what to buy, just to extract as much money out of you as person-and i'm not generally one to quibble over money either! I just hate it when it's a) blatant and b) unpleasant-very incompetent staff (uncouth, uncultured)...the amount of food you get is also not worth your dollar, although the food was not bad, the pricing schema is constructed to maximise your spend, and minimise your choice. I would not recommend this place to anybody. The atmosphere was the style typical of all the usual hot spots, dim, a bit of flourish, but nothing to write home about, there are dozens of restaurants in melbourne ten times better than this.

J

John

Zomato Nov 06, 2011

4.5

Good Snapper. Good food, line caught goldband snapper was a great selection.

F

Frances

Zomato Oct 30, 2011

4.5

Yum. Amazing food, quinoa was the best I've tried, we had the 3 course tasting and finished with Turkish delight doughnuts, really good. The wait staff were entertaining and always obliging when we asked questions about the dishes, very friendly and extremely knowledgable. Delightful evening.

R

Rozzles

Zomato Oct 30, 2011

4.5

A Sunday Delight. This was my first visit to Maha and after hearing many mixed reviews thought I would try it out myself. I took a girlfriend to celebrate her Birthday. She is a vegetarian and I was a little concerned being the foodie she is that it may not be up to par. How wrong I was. We arrived at 12.30pm on a Sunday afternoon and waddled out at 4.30pm. On arrival the waiter asked us if we had any allergies or food preferences. He then advised that we would start to receive a selection of the Chef's selected dishes. I have to say I was a little hesitant not being in control of what I wanted to order and eat. Oh how wrong I was. We grazed on the most magnificent fare I have eaten in a long time. The dishes were infused with intricate flavours, herbs & spices finished off with infused oils that created a truly delicious experience. I hadn't had breakfast as I knew I was going out for lunch but even so there is no way we could eat the generous servings presented to us. I imagine it isn't traditional Middle Eastern food (or maybe it is) but the flavours, presentation and serving size were perfect. Would I return, YES. Would I recommend, YES. If there was anything to fault it would have been that twice I had to look to the drink waiter to have our wine replenished. Is that that end of the world, NO I thought the little extra touches were delightful. The bill was delivered in a box that looked like an old book and it contained a little complimentary glass vial of spice. The waiter came and asked if we would like a little squirt of refreshing lemon hand spray. A lovely finish to an enjoyable day!

S

Socialite

Zomato Oct 30, 2011

2.0

Maha YUK. We were all looking to enjoy a fabulous evening and instead it was one of the worst ever. Our table which we booked was 1 hour late, the staff only care about one thing and thats sucking as much money from you as possible, they try to be polite from a training manual, the food was average AND the most important thing is that they tried to charge GST on top of the menu price showing which by law is not allowed. Every one please be careful here and dont stand for being ripped off. Our group of 6 will never go back.

P

PatVi David

Zomato Oct 26, 2011

2.0

So so over priced !!!. My husband and I dined at MAHA last night and were extremely disappointed!! While the service was excellent and its obvious that the staff are very well trained the food and value ratio is not so! We chose the set menu including wine which from the menu it implied that the higher value included the wine was not the case - the wine was a separate exorbitant cost so beware!!! We have been lucky enough to have dined in many places around the world and we concluded that this was one of the most expensive unsatisfying meals we have ever had. Unfortunately we will not be returning.

S

Sandy Johnston

Zomato Oct 17, 2011

2.0

Overated and Disapointing. I had heard wonderful things about Maha and have been keen to go for a while. We decided to take my mother for her Birthday, who was visiting from overseas and planned to have the Sultans 6 course Degustation Menu. The meal although interesting was very 'Heston-esk' and thank fully filling, was nice but not amazing. We enjoyed the salmon, however the pork belly was dry and the lamb was fatty, I have definitely eaten better of both in other less prestigious restaurants. Aside from the occasional spice on the side of the plate, the meal wasn't particularly Middle-Eastern. The décor was dark, gloomy and boring, and although the restaurant was almost empty on arrival, all patrons were sat together in one corner, in tables too close together, lacking intamacy and privacy. The price for the Sultans 6 course Degustation Menu is advertised on the Maha web site as $95 (and still advertised a month later) however the in house the menu states, and we were charged $104.50. Overall, we were sadly disappointed with the experience.

C

Chompz

Zomato Oct 12, 2011

4.5

Love it!. I think George has done very well with this restaurant. I just love the feel of this place from the moment I walked in. I love the ambiance, the smell, and the décor of it. The service was great; helpful without being too pushy nor intrusive. We went with the degustation menu and loving every bits of it. Great value for money as the serving size was generous, I could not even have the desserts (which was a pity because they looked beautiful, which my partner was more than happy to polish off for me :D). And I just love the extra touch, they gave us a little spice sample to take home. Will definitely come back for more food at Maha! :)

M

MelbourneEater87

Zomato Oct 10, 2011

4.5

Wonderful!. The Sunday "familija tieghi" - set menu lunch at Maha is incredible. Every course was great, but the dessert platter was particularly special (Turkish Delight doughnuts!!) Service was brilliant - we were not rushed in the slightest, so felt perfectly comfortable lingering for 4 hours! Maha is a favourite, and not bad value at $65 per person for four courses.

G

Gavin Haak

Zomato Oct 07, 2011

4.5

Amazing!. Never having really tried Middle Eastern food, this was awesome. Had the Snapper and Lamb Shoulder, both in my top dishes of the year, just excellent, service great as well. Price makes it a special occasion place, oh so worth it!

L

Let Me Feed You

Zomato Oct 03, 2011

4.5

Our three main dishes came out together, along with a side of rice and a salad. The first I tried was the chargrilled wild barramundi with dukka and artichokes. The fish was simply awesome, probably my highlight of the meal. The barramundi (my favourite fish) had a beautiful delicate flavour and was perfectly set off with the tang of lemon and salt. The tangy artichokes were a nice touch. Second on my list was the slow roasted lamb shoulder with pistachio and olive tabouleh. Cue salivation. This was my (other) favourite from the lunch, the lamb was super tender and melted in your mouth. The tabouleh was also excellent, I enjoyed the clean and simple flavours of the lemon and parsley. Such a tasty dish, I loved it. The waiter told us this was one of the most popular dishes on the menu, and I'm not surprised.

A

Amystown

Zomato Oct 01, 2011

0.0

The lamb was simply divine. The meat was tender and moist, with charred pieces on the edges, which exploded, with flavour in my mouth. The tabouleh added tart flavours and crunch, which balanced out the richness of the lamb perfectly. The Labne also added perfect co

G

Gamax

Zomato Sep 28, 2011

2.0

Gamax. Whilst I've enjoyed Maha in the past, a recent experience of the "Dine like a Sultan" menu left much to be desired. The Sultan food was (as advertised by their staff) more "refined" than the Soufra menu, but in refining it, they forgot to add flavour and balance. They also didn't cope with pregnancy or food intolerances very well. For the pregnant lass, they just removed ingredients she couldn't eat (ie for the cured fish dish, they removed the fish but didn't replace it with anything so she was left with garnish on her plate and not much else). Where a food intolerance was identified, the alternative dish was uninspiring (ie pork belly was replaced with fried pumpkin). They also assumed (despite being explicitly told otherwise), that the person who couldn't eat pork belly couldn't eat any pork products (and thus replaced all pork dishes with vegetarian dishes (as equally unimaginative as the fried pumpkin)). Not what I expect for a $75 per head degustation menu. I suggest sticking to the Soufra menu until they refine their Sultan menu even further.

N

Nomnomyums

Zomato Sep 25, 2011

2.0

Disappointed doughnut. Are the doughnuts supposed to have a molten Turkish Delight center? Because that didn't seem to be the case. I was so enticed by the picture on their website and was disappointed when it was.. just a chewy/doughy/seemed undercooked doughnut with a piece of Turkish delight..

K

Kooshie

Zomato Sep 21, 2011

4.5

Artsy food that filled the belly. The venue itself is beautiful, the dark wood, dimmed lighting, fabolous service and the music is lovely to the senses. Seated in a corner with my partner we indulged ourselves in the 6 course vegetarian menu. To be suitably rewarded to food that please the eye and the stomach. Best dish of the night would have to be the tempura zucchini flowers, so delightful that I'm still thinking about it. All in all, a great place to go if you are vegetarian and looking some contemporary middle eastern food. A little on the pricey side, had a $18 glass of morroccan red wine, but for something a little indulgent it was on the money.

H

Hungry

Zomato Sep 17, 2011

4.5

My mates and I went to maha for a special birthday dinner, and were extremely happy with our choice in restaurant. Not only was the service impeccable, but the food was sublime. We had the 6 course 'sultans feast' and it was more than enough, each course better than the first. Also, loved the middle eastern beers! Very nice touch.

E

Eudaemonia

Zomato Sep 01, 2011

4.5

Lovely. Really well executed food. flavours were perfect, i intend to eat there again

L

Linh Dang

Zomato Aug 28, 2011

4.5

A keeper. The menu, quality and variety of food, presentation and service always impresses. You get more than what you pay for!

D

Does My Bomb Look Big In This

Zomato Aug 21, 2011

4.5

After a long bath to ease my aching feet, I was hungry again! Luckily we had reservations at Maha Bar and Grill. It's part of The Press Club Group stable of restaurants, part-owned by Masterchef judge George Calombaris. You'll even find what I'm starting to describe as a hat-prerequisite, L'Occitane products in the bathrooms... I guess George knows what they look for... I was excited about this one, as I was keen to see what modern Middle Eastern cooking might be. My first thoughts inside the warm, luxurious space was that the service was excellent, however it comes at a price. Frankly I think $45 is too much for a main. There's work on the plates but I couldn't see that much more than I usually see on Sydney plates for the extra $12-$15 bucks they're charging. The first dish I tried was the House Made Venison Basterma, Japanese Mayo, Fried Spiced Quail Egg with Eggplant ($24) which was a good solid, enjoyable dish. I wasn't so sold on the Port Lincoln Octopus Stuffat with Pullet Egg,

K

KG

Zomato Aug 19, 2011

4.5

Amazing experience from start to finish. 8 course menu was unbelievable. Service was amazing, our waitress was sweet and very helpful. Can't wait to go back.

P

Please Sir Can I Have Some More

Zomato Aug 17, 2011

4.5

Overall I cannot fault anything about our experience, the food was a delicious twist on the Middle East and the venue was a cosy underground hideaway.

8

8ites Our Bites On Food

Zomato Aug 15, 2011

0.0

Of all the dishes offered from this mysterious Familija Tieghi Lunch menu, the ‘hero’ dish for us was the grilled trumpeter.

D

Don

Zomato Aug 07, 2011

0.0

Excellent customer services.. 8 courses dinner was beautiful. But main was nothing special.. Stater the soup was a killer.

K

Kenneth Thank You

Zomato Aug 05, 2011

4.5

Poached free range pullet egg, joselito iberico, smoked bread, jamon, cauliflower. This is only my 3 or 4th time tasting Mediterranean style meal. The taste really take me by surprise. I guess with the magic of a creative chef, Shane, then it just make little ingredients blend well together creating exceptional dish. I had this dish, which I think I am still missing a few components from the description (bad memory). There were fine details with each item, combining sweet, charcoal, salty... It just created a dance floor of flavour on the plate, which somehow mix well in my palate. To me, it is really an experience, and worth a try. I will go back again, to make sure I experience how Shane wanted us to experience. This is really my eye opening night, and I am happy that I finally made it. Will read more on this cuisine! Also, service was excellent. Waiting staff did explain to us every details of the culture and the menu item (including the wine list). And all smiling to us, even though I did ask lots of questions and making sure I understand this cuisine! Love it. ZAHA....

L

LucyinAust

Zomato Aug 02, 2011

2.0

Inflexible and awful service!. Went for my birthday dinner and was shocked at the service. My mother was given a glass with lipstick on it; when we asked for a replacement, the waiter picked up the glass, inspected it for quite a while, before walking away. No apology and he acted like he doubted we'd seen lipstick?!?! They were very inflexible with their menu but when indicated it was a dietary requirement they were very flexible?! (if I ask for a change I don't expect to have to go into my medical history to explain why!). The only highlight was the tiny little 'baked goats cheese cinnamon bun' that came with the soup - that was wow! The turkish delight donuts were boring and tasteless. No bread came with the meal which I'd expect at a restaurant at this level. I would never go back; Momo's is infinitely better!

C

Cynthia Paladine

Zomato Jul 30, 2011

4.5

Turkish delight doughnuts. I am love... that is all . Great place

F

FarmrsMarktsFan

Zomato Jul 23, 2011

4.5

Memorably good food & service. Our Bucket List Dinner Club (4 of us) had Friday night dinner at Maha. From welcome to goodbye, the amazingly good, friendly, efficient service was an absolute delight. Though a very busy night, the staff made every effort to ensure our enjoyment of the meal and the whole Maha experience. And thank you Chef Shane Delia for my friend's photo op! Oh the food! We shared the 5 course soufra. My dairy free preference was easily accommodated. Our meal commenced with the best carrot soup ever, a wonderful array of small cold dishes, then included clams with fennel, walnut? crumbed pork belly, perfectly grilled swordfish, tender lamb with a pilaf enhanced with dates and finished with tasty little treats such as doughnuts with Turkish Delight & Maha's own version of Gaytime icecream. A feast! And don't overlook their cocktails like the Pomegranate Sour.

E

EveandApple

Zomato Jul 14, 2011

4.5

Nom nom nom. Had a four course lunch soufra at Maha today.... amazing food, fresh and delicious. Matching wine was appropriate, and well timed. Wait staff were helpful and informative, even providing us with a great recommendation for a bar to visit afterwards. Couldn't have asked for more... well worth the expense.

D

Daniela

Zomato Jul 11, 2011

4.5

If been a few times and have never been unhappy. Great fresh, tasty and interesting foods. Make sure u try the soup!!

L

Local Voice

Zomato Jul 10, 2011

0.0

Hey Herbie, you should be a food critic. . . NOT!... You should write a book.... NOT!...Go and get .... YES!

O

Omnidragon

Zomato Jul 04, 2011

4.5

Fantastic ambience and exotic food... well-priced. Nice ambience and certainly something different. The appetiser dishes were very well-presented and the dishes were very refreshing. The mains - while use very standard ingredients - again boast superb flavours and a lot of time and effort has gone into setting it out. Environment was also very cosy and the ambience was extremely nice - that side of the city is a bit strange, but that's ok. The staff were very knowledgeable and that came through in the prepping of what each exotic dish was and how to eat it. Overall, highly recommend this place - especially for group parties.

H

Herbie

Zomato Jul 04, 2011

2.0

Ordinary service. We were informed the only bookings available were for 6:30 or 8:45. Clearly two sittings so they could maximise profit. Fine. It had better be good then I thought. I was given the snooty "take it or leave it" attitude with the implicit "because we are just so damn popular" brush-off. I chose the 8:45. Woman who rang during the week to remind me NOT TO BE LATE sounded snotty and it all just went pear shaped from there really. We arrived on time and stood at the door for several minutes waiting to be greeted. People before us were waiting to leave and get their coats and were equally exasperated and fed up. They chose to try and retrieve their jackets and were greeted with a chiding rebuke. We were informed that we would just have to wait "we're afraid" with all the sincerity of a get well card from an undertaker . No apologies. Yet we were instructed to be there on time. We were invited to go to the bar and have a drink. I briefly surveyed the options and considered there to be too little time to wash the car or tune the Victa so I thought a drink was about thebest alternative. Pity it wasn't a complementary one. After ll this is their problem remember?? Call me picky but I'm the one here that's waiting and I didn't cause the issue. We stood there again with no acknowledgment for several minutes while people rushed about thrusting instructions and orders at one another looking either very important or very confused. Some clever ones managed to effect both emotions at once. Eventually we were provided a bar menu. We waited another 5 minutes and during this time my partner asked if we should just leave. I remained stoic and manly. I should have just said "yes let's go". We ordered two G&Ts and were told that it would be made with some ordinary gin. Would that be Ok? Fine we said. Anything to help you out so you could get back to something important. Meantime three groups of 2 arrived and were ushered to the bar as well. This must be good for profit too I imagine... Eventually we sat down at 9:20. Food was bland and forgetable I thought. The wine we ordered was a year younger than the one on the menu when it arrived. This was pointed out to the waitress. We were again directed to the wine menu to make a selection. And wait. And wait. No attempt to say " oh I'm sorry ... could I suggest this one ... it's slightly more expensive but I'll take care of that" (ie it's our stuff up ... let me fix this for you). The staff continued to race about attending to other people. Not sure what they were doing but they certainly looked the part. When a meal eventually arrived it put me in the mind of a batton relay. They thrust the plates down & with machine gun staccato and no sincerity they reeled off whatever it was and got back to where the real action was happening. Overall verr disappointing and I won't we returning. I heard St Katherine's (sister restaurant) is equally expensive & the service was underwhelming as well ... Fortunately there's lots of choice in Melbourne.

J

Jennpf

Zomato Jul 02, 2011

4.5

Don't sit near the bar or door.. Food excellent. To make sure your expensive night out it not ruined by a cold wind coming in the door or people waiting at the bar bumping you with their handbags and bums.....request a table along the wall. The above ruined our night even though the staff were very attentive and problem focused when we bought this to their attention. Go for the great food.

B

Bunty

Zomato Jun 23, 2011

2.0

Not impressed. Went to Maha full of expectation based on the great reviews. Very disappointed. Food was OK but not spectacular and service was dreadful. Arrived promptly for our 8.45pm booking to find the place heaving and no-one around to greet us or take our coats. A party who were trying to leave had obviously given up waiting and begun rummaging through the coats to find their own, only to be scolded by the waitress who (literally) ran up and insisted it was her job. Quite so. We were told our table wasn't ready and were shown to the bar, where we sat, along with several others, for another 25 minutes looking at a row of empty tables that no-one had the time to reset. We were eventually seated and the rest of the evening followed in a similar fashion - stressed, overworked staff who barely had time to fling the plates on the table before tearing away to try and serve some other party. Overall the food was generally tasty, but it was delivered in such a conveyor belt-like fashion that it felt more like being part of a production line than a relaxed dining experience. I can only imagine that either they were unexpectedly short staffed for some reason (in which case an acknowledgment and apology wouldn't have gone amiss) or their success has gone to their heads and they are trying to 'process' far too many diners through the restaurant in one night. In the end it was a relief to get away and we certainly won't be going back in a hurry. Pity as we were really looking forward to it.

G

Gumby

Zomato Jun 19, 2011

4.5

The Sunday lunch meal was good value at 65 / head. Skip breakfast! 12 hour roast beef was awesome. Fish too. Dessert underwhelming which was unusual based on previous visits where it was a massive highlight.

S

Shane Parkinson

Zomato Jun 18, 2011

4.5

While desert isnt a huge thing on my "after a nice meal" list, my food partner in crime said "You have to have dessert at Maha"! Well he was right! Sharing the dessert tasting plate was a palate of taste sensations. Awesome, but if seconds could be had, the turkish delight donuts were amazing! The staff were also very good, making the entire experience very memorable and totally enjoyable.

A

Amee

Zomato Jun 18, 2011

4.5

Soufra = Great Value. I've been here five times, eaten twice at the lunchtime soufra and 3 times in the courtyard. Lunchtime weekday soufras are actually good value, it's nice to try a variety of dishes and feel quite full and satisfied afterwards. However don't bother getting the bar soufra that only provides one course - you're not going to get full.

M

Melbourniangirl

Zomato Jun 16, 2011

0.0

aMAHAzing great, how sweet it tastes…

D

David

Zomato Jun 14, 2011

4.5

Maha has amazing food, the meat dish on the bone is truly spectacular. I haven't been here for at least a year or more, so good to see the consistency still there and it was lunch btw.

M

MoMo And Coco ~ Dessert Correspondents

Zomato May 29, 2011

4.5

the turkish delight-filled doughnuts;and the unique Middle-Eastern interpretations of classical desserts

W

Wonderfull

Zomato May 27, 2011

4.5

For special needs, or a special occasion. As a student I'm usually a cheap eats kinda gal, but the quality of this place is really worth the price. For a special occasion, you won't be disappointed at Maha. We went for the Soufra (chef's choice banquet). The staff were sensational, they explained each of the dishes, and also made sure that all of our allergy/dietary requirements were catered for (even though we didn't have any). The food was delicious, a really interesting range of entrees & mains. There was a sweet bread salad which was one of my favourites. The staff were extremely knowledgeable when it came to the wine list. Even receiving the bill was a pleasant, courteous experience. I don't think I could recommend this place enough. It was great! The only thing I didn't like was the traditional coffee... I was determined to finish it, but it was thick and gritty, really not to my taste. But no worries, they serve the usual espresso too.

G

Gertrude

Zomato May 26, 2011

4.5

I LOVE Maha!! By far my favourite restaurant!! Everytime I've been the food has been sensational, service impeccable.. simply cannot fault them!!

D

Davids

Zomato May 25, 2011

4.5

Expensive but worth it. Definitely worth a visit, the service was perfect, as was each dish.

P

PatInOz

Zomato May 21, 2011

4.5

Maha Bar and Grill. I've been there several times and the food and service have been consistently excellent. I recommend the soufra for a well-balanced dining experience. Lots of great flavours going on there and the staff are well informed on what has gone into each dish. Standout small plate for me this time was the gin and tomato chai delicately poured over the scallop, basil labneh and baby asparagus tips. And the signature12-hour roast lamb shoulder is never a disappointment.

B

Bt

Zomato May 16, 2011

4.5

Brilliant food, service, atmosphere.. This place is deserved of a 2 hat cap as its consistently amazing. the food is punchy, with lovely textures and colours. the matching wine set up is done to perfection. the slow cooked lamb, rices and even the salads are done very very well. fantastic for all occasion. definitely wont disappoint!

G

Gourmand

Zomato May 09, 2011

4.5

Persian Pleasure. A warm cavern on a cold May night. We chose the 4 course banquet with matching wines. Food was excellent and exciting, wine perhaps a little to experimental for me. Hilly recommended.

M

My Last Supper

Zomato May 07, 2011

4.5

WARNING: Don't snack beforehand. The moment you step down into this magical place you know you are about to experience something special - the service, the wine list, and of course, the food, are exceptional. However, be warned, we partook in the four course set menu with matching wines, and that was more than filling enough. There is a generosity of spirit in this food hall, from the chef who saw us eating every morsel off the bone and decided to bring us seconds - gratis. The staff are knowledgeable and provide trustworthy counsel. This place is a special occasions winner.

E

Easternsuburbs_explorer

Zomato May 06, 2011

4.5

Middle Eastern escape in the CBD.. I have been to Maha bar three times and would come here more often if the bank account allowed! Love the donuts with Turkish delight middles and the slow cooked lamb! Souffras are get value and service is top notch.

A

Apexed

Zomato Apr 19, 2011

4.5

Food was good but not really spectacular. But this place is very slick in every other respect. Great service, and extras/gimics like complimentary hibiscus tea at start, house spices to take home, and a little gold box with sweets and a copy of the menu as you leave.

B

Blake Hutchison

Zomato Apr 14, 2011

0.0

The most exciting way to go while leaving all the hard decisions to the kitchen is the soufra or banquet.

Y

You Had Me At Haloumi

Zomato Apr 11, 2011

4.5

Maha Uh-huh. Had the soufra, loved everything. My favourite was the slow roasted lamb. I would return solely just for that. The pork belly was meh. A little dry and the crackle could have been more crackling. The grapes on it were actually a nice addition. The highly anticipated turkish delight donuts were a little of a let down, guess i expected more after all the hype, still yummy but would have liked a bit of a crispy outer layer i think. Loved the pop corn dessert though. We had a lot left over too, definitely worth it.

P

Pork Belly

Zomato Apr 09, 2011

4.5

Souffra delight. Maha has great fixed lunch menu for sharing. There are a lot of little samplings and this makes it interesting dining. The lamb shoulder is highly recommended.

P

Petit Miamx

Zomato Apr 05, 2011

4.5

I have previously been to Maha however that was quite a few years ago so I was hesitant to dine there again however I found myself there at the insistance of L* who had been excited to dine there for quite some time. There was no need for my apprehension as I enjoyed majority of the dishes that night. We ended up going with the 4 course Banquet as opposed to chosing off the Ala Carte menu. We started the Banquet out with a Soup. I don't remember everything that was in there but it was a great flavour combination of hot & sour, with asaparagus and a mound of pureed avocado at the bottom to be mixed in. First Course - Soup Next, we moved on the small cold dishes which comprised of Dips, Marinated olives, Pickled Fennel, Shotglasses of Chicken Liver Parfait & I'm not exactly sure what those two balls were but we weren't able to get past the initial tasting. Otherwise, I enjoyed all of these starters and my favourite was the Chicken Liver parfait. Berid Mezza - Small cold dishes A few smal

M

Ms Melbourne

Zomato Apr 04, 2011

0.0

I have wanted to dine at Maha for quite some time, after hearing many positive reviews from multiple sources. I was a little bit concerned however, as I had heard similar things about the Press Club (and Maha is owned by the same people) and eating there was one of the most disappointing dining experiences I have had in Melbourne (and the $400 bill that went with it made the experience even more painful). With this sense of worry hanging over me, my meal at Maha did start inauspiciously, although through no fault of the restaurant, but by way of my own clumsiness. Sitting in Maha's bar for a pre dinner drink, I somehow managed to spill the majority of my glass of champagne all over myself (and this is before I had more than a few sips of alcohol). Mass panic ensued (as I was wearing a pink silk top that now resembled a wet rag) but the staff at Maha were quick to respond with a bottle of soda water and a clean cloth to soak up the stain. Feeling slightly sh

E

Eat And Be Merry Crew

Zomato Mar 31, 2011

0.0

We came for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival Restaurant Express Lunch and were very pleased that we did as the staff at Maha really showcased the quality of their food. A note to other restaurants: that's the point of offering the Express Lunch deal - to get new customers in and entice them to return! For those unfamiliar with the Express Lunch - it's two courses, a glass of wine, and tea/coffee for $35. We're more of a 'cheap eats' crowd so this is an opportunity to try restaurants we normally wouldn't go to (except for special occasions). It really is a good deal but don't expect to linger at lunch as most restaurants schedule two sittings. One of the two entrees we could choose from was shredded chicken, bbq and puffed corn, smoked almonds and mayo. Big Fil was impressed by the dish and thought it was well balanced in terms of flavours and textures. The other entrée of octopus stuffat consisted of a rich stew of sliced octopus underneath a perfectly cooked poached egg. This was

S

Sandra

Zomato Mar 24, 2011

4.5

Amazing lamb!. Amazing ambience, food is fantastic and cocktails are pretty good too. Definitely will be back!

H

Hungry Ronin

Zomato Feb 21, 2011

4.0

Soufra me!. Great value degus, being able to choose 3 or 4 courses for the shared soufra meal for 65 to 80 bucks. The amount of food given is also generous. The service is sharp and sleek, just like the decor with the waiters being quite accommodating in terms of your preference. Do ask for the succulent lamb...simply superb. And then there are the jelly "donuts" yumm...hauntingly good. There are plenty of good middle eastern restaurants in town, but Maha's capability to take the vast yet distinctive Persian empire's flavors to the next level makes it great.

J

John

Zomato Feb 19, 2011

4.5

The coconut tapioca dish w/mint granita was faultless and left you wanting an entire bowl. That, to my surprise, was definitely the better dessert of the night.

J

Julia Galante

Zomato Feb 11, 2011

4.5

Amazing lunch today! Had the four course soufra, so much food we left feeling food drunk! Incredible dessert and quail stuffed with duck... Who thinks of that?? Yum!!

O

Out Of My Kitchen

Zomato Dec 16, 2010

3.5

Maha is the mediterranean inspired middle east restaurant in the George Calombaris empire. When it opened in 2008 it was the "it" place getting plenty of airtime in local newspapers, feature reviews in Gourmet Traveller and had plenty of buzz.

P

Peter

Zomato Dec 07, 2010

0.0

Disappointing & a waste of taste and money. Cannot see how it got a hat award in the Age good food guide. Wouldn't recommend it & won't ever go back!

C

Cee

Zomato Dec 06, 2010

5.0

Amazing!. The service, set up & food was top notch. I loved it and would go back without hesitation

O

Oyster

Zomato Dec 03, 2010

4.5

Exceedingly good. I must admit, this is the first time I've had mediterranian food so this is probably not a great review. The food was great, the wine was great, the service was great, the interior was very classy for a one-hat. Restaurant was full during lunch time on a Friday so I can just imagine it is consistently great!

J

Joe Honest

Zomato Nov 09, 2010

2.0

Why?. Why do people love this place? It's over price, always packed. Makes no sense. Food is good, granted but not worth the wait, rude service...

A

Alkira Bishka

Zomato Nov 05, 2010

0.0

Moody and sultry as many sub-terrestrial venues are, Maha is a seductive space hidden in the basement of a Bond Street building. With very little in the way of neighbors to draw the crowds, this

L

Lisa Manche

Zomato Oct 21, 2010

4.5

My Dad’s family moved to Australia from Malta in the 70's, so I've grown up eating many of my Nanna's traditional homemade dishes. Malta’s food culture is quite unique. The cuisine is a bit of a melting pot, borrowing ideas from nearby Italy and the Middl

S

Simon

Zomato Oct 06, 2010

4.5

GREAT. We went on a Friday night and as were a group of 8 we ate the 4 course soufra $80 per person. As we booked for 6.30 session we had to be out by 8.30 which in no way turned out to be a problem. The food is great, the location great, the staff were very knowledgeable-Great, the toilets had luxury lotions - great and we had a great night. This place has absolutely no similarity to Press Club and nor should it so don't expect it to. I really liked the desserts.

D

Damian Mccarthy

Zomato Sep 29, 2010

4.5

Great place for variety. It's said to be expensive but if you go with any of the banquets there is plenty of food. Slow roast lamb was great as was the dessert platter, donuts stuffed with Turkish delight were a highlight. We had a great night and to top it off there was a cameo appearance from George sitting at the bar.

M

Malteser

Zomato Aug 31, 2010

4.5

Tasty. Whilst Maha is an expensive restaurant it is better value for money than other options as you leave stuffed. The lamb shoulder is to die for!

C

Coffeebeen

Zomato Aug 07, 2010

2.0

Awesome fit out. Everything else truly average

X

Xjuzjuzjuzx

Zomato Aug 06, 2010

4.5

Great flavours. This is the place that got me started on my blogging journey. the dinner i had here with my sister was absolutely delicious and i will remember that slow cooked lamb forever. the mezze plate is awesome too.

X

Xjuzjuzjuzx

Zomato Aug 04, 2010

4.5

What a complete, all-around remarkable experience. The service ensured we were taken care of, the décor was warm and cosy, and the food was the Oscar-winning star.

M

Marigold Bloom

Zomato Aug 02, 2010

0.0

Maha! While everyone else was slaving away at another miserable Monday, I was enjoying a delightful three courses with my friends at Maha Bar and Grill . Yes I know you hate me, but please do keep reading. For starters we had the mezze which incorporated

S

Shaun

Zomato Jul 30, 2010

2.0

Eating under pressure was terrible. What a disappointment and we can t blame the food. fter making a booking for a 6.30 table and arriving a little early the one real bright spot was the greeting from behind the bar. It started all to go downhill from the time we arrived at our table. We were reminded on more than one occasion that we had to be off the table by 8.30 .After ordering one of the set menus .it was a race against the clock as a couse was clered another was delivered . It became very stressful and un pleasant. Although the food was reasonable you felt very sick at the end because you didnt get a break betwen courses .The staff remindd us they need the table yet after moving to theoutdoor area and asking for our wine glasses back and 25 minutes later nobody was at our table . This was speed eating at tis best. I wonder why they offer the set menu if they cant effectively manage the floor If you are going for a speical occassion beware of your time as you never know who if you will find yourself being asked to hurry up . Very Poor and would not recomend this to anybody

C

Coffeeaddict

Zomato Jul 29, 2010

4.5

Impressive!. Ate here with a group of 12, and had a great time. The food was tasty and full of flavour, the 4 courses were definitely very satisfying especially the Maha donuts filled with turkish delight! Will definitely return again!

I

I Eat Therefore I Am

Zomato Jul 13, 2010

0.0

Maha Bar and Grill is yet another venture from the chef who is everywhere you look at the moment, George Calombaris. It's a modern middle eastern restaurant, which had me really intrigued as I'm always wanting to try new cuisines.

A

AJ

Zomato Jul 09, 2010

4.5

Wow what a night!!!. I dined at Maha last week and cannot stop talking about it. We chose the sultans feast menu which we were told was a selection of the chef Shane Delias best dishes and they were not lying!!! Not only were we full but every dish (and there were about 13 of them) tasted different and unique with lovely flavours of Maltese and Turkish backgrounds. The sommelier also picked out some awesome wines to match at a reasonable price (who can afford to pay $150 for a bottle of wine these days) During the night, the chef himself came out and spoke to not only us but others around the room. Now that is what i call personalised service. The service was attentive and they even give you some of the house spice to take home too I would highly recommend maha for your next dinner out. Just don't eat all day before going!!!

C

Cedric

Zomato Jun 21, 2010

4.5

Pretty Good. A short time ago, I went on a work dinner for the first time to Maha. Atmosphere, decor and service is right up there with the very best. Wine list superb. The food was very good and certainly plentiful, but is at at the very top? I don't think it is quite. If someone else is paying or you don't mind splashing out, well worth going.

A

Augo

Zomato Jun 16, 2010

4.5

Outstanding. Possibly the best dining experience i've had. atmosphere was terrific, the service was prompt, attentive, helpful & friendly and the food was divine. Can say enough about it!!

C

Cs

Zomato Jun 05, 2010

4.5

Very delicious. Tried the 4 course with wines and everything was very good, piping hot bread to go with the first course dips and olives, washed down with a Languedocien picpoul de pinet. Two more Israeli wines rounded out the very rich mains and unctuous dessert. Lovely genuine service, all rather excellent. A worthwhile spot to try.

M

Master Radish

Zomato Apr 12, 2010

0.0

This is a good, solid Middle Eastern restaurant - despite the restaurant being in the Columbaris chain. Lunch at Maha is a real bargain and very reminiscent of more traditional dining in this style. A two

C

CMcP

Zomato Mar 31, 2010

4.5

Gorgeous atmosphere, gorgeous food. . Pros: - Good variety of food, something different for a change - Wait staff know their business, very knowledgeable about the food & wine to match - Little touches throughout the evening added to the enjoyment, from a traditional welcoming beverage, to the complementary spice mix you get to take home at the end Cons: - Pricey, so save it for a special occasion - Turn off your phone so you can get totally lost in the ambiance

L

Lisa

Zomato Mar 16, 2010

2.0

Rude maitre d, rushed service. We went as part of the Restaurant Express $35 per head 2 course lunch deal & they were so rude, rushing us through. Food was ok and possibly it would be a good time if you were not there are part of the special deal. However, I think the point of RE is to try new restaurants so they aren't doing themselves any favours by cutting corners there. Fit out is good.

F

Foodlover

Zomato Feb 17, 2010

4.5

Interesting maha. Me and hub had the 5 course at maha last night and the food was interesting but some really needed an acquired taste like the mint and yoghurt soup...was strange, didn't quite float my boat there. Despite everyone raving about the lamb, it was a bit dry and tasteless for my liking. However, i adored this chicken and fig roll thing we had! On the plus side, the dishes were plentiful and service was excellent! if you are looking for an adventure, go to maha.

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Brigit Cole

Zomato Feb 08, 2010

4.5

Each course gets better and better. The food was diverse, fresh and full of flavour and great value for money. We did the set menu of four dishes; correctly anticipating that not only would five b e too much the fifth dish was a soup - which we were non-plus about anyway. We also had the matching wines, which where a bit of a disappointment to tell the truth. The Raki was quite an overpowering starting point and the chopping and changing of red to white across the courses didn't really work. Having said that - as each course had both red and white meets - it was a hard feat to begin with. Next time (and oh yes there will be a next time) I promise to save room for the desert course. Lots of room. Best desert platter in Melbourne.

M

My Food Trail

Zomato Jan 18, 2010

0.0

Maha is located off Flinders Street, in between Elizabeth and Queen Streets. Maha is run by Chef Shane Delia and the cuisine embraces his Maltese heritage melded with his wife Maha’s Lebanese background.

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Amelia

Zomato Dec 31, 2009

4.5

The 4 course souffra offers new delights with each mouthful. Nobody could want more food but there is plenty of bread if your appetite is especially large. Service is attentive at filling up water glasses but it's difficult to get a waiter's attention for the bill.

M

MAB

Zomato Dec 08, 2009

4.5

Nice flavours but average value only for the money. Good service.

O

Oohlookbel

Zomato Dec 01, 2009

0.0

So this was our final full day of our Melbourne long weekend, though only a partial day for me, as I had to work. After work, we took a quick stroll into Bourke St Mall for a last peek at the shops. I didn't really buy much during this trip, and I think I

S

Spooner

Zomato Nov 01, 2009

4.5

Different. Nice food ,sweets good.service a bit average.

K

Kat Spatula Spoon And Saturday

Zomato Oct 26, 2009

0.0

Since Taste of Melbourne, I have always wanted to go back to Maha. So finally I drafted Maya, Sharon and Tong to head there for a really good nosh on a Monday night. Maha, as it turned out, was literally about 50 metres from the building I work in. Yep. I

C

Claralyn

Zomato Oct 24, 2009

4.5

Of desserts. We went for a 4 course feast at maha. but really, the food wasnt too impressive and was really filling.... but you know what. i keep going back because the desserts are so delightful. and we ALWAYS order the dessert platter, because it's always different and always exciting. the service is good, and i love their little red aprons. this restaurant stands out (:

M

Marine Sparkle

Zomato Sep 26, 2009

4.5

Mouth watering. Great atmosphere, fabulous food and good service. recommend starting with a cocktail and progressing to the menu recommendations - set for your dietary and taste preferences. Real taste of the middle east

M

Matthew Carlo Donazzan

Zomato Sep 10, 2009

0.0

Fantastic. One of the best restaurants in melb. Cool atmosphere, exciting menu and charming staff. Perfect for an intimate date or a large group dinner (I recommen the wonderful set menus).

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Fat Tony Mok-Belle

Zomato Sep 08, 2009

4.5

Superb. As good as food gets in Melbourne. The unlimited mineral water scam doesn't appeal...

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Chefosaurus

Zomato Aug 23, 2009

4.5

What a surprise!. I have been to Maha a couple of times and have enjoyed my visits everytime I visit. Maha has a chilled out vibe, it's location promotes a real sense of a hideaway. Maha even has a sectioned off area at the front that allows you to enjoy a Hooka and a cocktail. I have enjoyed the Soufra on a number of occasions - I really enjoyed the swordish that they had on on beautiul metal skewers, The food is presented in a beautiful manner - great way to set the stage. The one thing I didn't like were the Lebenese doughnuts - too stodgy no flavour just yuck. Thanks for the great bathrooms and the the luxury amenities.!!

J

Jingles

Zomato Aug 07, 2009

4.5

Delicious. After the boring food I had at Comme last week, going to Maha was certainly a redeeming experience for my tastebuds. I am not a connoisseur of middle eastern cuisine, however I found the flavours were strong yet not overwhelming. If it's your first time, try the 5 course soufra which includes soup. We had pumpkin and cinnamon soup and it was just AMAziNG. It was a great experience, however the waitress that served us lacked warmth and friendliness.

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Lu Lu Sollitto

Zomato Jul 25, 2009

4.5

Fabulous! Go the soufra and you won't regret it. Save room for the Turkish delight doughnuts on the dessert plate.

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CP

Zomato Jul 12, 2009

4.5

Great food, great service. The food comes out to share between the table, which is good, as it makes for a more fun experience. We had the 5 course menu, and it was very very filling, almost too much food. Also they cater well even if you have dietary requirements and do it in a way so that the test of the table isn't disadvantaged.

L

Loulou

Zomato Jul 08, 2009

4.5

Great!. Fantastic cocktail- the maha royale was delicious. The food was awesome and the turkish delight filled donuts mean this is my new favourite restaurant!

K

Kiwigirl

Zomato Jul 05, 2009

4.5

This is it - HEAVEN. Heaven can not get much better if Maha is anything to go by. No, this is not the Press Club and we do not want it to be. MAHA is earthy, fantastic service staff and exceptionally attentive - love the little touch of ras el hanout test tube when leaving - awesome touch. I smell it each day to remind me of those amazing flavours, the subtitles of the dishes and the textures. I have been here at least 10 time since they opened an LOVE the place - a great experience and whatever food you choose, it will be gorgeous. If it is your first time, I suggest the Soufra menu which is a little more costly but you will be FULL. . . and next time,choose the flavours and dishes and order al la carte. Thanks for the memories - listen to their music online if you miss the place like I do!

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Nicholas Gold

Zomato Jul 01, 2009

4.5

Great food, great feel, great fun. The title says it all. The food is wonderful, the helpings perfect, the variety great, the atmosphere warm, and did I say the food was great?

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The Bee

Zomato May 12, 2009

4.5

Recommended. We had the degustation and were very impressed with the food, the atmosphere and service. Save room for the desserts!

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Belle_gauci

Zomato Apr 25, 2009

4.5

Cannot be beaten. We have visited twice in the last 6 months and this is now our favourite restaurant. We cannot fault anything about this classy restaurant. A definite must for those wanting to celebrate a special occasion. The moment you step in you are spoilt with perfect service. Every bite of food just makes you want to savour the taste and melt into your chair with delight! The 12 hour braised lamb is a must (just melts in your mouth) and so too are the famous Turkish delight donuts and the panacotta with hazelnut mousse. Choose the Soufra menu and let the chefs cater to your liking, knowing that whatever they serve you will be perfect.

D

D78

Zomato Jan 23, 2009

2.0

Disappointed. Not sure if I was expecting a similar experience as press club too much but didn't enjoy the space or food at maha. Press club was 1000 times better.

Bewertungen von Maha