We had the calamari, fish and chip shop quality with a few dregs of rocket. Not very filling and way over priced. We then ordered coffees which took over 15 minutes to arrive so we had to cancel as the show was about to staff. Overall a disappointing and overpriced affair.
T
Taliehelene
Zomato
May 29, 2019
5.0
Script is a lovely place to go for a bite and chat with a friend before a show. The atrium is cheerful in colder months when you still need some natural light, but to be out of the weather. I retreat here for a coffee when I need to not be on campus for a little bit, and the staff are really friendly and kind.
O
Our Foodie Finds
Zomato
May 04, 2018
3.0
We're seeming to make it a ritual now that before heading into the NGV, we must grab a bite to eat and Script was next on the cards.<br/><br/>Located parallel to the NGV off Southbank Blvd, Script is one of three options to choose from to and with ample parking available on and around it off Dodd Street, it is fitting to eat here.<br/><br/>A little unimpressed as we walked in with staff casually talking to themselves behind the bar, not taking notice of us until we made ourselves noticed by approaching them and interrupting their conversation. We sat outside of the little courtyard type set up which was quite pleasant on the perfect 25°C day however, with the experience we just had upon entering, this usually resonates with how good the good tastes and the service provided thereafter. In saying that, service was actually pretty good, prompt and friendly however the food...well, yet again we are met with the challenge of chefs not tasting their food before serving it as seasoning didn't seem to be evident. You would think ordering the self titled "Script Burger" that it would be an amazing burger, full of flavour and juicy - not an over cooked patty with next to no seasoning. Chips weren't bad though. The crispy calamari salad was the same, season your food chef! For how much you pay for each meal (which is too much we think) seasoning should be sorted - the salad was $24.5 and burger $18.5.<br/><br/>Other than that, it was otherwise an enjoyable experience but probablybeould give it a miss if we had to eat there again. Till next time, this is Our Foodie Find!
E
Ev Na
Zomato
Nov 21, 2017
1.0
HORENDOUS<br/>I ordered a Barramundi here, it was SMELT BADLY and was off. Obviously I don’t want to get food poisoning so I asked for another meal instead because I was going to an event and didn’t want to go in starving. They brought me the 'Confit Chicken' and if I didn’t cut it up to look inside it and see that it was pink inside, I would’ve had sarmenolla poisoning (see photo). Thank you but no thank you, won’t EVER step foot here again and I don’t recommend you do either. Oh I had to pay for it as well :’)
J
Jennitals
Zomato
Nov 17, 2017
3.5
LIT!: the papadelle and lasagne was hot and delicious. The service was great! Thanks for replacing all our cutlery since we dropped everything.. haha <br/><br/>NOT SO LIT: the croquettes were warm at most. For a fancy and pricey restaurant, this was disappointing.
H
Helen Tutton
Zomato
Oct 07, 2017
4.5
We always head to Script before a show at the Southbank theatre and have never been disappointed yet. It can get really busy so booking in advance is essential. Nice food and quick service always so you will never miss your show.
K
Kiara Pocock
Zomato
Jun 27, 2017
4.0
I ordered the chicken. Very enjoyable and lovely flavours. Almost tasted like I was in Barcelona <br/>Service was wonderful and the wine was even better!!<br/>Highly recommend!
K
Katherine Chiu
Zomato
May 30, 2017
2.5
Script bar and Bistro is in Southbank where Melbourne Uni is and the Arts centre. On a Tuesday night they were not too busy and I was waiting for a tram which was inconsistent to take me to Golden Fleece which seemed far from my running track. They have been inside the MTC for eight years and love the patronage of the theatre goers.
C
Christopher & Marian
Zomato
Mar 28, 2017
4.0
Great dinner location. <br/>Marian and I met up with friends for dinner in this reliable eating place. Good service and better than average wine list.<br/>It was a shame that my Gnocchi dish while being a main course was so small in helping size. <br/>Flavour and quality of all food getting close to a 5 ! <br/>Many pre-theatre patrons eat here.<br/>The staff here work hard to keep all happy and are extremely polite.<br/>We will return but would love to see all mains represented by not being so small.<br/>Hungry after work deserves a good plate of Gnocchi.<br/>
L
L
Zomato
Mar 11, 2017
3.5
After reading some of the reviews on here, I was a little scared when I got invited to dinner here. But it turned out my experience was surprisingly pleasant. Everyone at my table ordered either lasagne or a pasta special and really enjoyed it. Being right next to the theatre, the food is a bit pricey and my lasagne square was, for some reason, only about 3/4 of the size of the other two served next to me, but I really enjoyed the taste and was still satisfied afterwards. I probably wouldn't hurry back because of the price, but I also would happily go again if invited or I was attending another play.
C
Changez Haydari
Zomato
Feb 14, 2017
1.0
I made the mistake of booking this place for valentines through dimmi app. The place looks nice through photos, dont be tricked in to believing that this place is good. It ruined my valentines date, the food is horrendous. I had ordered a rib eye steak fillet and risotto. Both tasted terrible. If the place looks empty, do urself a favour and walk away before it ruins ur date.
O
Ornella
Zomato
Nov 11, 2016
1.0
Terrible. Stay away. Horrible food. Empty restaurant on a Friday at 730pm. Food quality low and high prices!!!! Never again waste of money.
B
Ben Clark
Zomato
Jun 22, 2016
1.0
This is not a restaurant I would recommend to anybody. My grandparents were celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary and planned to celebrate by booking dinner at Script Bar and Bistro followed by a show. My grandparents had booked dinner and received written confirmation. One hour before dinner they were advised via text that their booking had been cancelled without any explanation. My grandparents were left with nowhere to go as everywhere was booked out. When they tried to call the restaurant there was no response. They finally got a response to their phone call on the following Monday. The staff were very unhelpful,unapologetic and unsympathetic. Absolutely disgusting!
S
Susie Langley
Zomato
Jun 19, 2016
3.5
I ordered the delicious risotto special with artichoke & potato, which was excellent except for the fact fresh coriander wasn't mentioned on the board, which was very unfortunate as fresh coriander & I don't get on at all! So i could only eat half of it - such a pity! My friend ordered her steak medium-well done, some of it was quite rare. Another pity. So her coffee & my affogato with Frangelico were on the house, which softened the blow. Nice ambience, albeit quite pricy. And convenient to the Melbourne Recital Centre.
O
Out And About
Zomato
Apr 26, 2016
2.0
We stopped into the Script Bar and Bistro before a play for a glass of wine and a cake. Overall we were pretty disappointed and could help but feel that we were more of a nuisance than a customer. The cake was dry and over priced for what it was and the wine, meh... <br/>The Script feels like the tired and stuffy cafe riding on the coat tails of its location without ever earning it from serving good food or offering good customer service.
M
Matt Sanderson
Zomato
Mar 30, 2016
1.0
Small group for a pre-show drink. Were sent way out to courtyard where umbrellas are stored behind seats meaning people had to trip over them to sit down. Took ages to ask for order, then drinks delivered in dribs and drabs over the next 20 minutes. Didn't have the ingredients for a martini, even though wait staff took the order. Completely forgot one of our people's drinks. Wait and bar staff so hopeless that it was amazing they asked for the 10% pub holiday surcharge with a straight face. At least they'd messed up the bill, leaving off a couple of cocktails which covered the surcharge. In summary totally inept, would not survive for 5 minutes in Melbourne if they didn't have a captive audience from the theater. Next time I'll be having a cocktail in a real bar instead.
A
Ananya Behera
Zomato
Nov 11, 2015
3.0
Friendly and quick service. We didn't intend to end up at Script for breakfast, rather we had our eyes set on Blondie, but the menu was much the same. Coffee was well made. I ordered the Muesli, which came with very compote, yogurt and milk, and my boss went for the Smashed Avo. I enjoyed the roasted fruit that made up the muesli and the mixture of berry compote and yogurt made it a very filling meal with good consistency. The menu was very limited though.
D
David Zweck
Zomato
Sep 17, 2015
1.0
The only thing this place has going for it is that it is convenient for attending a show at the MTC. Definitely do not go for the food, it is awful. <br/>In a city that rates itself as the food capital of Australia an icon attraction like the MTC should be providing a much much better lunch or dining experience. I have bought better lasagna at Coles than the dry, tasteless and cold lasagna I was served. I should have sent it back, but I was hungry and the show began in 15 mins. My wife's chicken was similarly dry and unappealing. She could not eat it. The chef is supposed to be Italian, I don't think so if he or she can't even get lasagna right.<br/>Come on MTC you can provide better fare than this. <br/>If you want a decent meal try Fatto on Southbank. It is only 3 mins away and is real deal Italian, Script is not !
A
Audacity Of Hope
Zomato
Aug 04, 2015
2.5
I had the gnocchi and it was a small serving and rather bland. And expensive. Service was excellent and they ensured we got to our play on time.
T
Tracey Lin
Zomato
Jul 15, 2015
3.0
Free wifi, quite lunch, enjoyed my coffee and book there. Seems that the bar hired a new chef, but the menu didn't surprise me. Experience at night is different, live music.
J
Jenn.lucinda
Zomato
Jun 30, 2015
2.5
I went here on Saturday night before a concert at the Recital Centre. The location is great and the service is fantastic. However the food is not so great- for starters we had average bread with butter packets like you get at a hostel breakfast, then I had atlantic salmon with vegetables which was overcooked and bland. The desserts were ok. The coffee was excellent! The food needs a revamp for the price you pay.
J
Jlefarrell
Zomato
Apr 23, 2015
0.0
Disappointing. The Seafood Linguine 29.50 Tiger prawns, Atlantic scallops and white fish with ‘Green Olive’ virgin olive oil, fresh chilli and garlic, sounds great but had 2 small scallops and NO tiger prawns. It looked like pasta with a tomato based sauce, couldn't see 1 piece of fish. Servings weren't even with those that ordered the same meal either. Thought 1.5 hrs before a show should be enough time but meals took so long we were one of the last into the theatre.
K
KatMmm
Zomato
Apr 17, 2015
4.0
Really friendly and fast service. The calamari was to die for and the antipasto platter and pork sausage orichetti were basic, but made with top level ingredients.
R
Raspberry
Zomato
Apr 11, 2015
4.5
We both enjoyed the food & great service. The waiters and waitresses were all really nice and fun. Food didn't take long and was good, too. I'd definitely come back before a show again. So close to Melbourne Recital and a nice ambience.
T
Tim Frawley
Zomato
Mar 11, 2015
2.0
Appalling service waited 30mins for a breakfast bagel then the waitress delivered it to the table next to ours.
T
Thefrenchcart
Zomato
Oct 25, 2014
0.0
Never again. There is reason why Script had so many empty tables on a busy Saturday night during the Festival. Whilst the service and ambiance is good, the food was uniformly disappointing for all our party. My smoked fish pie contained a morsel of fish hidden in a sauce with the consistency of thick chunky custard. The pumpkin ravioli was just so so. The vegetable curry was a joke: mostly potato, a lump of cauliflower and a smattering of lentils. Serving sizes are small, requiring two or three courses to be satisfied. Low value, high prices.
R
Rochellle
Zomato
Sep 04, 2014
0.0
Over priced. Limited menu. Small portions.. When we arrived for dinner at 6.30pm the main course list had already been reduced down to 4 choices. We chose this restaurant due to its close vicinity to the theatre and supposed options for food allergies, but were disappointed to find that there were no vegetarian or gluten free meals available. When the meals we ordered did arrive they were small in size, and we were had to order a side of fries and more bread. This Script has dropped its game as they can charge what they like and serve what they like because they are simply in a convenient location to the theatre. Won't be eating there ever again.
I
Iain
Zomato
Aug 31, 2014
0.0
Absolutley awful and overpriced food. I believe it used to be very good, but on Friday night the food we had was awful and way overpriced. The Fish Pie - lovely looking and smelling, but lots of potato within and no fish seen or tasted. The very expensive steak was the tiniest I have ever seen and way over cooked. I would be surprised if it was even the 250g weight mentioned in the menu. The Cotoletta (chicken schnitzel) was a few scraps of deep fried chicken in a very sparse capsicum ratatouille (rather an exaggeration), with a splodge of chutney. The side salad was average, but probably the best thing there. The service was quick and helpful.<br/><br/>We went back later for hot chocolates and tea - the hot chocolates were tepid at best and fairly tasteless - Yarra water would have been preferable.<br/><br/>It is the poorest meal we have ever had for the price.<br/><br/>It's proximity to the theatre is its only draw card.
G
Gregory2
Zomato
Aug 31, 2014
0.0
Have dined at Script on a semi-regular basis due only to the convenience of its location. Over the years the service & quality and quantity of food have deteriorated significantly, with the prices becoming disproportionately high as a result. The examples of poor service & substandard food are far too numerous to list, but last Saturday night was a perfect example. Seated at 6.30, main arrived at 7.30. Smoked fish pie. It was a ramekin filled with creamy sauce, half a dozen small portions of raw potato and fish? If there was any fish in there it was miniscule. A soft flaky circle of pastry (obviously cooked separately and plonked on top at time of service validated (?) calling it a pie... apparently. The side salad was a single mouthful of leaves. This was $32.00! More fool me, I suppose.<br/>Script only have around six mains... surely with such a small range to choose from they can get it right!<br/> I'm a afraid this has to be the last time!
K
Kel0013
Zomato
Jul 19, 2014
0.0
3 generations of family disliked the food. 3 generations disliked the food served at Script. I had pumpkin and ricotta ravioli it was served in a bowl full of oil which tasted of no flavour. My mother had beef Wellington served with beans which were undercooked. My grandmother had seafood fettuccine the fettuccine was overcooked and was too fatty and oily.
H
Harry Onsman
Zomato
Jul 12, 2014
2.0
Impossible to get into because of their ludicrous booking system. Phone never answered. They pretend they don't receive emails. Really! Don't bother trying.
A
Anna CD
Zomato
Jun 06, 2014
2.0
Highly over-rated. My "fish of the day" was over cooked- tasted like rubber. I'm guessing that they just re- heat it- could be wrong, however, for $34 with NO greens at all it was a total ripoff. My partners dish (cannelloni) was very ordinary also. Service is good, luckily, & wine list is reasonable.
I
IHeartFood
Zomato
Feb 28, 2014
4.5
Great Food & Service. We came here before seeing the production of Private Lives at the MTC. From the moment we were seated our lovely waitress asked us which show we were seeing (apparently there were a few in the area) and then assured us we would be through in time. We shared the tempura courgettes to start - great light batter and yummy filling. I had the beef cheek (amazing silky mash!) and my partner had hot smoked salmon - apparently they smoke it in house so it has a beautiful light texture and smoky flavour. We had a couple of lovely glasses of wine (very reasonable prices) and for dessert we shared the house made bread and butter pudding (divine!)<br/>All in all a fantastic experience and we were on time to the show!!<br/>Thanks Script!
M
Martine Hebert
Zomato
Dec 17, 2013
2.0
Wouldn't go back. Medium rare scotch fillet was overcooked, meat was tough and polenta chips were dry. Was offered a free coffee to make up for uneatable $36 main! Had to ask for free dessert. Entree and dessert were good, but didn't make up for main.
L
Lil Al
Zomato
Oct 24, 2013
4.5
Much improved. The pork cutlet is outstanding. Current wine list (Oct 2013) has plenty of good well-priced wines.
G
Gin
Zomato
Aug 14, 2013
0.0
Good for a quick feed. Although leaving people waiting at the front door seems to be popular (not only me and my companion but others arriving after us), once you get in it's a good place to be. Food is fast, generous serves, tasty and well put together. Service is friendly and attentive. There's not much competition within coo-ee so this is a good choice for pre-show dinner.
W
Winchester_crazy
Zomato
Jun 15, 2013
4.5
Fab!. A very convenient location and a very nice place. Fantastic gnocchi and some lovely desserts!
V
Vinnie Robinson
Zomato
Apr 14, 2013
4.5
Great atmosphere. Went to scrpit for a drink before a show, was welcomed by a warm friendly smiling faced waitress and was well looked after, they have a very good knowledge of there wine list! Were fast and effecient for us even though the place was packed with other show goers! <br/>Will be returning to try the food as we had eaten beforehand but saw some very tasty looking things being taken to the tables around us.<br/>Thanks script and the wonderful waitress we had. will see you next time :)
M
MC Hummus
Zomato
Apr 08, 2013
2.0
Convenient & Quick. Like most others who have reviewed this bistro we needed some quick pre-show sustenance. Very convenient to many venues, service was friendly and fast. The Italian menu is fairly basic but presumably the reason they can get the meals out so quick. Our mains (1x Gnocchi & 1 x eggplant) were rather on the small side for $27: if you only have time for one course you would not want to arrive too hungery. My gnocchi was also under-seasoned - very little or no salt (which admittedly may suit many). Drinks about average for the area ($8.50 glass of wine or imported beer).
R
Rose Mercer
Zomato
Feb 15, 2013
4.5
Terrific place. We had about 40 mins between concerts tonight and were fed and watered in time. In fact, I love that when we went in to ask if it was possible the waiter immediately said "yes, of course". Our meals were with us fast and we even had enough time for dessert. Now dessert - omg it was something amazing. We shared (half and half) an amazing Italian chocolate pud with choc icecream and caramel sauce, and also a slice of flourless orange cake. Heavenly - and we had plenty of time to get back to the Recital Ctr for the second show. Thank you guys!
M
Miriam Faine
Zomato
Jan 17, 2013
2.0
I know one should beware on site theatre restaurants (no competition) but on a busy Thursday night with a gala launch at MTC and a concert at the Recital Hall, Script might have anticipated high demand and not run out of bread at 6.30, followed by a 35 minute wait for an overdone steak. No, we didn't want another drink, we wanted to eat and get to our show. <br/>The place was empty at 7.30. The only saving grace an apologetic waiter. Will avoid in future
L
LEO
Zomato
Jun 23, 2012
2.0
LEO. What a disappointment. Parted with $35 for a mediocre glass of wine and 4 squares of luke warm ravioli - sent it back to be heated properly . When reheated, the modest serve of food tasted all right.
F
Frequent Foodie
Zomato
May 22, 2012
4.5
Does its purpose well. Situated at the entrance to Melbourne Theatre Company's Sumner Theatre this establishment mainly caters for before show dinners. It does this well.<br/>The menu and food lack a little excitement but basically do a great job. Plenty from which to choose and generally well cooked and presented.<br/>Not the establishment I would go to to impress interstate visitors nor propose to my girlfriend however as a "before show" place to dine you are in good hands.
M
MuchLoveForAll
Zomato
May 03, 2012
4.5
Beef Gnocchi and I saw God!. Please go to try the house made potato gnocchi with slow cooked beef daube and caramelised onion ragu.The most amazing pasta dish I have had in Melbourne. Brilliant flavours. It was rich, and roundand and soft. Five of us stopped in pre-show on Tuesday night. We all had wine and various dishies from calamari, ravioli and the worlds greatest beef gnocchi. We all enjoyed our dishes and the wine selection by the glass was adequate. We paid $180, one pasta/main dish each and one or two glasses of wine each.<br/>The staff will get you in and out in a flash if you need to get to your show, the know their menu well and are polite and swift. It's great for what it is (a convenience), with a genuine hidden gem of a dish!
R
Ryan Anderson-Smith
Zomato
Apr 20, 2012
4.5
Friendly staff and amazing coffee
J
Jeremy Fisher
Zomato
Aug 14, 2011
4.5
Great. Early on it was quite noisy due to the rowdy people excited to get into the theatre but by about 7.30, most had cleared out and it was a relaxing and quiet environment. The food was reasonably priced and was very tasty. The dessert menu was my highlight, with a great range of cakes and other delicious sweets. It was also great so have service that was fast and friendly. I would be more than happy to eat at this venue again.
B
Bonnie
Zomato
Jun 24, 2011
3.0
Convenient location. I've eaten here three times, each time before seeing a show in one of the two theatres located in the same building.<br/><br/>That's its main strength, in my opinion: if you're seeing a show at the MTC theatre, the Recital Centre, the Malthouse, or at the Arts Centre, it's very conveniently located. Just tell the staff which theatre you need to be at and at what time, and they'll make sure you're fed and watered and out the door in plenty of time.<br/><br/>The menu is usually appealing, the food is good without being great, and the prices are a little high but not outrageous considering the convenience of the location. Last time I ate there, I ordered the calamari with a citrus salad, and I enjoyed it more than a previous reviewer (Mr X) enjoyed his calamari. Perhaps he got them on a bad day.<br/><br/>If I have heaps of time to kill before a show, I prefer to eat in the city, because there are lots of places to choose from where I can get more bang for my buck. But if I've only got an hour before the show, or even less, I'll head straight to Script. I know I'm likely to get a meal I will enjoy, at a price that's not unreasonable. It's not the best value for money you'll ever see, but it easily beats the Curve Bar round the corner at the Arts Centre.
G
GK
Zomato
May 10, 2011
4.5
Very Happy. We had dinner at Script on saturday night and loved it!<br/>The place was very busy but we still managed to get friendly and attentive service and the food was delicious and very prompt as we were going to see a show that night and were a little worried about the time. We will definitely be back!
M
Mr X
Zomato
Apr 12, 2011
2.0
Disappointment!!. Nice looking place with great potential, but as for the service and the quality of food its a huge disappointment. I ordered Calamari with Salad, I presume the calamari came from the far section of the frozen department at a supermarket and was served to me soggy and barely warm, the salad... well dull springs to mind. <br/>My friend ordered a meat dish can remember the name but it was served raw when it was supposed to be cooked. After speaking to the manger who insisted to the point of arguing that the meal was served correctly, later came to apologise as she was wrong and offered to replace the meal but then charged my friend for the cost of her new order. Absolute rubbish and we will never return.
