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About
Established in 1995, Punch Lane is a Melbourne dining icon and a pioneer amongst its laneway counterparts. Punch Lane is a cosy and inclusive Wine Bar and restaurant, which prides itself on serving delicious food from a seasonal menu, mouth-watering cheeses from an eclectic board, matched with exceptional wine and service. Conveniently nestled along the northern section of Little Bourke Street, Punch Lane sits right in the heart of Melbourne’s entertainment and political district. Chinatown, Princess Theatre and Her Majesty’s Theatre are just minutes away by foot. Open five days a week, Punch Lane can cater for business lunches, after work drinks, group celebrations or intimate dinners for two.
PRICE RANGE
HK$26 - HK$216
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
CUISINES
European, Australian, Wine Bar, International
FEATURES
Seating, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Gift Cards Available
Reviews (668)
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642 results
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207
40
13
8
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LanguageEnglish
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Traveller rating
374
207
40
13
8
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Reviewed 26 February 2014 via mobile

We had dinner and drinks here , the service was very good and the food was delicate . The few wines that we picked were unavailable , but there were adequate other choices from their extensive stock

Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 25 April 2014

So pleased you enjoyed yourselves and that you found a wine that you enjoyed . Cheers Martin

Reviewed 18 February 2014

Discovered this place by mistake and what a find! loved it! it is a small unpretentious restaurant with great quality food. The service was really good and with great knowledge of their products. Also good understanding of wines overall. The portions are not too big...More

Date of visit: November 2013
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 21 March 2014

Thank you for sharing your experience on line , so pleased you were made to feel welcome as this is as it should be... Regards All at Punch Lane

Reviewed 2 February 2014

Whether for a quick coldie after a busy day or a more relaxed catch up over a glass of wine, Punch Lane has all the bases covered. The ambience is classy, the staff friendly and knowledgable and the food is well and truly worth every...More

Date of visit: January 2014
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Manager at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 21 March 2014

We LOVE regulars, please say hi the next time you are in...:)

Reviewed 27 January 2014

Booked for 4 before Xmas for a dinner on the 27 /12/13. Left a message on the answering machine..............but no return phone call. Dropped in to the restaurant ( only because they didn't get back to me ) to be told by Martin,"yes we confirm...More

Date of visit: December 2013
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 29 January 2014

I am sorry to read of your disappointment with us over Christmas this year, we were closed between the 22nd of December and 26th of December and I had diverted the restaurant phone to my mobile so that I could field calls like yours. I...More

Reviewed 21 December 2013

Punch Lane wine bar is certainly a trendy and cool place for a drink and some food. Good wines by the glass and lots of atmosphere if you like crowded bars. It seemed to be one of the places to go, as many of the...More

Date of visit: December 2013
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 25 January 2014

Great to hear you enjoyed the crazy Christmas atmosphere, it is a very hectic time of year and after being here 20 years we do have a lot of regulars that the keep coming back and fortunately some just finding out about us for the...More

Reviewed 15 December 2013

Good for a first date, service was great, the food was alright, nothing memorable. but worth it for the atmosphere.More

Date of visit: October 2013
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 25 January 2014

Appreciate your honesty, whilst most of our customers love our food sometimes it is hard to be everyones cup of tea... good to hear our service and atmosphere are both up your alley. Perhaps we will see you for a glass of wine and a...More

Reviewed 4 December 2013

Had an enjoyable meal, assisted by a very friendly and helpful French (?) waitress. Lightly seared tuna and duck breast with cumquats were both perfectly cooked and presented. The accompanying wines by the glass were also very nice, if fairly pricey. The cheese platter looked...More

Date of visit: December 2013
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 25 January 2014

So pleased you enjoyed your experience with us, we will have to work on the other 5% next time! :)

Reviewed 28 November 2013

We had been to this establishment a few nights before for a pre-dinner drink and was so impressed with both the atmosphere/ambience and the helpful/cheerful staff so succumbed to make a booking and return. And - we were not disappointed! Starting with a pre dinner...More

Date of visit: September 2013
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 25 January 2014

We look forward to your return visit when you are next over the ditch! Best Wishes to you all on Australia Day ! :)

Reviewed 22 November 2013

Loved everything about our Punch Lane lunch experience....the ambience, food, wine and service all great. Snapper fillet flavors for our mains exquisite, perfectly complemented with our Class Valley Riesling. Warm carrot cake for dessert was delicious too. Exemplary service. Highly recommend.

Date of visit: November 2013
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 25 January 2014

Thank you for your review and it is always lovely to hear positive comments and happy experiences... :)

Reviewed 17 November 2013

Have eaten here before and found it ok. This night went in with a group and reviewed the menu. Risottos were mid $20s. Waiter mentioned the specials and in particular a risotto that sounded ok so three of us ordered it. When the bill came...More

Date of visit: November 2013
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 19 November 2013

A disappointing review is never easy to read ,especially if you have let someone down unintentionally. It appears that you were not clearly made aware of the price so I can understand where you are coming from and offer my sincere apologies . I feel...More

Reviewed 5 November 2013

I went with a friend to Punch Lane recently. This is about my fourth or fifth visit to this restaurant and I simply cannot fault it. It's not fine dining, but for a good quality meal with exceptional service, it's hard to go past Punch...More

Date of visit: October 2013
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 19 November 2013

It is very humbling to hear you wonderful comments... From all of us at Punch Lane 'THANK YOU'!

Reviewed 25 October 2013

After getting sick I found it very difficult to eat out with a range of food intolerances and as we were living in the CBD this became even more frustrating. Thankfully we stumbled upon Punch Lane. I remembered having a corporate lunch here once and...More

Date of visit: September 2013
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 19 November 2013

Thank you so much for your high praise, we really enjoy what we do ... Daniel is very passionate about food and all that goes into it and James as a great palate for wine and is very fussy about what makes it onto our...More

Reviewed 4 October 2013

My wife and I are experienced travellers, and diners, who don't get out much anymore due to a young family. Last Wednesday was one of those rare nights out. A late night show was booked at the Fringe Festival so a leisurely dinner was in...More

Date of visit: October 2013
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 7 October 2013

It was fantastic reading your story , Zoe is thrilled that she help make your night a good one. Looking forward to seeing you on another one of those rare nights out. Best Wishes All at Punch

Reviewed 17 September 2013

Had lunch here a few days ago. The small restaurant has a nice ambience. The restaurant has a fantastic impressive wine list and we asked a few difficult questions with respect the wines and the personnel passed with flying colours. The restaurant had some interesting...More

Date of visit: September 2013
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 7 October 2013

Thank you for your vote and confidence and lovely comments, i am very pleased that our in house wine training and our wine list gets your tick of approval. :)

Reviewed 8 September 2013

Was looking forward to a few drinks & some food with friends but unfortunately the evening was ruined by incredible rude & offensive staff. i don't drink and when I asked if they served non-alcoholic beer I was told it was a wine bar &...More

Date of visit: September 2013
Helpful?
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martin p, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 9 September 2013

Sincere apologies from all the of us at Punch Lane, we are so sorry we offended you and lost an opportunity and possibly a repeat customer , we dropped the ball on this one.

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Questions & Answers
Ask a question
espaset
22 September 2017|
AnswerShow all 2 answers
Response from MartinPirc | Property representative |
Yes we do have a la carte menu however kitchen is closed at 10.30 we do have cheese available now :)
0
Votes
Chris K
9 September 2017|
AnswerShow all 2 answers
Response from 399kristinae | Reviewed this property |
I don't know. I guess you just ring them. If it's anything like our experience it will be very quick because you won't get any food.
0
Votes
Misty W
30 March 2017|
AnswerShow all 2 answers
Response from MartinPirc | Property representative |
smart casual or however you feel comfortable !
1
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PUNCH LANE, Melbourne - Chinatown - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Tripadvisor