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“Loved it!”
Review of Punch Lane

Punch Lane
Ranked #32 of 4,810 Restaurants in Melbourne
Price range: HK$26 - HK$216
Cuisines: European, International, Wine Bar
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Dining options: After-hours, Reservations
Neighbourhood: Chinatown
Description: 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. Simply want to relax and watch the world go by? Then pop in for a glass of wine and a yarn with Punch Lane’s friendly staff – the choice is yours!
Reviewed 22 August 2018

Loved the intimate atmosphere, food, wine and our waiter Derek.
Be aware the mains menu choice is small, so perhaps check it out online first.
Recommended.

Date of visit: August 2018
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
Thank DONHEL39
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.
MartinPirc, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 23 August 2018

Thank you for the positive feedback and for your recommendation :)

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Reviews (668)
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94 - 98 of 668 reviews

Reviewed 5 August 2018 via mobile

I have enjoyed many meals at Punch Lane over many years but this time the male waiting staff were so pretentious I was embarrassed at the appalling service. We went to Punch Lane on my recommendation and for that I am sorry. From the moment we arrived until we left they treated us with contempt and I don’t know why. However we must have offended them from the outset as they did the bare minimum for us and were no doubt glad to see us leave. Fortunately the food was good but I won’t be back as for me it is all about the service. Oh and don’t ask them to recommend a beer as they won’t!

Date of visit: August 2018
Thank Birt1964
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.
MartinPirc, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 8 August 2018

We are all sincerely sorry and there is no excuse for being left to feel like you have explained. We very much appreciated your patronage over many years and are terribly disappointed that we will not be seeing you in the future. The staff at Punch Lane are all long serving members who continually impress our guests , it is quite mortifying to read your comments as an owner.

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Reviewed 3 August 2018

I love to travel alone because it gives me a different perspective on the places I visit, and it seems to test the patience of waitstaff. While my welcome at the restaurant was warm and friendly, my server seemed to feel obligatorily nice and efficient. Everything was lovely, I have no complaints - it's just an impression.

The food is the real standout here. (Apparently they are known as a wine bar, but I didn't have time to explore more thoroughly.) I don't normally order 3 courses, but I did - I couldn't say no to anything. Each dish was interesting and well-flavored; dessert was absolutely phenomenal, especially for someone who doesn't normally get to eat dessert in restaurants; and portions were large. If I traveled to Melbourne more regularly, this would be on the "repeat" list.

Date of visit: July 2018
    • Value
    • Service
    • Food
Thank MiaBchGal
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.
MartinPirc, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 6 August 2018

Thank you for sharing your experience with us the kitchen was thrilled to read your comments about your food experience.

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Reviewed 22 July 2018 via mobile

Punch lane has quickly become a favourite of ours when we visit Melbourne. From beautifully executed mains to simple but delicious charcuterie boards, the food here is fresh, exciting and there’s always something that takes our fancy!

Date of visit: April 2018
Thank DomG90
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.
MartinPirc, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 23 July 2018

Thank you for taking the time and giving us your feedback , we are very happy with the food coming out the Punch kitchen and as you said it is about great product done simply ...

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Reviewed 20 July 2018 via mobile

Punch Lane is always good and serves interesting meals. The service is excellent and the atmosphere is calm, quiet and a haven from the hustle and bustle. I had the pork terrine and then an entre as main. The staff are friendly but not intrusive. I’ll be back.

Date of visit: June 2018
1  Thank CarolynAnneMac
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.
MartinPirc, Owner at Punch Lane, responded to this reviewResponded 22 July 2018

Thank you for your continued support of Punch Lane , if you happen to be in on a Thursday , Friday or Saturday evening please pop in to our new Sister venue next door in the basement ( Juliet Melbourne) and cosy up by the fire with a superb cocktail, there is also a wonderful selection for food on offer.

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