Coda

One of the great dining experiences in Melbourne. Off street and super private with great food and the wine list to die for!

Original review in July 2023:
Food coma at Coda Melbourne!

Got a chance to try this Vietnamese Asian fusion restaurant by a recommendation from one of my friends. And oh boy they didn't disappoint.

While they couldn't offer the set menu I was after, the wait staff kindly suggested a combination of interesting dishes all of which were fabulous. My personal fav was definitely the lamb dish with the bread! I also think most of the dishes are designed to go along well with drinks because they were more on the salty side.

Being located at somewhat of an underground, the dimly lit surroundings go well. The music they played during our meal was also not too loud and just right.

Above all, the service offered by the wait staff was friendly, yet professional, and just flawless, including the spacing out of all the dishes we ordered.

My booking was at 6: 30pm on a Saturday night for me and my girlfriend.

Updated review in Dec 2023:
Once again, Coda didn't disappoint. Immaculate services by FOH staff (special thanks to Sam & Jasper), and the food was still fabulous as last time.

Highly recommended.

Our experience at Coda was slightly underwhelming. We loved the interior design of Coda, with moody lighting and background music. However, the restaurant was far too cold as we had to sit there in our jackets. Not ideal. We also specified that we were vegetarian and couldn’t eat anything with fish sauce and had this ok’d. However, we still got a salad that contained fish sauce. This was very off putting for all members at the table, especially since we’d be reassured that it wouldn’t be a problem. When we confronted the waitress that we originally told, she was defensive and unwelcoming to finding an amicable solution to the problem. As this ‘wasn’t an allergy’ she didn’t note our dietary requirement to the chefs. Getting food contaminated with fish is unfortunately the reason why many vegetarians and vegans don’t dine at Asian restaurants. Overall the food was ok but nothing to sing home about. The cocktail we ordered was divine.

Solid food, good service although not exceptional. But I do recommend visiting once if you haven't been.

Food was amazing. Service was good. However, I would want to know why did the ambience look like a casual pop-up in the basement. The walls, roof and floors seem poorly maintained. The food is keeping you afloat, please get the Ambience up to the level if you prefer to exist in the coming future.

Beautifully done Asian fusion food in Melbourne. I have to admit that it is better than Chin Chin, Supernormal and a few other places that do Asian fusion food. The flavours are all there! The food is amazing not to mention the level of service and attention provided. I'm disappointed that I haven't been here earlier!

When in the city this is one of the best food and cocktail experiences. Cocktails have a twist on traditional try the gimlet. But the food is the best. The bettle leaf is amazing.

Lovely experience. Amazing food of good quality. Helpful, attentive, friendly staff. Excellent atmosphere and music choice. Would come back and recommend.

I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank and praise our incredible waiter, Enzo. He was incredibly charming and his recommendations were spot on! Thankyou so much for a great night!

Solid entrees but the mains were frankly terrible. The flavours weren't cohesive and the steak was incredibly chewy.

There was also a very long wait between entrees and mains (almost an hour).

Definitely won't be going back and have warned friends and family about my experience.

The food is always to a high standard and the service is exceptional. Have enjoyed numerous meals here over the past 10 years and every single experience has been an absolute delight.

Stopped in before our show and I’ve got to say, what delicious food and atmosphere. Had the scotch fillet (new on the menu), pork belly, and some other beautiful dishes. Everything was perfection and will definitely be going back.

Food was great, some stand out dishes and some not so great dishes but overall it was nice.
Cocktails were great, service was average. Staff were friendly but not so attentive or interested. Atmosphere was standard, nothing outstanding or lavish. Overall it's worth a try for those 'fu*k that's mad' dishes and cocktails but I wouldn't go out of my way to come back.

Had a great night here, couldn’t fault anything. Food was delicious, great vibe and the service was next level! Big thanks to John for the food recommendations. We will be back.

Apart from the female waitress (who was wonderful) the service was a borderline rude. Food was mostly very flavourseome.

Really good food, some of the dishes were amazing.
Service could be slightly improved.

We had a lovely experience and I would give Coda 5 stars, but.my steak tartare was overpowered by acidity and saltiness and that was a big disappointment. We also wasn't impressed with the bug, but all other dishes were great. The duck liver parfait was a BOMB.
Will we be back? Absolutely, and this is probably the only judgement that matters.

The 'manager' who served us on the 7th June, made our entire experience a let down. Above and beyond wasn't what I was expecting, but just simple hospitality and a welcoming experience. It was difficult to get someone's attention whenever we needed something, and when he saw us trying to get his attention, he didn't even acknowledge politely. Every interaction with him made me question if something I did wasn't right until I confirmed with my friends that he simply didn't care. Food was alright but not sure it I would go back there again. Poor service, unfortunately.

Wonderful food, drink and service. Something on the menu for everyone. The crispy lamb and side of roti was unbeatable.

Second time now. Food and overall experience is awesome. Asked for waiters choice of dishes. It was all spot on. Will be back for a third time for sure