Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. Australia
  3. Melbourne
  4. City Centre
  5. Melbourne CBD
Essence on Exhibition - The Essence, Melbourne, AU-VIC
0

The Essence

4.3
4.3
186 reviews
$A41 to $A100
Modern Australian
Top tags:
At The Essence, it’s all about the freshest, local produce in our region, hand picked by our Head Chef and complemented by native herbs & spices. It’s about that little touch of something different to the familiar that leaves you wondering and makes you want to taste more and more. Step into The Essence and sample the local hearty, warming flavours of our Chefs’ signature recipes. Join us on the journey of re-discovering The Essences of our local produce.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Cuisines

    Modern Australian, Breakfast, Afternoon Tea

  • Hours of Operation

    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:30 pm

  • Phone number

    (03) 9660 1183

  • Website

    http://www.marriott.com/hotel-restaurants/melmc-melbourne-marriott-hotel/essence-restaurant/65273/specials-packages.mi

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress Code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive Chef

    Swami

  • Catering

    Dine on contemporary cuisine from across Australia, made with locally sourced produce at The Essence, our signature hotel restaurant in Melbourne. Begin your day with our hearty breakfast, and then join us for lunch, high tea, or a pre-theatre dinner.

  • Private party facilities

    The event spaces here at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel each boast their own individual character and design. From the elegant trimmings of the Yarra Suite to the sophisticated and intimate Moojerr boardroom, you’re sure to find a unique space for your meeting or event.

  • Private party contact

    Hannah White: (03) 9662 3900 ext. 1178

Experiences

  • Afternoon High Tea ( 24-hour notice required )

    A$55.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Multiple dates available
    Enjoy three tiers of decadent desserts and savoury treats with an elegant afternoon high tea at Melbourne's most iconic hotel. $55 per person $70 per person (with a glass of Chandon Brut, Yarra Valley) Afternoon high tea menu: Fresh Baked Fruit scones with preserves and Devonshire cream Tier 1 - Fresh & Cold Delights Coronation truffle chicken sandwiches Smoked salmon with caper crème fraiche Cucumber and triple brie cheese sandwiches (V) Tier 2 - Warm & Savoury Treats Mini shepherd's pies Mini ratatouille pies (V) Tier 3 - Decadent Desserts Assorted macaroons Mini éclairs Profiteroles Chocolate dipped strawberries Baked yoghurt with rose candy floss

  • Valentine's Special

    A$114.50 per person

    Prepaid

    10 Feb - 19 Feb 2023
    Celebrate this Valentine's Day at Melbourne Marriott Hotel between 10th - 19th February (minimum two people - groups welcome). Glass of Chandon Brut (Yarra Valley) on arrival and three-course sharing dinner: Amuse bouche- Pina colada popsicles Seafood Platter - Crispy calamari Freshly sucked oysters Chili garlic bug Scallop ceviche Hot Tasmanian prawn Served with – lemon wedges, thousand island dressing, mignonette, capers Grazing Dessert Platter - Chocolate custard tart, chocolate dipped strawberries, baked coconut cheesecake

  • Breakfast Buffet

    A$43.00 per person

    Prepaid

    18 Jan - 30 Jun 2023
    Enjoy barista-made coffee on arrival, a selection of juices, tea and a full buffet of delicious sweet & savoury breakfast options. Buffet highlights - • Enjoy all you can eat breakfast buffet featuring smoked bacon, sausages, and mushroom, baked beans, scrambled eggs, potato hash, waffles. • Selection of 7 kinds of cereal including a gluten-free granola • Try items from our bakery such as danishes, assorted bread & sweets • Indulge yourself with something healthy with a selection of whole & sliced fruits, a breakfast smoothie, vegan Bircher muesli, a selection of salads & yoghurt

What 186 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

Sort by

Filters

  1. PH

    PhilipH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 January 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience5
    I selected a meal that I didn’t enjoy, but my friends were very content.
  2. DW

    DebbieW

    Melbourne

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 January 2023

    overall2food1service3ambience3
    3 of us had Caesar salad It had no dressing and chicken and bacon was dry and lettuce proportion was too high All of us did not enjoy meal
  3. JP

    JessiP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 31 December 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, great food. Would recommend to all!
  4. r

    robert

    Melbourne

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 31 December 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Enjoyed the food and the service was great. However my partner and I saw a mouse running across the floor. We informed the staff and they said they knew about it and would do something about it. I hope so because it’s unlikely we will go back. It made us wonder about the food preparation. This happened after we had finished eating.
  5. BC

    BobC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 December 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    very pleasant Christmas lunch, service excellent but ambience was lacking
  6. JN

    JenniferN

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 24 December 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    People friendly environment, nice breakfast, not too much variety which is good, kept most foods well stocked too.. my 4yr old had a $50 hot chocolate because she refused to eat breakfast, would prefer a child fee instead.
  7. AP

    AnthonyP

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 December 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Our arrival was delayed account bad traffic. We were attending theatre so Staff were friendly, attentive and prompt. Meals were tasty and a good size for us. Pre dinner menu is small but varied and suits our tastes. Choice of wines appreciated. We are repeat customers and will return again.
  8. SF

    SusanF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 October 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Have always enjoyed the restaurants at the Marriot. It is my go to place for pre movies and have been to high tea and never disappointed. Essence quiet and relaxing and made for a lovely meal. Staff were very attentive and helpful. I would highly recommend.
  9. KA

    KellyA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 October 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    From booking, changing booking to leaving was a professional experience
  10. IW

    IWasThere

    Melbourne

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 2 October 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Very convenient for theatre patrons. The service was fast, efficient and courteous and the food was just what we needed. I would happily return.
  11. JP

    JeanineP

    Tropical QLD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 October 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A great venue for pre-show dining. Food was delicious and well priced, glass of wine included..and the service was attentive. All in all a lovely dining experience.
  12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Sydney

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 24 September 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Pre theatre dinner
  13. N

    Ness

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 September 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Essence is our go-to restaurant before heading to the theatre.
  14. MM

    MichelleM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 August 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience2
    Food was delicious we had the set menu and then had a drink in the new updated Bar which looked fabulous . The restaurant is looking tired and so is furniture but I am sure will be done soon . The style and decor of the new bar is outstanding and I am sure the restaurant will be great if being updated soon .
  15. SS

    SharonS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 August 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The food was delicious and they accommodated my change to a less hot sauce. Great for pre-show meal. The service was quick.
  16. e

    elizabethb

    Melbourne

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 5 August 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    The service was brilliant: the waitress knew exactly what we needed for a pre-theatre dinner and guided us through a perfect dinner
  17. PC

    PamC

    Adelaide

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 5 August 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Happy atmosphere, great service, good night had by all
  18. R

    Rosemary

    Melbourne

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 30 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We had a lovely meal with our grand daughter, service was great, food was delivered promptly. We had value for money.
  19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Tasmania

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 30 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    High tea was absolutely stunning to look at and amazingly delicious. The staff at The Essence were so accommodating for the vegetarian at our table and she was given her very own "veggie high tea" tower selection to enjoy separate from the main high tea tower selection. 100/100 would recommend! 🙏🏻🥳🥂
  20. KC

    KatrinaC

    Victoria

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 17 July 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Service was greats, meals were tasty but bit over priced. Very quiet, not overally busy being a sunday evening. Warm & friendly atmosphere. Likely not to eat there again but great if staying at the Marriott for a meal.
  21. JC

    JuliaC

    Melbourne

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 9 July 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great pre theatre spot. Staff were friendly and attentive and food was delicious!
  22. DL

    DeanL

    Melbourne

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on 24 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I can’t believe I haven’t eaten here before. It’s one of the best hotel restaurants I have been to.
  23. AB

    AnnetteB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 10 June 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely ambience and staff. Our meals were beautifully cooked and served promptly. Will definitely be back next time we are in the city.
  24. JM

    JoanM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 June 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Great food we were early it was not a problem service was quick and friendly thank you
  25. s

    sophien

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 May 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff were so lovely and the food was amazing. Can't wait to return
  26. JH

    JaneH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 May 2022

    overall5food5service2ambience3
    We enjoyed the experience and the restaurant was really easy to find. The staff were not very experienced.
  27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 April 2022

    overall3food3service5ambience2
    The service was exceptionally professional but the food wasn’t on the same level compared to the service! My stalk was dry and over cooked and the pork tasted funny!
  28. KS

    KatrinaS

    Melbourne

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 March 2022

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    I have eaten here before and enjoyed it. Yesterday not so much and was glad it was not my first time there or I would probably not return. The pumkin gnocchi was chewy, not soft and light that I would have expected if it was home made. The sauce was pretty bland. I wish I had ordered something else. My husband has the barramundi and said it was "ok". The waiters offered us a drink when we came in, which arrived promptly and left us water as well. But no-one offered us a glass of wine or another drink with our meal. We would have ordered wine, but drank the water instead. Yes we could have asked but when not asked before the meal arrived, we just dismissed the thought. I know it is picky but it is what we are used to at other venues.
  29. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Victoria

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a filling 3-course meal with our choice of wine pairing. Great when you have back to back theatre shows or just needing a meal pre-show. Essence is less than a 5 minute walk to Princes Theatre if you’re watching Harry Potter & The Cursed Child and just a block away from Her Majesty’s theatre if you have tickets for Hamilton. Highly recommend!
  30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Melbourne

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 March 2022

    overall1food2service1ambience2
    Poor service. Have to wait 30 mins for the waiter to come.
  31. RT

    RoulaT

    Melbourne

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 March 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Service was great! Food was delicious 😋 Definitely recommend!
  32. RE

    REATZ

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 February 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Lovely High Tea to celebrate my Beautiful daughter Mumma expecting her second baby. Great experience however savoury items would have been better enjoyed if warmer/hotter.
  33. KC

    KateC

    Melbourne

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 31 December 2021

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    The food was very nicely presented and excellent value. The ambiance was lovely - but there was a table next to us with some very noisy young children. Parents need to be mindful that other patrons may want to enjoy a quiet meal - maybe have a rule that young children leave the restaurant before 8.00 pm? Otherwise a great place to eat.
  34. SM

    ShaneM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 31 December 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Large portions, fresh and tasty food. Nice sitting by the window.
  35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 December 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Christmas Lunch 2021 was spent in The Essence Restaurant at The Marriott and it was a rather mixed bag in both food and service quality. Buffet style lunch with drinks was the menu for Christmas and as someone who doesn’t usually enjoy buffet style dining, it suited other family members who prefer a more relaxed dining experience. The food as plentiful, as were the drinks and the variety on offer did cater to all of us even though some of the warm food looked tired and not particularly appealing. The staff overall were courteous and pleasant, however at one point whilst we were at the buffet getting dessert our table was being cleared by staff who assumed we had left the restaurant. I found this unprofessional given that my handbag, a wallet, a phone and a jacket were still at the table and in plain view. Overall it was a pleasant Christmas Lunch and after the year 2021 was due to the lengthy lockdowns because of Covid, it was an enjoyable experience.
  36. G

    Gazza

    Melbourne

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 December 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    Certainly not a bad meal or experience. But not outstanding. I had the fish which was slightly over cooked and my partner had calamari which was a bit chewy. Wine selection was good and we enjoyed the cab sav and Pinot gris. Service was fine but nothing special. If I was hungry and lazy I’d go back again but Melbourne has better choices.
  37. CS

    CrystalS

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 December 2021

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    Best to go for A La Carte instead of Pre Theater . Overall food was good but limited choice.
  38. F

    Floosey

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 11 December 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I’m not one to usually write a review the idea of the experience was amazing the staff really tried and atlete lovely. I just feel and it’s most restaurants these days, if I could really give some honest feedback it would’ve been nice to have an understanding perhaps a list of the items we were eating, when will restaurants tap into children’s needs. People with children should be made priority as kids have a short attention span also my child eats with proper cutlery and he would’ve no doubt appreciated a little plate and maybe a little fork and knife as well, children observe what adults do I just want to participate in being involved. Overall a beautiful experience a great idea and ambience bubbly happy staff we definitely will return.
  39. DT

    DaveT

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 December 2021

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Quiet and comfortable with good food and service.
  40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 October 2021

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Steak was amazing. Overall nice experience.

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waiting staff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated
    • Staff temperature check required
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

The Essence is rated 4.3 stars by 186 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 3 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for The Essence

Corner of Lonsdale & Exhibition Streets, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000

Additional information

  • Cross Street

    Little Lonsdale Street

  • Area

    Melbourne CBD

  • Hours of Operation

    Breakfast Daily 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 12:00 pm–3:30 pm Dinner Daily 5:00 pm–9:30 pm

  • Cuisines

    Modern Australian, Breakfast, Afternoon Tea

  • Dining style

    Casual Dining

  • Dress Code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking Details

    Valet

  • Public Transit

    Parliament Station is the nearest train station located 300 meters from the hotel

  • Payment Options

    AMEX, JCB, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive Chef

    Swami

  • Additional

    Gluten-free Options, Vegan

  • Website

    http://www.marriott.com/hotel-restaurants/melmc-melbourne-marriott-hotel/essence-restaurant/65273/specials-packages.mi

  • Phone number

    (03) 9660 1183

  • Catering

    Dine on contemporary cuisine from across Australia, made with locally sourced produce at The Essence, our signature hotel restaurant in Melbourne. Begin your day with our hearty breakfast, and then join us for lunch, high tea, or a pre-theatre dinner.

  • Private party facilities

    The event spaces here at the Melbourne Marriott Hotel each boast their own individual character and design. From the elegant trimmings of the Yarra Suite to the sophisticated and intimate Moojerr boardroom, you’re sure to find a unique space for your meeting or event.

  • Private party contact

    Hannah White: (03) 9662 3900 ext. 1178

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Careers
More
Our sites
Businesses
Delight more dinersRestaurant Blog
Join us on
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 700, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking LogoPriceline LogoKAYAK LogoAgoda LogoRentalcars LogoOpenTable Logo