Panera Bread - Melbourne

It 's been several years since my last Panera visit. This was my first dining experience at the Wickham location. A lot has changed--all (as far as I 'm concern... read more It 's been several years since my last Panera visit. This was my first dining experience at the Wickham location. A lot has changed--all (as far as I 'm concerned , for the better. While the menu still retained old favorites, I found many new optionslisted (I am especially excited to see the inclusion of rice bowls! . My go-to, You Pick 2 order remained intact, but I wassurprised to see that the Frontega Chicken Panini now held off menu status, meaning you had to know of its existence tospecially request it. Upon hearing this, I was a bit hesitant to order, wondering if a lack of regular preparation experiencewould make it less palatable than I remembered. My fears, however, were unfounded. My Frontega Chicken Panini sandwich had moremeat, more chipotle mayonnaise, more everything, than ever. Fork-tender chicken, sizzling-sweet mayo, juicy tomato, garden-freshbasil, and zesty onions combined between two toasted slices of panini bread for the best take on the sandwich I have ever had.(I have to give kudos to the staff for being so helpful throughout the process. Being a big fan of Asian-inspired dishes, Igave the Thai Soup a try for the first time. Piping-hot, with just a hint of yellow curry for full-bodied warmth, the brothboasted a bouquet of savory and sweet, vegetal and spicy (shiitake mushrooms, red bell peppers, edamame, lemongrass, ginger,galangal, and lime peel, to name a few ingredients . Served with a soft, crispy-baked baguette for dipping, the soup could beenjoyed long before it was cool enough for a spoonful. Last, but certainly not least, the Orange Cream Scone provided the finalflourish on my warm, savory meal. Just as mouthwatering as I remembered, this hand-crafted confection tasted like a creamsiclein baked form--floury-soft within, candied-shelled without, and melded with shaved orange rind for extra bursts of citrus on thepalate. My dining experience here restored my faith in Panera Bread, and a quick glance at the untasted m

Super friendly patient staff, my service was fast and my food was fresh. Great lunch break or breakfast before work quick grab. read more Super friendly patient staff, my service was fast and my food was fresh. Great lunch break or breakfast before work quick grab.

The food is absolutely fantastic, especially the tomato-basil salad! I gave it three stars because both my husband and I found that our sandwiches had very litt... read more The food is absolutely fantastic, especially the tomato-basil salad! I gave it three stars because both my husband and I found that our sandwiches had very little meat, and the toppings were all concentrated on one side. We had to do a bit of a 'sandwich surgery' to redistribute everything. I ordered the frontega chicken, and he had the steak and white cheddar sandwich. Both were delicious, but they definitely lacked fillings. Thankfully, the bread was just as tasty!

This place has an excellent selection of bagels and drinks, and the staff is very friendly. However, I had to deduct a star because I encountered multiple insta... read more This place has an excellent selection of bagels and drinks, and the staff is very friendly. However, I had to deduct a star because I encountered multiple instances of sour milk slipping into my coffee. It seems like the night shift might be forgetting to clean the canisters at the end of the day, or perhaps they should make it a routine to clean them regularly in between refills. Sour milk is definitely not pleasant! Update: I've recently noticed that they've added single-serve refrigerated creamers, which completely resolves my issue, so I'm giving it back to 5 stars. Thank you, Panera Bread!

I am completely dissatisfied with this location. My order was not prepared as I requested, and when I got home and noticed the mistake, I called to speak with t... read more I am completely dissatisfied with this location. My order was not prepared as I requested, and when I got home and noticed the mistake, I called to speak with the manager. Unfortunately, her response was not customer-oriented. She came across as indifferent and made assumptions rather than addressing my concerns. My dissatisfaction was neither acknowledged nor resolved.