Polēpolē Kitchen - Melbourne

Excellent eating. kreatiw and tasty. tasting menus are good value and great selection of cocktails. good for termine, family and groups. read more Excellent eating. kreatiw and tasty. tasting menus are good value and great selection of cocktails. good for termine, family and groups.

I took my partner here for birthday, got the tasting menu and everything was good until he found a long black hair in the curry. said the waiter and he took him... read more I took my partner here for birthday, got the tasting menu and everything was good until he found a long black hair in the curry. said the waiter and he took him away and brought a new service for us when the curry probably came. from one pot, we felt a little disgusting. Although the manager has taken a round beverage for us on the bill, we will not return.

In a Saturday night without reservations and sitting on the bar, no problem. we went over the menu and were not sure how hungry we were. I was impressed when we... read more In a Saturday night without reservations and sitting on the bar, no problem. we went over the menu and were not sure how hungry we were. I was impressed when we told the types that looked at us, and without hesitation he told us that the food was too much. decided to share on four of the smaller plates and was blown away. I'm not a pumpkin fan, but hers with buzzing and red quinoa might have just implemented me. the dives with a really interesting brot were also good. can also recommend the haloumi and the chicken wing. everyone with whom we came in contact was great and welcoming. Make sure they also go for a cocktail after glamp. can not wait to comeback

I usually avoid posting about places I didn’t enjoy, especially considering the impact of COVID-19 on the dining industry. However, my experience at Pole Pole w... read more I usually avoid posting about places I didn’t enjoy, especially considering the impact of COVID-19 on the dining industry. However, my experience at Pole Pole was disappointing, particularly given their recent glowing reviews. I’ll try to be objective in my feedback. Upon entering the restaurant, I was struck by the unique, exotic atmosphere. The beautiful glamping tents adorned with fairy lights, bartenders expertly crafting cocktails, and the upbeat music created an inviting vibe. Unfortunately, things went south when they mistakenly gave our reservation to someone else. We had made the booking online, which clearly outlined the minimum spend per person, time limitations, and booking guarantee charges. While this mix-up was frustrating, the staff apologized, so it wasn’t a total deal-breaker. The menu featured a tempting selection of exotic dishes, raising our expectations. We chose five items: Sliced Ostrich ($15), Kenyan Fried Chicken Ribs ($16), Cape Malay Goat Tacos ($16), Roast Pumpkin ($15), and Injera ($6), along with two bottles of African beer (around $12 each). To start, the beers were fantastic and easily some of the best I've ever had. However, the food fell flat, looking and tasting nothing like the enticing photos on Google and Zomato. The roasted pumpkin spring rolls ($15) tasted like they were frozen, the six pieces of Kenyan chicken ribs ($16) resembled average chicken wings, and the eight slices of cold ostrich ($15) left us wanting more. The prices seemed unjustifiable for what we received. Being unfamiliar with African cuisine, we had hoped for attentive and knowledgeable staff. Regrettably, many seemed uninformed and frequently hurried back to the kitchen to ask about the dishes. While the service was quick, it lacked warmth; plates were placed on our table with little communication—imagine an auntie with a "who cares" attitude at a local Chinese restaurant! To make matters worse, some staff couldn’t even pronounce the menu items correctly, yet still had the nerve to ask for tips afterward, which only elicited a bitter laugh from me. However, I must commend the restaurant’s ambiance and decorations, which were truly lovely. If I were to return, it would likely just be for a bottle of their African beer!

I've enjoyed many wonderful meals at this restaurant, but my recent visit was quite disappointing. I came in wearing shorts and a t-shirt and received poor serv... read more I've enjoyed many wonderful meals at this restaurant, but my recent visit was quite disappointing. I came in wearing shorts and a t-shirt and received poor service from the staff. It seems like the front-of-house team could benefit from some training.