25 Toorak Road - South Yarra

We dined as a group of 8 in this conveniently located restaurant in this lovely area of South Yarra as we were staying up the road at the Lyall Hotel and wanted to eat locally with our friends. We were seated in a lovely area at the back of the restaurant and found the tables and chairs to be spacious and comfortable. The food/menu selection was very good and I believe every one of our diners was happy with their choice of meals. I particularly enjoyed the King George Whiting which was cooked to perfection and very delicious, as well the green vegetables which arrived were crunchy and flavoursome and the chips crunchy, hot and nice. We all felt the prices of the meals represented good value for $. Hopefully we will return on another occasion, the room has a nice ambience, not too formal, not too casual. Oh and yes the owner is certainly a character but in a good way, trying to ensure that everybody in the restaurant is enjoying a good time.

In an environment today where small tables are crammed together in minimalist style to maximise the diners per square foot I have found this magnificent restaurant 25 Toorak Road or 'Haggers' What a breath of fresh air!A charming place with an equally charming host and staff and it is how dining out is truly meant to beThe food is amazing but so many other venues offer that alsoWhat sets 25 Toorak apart is its elegant French style decor. Beautiful large tables and space in between that you can take your loved one or friends and feel it's a very private affair. Dennis the host is very engaging but also an astute operator and adeptly engages in conversation or leaves you with just the intimacy of you and your partner depending on the situationThe staff are well trained and attentive without being obtrusiveI love this place and I am very well versed in fine dining As something different we went to the famed Vue De Monde last week at 3 times the price and a view that you take in for a short time and seriously I would prefer 25 Toorak Road on any day for any occasion.If you're after a beautiful elegant romantic dining experience with amazing food and presentation you simply can't go past this wonderful restaurant.

Great atmosphere & entree & desserts value for money, however, the main course prawns were overvalued. 5 fairly small prawns, (not King prawns), was fairly disappointing for $42. Service was good & the other 'meat' dishes looked value for money. I left feeling like I needed a pizza. I probably won't go back as I don't eat meat. For some, the meat dishes might work.

I had clients down from the country and decided to entertain at 25 Toorak Road. It was the perfect place- we could spread out our paperwork without any fuss; hear ourselves speak and of course get fantastic food and wine in a great atmosphere .We will be back!

This is a return visit because the food is simply great, friendly and not pretentious and quiet enough that you can actually carry on a conversation - the owner/host is an attraction in his own right!