The Essence

4.3

256 Reviews

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 12, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

Good for special occasions
Charming
Great for brunch

At 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 Essence and sample the local hearty, warming flavours of our Chefs’ signature recipes.

Join us on the journey of re-discovering Essences of our local produce.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$41 to $100
Cuisines
Modern Australian, Breakfast, Afternoon Tea
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–10:30 am Sat, Sun 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:30 pm–9:00 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.

Location
Corner of Lonsdale & Exhibition Streets, Melbourne, AU-VIC 3000
Neighborhood
Melbourne CBD
Cross street
Little Lonsdale Street
Parking details
Valet
Public transit
Parliament Station is the nearest train station located 300 meters from the hotel
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

Pre-Theatre Menu
A$69.00 per person
Prepaid
Multiple dates available
Looking for a great place to eat before the show? Enjoy a 2 or 3 course dinner experience with our Pre-Theatre Menu. Book your table today, and make a night of it! 2 courses - $69 per person 3 courses - $79 per person Includes a glass of house wine , beer or cocktail
Christmas Day Lunch Buffet
A$299.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 25, 2024 only
Essence Restaurant has all-inclusive meal and beverage packages for Christmas so your Christmas is sorted! Perfect for pairs or large groups. The lavish Christmas spread has been curated by Melbourne Marriott’s Head Chef Swami Nanden whose resumé includes some of the world’s finest restaurants, including Michelin-starred Benares Mayfair and Noma as well as Gordon Ramsay’s Claridge’s. The menu was carefully planned to please a broad range of taste including traditional favourites, roast turkey roulade and baked ham leg, fresh Australian seafood and dazzling dessert bar. Package includes free-flowing drinks; sparkling, wines, beer and soft drinks. Take the stress out of the festive season this year, may even be a visit from Santa.
Christmas Day Dinner Buffet
A$209.00 per person
Prepaid
Dec 25, 2024 only
Skip the stress of hosting duties this Christmas and make the most of your time together with loved ones by enjoying a festive feast with all the trimmings at the iconic Melbourne Marriott Hotel. Experience Essence Restaurant's all-inclusive meal and beverage packages, perfect for pairs through to big family groups. Seafood-lovers will be spoilt for choice with the freshest Australian produce, including Moreton Bay bugs, Wapengo Bay oysters and, of course prawns, plus our buffet has all the traditional favourites – including roast turkey roulade and baked ham leg. Then make the most of the dessert grazing table, a true showstopper, complete with fruit mince pies, plum puddings and pavlova along with Australian cheeses and dried fruits.

Victorian Free-Range Pork, Hazelnut & Apricot Terrine Slice, Pickled Cabbage, Warm Brioche Bread
Tasmanian 24 hours Cold Smoked Salmon, Lemon & Dill Cream Cheese, on Rye Bread
Victorian Pear & Fig Relish, cucumber and Gippsland Brie Cheese Sandwich
Mornington Peninsula Butternut Squash and Basil Pie, Mustard Pickle (GF, VG)

The Classic

Fresh baked Buttermilk Scones with Strawberry Preserve and Yarra Valley Clotted Cream

Sweet Bites

Vanilla Dream Macaroons
Assorted Petit Eclairs
Meyer Lemon Curd Chocolate Tart, Chocolate Feather (GF)
Kensington Pride Mango Pannacotta, Unripe Mango & Black Pepper Chutney (GF)
Seasonal Raspberry Petit Cheesecake, Caramelized Feuilletine

The Signature Teas

Ceylon green tea with lychee & ginger
Rose with French vanilla
Italian almond Tea
Refreshing pure peppermint
Bright, brisk & brilliant Breakfast Tea
Pure chamomile flowers
Freshly Brewed Coffee

What 256 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

4Food
4.4Service
4Ambience
4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Essence shines as a top choice for pre-theatre dining, praised for its "excellent service" and "phenomenal ambiance." Guests love the "fantastic food" and value express lunches. The high tea experience is often called "fabulous," with a menu that impresses many. Its proximity to Melbourne theatres makes it a convenient dining destination.

256 Reviews

J
Jason
New York City
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My family and family friend had a great time. We were very well looked after and we all thoroughly enjoyed our dining experience.
Is this helpful?
R
Rosa
Victoria
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on December 2, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I have been to a few high tea places but this one tops them all. The staff were amazing and attentive., the food was very appealing and tasty and the whole experience was enjoyable. Will definitely come back again.
Is this helpful?
C
Claudia
Melbourne
22 reviews
vip
4.0
22 reviews
Dined on November 30, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had The Blush and Bloom High Tea. Very colourful and nicely presented. Service was attentive and friendly. The only downside was too many sweets and would prefer more savoury for my palette. Also most High Teas do include a bubbles. The teas were flavoured nicely.
Is this helpful?
S
Soula
Melbourne
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 4, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
You really need to improve your food and the choices. The sausages were literally boiled. The miniature bagels were stale. The variety has shrunk. Disappointed
Is this helpful?
S
Stephen
Melbourne
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 23, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Very clean and comfortable. Very friendly and efficient staff. The perfect place for a pre-theatre dinner and drinks.
Is this helpful?
A
Allyson
Victoria
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Dilip and Pat were outstanding in helping me organise my 70th celebration at the Marriott. The high tea, Blush and Bloom, at the Essence Restaurant, at the Marriott, was superb. Such a feast! We then walked a few minutes to the theatre. Absolutely perfect party for me.
Is this helpful?
J
Jessica
Melbourne
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 19, 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
Had blush and bloom high tea. Was good however too many sweet items compared to savory
Is this helpful?
S
Susan
Victoria
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 12, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The service was impeccable! We had the pre-theatre dinner, plenty of time to have a beautiful meal and get to the theatre. Highly recommend.
Is this helpful?
D
DISHANI
Melbourne
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The Pre theatre 2 course deal was the best deal. The food, cocktails and ambiance was phenomenal. The closest to the comedy theatre. The service was outstanding. The best hidden gem...
Is this helpful?
P
Pamela
Melbourne
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 4, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One of the best High Tea’s we have been to, fabulous food and excellent service. The staff were amazing and so helpful and the food was next level. I would highly recommend this venue.
Is this helpful?

FAQs

The Essence is rated 4.3 stars by 256 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Dec 12, 2024

7:00 PM

Booked 2 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Additional information

Cross street
Little Lonsdale Street
Neighborhood
Melbourne CBD
Hours of operation
Breakfast Mon–Fri 6:30 am–10:30 am Sat, Sun 7:00 am–11:00 am Lunch Daily 12:00 pm–3:00 pm Dinner Daily 4:30 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$41 to $100
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
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Gluten-free Options, High Tea, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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.

The Essence

Make a reservation

Additional information

Experiences

Pre-Theatre Menu

Christmas Day Lunch Buffet

Christmas Day Dinner Buffet

Menu

Savoury Bites

Victorian Free-Range Pork, Hazelnut & Apricot Terrine Slice, Pickled Cabbage, Warm Brioche Bread

Tasmanian 24 hours Cold Smoked Salmon, Lemon & Dill Cream Cheese, on Rye Bread

Victorian Pear & Fig Relish, cucumber and Gippsland Brie Cheese Sandwich

Mornington Peninsula Butternut Squash and Basil Pie, Mustard Pickle (GF, VG)

The Classic

Fresh baked Buttermilk Scones with Strawberry Preserve and Yarra Valley Clotted Cream

Sweet Bites

Vanilla Dream Macaroons

Assorted Petit Eclairs

Meyer Lemon Curd Chocolate Tart, Chocolate Feather (GF)

Kensington Pride Mango Pannacotta, Unripe Mango & Black Pepper Chutney (GF)

Seasonal Raspberry Petit Cheesecake, Caramelized Feuilletine

The Signature Teas

Ceylon green tea with lychee & ginger

Rose with French vanilla

Italian almond Tea

Refreshing pure peppermint

Bright, brisk & brilliant Breakfast Tea

Pure chamomile flowers

Freshly Brewed Coffee

What 256 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Essence restaurant rated?

Is The Essence currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Additional information