The Essence

Name: The Essence
Address: Corner of Lonsdale & Exhibition Streets, Melbourne, AU-VIC, Australia, 3000
Telephone: (03) 9660 1183
Price range: $41 to $100
Rating: 4.2

4.2

265 Reviews

$41 to $100

Modern Australian

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 4 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

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
Area
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

Breakfast Buffet
$47.00 per person
Prepaid
14 Jan 2025 - 14 Jan 2026
Start your day with a buffet spread of hearty breakfast classics. Savour chef-crafted omelets or poached eggs, freshly baked treats, and a vibrant selection of fruits, salads, and more. Seasonal specialties await daily!
Breakfast A La Carte
$14.00 - $28.00 per person
Prepaid
14 Jan 2025 - 14 Jan 2026
Looking for the perfect breakfast spot? Gather with family and friends and enjoy our a la carte menu. Book your table today!
Pre-Theatre Menu
$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

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 265 people are saying

The Essence reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.2

4.2 based on recent ratings

4Food
4.3Service
3.9Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Energetic

Loved For

City Centre
Great for brunch

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Essence offers a delightful dining experience with "fantastic food and service." Ideal for pre-theatre meals, it boasts a "great location in Melbourne" and "friendly, attentive staff." High tea is a standout, with "amazing" selections and beautiful presentation. Despite occasional service hiccups, Essence remains a "highly recommended" spot for quality dining.

265 Reviews

D
Doris
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined on 28 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We were celebrating an 18th birthday and the experience was wonderful. The food was so good ,the staff couldn't do enough for us..definitely will be back
Is this helpful?
K
Kathryn
Melbourne4 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were there for a pre Theatre lunch, staff were attentive and professional, food was delicious and the package was good value. We'll be back for sure.
Is this helpful?
R
Ragaie
Melbourne2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 16 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent venue and the lady waiter (from Nepal) was really sweet. She couldn’t do enough for us. The food was also first class and served right on time booked, thus ensuring we weren’t late to watch our show at the Comedy Theatre. Will definitely go there again.
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
Melbourne1 review
1.0
Dined on 11 February 2025
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
We ended up eating somewhere else as after 3 phone calls and 3 times being told someone from the restaurant would contact me this didn’t happen.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Victoria4 reviews
2.0
Dined on 18 January 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 4
I took my granddaughter for high tea before we went to the theatre. There was way too much sweet food , the few savoury options were cold, stale sandwiches & just not nice
Is this helpful?
J
Julie
Melbourne2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 2 January 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Rose & Bloom High Tea was delightful. Great service from friendly staff and beautiful presentation. Food was amazing with a great variety. We’ll be back for a return visit!
Is this helpful?
L
Lisa
Melbourne1 review
2.0
Dined on 31 December 2024
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 2
Disappointing, there was too much sweets not enough savoury. Not the equal half and half you’ve come to expect from a high tea. Didn’t get the rose’ or the special teas advertised and the presentation was not up to a high standard. They used thick cups and not fine china. But it was quiet and the price reflected what was delivered. The staff were pleasant just didn’t listen or know what was to be offered off the menu.
Is this helpful?
C
Caroline
Melbourne1 review
5.0
Dined on 24 December 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My experience memorable, the food superb, the service exceptional, the ambiance surrounded by Melbourne at her best to return to "The Essence" high on my agenda and a highly recommended #gold place to canvas visiting Melbourne as a place to visit.
Is this helpful?
R
Richard
Victoria1 review
4.0
Dined on 19 December 2024
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 3
Restaurant staff had no idea how to record my BonVoy membership number in their system when paying for the meal so I have not been credited with those points that were critical to avoid expiration of my current points total on 8 Jan 2025. This was the sole reason for dining there. Very disappointing.
Is this helpful?
J
Jason
New York City5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 6 December 2024
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?

FAQs

The Essence is rated 4.2 stars by 265 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people

16 Mar 2025

7:00 pm

Booked 4 times today

Experiences are available.

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

Additional information

Cross Street
Little Lonsdale Street
Area
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 booking

About this restaurant

Additional information

Experiences

Breakfast Buffet

Breakfast A La Carte

Pre-Theatre Menu

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 265 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

How is The Essence restaurant rated?

Is The Essence currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information