Estivo

Underwhelming food and the use of sneaky pricing tactics. I’m not the first to point this out, but Estivo has dual menus and prices have been inflated to cater for any ‘The Fork’ deals. Not even the best Italian restaurants in Melbourne charge $21 for two arancini. The crab arancini contained not the slightest hint of crab - highway robbery. The calamari serving was 5 calamari rings, cut in half. The prawn risotto was nice, the beef cheek main at $37 was overpriced. Jus wasn’t reduced enough and the meat rubbery. Our sneaky waiter offered us bread and when we got the bill, we saw it was charged at $12 which must place it as one of the pricier garlic breads in Melbourne. Please note, there are no bread prices on the menu. Tablecloths and napkins may give an air of sophistication, but we found Estivo fairly amateur and faux Italian. When paying the bill, our friendly waiter told us that customers using deals shouldn’t expect the full experience. My understanding of ‘The Fork’ deals was that a restaurant chooses whether to participate or not, and diners are to receive a ‘regular’ experience, albeit at a discount? I’d never return to Estivo - scroll through the reviews online and be warned. Plenty of better Italian restaurants in the same price bracket that are A++

We visited Estivo as one of the diners with us had been there a few times before. However upon arrival there were a few things that we were not warned about when making the booking. The first was the menu which was a set menu which did not have the full range of dishes so we could not try what the friend had before. The second issue was that it was compulsory to order two courses per person which included a 5 year old who could not finish two courses. So for three adults and one child we had to order a total of eight different dishes. We went with the crab arancini and tartare beef to start. The crab arancini consists of two small to medium sized balls and had very little crab taste in it. The diner who shared it with me was unable to taste any crab let alone see any pieces of crab meat. I managed to taste some crab but it was only a small hint of crab. The other entree was the beef tartare was a much better option as it was a larger serve and very lightly cooked. The sauce was full of flavor and had a good balance between zesty and salty. The mains we chose were the scallop risotto which was quite watery and the combination of peas and scallops did not quite match. The taste was bland. The barramundi with a prawn sauce and added mussels and pipis looked interesting but the sauce was found to be quite salty - possibly from the mussels and pipis and too overpowering for the barramundi. We ended up ordering some bread to mop up the sauce so as not to waste it. The duck was the third dish and was well done with a nice serve of pickled vegetables in a fillo pastry case. The fourth main was some pasta - fettuccine which really was slightly overcooked - not al dente and the meat was good but nothing special. We also ordered two sides - french fries for the 5 year old which went down well for them and potatoes with truffle. This was okay but lacked enough truffle taste and was overpowered by the garlic. I in fact ended up with a chunk of garlic which I thought was a piece of potato. The final two courses was dessert and we ordered the creme brûlée and fondant. The creme brûlée was cold and not a hot version and the top which should be crispy from heating the top was unfortunately not crispy. The fondant however was nicely done and when broken in half the chocolate came oozing out making for a great dessert. The total of our bill for three adults and a child came to $119 which was 50% discount. I’m not sure that the meal would have been justified at the full price of $238 as the dishes we chose for the most part did not live up to the equation of value for the most part. There were some highlights but these were few and far between. Our waiter on the night seemed to be a bit tired and not very proactive. The five year old ran out of water and we had to give him one of our glasses to keep him happy whilst we tried to find our waiter.. This should be monitored more carefully by the waiter for a premium restaurant to make sure we don’t need to make a request for water. Overall food is okay, prices are on the high side though and it should have been communicated when making the booking that a set menu will apply and that children are considered to count as an adult.

Lovely little restaurant. We were there mid week lunch and not many customers which was a shame because food and service excellent. Definitely a good choice.

Very enjoyable meal. Great value with the food discount. You can choose all the items on the menu as part of the 2 or 3 courses. Parking is not the easiest though

We found Estivo through TheFork and were so pleasantly surprised by the quality of food for the price. Great range from their express lunch menu. Definitely good value for money. We've been there twice in a month already and we're planning to visit regularly given that we're working from home most of the time.

Just superb. We love this little restaurant which was filled to capacity last night. Staff were friendly as usual and meals came out in good time given the pressures the kitchen must have been facing. We are never disappointed here.

Great value during the Fork Festival. Great service and nice atmosphere. Entree arancini and main beef cheeks lacked flavour. Other meals ok.

Had it not been using Yum, it would have been an expensive night out for 2 small entrees and 2 mains (no drinks) for $120 for 2 people. Also, staff to have personal hygiene checked before starting service.

Estivo was a full house the Sat night we attended and therefore rather noisy and the staff were trying hard but stretched. For starters, my wife had Calamari, and this was plentiful and good quality. I had prawns, which were very tasty BUT ONLY 3! For main courses we both had Veal. It was well presented and of reasonable quantity, BUT was far too SALTY for our taste. Restaurants should realise that customers can always add salt themselves, but have no way of taking it away. Our red wine was nice.

Don’t try the lamb neck. Came out like a sausage roll size. But for $38 dollars. Service saved the night.

Excellent menu offerings, good size portions, good flavours. Had the Arancini, Lamb Neck & Creme Brulee. A total feast. Nice ambience & friendly service. Definitely recommended.

Estivo is a local Kew restaurant for us. The menu is excellent although limited nor does it change very much. This suits us as we desire a fairly quick weekday meal. The staff are friendly .

Having been here a few years ago and finding they make their own rules- BYO on condition etc. Thought maybe they may have picked up after Covid lockdown. How wrong was I. I felt a little cheated as i had a $50 voucher to use and we were given a set menu to choose from. Minimum 2 courses each. this meant we had to spend more than I intended and it was too late to leave once there. I had the entree calamari and at $21 i had 8 tiny pieces. Tasted good and was tender but what i got should have been $ 8.00. My pea and leek risotto was tasteless- no stock of herbs added and no Parmesan. Although not a big serve- I couldn’t enjoy it and didn’t finish. My friend had the slow cooked beef, again tender and a nice serve- just no flavour and for $38 it should have been pretty stunning. I will not be going back.

Excellent "Old Fashioned" service in a modern setting. Our waiter was extremely helpful and attentive at all times. I had the Arancini Balls and Pork Belly while my wife had the Braised Lamb in Puff Pastry and a Panna Cotta for desert. Thoroughly enjoyed all courses the Kay Brothers Shiraz with the meal. Highly recommended.

Really yummy food, buzzy atmosphere and great service. The chocolate fondant was incredible! A good neighbourhood restaurant.

A must try for their beetroot fritters and beef cheek.

Nice food and service, strongly recommended

A return trip to Estivo with friends. Food was very tasty and enjoyed by all, and its presentation was above average. You will see us again - thanks.

Food was very average. Interior felt dirty and did not reflect the $38 dish prices. Half price but still expensive. Wine was also very disappointing.

I love the place, the dishes were so delicious and the staffs were very nice and humorous. Strongly recommended