A great place to catch up with friends and share authentic, Spanish food. Staff could have been a little less stiff!

This is one of those places that has clearly received too much praise for it's own good. Now suffering from an inflated ego, it appears everyone involved in MoVida's operation has forgotten what people raved about in the first place - great food, great service and great atmosphere.

Staffed by 'hipsters' with bad attitudes, who look down at you from their pedestal upon entry and continue to patronise during your entire patronage, the service can now easily be described as intolerable. Overcrowding, whilst creating quite a buzz, certainly does not improve the atmosphere - eavesdropping compulsory and don't mind it when other people knock their chairs (or elbows!) into you, they can't help it.

If only the food was worth it! In the past, MoVida provided a vast array of delectable flavours. Unfortunately, poorer quality ingredients are now used and much, much less care taken and often you receive something resembling slop.

Previously, you could have called me a regular at MoVida. Now, I am just disappointed.

Its a shame when restaurant staff forget their role and act all snooty and above it all. We have dined here on prior trips to Melbourne and always enjoyed the food (although I must say that those who have provided feedback saying its better or as good as in Spain - probably have never been to Spain and have never experienced the great restaurants in there. They are of a totally different level!). Anyway - just wanted to share my experience here and perhaps the management of Movida will take note to get their staff to ease on down with the attitude. 2 of us arrived at Movida at 11.30 am (not sure where we read it but had thought Movida opened its doors at 10 am). Anyway - thinking we could have an early lunch before going to the theatre, we walked through the doors and asked if we could have a table. Anticipating a nice meal ahead - we were very rudely informed by a female staff that Movida didn't open their doors till noon (in a very sarcastic tone as if we had the audacity to come in before noon). A little disappointed, we started to exit the door when this same female had to add on as a parting omnent "as it says clearly on the door - we open from noon" implying we were either idiots for not noticing or simply illiterate. We then turned around and told her she was very rude and from the look of her face and reaction - I guess she never expected a rebuttal to her sarcasm and just stated she was joking. It's a shame that one bad apple can ruin the reputation of a good establishment and as a world traveller and a foodie - this has to top my worst experience from a service staff. The manner, tone and delivery of her comments were all so unnecessary. Melbourne has loads of top class eateries where service comes with a smile and you are made to feel welcome. So - Movida, come on and drop the attitude and get your staff to do their job with sincerity and a smile wouldn't hurt!

My partner and I recently dined at Movida and totally enjoyed the entire meal. We ordered a variety of tapas and the larger size raciones. The selection was varied and tasty. In particular we loved the Bisteca Tartare (Steak Tartare - Wagyu beef) which was a mouthwatering combination of flavours! It was the first time I had ever had this dish and I'm glad I tried it at Movida - so tasty!
Apart from the excellent food and wine on offer, the outstanding part of our experience was the excellent service we received from the young blonde waitress (can't recall her name unfortunately). She was attentive without being annoying and hovering. She was friendly, knew the menu and was able to advise us on selections, without sounding arrogant and snobby. I left the largest tip I've ever left in a restaurant in fact - it was well deserved.
If you're living in, or just visiting Melbourne, don't be concerned abou the 'hype', Movida is worth a visit at least once. It's worth it!