We had eaten 4 years' previously at VdM and found it superb, but its new location seems to have gone to its head. the 10 course degustation meal was just too long and too elaborate. although some individual dishes were stunning, the same could not be said of every course; we had the chef's table, but could see little else than fluorescent light glare from the kitchen, and the meal lacked the atmosphere it deserved

I've been to better places and they have cost a lot less. The vegetatian degustation is charged at the same price as the regular one and this leaves a bitter taste (compare a dish focused on beetroot with my friend's wagu for example)...It is an experience but it costs so much more that anywhere else in Melbourne the food doesn't justify it.

It was good but I found it more art than food, like they lost sight of the fact that it's about food primarily, presentation is secondary or equal. Presentation was fabulous, but taste was hit and miss. I much prefer the degustation at Jacques Reymond and Grossi Fiorentino myself. Excellent taste and presentation.

Had dinner here on 10/2/12 for the first time at the Rialto after reading about it so many times as Melbourne's best restaurant. Will provide a very detailed review since I just got home!

Went to reception of ground floor of the Rialto and enquired about my reservation - lady was pleasant and walked us to the lift. Was impressed that Vue de Monde had their own lift up to the 55th floor.

When the elevator doors opened, was welcomed by a slightly over-enthusiastic lady at front of house who didn't seem all there - massive seemingly forced smile asked my first name for reservation, walked away but then came back seconds later to ask for my surname and then walked away again to look up my reservation I presume.

Was seated next to the kitchen and good to see the kitchen staff concentrating and looking meticulous as they prepared our meals. Head-waiter was friendly and polished and table waiter was friendly and thoughtful - brought out our dessert on a plate with "Happy Birthday" written on it with white chocolate because we told him we were there for our birthday.

It was explained to us that since we had a 6:45pm reservation our degustation menu would only be 6 courses instead of the usual 10. Ordered a glass of white sauv blanc which came out pronto. Our first dish of finger food was also brought out very quickly which was potato chips and mayonnaise.

The finger food was the best I've ever had and arguably the best part of the meal. The West Australian baby crayfish tail was probably my favourite of the night - fantastic!

The food was brought out in quick succession and without going into all the dishes, they were of high standard as you'd expect from somewhere like Vue de Monde. The dessert was also very good - lemon tart probably second to the crayfish.

Atmosphere was good, the view from the top of the Rialto was nice, especially being a cool summer evening which meant that the sun was not too unbearable and when the sun was setting, they pulled down the Roman blinds so we wouldn't be blinded while dining.

Seemed also like the general crowd were older folk who enjoyed eating out, although it was nice to see that people dressed up a bit. Without sounding snobby, last time I went to Vue de Monde 6 years ago when it was still at Normanby Chambers there were people in t-shirts and shorts which affected the atmosphere a bit.

Overall the 6 courses with a glass of white set us back $420 + $25 = $445 in total. Hefty price but that's what you have to pay if you want the best, and have to say that the ingenuity and quality of food at Vue de Monde is the best!