We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.

The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant: Restaurant Reviews

corner of Normanby Road and Clarendon Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3205, Australia
(03) 9696 4000
Ranked #4 of 2,425 restaurants in Melbourne
4.5 of 5 stars 318 Reviews
Price range: -1 AUD - 104 AUD
Cuisines: Australian
More restaurant details
Restaurant details
Good for: Romantic, Local cuisine, Special Occasion Dining, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch Spot, Dinner, Reservations, After-hours
Neighbourhood: Southbank
Update restaurant details
Write a Review

318 reviews from our community

90% Recommend
    206
    83
    14
    5
    10
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Melbourne
Senior Contributor
41 reviews 41 reviews
Reviews in 25 cities Reviews in 25 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
“Great idea well delivered”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 February 2012

Although living in Melbourne this has been something we never got around to doing until we were gifted a voucher for the early sitting dinner. We chose a Sunday evening starting at 5:30. Typical Melbourne weather meant teaming rain whilst waiting in the shelter for the tram to arrive with a surpising number of people (turned out some were just sheltering from the rain). In the end there were actually 5 trams leaving at the same time which is OK as you are allocated your tram and table number.
Decore is great, cosy of course but comfortable.
The tram ride was quite smooth and took us around South Melbourne, St Kilda etc so lots to look at through the tinted windows.
The food was good and they even catered well for my wife's allegies. Wine, beer and spirits were adequately laid on.
Quality was good but not first class, I do not think anybody could expect that from a mobile tram. Wine was the same OK but not great.
The early sitting (cheaper) is about 30 mins too short and therefore a little rushed. Waiting staff were very good, friendly and even encouraging a bit of a singalong at the end but it felt like the party was just starting when we got to the terminus.
All in all, this is to be recommended but personally I will not do it again except as a treat for visitors which I would be happy to do.
Obviously this is becoming a part of the Melbourne tourist attractions.

  • Visited February 2012
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Food
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by vicnzsa for Melbourne
Ask vicnzsa about The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Melbourne
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
“A unique tourist must-do”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 February 2012

Great food considering the limitations, a constantly changing view and free-flowing alcohol makes for a great night. Go while you see some of the the city in light.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 8 more reviews by English_Traveller75 for Melbourne
Ask English_Traveller75 about The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Bendigo, Australia
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Great food and changing panorama”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

This was our regular wedding anniversary on the Tram Restaurant. The food, ambience and views were great. Everything is included.

You know exactly what you are going to get. Five great courses, two good local wines, Changing views of Melbourne as the tram travels through iconic shopping strips, parks and beach sides. Choice of post prandial liquer with coffee. Make sure you take on regular sparkling water to go with your alcoholic intake to reduce dehydration later. Wait staff are top notch & informative.

Don't skimp: take the late sitting; it is well worth it to relax and take your time over the meal. Great for couples (like us) or small groups (setup suits 4-6 especially). Plan on a taxi or inner city/southbank hotel.

  • Visited February 2012
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Atmosphere
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
    • 4 of 5 stars Food
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by Semperpronto for Melbourne
Ask Semperpronto about The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Yamba
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“See Melbourne while you eat.”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

Unique way to dine, food was amazing, very friendly staff, great atmosphere with the fellow travellers

Visited February 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by auntymarl for Melbourne
Ask auntymarl about The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Connecticut
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
“A Real Blast”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 February 2012
1
person found this review helpful

The food was surprisingly good, the atmosphere was great and the service was spectacular!

Visited January 2012
Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by ConnecticutTripster for Melbourne
Ask ConnecticutTripster about The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Travellers who viewed The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant also viewed

Chokolait Hub
4.5 of 5 stars 117 Reviews
Melbourne, Victoria
Maha Bar & Grill
4.5 of 5 stars 101 Reviews
Melbourne, Victoria
 
Vue de monde
4.5 of 5 stars 255 Reviews
Melbourne, Victoria
The Hardware Societe
4.5 of 5 stars 41 Reviews
Melbourne, Victoria
 

Been to The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage The Colonial Tramcar Restaurant, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

  • Manage your listing