Mietta's Review
The dining room had a make over a couple of years ago and now looks splendid with its great views over Albert Park Lake. Ian Curley returned to oversee the menu a couple of years ago. So the menu reflects Ian's classical British training - complicated in that London fine dining style, with robust flavours and the classically French cooking technique. The Point is an ideal location for a business meal, and particularly in the evening perfect for romantic dinners. The wine list is extensive, presenting a fine selection from Australia and abroad, but it is expensive, and the service sometimes lacks personality.
Downstairs, in the cafe the atmosphere is relaxed and the vista is at one with the joggers, ducks and geese. It is a good spot for a long breakfast, a casual lunch or an informal business meeting and in the evenings perfect for a drink before or after dinner upstairs.
Other Published Opinions
The Age Good Food Guide 2013 Score: 15/20
Gourmet Traveller 2013 Australian Restaurant Guide Score: 2 Stars "There's been a lift at The Point since the arrival lake-side of former Vue de Monde manager Bryan Lloyd. The room feels more luxurious, the tables more widely spaced, and a certain deliberately retro fine-dining charm to the service is mirrored in chef Justin Wise's menu"
Age Good Food Guide 2013 Score: 15/20, One Hat
Age Good Food Guide 2012 Score: 16/20, 2 Hats
Age Good Food Guide 2011 Score: 16/20, Two Hats
Gourmet Traveller 2011 Australian Restaurant Guide Score: * "While The Point has a (deserved) reputation as one of Melbourne's top steakhouses, there's plenty of good eating beyond carefully sourced beef. Chef Scott Pickett's mostly European menu might see zucchini flowers stuffed with a sprightly goat's cheese mousse, or sweet yabby tails sauteed in rosemary butter and teamed with seared scallops, while bigger courses may include expertly roasted John Dory served with chorizo and cannellini beans"
Age Good Food Guide 2010 Score: 15/20
Herald Sun Bob Hart, 18-08-09 "This place opens for lunch daily, but head chef Scott Pickett has introduced a spectacular, and keenly priced. Sunday roast on the last Sunday of every month. It's a ripper. The three-course meal, with a bottle of De Bortoli house wine between four, costs $45 a head ($20 for kids) and ticks all the boxes."
Age Good Food Guide 2009 Score: 14.5/20
Herald Sun Extra Food, Stephen Downes, 22-07-08 Score: * "A stalwart of the Melbourne eating excellence, the Point is as good as ever"
Age Good Food Guide 2008 Score: 14.5/20
Herald Sun Dining Out, Stephen Downes, 17-07-07 Score: 18/20 "A stalwart of Melbourne eating excellence, the Point is as good as ever. Its wine list is enormous - comprehensive - and some bottle prices are affordable. Eleven whites, a rose and eight reds by the glass are listed between $7.50 and $18 with several around $9.50."
Age John Lethlean
Age Good Food Guide 2006 score 15/20
Gourmet Traveller 2006 Australian Restaurant Guide "Now in its 11th year, the Point has matured. Many subtle changes have enhanced the bold, lake-side building recently, but the most significant development has been in the kitchen: the Point now boasts a major emphasis on quality beef. Chef Ian Curley continues with his light, contemporary dishes"
Gourmet Traveller 2006 Australian Restaurant Guide Best views "Albert Park's The Point, meanwhile, perches on a lake, and Sunday afternoons see entertaining flotillas of junior skippers and their craft sailing its waters just past the glass."
Age Epicure score 15/20 Hohn Lethlean 16/8/05
Age Good Food Guide 2005 score 15/20
Gourmet Traveller 2005 Restaurant Guide "A reliable venue for a fun evening of fine dining, The Point serves up elegant, pleasing food with more than a little theatre."
Age Four views of the water 26/12/04
Age, Agenda, 30/5/04,Dani Valent
Age Cheap Eats 2004
Age, A2, 8/5/04, John Weldon
Age Good Food Guide Awards 2004 1 hat, score 15/20
Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Australia 2004, 1 Black Star, Excellent wine list, Good vegetarian options,'Big on taste maybe, but there's a deftness that makes this slightly '90s approach more palatable.It's not all merchant banker food, though...There are great park views through the glass walls, but service can be clunky and the wine list stings.'
Herald Sun, Weekend, Eat, Bob Hart, 2/8/03