Cumulus Inc.

Choosing Cumulus to host our Wedding Lunch was definitely the right decision! We’re not fans of big traditional weddings, so finding a place with great food was really important to us. Our event manager, Kate, was fantastic to work with—she was responsive, patient, and really detail-oriented. She made sure our ideas were turned into a solid plan and nothing important was overlooked. The venue itself was beautiful, and the day went off without a hitch. The food was incredible—plentiful and absolutely delicious. Our guests were well-fed and happy. The staff were polite and very attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. We had such a wonderful experience and would highly recommend Cumulus for anyone planning their next event!

Revisited Cumulus after years of not having visited Melbourne and found that they have not lost their quality and touch. Somewhat leaning towards "casual fine dining" each dish is finely created and presented. The tuna was a highlight, with the assorted flavours and textures working in balance each other. The Nudja octopus was also a hit, strong spicy flavours working well with the tender savoury seafood. Lastly the pork chop was well cooked and seasoned well with sauce and accompaniments. From the bar, we could see the busy kitchen and the regimented way all the chefs performed. You can see other dishes being prepared and makes you want to try more. Overall a great experience, matching my previous visits and justifying my return this time. Recommended!

This place is awesome. You can choose whether you want to eat at the bar where you can watch the chefs prepare your food or at a table where you will still be served by their amazing and friendly waiters. Their unmissable beef accompanied by delicious potatoes with garlic sauce is probably my favorite dish from this restaurant. But I know that they are known for their delicious tuna starter and their lamb, so if you want to try these two you can choose the chef's recommendation. Their menu is incredible all year round, with some variations depending on the season. They offer a vegetarian menu and no matter how strict your diet is in this place that will not be a problem. For lovers of dark chocolate, the chocolate mouse is my recommendation.

Visited this place 10 years ago for the first time, I really enjoyed this place. 10 years later, it did not disappoint me. The shared selection was well priced and every single dishes were well presented and delicious. The tuna tartare and the asparagus were my favourites. The lamb shoulder was well cooked and super tender. Even though I’m not a fan of lamb, I really enjoyed the main dish. Service was fantastic throughout the meal. Very pleasant experience again.

Wow. Thank you for the lovely meal. I appreciate that the waiter offered me half serves of the entree and the starter and for a 1/2 serve, the entree of octopus was $14 and very reasonable for the amount of food that was provided. Mocktail was delicious, and I loved the rhubarb in the dessert. My only complaint would be that the chairs at the bar, while aesthetic, are extremely uncomfortable. Will come again.

Beautiful interior upstairs from the cumulus bar, the restaurant delivers consistent dependable delicious food. It's probably been over 10 years since I was last at cumulus, I remember going a year after they first opened and it was impossible to get a table. I was so lucky it was one of my first fine dining experiences and it blew my mind and continues to do so. We ordered the tuna, octopus and asparagus entrees. The tuna was delicious with the cream cheese, the asparagus was tender and crispy and the octopus was grilled on coals with a delicious paprika sauce. For mains we had the tender duck with crispy skin and the fall apart lamb shoulder served with a flavour packed red pepper sauce. We also had the crispy potatos as our side, they were on another level, a must with any main. I also had their Mandarin and rosemary spritz which was fresh, sour and delicious. It's so interesting to me how much the food scene in Melbourne has changed so much in the last 15 years and the fact cumulus is still here producing such amazing quality food demonstrate how good an establishment it is. I look forward to the next reason for us to visit again

Stopped in here for a quick late lunch before the footy on a Sunday. Seems others also had that idea so booking in advance is a good thing as it was quite full. The last time I had been here was 2020 (when they opened the doors again for that short time) So it was nice to be back again and the food was amazing! We even got moved to the corner table which was nice, felt cosy and comfortable. Staff were attentive, good wine, good food and good company what more could you want? 😊

The only place in Melbourne I would order medium rare steak from. The steak was pink on the inside and it didn’t bleed on my plate and the sauce. That asparagus and mozarella entree was 100%. Definitely taking my friends here and will tell our guests from work to visit.

Choosing Cumulus to host our Wedding Lunch was definitely the right decision! We’re not fans of big traditional weddings, so finding a place with great food was really important to us. Our event manager, Kate, was fantastic to work with—she was responsive, patient, and really detail-oriented. She made sure our ideas were turned into a solid plan and nothing important was overlooked. The venue itself was beautiful, and the day went off without a hitch. The food was incredible—plentiful and absolutely delicious. Our guests were well-fed and happy. The staff were polite and very attentive, making sure we had everything we needed. We had such a wonderful experience and would highly recommend Cumulus for anyone planning their next event!

Revisited Cumulus after years of not having visited Melbourne and found that they have not lost their quality and touch. Somewhat leaning towards "casual fine dining" each dish is finely created and presented. The tuna was a highlight, with the assorted flavours and textures working in balance each other. The Nudja octopus was also a hit, strong spicy flavours working well with the tender savoury seafood. Lastly the pork chop was well cooked and seasoned well with sauce and accompaniments. From the bar, we could see the busy kitchen and the regimented way all the chefs performed. You can see other dishes being prepared and makes you want to try more. Overall a great experience, matching my previous visits and justifying my return this time. Recommended!

This place is awesome. You can choose whether you want to eat at the bar where you can watch the chefs prepare your food or at a table where you will still be served by their amazing and friendly waiters. Their unmissable beef accompanied by delicious potatoes with garlic sauce is probably my favorite dish from this restaurant. But I know that they are known for their delicious tuna starter and their lamb, so if you want to try these two you can choose the chef's recommendation. Their menu is incredible all year round, with some variations depending on the season. They offer a vegetarian menu and no matter how strict your diet is in this place that will not be a problem. For lovers of dark chocolate, the chocolate mouse is my recommendation.

Visited this place 10 years ago for the first time, I really enjoyed this place. 10 years later, it did not disappoint me. The shared selection was well priced and every single dishes were well presented and delicious. The tuna tartare and the asparagus were my favourites. The lamb shoulder was well cooked and super tender. Even though I’m not a fan of lamb, I really enjoyed the main dish. Service was fantastic throughout the meal. Very pleasant experience again.

Wow. Thank you for the lovely meal. I appreciate that the waiter offered me half serves of the entree and the starter and for a 1/2 serve, the entree of octopus was $14 and very reasonable for the amount of food that was provided. Mocktail was delicious, and I loved the rhubarb in the dessert. My only complaint would be that the chairs at the bar, while aesthetic, are extremely uncomfortable. Will come again.

Beautiful interior upstairs from the cumulus bar, the restaurant delivers consistent dependable delicious food. It's probably been over 10 years since I was last at cumulus, I remember going a year after they first opened and it was impossible to get a table. I was so lucky it was one of my first fine dining experiences and it blew my mind and continues to do so. We ordered the tuna, octopus and asparagus entrees. The tuna was delicious with the cream cheese, the asparagus was tender and crispy and the octopus was grilled on coals with a delicious paprika sauce. For mains we had the tender duck with crispy skin and the fall apart lamb shoulder served with a flavour packed red pepper sauce. We also had the crispy potatos as our side, they were on another level, a must with any main. I also had their Mandarin and rosemary spritz which was fresh, sour and delicious. It's so interesting to me how much the food scene in Melbourne has changed so much in the last 15 years and the fact cumulus is still here producing such amazing quality food demonstrate how good an establishment it is. I look forward to the next reason for us to visit again

Stopped in here for a quick late lunch before the footy on a Sunday. Seems others also had that idea so booking in advance is a good thing as it was quite full. The last time I had been here was 2020 (when they opened the doors again for that short time) So it was nice to be back again and the food was amazing! We even got moved to the corner table which was nice, felt cosy and comfortable. Staff were attentive, good wine, good food and good company what more could you want? 😊

The only place in Melbourne I would order medium rare steak from. The steak was pink on the inside and it didn’t bleed on my plate and the sauce. That asparagus and mozarella entree was 100%. Definitely taking my friends here and will tell our guests from work to visit.

Love this charming restaurant! The food was fresh, delicious, and full of flavor! It is smaller portions that create a great opportunity to share and try different dishes. My favorites that we tried were the Tasmania oysters and the octopus- very yummy! The service was great, she was attentive and happily ready to pour another glass of wine!

One of the best dinner experiences that I've had in a long time. I had the experience of sitting at the kitchen bar and watching the chefs at work while I followed along using the restaurants cookbook. I ordered the tasting menu and each course was wonderful, complimented by great wine from Australia. The tasting menu had significant amount of food that could easily be shared by two people but was meant for one. The lamb was so delicate and tender that it fell off the bone, well-prepared The service at the restaurant was equally good. The wait staff was very attentive and knowledgeable of the food and wine. I would definitely come back to this wonderful restaurant to experience more of what the menu offers. Note: make reservations in advance

One of the best meals I've had in Melbourne - the only thing I regret is not going with more people to order the full menu! The lamb shoulder was heavenly. Service was top notch. The wine and cocktails were so wonderful and paired beautifully with the recommended dishes. I loved the marinated zucchini - who knew it could be so good?! I have to come back to try the tuna tartare, John Dory and the duck. Do not skip out on dessert - especially the coconut cream & strawberry granita! I could have ordered a second one for myself! If you have an opportunity to sit at the chef's counter, do it. The chefs there are so skilled and it's magical watching them. Can't wait to return already!

Wonderful restaurant, food was fantastic the lamb and the pie were highlights. Service was warm and attentive. Vibe is very Melbourne and we appreciated it very much. Matched up to my expectations.

You can't beat a dozen $2 oysters, a glass of Chardonnay & some baker Bleu bread at 5.00 pm during the week , especially if you live/work locally

Ate here as part of a larger group. Wonderful ambience, easy to walk to from our hotel. The servers were extremely nice, very attentive, and we just never seemed to be out of anything. I had a grain/veggie meal that they sort of made for me as a vegan. It was really good. They brought me a wonderful dessert as well a tart of some sort. It was such a nice way to end the meal!

I decided I wanted to try the good food spots that I had researched prior to my arrival. I was going to turn my day into my own little Melbourne Food tour. Fourth stop on the tour, Cumulus I had oysters and a made to order Madeline with custard filling in the middle at Cumulus Inc. I waited about 15-20 minutes for the Madeline, but it was so worth it.

SO AMAZING. Staff was so nice and personable. Food was outstanding. Quiet intimate atmosphere. I came away completely stuffed and satisfied with some takeaway that I can't wait to eat tomorrow for lunch!

Can be a little noisy, but it's got a great vibe and awesome food. Always recommend this place to visitors.

I was told this was one of the best restaurants in Melbourne and I was honestly a bit disappointed. I arrived on a Wednesday evening and the place was packed. The atmosphere is very casual, not exactly what I had expected from a place with such 'outstanding food', but i digress. I was seated at the open concept kitchen table so I could watch the chefs put everything together, love that. I started with a glass of wine, which was okay. They brought out two slices of warm bread with some olive oil and sea salt which was tasty. The waitress came by and I ordered the calamari and tomato salad and ricotta dumplings, which she recommended. The calamari dish wasn't good at all. The 'dressing' tasted like cheap mayo and the calamari itself was rubbery. Disappointing. I was really hoping the ricotta would make up for it, and thankfully the dumplings were very good, very cheesy and the oil on top mixed with the almonds was an excellent flavor explosion in my mouth. Very interesting dishes on the menu. Maybe I just choose wrong with the calamari dish!

Absolutely fabulous meal! Plan for a long evening. The plates are staggered. Server described the plates as small but they are plenty for 2-3. We ordered several salads and veggies and one entree, the lamb shoulder, which we couldn't even finish. Service excellent. Vibe energetic, a little noisy, small space. A special night out. The bar Cumulus Up is upstairs.

This review is for the breakfast service at Cumulus Inc. This restaurant's airy, bright atmosphere is a great place for a casual morning meal with friendly, quick service. On my visit, I had the house made crumpets with whipped ricotta and honey--the two crumpets had a nice airy texture but not much flavor on their own. However, the creamy ricotta and a dab of honey added just the right touch! We also had the madeleine filled with lemon curd, which the menu specifically says requires 15 minutes to make. It was a good madeleine, but perhaps not as special as it was made to sound. My favorite dish was undoubtedly the shakshouka, which was full of tomato chunks and large slices of roasted pepper. On the top were baked eggs along with shanklish, a salty cheese, and a thick herb sauce. This tomato stew was hearty and delicious--a nice combination of spicy, sweet, sour, and savory. It was perhaps one of the best shakshoukas I've had, and it went perfectly with the two slices of crusty toast on top! The prices for breakfast here may seem expensive, but the food is quality and the atmosphere is enjoyable! It's definitely worth checking out!

Came in for a quick breakfast. It's a cute place with a very industrial look. I had the crumpets and honey and a latte. Very simple but nice breakfast. I will have to come back some time to try the lunch or dinner because it had such great reviews. Overall, a decent place for breakfast. It's worth checking out.

Amazing!!!!! We didn't have reservations but we got lucky, because we got seated at the bar, so we were able to enjoy delicious food and great drinks:) Place is super cool! Atmosphere is amazing:) so many cool little thing around :) Make sure to try a few different items on the menu, because everything is different and super tasty. We shared a few dishes and loved all of them :) Recommend it! Cheers!!!

Cumulus is always a foodie's delight. Innovative ideas appear on the menu constantly. If you enjoy cooking, consider asking for a seat at the marble bar. With a front row seat to the kitchen, you're likely to pick up a few tips, as well as ideas about what to order.

You know you're set for something special when you're slobbering over complementary spiced almonds appetiser. Every dish start to finish was hard not to wolf down. I never thought I'd drool over Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts! Value for money is good too. $75pp Chef Selection buys you more (amazing) food than you can finish. Cumulus inc is total food coma material. Worth the stomach cramps.

I can see why breakfast is so popular - its heaven! Served until 11:30 every day, but expect a wait if you don't get there early. By 9:45 on a rainy Tuesday there was a queue. There are plenty of vegetarian options. They won't alter dishes, though, so best to check the menu on their website in advance if you have complex dietary restrictions. The shakshuka was exceptional and very large. I wound up sharing it with my boyfriend so we could also get some pastries. You wont want to miss out on the freshly baked madeline served with a dollop of lemon curd! Coffee is fantastic too. Water is self-serve at the end of the bar, which seems a little weird given that the restaurant is pretty high-end otherwise. Prices are comparable to any other breakfast place in Melbourne, so you may as well go here for the best quality!

I can be short and sweet: this place served me my favorite dish of my three month's stay in Melbourne: the Tuna Tartare with crushed green pea salad is just divine. Considering that I am not a big fan of Tuna (I typically prefer salmon) or Green Pea's this was a nice surprise. I do want to highlight that the Tuna Tartare is not really tartare, it is not minced, it is served in cubes. Nevertheless, the dish was fresh tasting and the flavors combined well. I sat at the counter and truly enjoyed watching the kitchen team come up with good looking dishes, I had food envy the entire time I spend at Cumulus. The staff was friendly, they took the time to explain the menu and the service was good. I do regret not coming here more often while in Melbourne, I certainly want to go back.

You cannot make a booking unless you have a minimum of 7 people. Why 7? Is that to cater fror three couples and one loner. Or three couples with one child. Or two couples and one threesome. I don't understand. Either way. I booked here for a work function. You pat a deposit of 20 per person for a 75 bucks banquet per person. There are two dinner seatings -6.15pm and 8.15pm. Have drinks at cumulus up while waiting. Their wine selection is average. Banquet starts off with some sourdough and brioche bread, charcuterie consisting of cauliflower, olives and proscuitto, some crispy battered cauliflower with mayo (2016 is seriously the year of cauliflower) and oysters from tassie and nsw on a bed of sea salt (tassie oysters are more fishy and have more of a flavour). Mains include the massive crispy lamb shoulder served with pickled red onion in sumac (tastes like sauerkraut but much more fermented), a freekeh salad (quite sweet), garlic potatoes, and red cabbage. Dessert was the most delicious passion fruit sorbet with chocolate mousse and brownie. Heaven in my mouth. Great service. Takes around two hours for the banquet. And you will be stuffed after. :)

My favorite part of my meal here was sitting at the kitchen bar and watching the chefs hard at work. It was super interesting seeing them work right in front of you, and getting a sense of how each dish was made. We came for their signature lamb shoulder dish, which was far too much for two people to eat. I think it would be enough for 3-4 people. It was very tender yes, but unfortunately also extraordinarily oily. I couldn't eat more than a few bites without reaching for the pickled veggies they provided (specifically for cutting the oil). Ultimately I'm not a fan of food that makes me feel my cholesterol skyrocketing, and this definitely fit the bill. We also tried the lemon madeleine which I was underwhelmed by. Nothing special about the madeleine. All in all, underwhelmed by the food, but enjoyed the ambience.

I try and find excuses to travel to Melbourne just to have a meal at Cumulus. In the hearth of Flinders Lane, this restaurant strikes the perfect balance between formal and high calibre service in a non-pretentious set up. Similarly, the food is all about unexpected combinations of high quality ingredients. But no complicated dressing. No show. It is all about the quality of the food. The menu changes regularly but I had an outstanding rib-eye yesterday that I would recommend to anyone. Go for lunch or dinner - I find the breakfast menu less appealing.

I would absolutely recommend this place the food and staff were great and welcoming. I sat at the kitchen bar and chef Tim (he prepares the delicious desserts) was incredibly nice and informative. I had tons of questions and he was happy to answer all of them. This is my first time in Melbourne, but when I visit this city again I will definitely come here again.

Wow wow wow!!!! One word: shakshouka. THE most amazing breakfast skillet I have ever had. Perfect marriage of eggs and fresh tomatoes with red peppers and cheese. Absolutely lovely and my fiancé was so jealous because it was so much better than his breakfast choice. Which says a lot, because his corned beef sandwich was also super tasty. Excellent coffee and service makes this a phenomenal spot with lots of ambience and a great busy crowd.

Heavenly Cumulus! On my last day in Melbourne, I experienced a lunch that was not only one of my best ever, but more importantly, my most memorable one in the city! I came here with a friend for a lunch date and luckily for us, despite the high popularity of this place, we got seated right away - yay to that because sadly they don't take reservations! The restaurant's space wasn't that big but I absolutely adore the casual-chic atmosphere and bright lighting from the huge windows. The menu is also straightforward and listed some classic Australian cuisines which tasted fresh and modern - Love it! The two of us ordered and shared: + Grilled octopus, romesco and fennel ($18) : Winner! These taste amazing, every component of the dish was on point and the freshness of the octopus is unbeatable. It's a must try! + Tuna tartare and crushed green pea salad ($32): The chunks of raw tuna were fantastic, it was fresh and I do get a hint of citrusy marinate in it...yum! However, I was not really digging the cream cheese based, as it tasted more like goat cheese to me (which is not their fault, just a personal dislike). + Wagyu beef rump, smoked onion and horse radish ($36): Delicious, presentation was beautiful and beef was done perfectly medium pink and seasoned flawlessly. In addition to their prodigious dishes, the service here is top notch. Our dishes were served individually by the chef as he explained what's on it. Since it was an open kitchen, you can watch and observe how meticulous they are with the food preparation! Overall, if you've only had one day and one meal in Melbourne, definitely give Cumulus a try! The food here oozed of sophistication and elegance. Easily, this is the most unforgettable lunch experience I've had to date!

Amazing place for breakfast! We had the shakshouka and I definitely recommend it, really tasty and served with good breads. I have also ordered a soy cappucino. Don't skip the madeleine ! They are filled with lemon custard and absolutely delicious, they are well balanced with sugar and fluffy! The only cons could be the staff which was really quick and not asking for drinks etc ... For 2 shakshoukas, 2 coffees and 2 madeleine we spent 48.50$ which is pretty good ;) Cumulus is a must go in Melbourne !!

I cannot wait to get back and devour the rest of the menu here. The service was great. The price of a coffee has apparently gone up by 20c, for the first time in however long, but the chick at the till managed the process with the customers so well. The venue was super busy, even for 8.30 (which is a time I'm used to breakfast places slowing down). Most of the tables were filled, which is why I was offered a seat at the bar, but that was actually my preference. I went for something simple, toast and a juice. I sat with my back to the venue and read the news on my phone, thankful for a a break from my work week. The breads that came out blew my mind. A mix of grains and sourdough, I was in carby heaven. I was feeling pretty under the weather and the warm breads were a perfectly comforting way to start my morning. While I was eating I ordered a lemongrass and ginger tea, which is my go to when I'm not feeling well or if I'm unsure about what I want. The tea was also perfect. A good balance between the lemongrass and the ginger, neither was overpowering. At $18, my two drinks and four pieces of toast was definitely reasonable. The food and drinks menu looked absolutely to die for and this has confirmed its place on my "my revisit" list for Melbourne.

Ordered the spatchcock and it was sold out. Then asked for snapper but sold out. Eventually decided on the O'connor beef. It took 45mins to serve the beef and it was tough and chewy. Really disappointed. Paid $50 for the beef dish. I would have gotten better value elsewhere. This place is overated.

The space is beautiful and staff very friendly. Without reservations, we were still able to get bar seats pretty much immediately. The food was just okay - nothing spectacular or even especially nice. We ordered the oysters (tasted a bit off), the snap peas and radishes (simple, but the best of the food), beef tartare (needed a flavor ramp-up), heirloom tomatoes (also needed a flavor boost), and burrata (too many black olives really overpowered the delicateness of the burrata). The rosemary focaccia was delicious, and the real standout of the visit was the bottle of Didi Giallo. We wanted to try an Australian orange wine and mentioned we really love Radikon, and this recommendation was spot on. Really delicious. Final check was pricey (particularly given the just okay food), but seems that Melbourne is pricey in general.

I had a pretty frustrating breakfast experience here. I went in just to get a croissant and I ordered an orange juice (5.50!) to go with it. The waitress said they were out of croissants so made another suggestion. I ordered that and started drinking the orange juice. Then she came back and said they were out of that item as well. They didn't have WiFi either, so at that point I just wanted to cut my losses and leave. I just had a few sips of my orange juice, but I was still charged full price. I understand that things can be out, but I think a lot of places wouldn't charge for the orange juice in that situation.

Well it's only been talked about for two years, but the upstairs bar at Cumulus is finally open and Melbourne, I'm glad to say, we have been rewarded for our patience. Hoorah! Cumulus Up is a a darker, smaller and sexier space than its big brother downstairs and while I imagine a lot of people will come here for a pre dinner drink when waiting for a table downstairs, I'm going to put it to the top of my "late night dining and snacking" list. Originally we'd planned on coming here for a cocktail and dessert but somehow got swept up in the excitement and proceeded to eat a number of the small plates. First up: a glass of natural wine which went spectacularly well with an off-menu special of light as air brandade, fried potato slices (read: uber potato crisps) sprinkled with smoked paprika and fennel pollen. Then we were sent some complimentary fried zucchini flowers with a romesco styled salsa. These were perfectly done and I think the best kind of drinking food - hot and crispy, not at all oily, with a salty batter but sweet juicy interior. Next, a glass of Western Australian Fiano with a plate of the Bonito sashimi which I have the feeling may become "the" dish here, much like the tuna downstairs at Cumulus. With a light ginger dressing, a scattering of fried nori and crushed sesame on top, the oily texture worked really well with with the weight of the Fiano. Finally an aged and ashed goat cheese that had incredible layered textures and flavours, matched with a glass of light German Riesling. A wonderful cheese that makes me excited to make regular explorations in to their fromage menu. The reason our food and wine pairings were so good? Because I left all the choices in the hands of Mark who has been one of my favourite waiters downstairs for many years and who has developed a formidable wine knowledge and ability to make the perfect matches. Talk to your waiter when you dine here and have them guide you. Open until midnight, and 1am on Friday and Saturday you can be certain I'll be checking in here on a very regular basis for well priced glasses of wine and tasty plates from the creative genius that is Andrew McConnell.

I can't believe it has taken me so long to write a review about one of my favourite all-day dining spots in Melbourne. Cumulus is excellent for brunch, it's perfect for an afternoon coffee and a snack, and it's divine for dinner. What more could you really want. For breakfast my plan of attack is to get the freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice, seriously the best freshly squeezed grapefruit juice I've ever had, paired with a muffin and a short black. The menu rotates often, but after my muffin course, recently I've been getting the waffle with cured salmon. Then if my stomach allows a freshly made lemon curd madeline for breakfast dessert. For dinner, the menu also rotates but some classics remain, such as the rotisserie lamb. It's fall of the bone tender and a sizable portion to share amongst friends. There is also a excellent and extensive wine list. The service is always spot on at Cumulus, it's friendly, professional, attentive, yet charmingly relaxed. The wait staff has a special knack for making you feel like you're a guest in someones house. This is true of all of Andrew McConnell's restaurants, it's always perfection.

Not having to wait for a table at Cumulus Inc which is known for long waits? The culinary gods must have been kind to us that day as we didn't have to wait to be seated (to be fair, we arrived just before 2pm afterall) and we got the kitchen counter seating. The husband and I usually plan our travel itineraries according to must-visit restaurants. Having read and heard so much about it, of course Cumulus Inc was on our list. We got full view of the kitchen magic from where we sat at the counter. The chefs were tossing salads, searing meats, and garnishing plates. Oh what a foodie's perfect way of dining. The cured kingfish was fresh and the fish slices were generous. The roasted cauliflower with goat curds were addictive. The charcuterie platter had a variety of cured meats and prosciutto which were absolutely delicious. We washed it all down with some cold cider. We were a little jealous of a nearby table who ordered the roasted whole leg of lamb. Here's to a next time, for sure.

So I'm over in melbs for a week... I'm thinking, thinking where to try next. I turn to yelp and look what I find! --- C-C-C cumulus Inc!!!! What a trendy little spot!, an added bonus that it's only just a stones throw from where I'm staying too. Central, classy and cosy... And definitely not costly at all!!! this place oozes sophistication but still friendly and inviting. Dined at the bar, tasted the delights of the Tuna Tatare (Devine!!), the charcuterie with the brisket with sour pickle and horseradish cream.... And topped off with dessert -- the sour apple sorbet with melon (refreshing). I think this place needs a huge mention because my palette was indeed impressed. Service was spoilt by one bar person- He was brilliant. The gentleman was knowledgeable and pretty spesh. The whole dinner was pretty much decided by his 'favourite choices'--- and great choices they were. I feel I have this culinary connection here :) Best light dinner in a while. Highly recommended!

It's a beautiful space. The menu is different to Cumulus but shares a few bits and pieces. The wine list is awesome. The staff know good food and wine. That is all you need to know. Go.

The most amazing meal we had on our trip to Australia! Coming from NYC, my husband and I love food and have eaten the world over. Cumulus will be one to remember. Every one of the dishes we had were amazing. My favorite was the Tuna Tartare which had a delicious crushed green salad with goat curd. I hate anything with goat cheese and asked for it on the side but the goat complemented the tartare perfectly and I didn't mind it all albeit i added only a dash to each bite. My second favorite was the steamed clams with jamon and chickpeas. The sauce was creamy and filing - once the clams and chickpeas were gone, I found myself sopping up the sauce with bread. You must try this one! We also had the Fried Mussels on toast which was yummy as well. The chicken was cooked perfectly but its clean flavors paled in comparison to the Tartare and Clams. The only dish I didn't care for but my husband loved was the Blue Cheese Fig special. Either way, if I am ever in Melbourne again, I will definitely head to Cumulus.

Four days in Melbourne and two trips to Cumulus. First, we met friends for a drink at 6pm and the place was hopping. Then we returned for a meal a day or two later at 5:30 hoping to sit at the counter and watch the kitchen work. The counter was full but we had a wonderful meal at a table along the wall. We started with some yummy peppers, an heirloom tomato salad and a tasty pork rillette. They were all good but paled by comparison with the fabulous tuna tartare with fresh peas. It was probably the best dish we've had in the last six months. Dessert was a lemon custard with crumbled meringue and fresh berries. This place is worth the wait if you get there after the tables are full.

Houston, we have a problem....Cumulus Inc has let me down. 2+ hours awaiting what I'd read so much about and yet still no main course. I left unfed and hungry. After calling the restaurant and listening to the recorded message regarding "walk in table service" I arrived at 1.00pm and was seated after an anticipated 35 mins wait. My guests arrived and we proceeded to order what our waitress had told us was a tapas style of eating (ie order several dishes each and share). We ordered a mixture of fried mussels on toast, curried corn, tuna tartare with crushed green pea salad, Wagu Beef, Clams, Bean Salad and Pork Loin with plans to hit the desert menu pretty hard once mains had been served. Unfortunately, at 3.15pm I had to run to make a business meeting and had only had a small crouton sized toast biscuit with a mussel atop. I left my 4 guests to enjoy the meal. As we did see other tables of 2 arrive, be served and leave whilst we waited for food we can only assume that the restaurant isn't suited for larger tables of say 4 and over. It's not the place to go for a group.

This place is great. A bit more relaxed then it's older sibling cumulus it is a fabulous spot for a drink and a bite to eat. I've been here a few times for after work drinks and they can accommodate big groups which is always handy. On the first Saturday of the month they have the cellar door event which is a really fun way to sample wines from different regions. This week was Macedonia ranges and whilst the first winemaker we spoke to was less than friendly all the others more than made up for it. Food is also available in the form of spit roast suckling pig buns. Super yum and well worth it at just $10.

On my recent trip to Melbourne, several people told me that I just HAD to eat at Cumulus. So while they don't take reservations for groups less than 7, I thought I would head over and try my luck at getting a seat. Well my luck was working on the night I went, as they had room at the bar or at a communal table near the door. What I didn't know is that there is an entirely different restaurant and experience upstairs at "Cumulus up". So know before you go that there are 2 restaurants in the same building. I chose to sit at the bar and was glad I did as Michael the bartender, and Aleesha the server, did a great job in taking care of us. I started with some of the fresh oysters (they had 3 different kinds on the night I was there) and my friend had the chefs choice charcuterie plate. All was very tasty! For my entree I had the chicken and my friend had the meat special of the day which was a sliced steak. Again, both were quite good. The food here is made to be shared so they suggest that you order 3-4 items per person but we ordered more as individuals and it worked out fine as well. Know that this is not a cheap date. Dinner for two with drinks was around $275 ( $56 was the steak special of the day) but given the great service and food, it was worth the money paid. I also loved the ambiance . . . .it was an old refurbished factory like building and I loved that I could sit at the bar, look out the window and watch the world walk by as I enjoyed my dinner. And they also had a great cocktail list that featured some very interesting sounding cocktails. All in all one of my favorite meals I had while in Melbourne!

Determined to dine at Cumulus after being turned down on Friday at 6:30pm for showing up without reservation, we came back the next day at 530pm and snatched two seats facing the kitchen. I highly recommend sitting here if you are interested to see just how much work goes into making your dish! I was blown away. Our waiter recommended we share our dishes, so we got the curried pumpkin soup with crispy chicken to start, and picked "House smoked ocean trout, cucumber, buttermilk, dill & sorrell" for our main. Awesome dining experience, so worth the effort. Everything was exquisite. The only thing that could make the experience better is if we DIDN'T share our food. cause then we would have ordered more and I would've gotten more taste of their dishes! If i ever find myself back in Melbourne i'm definitely coming back here, and i'm not sharing my main this time.

Ordered 2 madelines 3.3 each with lemon curd along with cappuccino along with chopped Cold trout We saw 2 Madeline go in the oven so freshly baked! Open kitchen is fun to watch as you're sitting by the bar

Wow is all I can say. Top 5 meals of my life by trying the chefs selection and was wowed by over 11 courses of fantastic creation. Intricate flavors, pretty displays and balanced dishes. Hats off to the chef! Well worth it to be able to try it all and stuff myself to the point where it hurt on these creations. Highlights: the chicken heart special, the boudin noir, smoked tomato and parsley salad, tuna tartar and madelines!

The dish that I will always remember from this place is the Whole slow roast lamb shoulder: $69.00 It is worth the wait and the price. Give it a go!

We rocked up at Cummulus on a very busy Saturday night without booking, they told us to come back in a hour, I gave my name and went out for a few drinks... An hour and a half later we manage to get a table. The customer service was outstanding! The waitress was super friendly and went through the menu and explained very well the dishes we didn't know. We shared lots of dishes, the charcuterie platter had a great selection of fine shaved hams, prosciutto, salami, terrine and pickles. My favorite was the octopus, one of the best I ever had! The grass fed steak was beautifully cooked and super tender, oysters were fresh but quite expensive. Overall was a great place to catch up with friends for a few drinks and to share some beautiful food.

Went for dinner. The lamb was so tender, fatty and succulent, that I don't think I can ever eat lamb in the states again. Everything before that (bread, foie gras, vegetables) was decent, except the oysters, which were way too salty. Best service I experienced in Melbourne, but they also expected a tip.

Can't decide. Can't decide. Breakfast is just terrific. The menu is small but every dish is innovative and interesting. No smashed avocado in sight. I had the mushrooms & barley with a soft egg. Yum. My friend had cumulus breakfast which had everything you could ask for: juice, yogurt pot, soft boiled egg & sour dough with outrageously fruity jams. The coffee, hot and treacly. Love it. Can't wait to go back.

A go-to for me in Melbourne. Supremely balanced new Australian cuisine that combines creativity, fresh ingredients, modern cooking, and beautiful composition. The team at Cumulus has found Goldilocks- like balance with farm fresh (but not too rustic), creative (but not too avant-garde), intimate (but not too cloistered) dining that is a real credit to Melbourne. 5 stars!

Cumulus takes breakfast/brunch to a whole new level of sophistication with its modern and sleek interior, friendly staff and great food. Get in early! Or you will have to be put on a waiting list! We were put on one and were assured that it would take about 20 mins and were given a seat in less than 5. Perfection. The menu is small but sophisticated, so be prepared to venture out of your comfort zone. I had the shakshouka which was absolutely brilliant. All the flavours worked marvellously well together. They do a good mocha too. Do ask about their special muffins because they are to die for. Mmm mm mmm.

One of our best meals in Melbourne! Though it was a busy night, we were sat quickly to have a drink, then moved to our dinner seats even before we ordered. We shared a few plates, including the charcuterie and whole flounder, which were delicious. We sat at the counter by the kitchen, which were great spots. The waitress even recommended local gins that we could try in our cocktails. A must-see!