Cookie

Thai restaurant · Melbourne

Cookie

Thai restaurant · Melbourne

1

252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

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Highlights

Eclectic cocktails, Thai dishes & extensive beer list in a hip space  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Get directions

cookiemelbourne.com.au
@cookiemelbourne

$$ · Menu

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252 Swanston St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia Get directions

+61 3 9663 7660
cookiemelbourne.com.au
@cookiemelbourne

$$ · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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15 Best Bars in Melbourne | Condé Nast Traveler

"There’s always a shiny new bar to discover in Melbourne, but when you're tired of not being able to find a seat because a phalanx of Instagrammers has taken over, there's always big, bustling Cookie in Chinatown. It blends cocktail bar, beer hall, and Thai restaurant all with apparent ease. There are great black-and-white murals on the wall, tiny and much-coveted Juliet balconies, and a long line of beer taps. Duck behind the long bar to find a more secluded nook that serves as a nice breather from the crowds. The wine list is 70 pages long, the microbrews on tap come from all over the world, and there’s a huge variety of cocktails (from fruity, refreshing tall numbers to chili-infused martinis), all listed out on menus pasted inside the covers of old children’s books. End the night with a Bartender’s Handshake, a stirred concoction of Irish whiskey, Punt e Mes, Grand Marnier, Fernet-Branca, bitters, and an orange twist." - Carrie Hutchinson

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-bars-in-melbourne
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Nina Mo

Google
Lovely Monday lunch with friends at Cookie. The table has been booked well in advance. Service was good, lunch all foods very nice so it was atmosphere. Drink menue is large. Something to choose for everyone. We shall be back.

Adele Surridge

Google
This restaurant has such a cool vibe - the space, decor, drinks and food were just wonderful! We had to order our food at the bar, which is a bit weird, but that doesn’t deflect from the experience or the fabulous staff. The food is delicious, serves more than adequate, innovative dishes, and some great cocktails (the menu has its own ‘book’, and there is a HUGE selection of craft beers). The scallops with pomelo were superb, the betel leaf dish was a great addition, the duck pancakes were the best I’ve ever had. Everything was great - you’d be seriously missing out if you didn’t give this place a go. Thank you to the chefs and staff for a great experience ❤️

Amanda Sommer

Google
Quintessential Melbourne What an absolute treat, food was excellent with a wide selection to chose from, came out quicker than expected. We had a few small size dishes all fragrant, fresh and delicious. My gosh, the venue is gorgeous with its step down memory lane and if you ask they're happy to tell you the history... This is by far one of the best places I've had the pleasure to experience in my time living in Melbourne the service is with care and affection, blown away by the service .. thank you so much ❤️

Jay Cao

Google
Came down here on a Friday night, the place was buzzing at 6pm. We ordered a variety of dumpling dishes, both vegetarian and meat versions. For the main dishes we ordered the flat noodles, red curry, beef ribs and turmeric Maryland. All the dishes were well flavoured and definitely carries the nostalgic flavour notes of their Asian (mostly Thai) origins. The fusion is clear and the flavour is well adapted to the new age Australian palette. Worthy of having a work function and a gathering. There’s so much variety to choose from you won’t be disappointed.

Ada Lin

Google
Really cozy space to hangout with friends. Lots of options for drinks. We had jetty road ipa it was really good. Most of the food have some level of spicy but they all taste good

rayandallison

Google
Great place, cool vibe, DJ on (Thursday when I was there). Little hard to find, entrance is a small doorway between all the other shops. Bouncer standing at door is the place, go up to level 1. Had not booked and no tables available in the restaurant side, so was seated in the bar side (I assume you call it that?? But it was exactly the same as the other side!!) but, no table service. You had to go to the bar to order which was an inconvenience. Even a QR on the table to order would make a massive difference. Food outstanding. 10/10 A huge beer on tap selection. 15/10!! Worth a visit but suggest booking a table if you want service!

Ess

Google
Absolutely delicious. Cookie was so great I forgot to take pictures after entre’s were served from enjoying the flavours too much. Cocktails were also perfect. My only critique would be that the music was a tad too loud, made it hard to communicate during dinner. But overall i would definitely recommend this place.

Kate Cam

Google
We decided to share a few dishes, which made for a fun dining experience. Overall, the food was great, with some real standouts. The Garlic Chive Dumplings with sweet soy and chilli ($18) were absolutely delicious full of flavour and perfectly cooked. The DIY Betel Bombs were an interesting concept, and I enjoyed assembling them, though I’m not sure they were entirely worth the $26. The Grilled Pork Baos with house made pickled vegetables and Thai BBQ sauce ($24) was a bit underwhelming it felt like it was missing something and was quite plain, with just the pork and sauce. However, the rest of the dishes were all really enjoyable. I’ve been here a few times now and have always had a great experience. That said, some of the dishes can be a little on the steep side price wise.
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Terry F.

Yelp
From California visiting and they have a wide variety of food. I ordered a michelada, as it was the only place I noticed had them and wanted to try give it 4/10. Pad thai was really good and reminded me of a place here back home. Server was friendly and was able to ask for recommendations. Lots of seating and specialty cocktails which I unfortunately didn't try because I went to the rooftop bar upstairs afterwards.
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Colin W.

Yelp
Super cool bar with great beer & sprit selection as well as a lot of history! The screen of many music festival after parties...
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Caitlin C.

Yelp
Lovely kitschy atmosphere with a kind staff and great taste. I recommend the stir fry tofu, beef/ginger dumplings, steamed salmon, and DIY bliss bombs!
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Sam C.

Yelp
Pork belly curry was amazing! We had a Snow White and an El Sabor margarita to drink. Atmosphere, food, and drinks were top notch! It's hidden away on the second floor. Stopping by again asap!
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Sheenal S.

Yelp
Cookie is famous and I've been meaning to go here since i got to Melbourne as I love Asian food. But I've never been able to convince my friends to go there who've been there once or many times and don't want to go back. Well I went on a Friday evening at 6.30pm and was readily seated with a two hours time limit. They have a massive cocktail menu it's like am encyclopedia but prices start at 19 bucks. They also have 0 to 0.5 percent wines which I don't entirely understand. I had their rose syrup infused lemonade which wad very refreshing. The medium and large dishes are the same size and the large ones cost more because they're seafood The waiter was quite pushy and recommended we get one medium one large a couple of sides a roti and rice. We decided not to get any sides. He kept telling us he cam have roti rice and a main on his own bug she we received our food it wad a bit too much and we left 50 percent of our food behind. Not happy as they are not licensed to do takeaway. Sift shelled crab was literally a carrot salad with this weird broth with half a fillet of white fish floating inside. It didn't go with the salad which was immensely salty and tasted like salt. The duck jungle curry was super spicy and had tender pieces of duck some babycorn but barely any flavour. Roti was quite stretchy. What was funny was how the waiter told us oh I wouldn't eat that in a bowl. That's not how I eat it. Some people like to eat the peppercorn but I wouldn't. Umm ok I wasn't planning to and please don't comment on what you would do I was very disappointed by my food and the experience but my company was great. Oh well. Portion sizes are good but it was 100 bucks for two mains two drinks and roti and rice
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Emilie C.

Yelp
After my second time in Cookie last night, it's time for a review! I really like the feel of the place: it's big enough that you'll find a place to seat and won't have to wait forever at the bar, but still feels quite cosy with the brick walls and nice lightning. Their beer menu is more of a book really, and they have a lot to offer. I tried a cocktail yesterday, the red canary, which was pretty amazing too :)
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Tai W.

Yelp
Great vibe, decent thai fusion food and amazing drinks. This restaurant is located in a VERY unassuming building that has bars/restaurants on every floor. My local friend took me here and I joked around and said I better not get stabbed. It's on the first floor, so would recommend taking the stairs. The menu was overwhelming but the waitstaff helped us get accommodated. -Southside: this cocktail was similar to a margarita with a extra lime and mint kick to it -Pork Hock with Shrimp Rice: was recommended by the waitstaff. Don't know what a hock is - neither did we. Google tells us it's a part of the leg so safe to eat. Hock was scrumptious but rice was sort of dry -Fat Rice Noodles w/ Duck: quite average, just didn't impress too much As mentioned, service was great - knowledgable and friendly.
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Sarah E.

Yelp
Cookie is a great place to unwind with a group of friends over some drinks and food. The atmosphere is buzzing with energy. The noise levels are a little high so if you want to have a conversation try sitting next to each other rather than opposite. The food in general was delicious. I think the salmon salad was undercooked and overpriced. I love the extensive cocktail menu and took photos which I'll upload.
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Two S.

Yelp
You learn something new every day. Apparently this building was once the headquarters of the Australian communist party. Now there's this very nice place called Cookie there. I hadn't been here for several years and my memories were fabourable of both food and wine here. We just had a few drinks today - an Aperol spritz, G&Ts and a beer. All were good. It's hard not to like the space. Even after a few years it's still pretty cool. I thought the server here may have been a little sour for reasons that escape me. Still a nice place though. For me, it's a 3.7.
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Dodo D.

Yelp
Excellent! I had the best tapioca dumplings ever ! When you arrive in this place, you feel like you have discovered a delicious little secret: the restaurant and bar are located in the first floor of a building in a commercial street. The interior is typically from Melbourne with beautiful street art! The food was delicious (again the best dumplings ever for me), they have plenty of cocktails and drinks which are delicious (the cocktail named Caribbean sling with capsicum is awesome and surprising in a good way). We also had a chicken salad and a green curry with sticky rice :) delicious! I definitely recommend this place and I will be back there on my next trip to Melbourne
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Phil M.

Yelp
OMG this place is a hidden gem. You won't see much from the street but when you venture up the stairs a new and delicious world awaits. Don't worry about the menu, ask the wonderful service team what you should have and they will lead you to the most tasty Thai inspired dishes.
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Steven V.

Yelp
Cool little restaurant. I been told to come here since arriving in Melbourne and finally popped in for lunch. I came in about 4:30 when it was empty, and was later told it never usually is. It's decorated in a way that's half "grandma's house" half "stylish foodie joint" - sounds weird, but makes for a cool mix. The menus are huge. Three big books for drinks, and about 80 items on the food menu (small dishes, medium, large). It can be a little overwhelming at first but eventually settled on a couple things. We ordered: Two medium dishes: fat rice noodles with duck, green peppercorns; and grilled salmon with ginger/chili; and one small dish: prawn firecrackers (like spring rolls with prawn tail still attached to hold). And two glasses of wine. Everything was delicious. And service was really friendly. In all honesty, it did seem a little pricey for the size of what is offered - about $15 small, $25 medium, $40 large; which one person could easily tackle a small + medium if not more - but I had a really lovely meal. And now familiar with the place, I'd return to try out other things.
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Elise W.

Yelp
The famous Cookie has remained faithful to its incredibly successful recipe of good atmosphere, beer hall and Thai restaurant. But before I launch into why I love this place there is one thing I must point out; the beer is expensive and the bar part of Cookie has the worst service in Melbourne. It doesn't matter how many staff they have, it takes an unbelievable long time to get served. There is no logical reason why - it just is and just you just need to accept it because... Cookie is just awesome!!! The food has remained pretty much the same price without loss of size for over 7 years. The quality and taste is fantastic. I love love love the duck dish with fat noodles and he adores the fish dishes. We've eaten here a lot, dragged friends and family here and it's always a success. Then there is the beer. The selection is fantastic, the beer menu is over 1cm thick! My only complaint is that they need to clean their pipes better for their regular beers. The Erdinger has been off so many times (I come here a lot though) that I've stopped drinking it. Other than that - it's wonderful. In all the years I've been here I've only eaten in the restaurant part once, a few months back and that's where I discover that the service can be good, great actually. You need to book ahead and there are 2 sittings and if you pick the earlier you must be gone by 8pm. We had the "banquet" which is a set price per person and you lost your likes / dislikes and they pick for you. We (8 of us) all came away very pleased and very stuffed! The oddest thing is the adorable little birds that make it inside and fly around tweeting- I've never seen them eat from a table but they are always here.
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Winnie C.

Yelp
A hotel concierge recommended the bar so we decided to check it out. It was kind of emply when we arrived around midnight on a Saturday night which was completely out of my expectation...We ordered a local IPA ($15) and a daqurie ($22) which I thought was on the pricier end. Most importantly, they were so light that I could barely taste any alcohol...When I asked our bartender to add a bit more liquior to my drink, she said she would have to charge me extra...I did enjoy the decor and the music.
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Sam K.

Yelp
This was my first time to the infamous Cookie. I was there for a date and it was a good option with share plates for food and not overly attentive service so you can chat without interruption. The drinks menu is very expansive so should be able to find something to please. They have a load of draught beers plus bottled, a decent size wine list. Didn't suss the cocktails. We ate from the bar menu which has a great Asian bent....an Aussie take on the kinds of snacks you'd find on the back streets of Thailand and Vietnam. Execution was ok. Not amazing food but points for effort. It was really noisy so conversation was a bit shouty but that also enables privacy in the hubbub. Tables are fairly tightly packed but with the general noise there's no privacy intrusion. So finally Cookie is ticked off the list. Would I go back? Yeah, probably. Maybe for a group thing.
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Merrilee M.

Yelp
So many good beers and wines. Such delicious food options! Staff are trendy but unpretentious (in my experience). Has a lovely ambience, but yes, it does get loud on busy nights! Advise getting in around 5pm on a Friday if you want to score a table before the rush.
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Jennifer C.

Yelp
The food here is amazing and delicious, worth every penny. We ordered randomly and everything was delicious. Their wine menu looks extensive, but they are "out of stock" on just about everything. We tried ordering a couple different bottles, none of which they had in stock, so we gave up and ordered mixed drinks.
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Preeyam P.

Yelp
Fantastic place to stop for lunch! The menu is very large. The staff is very knowledge and attentive. Some of the best food I had in Melbourne. I had the snapper and green curry with papaya and ordered rice. Would totally come back again. Only issues I had: Wine menu is incredibly large and therefore very intimidating. I picked it up and went through it twice and made no decisions. Also, I would say this place is more expensive than the 2 $$ that Yelp suggests.
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Tas M.

Yelp
Well what can't you say about this place . From the 1 st floor to the 6 th floor which happens to be the roof top bar to the 5 th floor which is called Mesa Verde this place rocks , from the food to the amazing cocktails @ Mesa Verde . I would have to say that you really do have to visit this place . 8 stars .
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Nino D.

Yelp
This place is highly recommended! A rich variety of thai cuisine in the menu and the bar's also full. Great for small or big groups and is located in central Melbourne. This place is located in the higher floors on the building and there's access via a lift or stairs. The service was abundantly pleasant throughout the evening and they were always attentive and ready to respond to our needs. Highly recommended.
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Joanne P.

Yelp
Cookie stands out among the bars of Swanston Street for many reasons. It's the bar and cool décor and great Thai influenced food that draw the crowds in and the long and varied beer and wine options that keep them there. For me the reason I visit Cookie time and time again is due to something very close to my heart.....cocktails. To me, a well designed cocktail is a work of art. Much like a painting or designer shoes are for some. Cocktails are art you can drink! Yes the cocktails here are expensive (average about $20 each) but is that too high a price to pay for art? *I'm ignoring those of you who said yes* The cocktails at Cookie are beautiful and the mixologists here that take their craft seriously. I would suggest that once you battle the crowds at the bar, you reward yourself with not one but two "art works". Friday and Saturday nights at Cookie are standing room only, but for a more low key affair drop by for lunch or drinks!
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David S.

Yelp
Cookie has to be one of the most popular bars in Melbourne's CBD. Located in Curtin House on Swanston Street it is one of a plethora of bars and cool other little businesses in the building. It attracts a huge after work crowd and a somewhat classy clientele. The biggest pull for me is their incredible list of beers. They feature all different kinds and have a mixture of Australian, Kiwi and international beers that are sure to entice you. Like the odd other poster I'm not very fond of the food here. I ate hear once and was very much underwhelmed. But I would just come here for that incredible beer list.
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Gabriel P.

Yelp
Cookie is one of those rare faultless businesses where they seem incapable of doing anything wrong. Don't get me wrong however, you may not like this place. It is quite expensive and can get very packed, on the weekends in particular. Actually I think I should further qualify my 'expensive' statement. Cookie is not actually expensive so much as they sell expensive products. Cookie has a great selection of both Belgian/German beers as well as some fantastic boutique Australian beers. They also do some great cocktails (at a price). The food menu is what I would describe as modern fusion Thai and it is fantastic! If you want to eat there I suggest you either book ahead or go there midweek. Even then I would suggest that you go in early just in case - this place is popular.
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Ethan H.

Yelp
The place is incredibly hard to find unless you know that it is here. Once you find the place though it is fantastic. The meals and selection of tap beers is wonderful. Loved everything they had. Although prices are on the higher side of things but service is pretty good too.
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Vanessa R.

Yelp
I have very fond memories of being at Cookie. I've been here many times and with different people and everyone loves it. I think it might be the actual space itself - the high ceiling, the sun pouring through the open balcony doors, the mini balconies just big enough for an intimate table, the expansive bar that loops the entire space, the bartenders who know how to mix a fine cocktail. It all makes for a very pleasant drinking experience. The only exception for me is on a Friday afternoon when office workers pour out of every concrete orifice in the city and cramp up an otherwise light, airy space with their uniform of grey/blue/black poly-cotton suiting. Cookie is best avoided then. Never tasted the food here (except to have oysters with a glass of bubbly on the balcony one sunny afternoon), but I'm sure when I do, it'll be another happy remembrance for my Cookie jar.
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Raph T.

Yelp
Protip: Book before you come! True to their word, Cookie has chilli infused in pretty much every bit of their menu, so if you are not a fan of chilli I would highly suggest to turn elsewhere. Chilli is one of those places that you would never discover walking down the street, you have to know it to know it. Discreetly tucked away on the upper levels of Swanston St, you'd easily miss it if you didn't know where to look. Once inside you'll realise that it is actually absolutely pumping and has bookings through the roof (rooftop bar pun aha). Food is amazing here. There are so many things to choose from, small platters to large ones, most being Thai influenced flavours with sweet chilli sauces to pad thai to banana chillies to Thai sausages. Everything is just yum, so even if you close your eyes and picked a few you would still be blown away. Mmm mmm mmm. The cocktails are also lovely, there is an insane list to choose from and an extensive drinks and wine list that will rival the thickness of a dictionary. DOWNSIDE however. The bar is craptacular. There are not enough staff to cater for the insane number of people waiting. There is also no water service. You are serving chilli infused food, and there is no self serve water spots. To get water you'd need to go to the bar to get a refill from the barman. When asked to give a jug of water, they said that they don't do jugs. What the hell, that is food hospitality 101. Jar of water. Not very hard is it?? Service is also absolutely crap. Granted, it was very busy, but staff were generally quite dismissive and haughty. Not good. It's a pity, because the atmosphere and food are great but this place gets a few points taken off for poor hospitality and service.
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Sarah B.

Yelp
Amazing food! We ordered 4 small plates which was heaps for two of us. Stuffed banana chilli; chicken fritters; smoked trout beetle leaf; snapper curry custard. Flavours were amazing with good spice. Think you know Thai, think again! Different to anything I've tasted. Better than the street food in Thailand. Drinks are pricey. Skip the drinks and go for the food if you're on a budget.
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Rua A.

Yelp
This place was well hidden between the ghetto looking takeaway places in an interesting looking building, would've never found it if I didn't know what I was looking for. Even though I booked a table we decided to sit in the bar area because it was much quieter for our baby asleep in his pram, we ended up moving onto the balcony in the most romantic table overlooking the street, very dark and quiet just the way we like it. The bar section didn't have waiters to take your orders, we ordered and paid for our food at the bar (didn't mind) and got water ourselves. The food was spectacular. The eggplant and lamb Penang was something I've ever had and I absolutely loved it and pad Thai was done well. A very successful date night with the baby asleep throughout! And service was great :)
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Randy S.

Yelp
Vibrant atmosphere, great food, incredible selection of beer and wine. But service and support abysmal. Twice I tried to order a beer, and twice they brought a glass of wine; the first time, bartender returned with a different beer, second time, after pointing to it in the menu, waiter said they were out. Six of us at a table, waited 10 minutes and two requests for water before getting it ourselves. Food for four arrived, then 15 minutes later, food for the other two arrived. Menu is quite varied, but no indications anywhere of dishes that are, oh, say, spicy? Vegan or vegetarian? Gluten free? Contain nuts? Spicy? One ordered soup only to find that it was too spicy for her Good condiment tray with chilies three ways, but, while we were eating, a waiter asked if we were done with it! We said no; yet, 10 minutes later, it was gone even though we were still eating. STOP BEING IN SUCH A HURRY TO GET HOME!!! Didn't help that kitchen staff, with kitchen closing at 11:00, began to occupy the balcony tables, making it difficult to walk by; and that they were smoking. And that one of us wanted to get some fresh air but couldn't sit at what should have been an unoccupied balcony table. When I asked the manager to turn the music down slightly, the volume rose. Yes, a big ask but when I explained that one of us wanted to get some fresh air and escape a bit of the noise but all three balcony tables were occupied. By staff! The manager expressed a modicum of sympathy and asked if she's okay. But he didn't see fit to go and check. Or to apologize. Or to comp even one dish. All of this on a Friday night just after 11:00, when dining area is still 1/3 occupied. Sorry but, when you spend $50-70 per person, we should not feel rushed to finish the meal or that we have to compete for space or air with the staff!
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Renee W.

Yelp
Amazing food - perfect service and great staff choosing a fabulous banquet catering for 12+guests including a vegetarian. Outstanding meal! Highly recommend!!!!
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Vanessa M.

Yelp
If you are only in Melbourne for one day, one meal, one hour... This is the place you need to be. The food is a gastronomical delight and will forever be remembered as the best meal of all time. You may need to sacrifice a few things like your dignity to get in here. Getting to the restaurant by 5pm will mean you can get in without a massive wait. Of course you can always book (if you are like a weird planning person who thinks ahead - ha!). The staff are magnificent as is the awesome atmosphere trumped only by the food. Try the pork belly curry, coconut rice, spring rolls... EVERYTHING.
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Stephanie D.

Yelp
I went back to Cookie after some friends had arranged to meet there. Order an IPA and am duly informed that they didn't have any. "Okay, please give me something "hoppy",is my reply. Bartender pours me a pint of some mystery ale and hands it to me. Doesn't offer a taste of the drink and doesn't tell me anything about the beer except, "it's local". I hand him a 20 and he hands me three gold coins in exchange and promptly walks away to serve someone else. I stand there staring at my three gold coins with a perplexed frown on my face. Is it possible he thought I'd given him a ten? No, seven dollars for a pint seems pretty unlikely at this place. "Excuse me", I say to the barman when he passes by again. "Uh, um, was that pint 17 dollars?" "Yep" he replies. Then he turns on his heels and briskly walks away. Doesn't ask me if I like the beer, doesn't offer any explanation as to why the pint is so pricey. Dude just can't be bothered. Having been in Australia for over three years I understand that beer is expensive here. I'm happy to pay 11 dollars for a pint in the center of the CBD. (Well, not happy exactly, but willing). However, I have NEVER in 42 months of swilling beer in OZ been charged 17 clams for a beer. This was not a Belgian or a delicious porter, or an extremely potent IPA. This was an ale that tasted like a Coopers. A warning about the extremely high cost of the beer would have been nice. As would offering a small taste of it before pouring it. Never again.
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Mel P.

Yelp
Everyone goes to Cookie. Everyone. Enough so to draw a look of confusion and surprise when I tell people I haven't been there. I didn't even go there before it was cool, which would be an accepted Melbourne answer. Funnily enough, everyone time someone suggested going there, I managed to talk them into something new and exciting (despite having not eaten at Cookie yet!) So I finally ate at Cookie on the weekend. The food was great, the selection of food and drink is enormous, the location is central - I definitely get the appeal. The service was atrocious. I can't give a 4-5 star rating to a place where the service is this poor. Staff attitudes wavered between indifferent to just rude. You could definitely come here and have a nice time. There seems to be some decent service reviews here so I'm sure it's not all bad - but it's the service industry people. Be nice ;)
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Emma L.

Yelp
A Melbourne institution cookie is one of those fail safe places to bring out of town visitors for a taste of the Melbourne vibe. I love the cocktail options and the intimate back room tucked behind the bar for a secluded rendez vous. I've eaten here serveral times but recently went for a work lunch with 10 coworkers promoting my review. I've tried a few different dishes in my time but this was an excellent way to sample a broad array of the lengthy menu. Colourful plates of delectable Thai speciaties kept appearing on our table. I loved the communal sharing vibe and importantly for a work function the food service was fast and efficient. The beverage menu is extensive with separate books for beers and wines there will be something to impress even the most discerning of palates. Would I come here again? Would I recommend it to out of towers? Absolutely.
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Crystal V.

Yelp
Oh Cookie, you were the first bar to ever serve me alcohol legally. For that, you will always have a special place in my heart. I first came here with my cousin for a late dinner for her birthday. It was a nice restaurant down the street from her apartment at the time. I think it was love at first site for me. The decor is very sleek without trying to be overly pretentious. Definitely a nice place to just hang out for and just catch up. I loved the lounge seating because it made for a very intimate night with great company. Every time I'm back, my friends know this is one of my favorite bars to hit-- I'm sure by now they're sick of it. The bouncers, bartenders and staff are so personable and friendly. They can definitely craft some awesome cocktails if you just tell them what you like-- and trust that it'll be awesome. The mint mojitos are definitely refreshing for one of those hot January summer days.
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Adrian F.

Yelp
There are two Cookies in a way. There is the Cookie you go to with some friends for a beer and suddenly you are four drinks in and you realise the night has just got started. That's Fun Cookie. And there is the Cookie where you sit down for a meal and it feels slightly odd, even if the food is great (which it is). So that's Odd Cookie. Fun Cookie has a great selection of beer on tap, a nice wine list, great Thai bar snacks and a beautiful fit-out. Odd Cookie has a strange layout of tables, a great menu, all the above-mentioned drinks, but just feels kind of odd. I think in the end there's just something a bit strange about sitting down for dinner, whilst the other half of the room are standing up, fists full of booze, having a rowdy good time.
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Patricia W.

Yelp
Came for late night drinks mid week. Great atmosphere. Drinks were yummy and creative. Would love to come back to try their menu.
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David H.

Yelp
Come to Cookie for amazing Thai food in an amazing restaurant and beer hall in an amazing building, being Curtin House. Cookie is of course upstairs and features as a bar not just a restaurant. This is one of those "go to" places to take out of towners - as much for it's character and uniqueness, as for it's imaginative quality cuisine. Walk up the stairs of the cool Curtin House to a place hidden away from the hustle and bustle of Swanston Street. Enter the dimly lit but uber cool large dining area. Was asked where we would like to sit and saw an opportunity out on the stately balcony. My friend and I, meeting for lunch, felt like royals out there on the balcony overlooking Swanston St. I highly recommend you score a balcony booth on a sunny Melbourne day. The menu is impressive with a great number of imaginative selections. To our amazement out popped head chef Karen doubling as a lunchtime waitress. Head chef Karen is a delight and has a large number of creative and skillful Thai chefs to manage. The food is sensational! Imaginative! Clean flavours! Love the pork belly - Karen told us it's in the pork belly top 10 - and it tastes like a chart topper! Thai sausage was also tasty and great! As were the Thai patties/cakes... So are about 70 other dishes from the huge menu! Sensational! Went there with my friend the legendary Rudy who spends half his life in Asia and who gave the thumbs up - the perfect lunch! Fusion is a good word to describe Cookie. It gives it's unique interpretation of dishes. Such as the stir fry pork belly with red curry. The option of small, medium or large dishes on the menu is great! You can tailor your eating experience! And an extensive bar menu! The fusion extends to the décor with an almost retro feel to combine with the modern. I noticed several work groups here at lunchtime. As the food came out reasonably quickly Cookie is a quality option for office workers. The ambience is superb and noise levels loud - but I like that! Also great for a romantic night out! Cookie has several personalities which makes it a fascinating and exciting establishment. It carries a different persona after 5pm.
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Hugh M.

Yelp
Well well, don't we just love our bars with bartenders who have an overwhelming sense of hubris, and a excessive display of grandiloquent self entitlement and importance. Well this is not all the bar staff, Just a douche bag dressed in a red shirt. My first and only bar tender here, of the most recent visit, was super helpful and friendly with none of this BS. As a venue I've been here buckets of times, but hey, who hasn't? It's a long standing institution, meeting place, and regular spot. There's cool little tables and chairs and place to sit, a nice and luxurious balcony and usually cool little table candles. Good drinks, particularly with the tap beers, and other alcoholic arrangements and lists. Haven't tried the food here, but aside form that, it's all good. Well, mostly.
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Bonnie J.

Yelp
We went here for a work drinks/dinner night. We decided to order off the "per head " menu and had the selection that was $50 per head. The service and food was great however there was way to much food we had to stop the waiter from being out more dishes! I recommend doing the per head because it's a great idea for sharing but get the cheaper option which I think is $30 per head. The food is a Asian combination and they are great at brining out other options for those with dietary requirements!
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Josh K.

Yelp
It's so reliable and such a big part of Melbourne life now that reviewing Cookie seems a but redundant. "Let's meet at Cookie and decide what to do from there" is just a part of the lexicon now. Cookie just is. Their selection of alcoholic beverages is ridiculously large. If you're in a rush just go with what you know. If you have some time up your sleeve, use it to get to know a new drink from a different part of the world. The Thai inspired restaurant menu is also large with many vegan and vegetarian choices, as well as plenty for the omnivorous. It can be a bit pricey and loud and full of arseholes, but it's so large there's something for pretty much everyone.
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Wenna S.

Yelp
What a cool place, with a great vibe, smooth tunes and gorgeous decor. The food, Thai based, is light and flavoursome with tastes well balanced. On a low FODMAPS diet it was easy for me to identify things I could eat. The banana leaf chicken was my personal favourite. My mum said it was the best Thai she has ever had. The wine, cocktail and beer lists are long and expansive- however there's no sparkling red to be had. There didn't seem to be a rhythm to the order food was delivered- some quickly after ordering, and some much longer. It didn't make much sense, especially as the rice (which would have been good from the start), came out last. This place loses a star because not all of our order came, because it turned out it was never ordered. It's extremely frustrating when restaurants adopt a notepad free method of taking orders, for orders to end up incomplete. It was a non event for us really, who were quite full- but when you're looking forward to something, finding out at 10.40pm that it's not on its way is annoying. The waiter said it could be made, but after you've been waiting a while, it just sucks to find out. Anyway. I'll be back, for sure. Hopefully to try the meal I missed!
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Shirley L.

Yelp
Everyone goes to Cookie on any single day. It's so crowded with very few seatings and once there was Jessica Alba coming to Melbourne and it was practically packed with people with their grubby hands trying to touch her. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! Cookie surely is a bar (You don't say?) but unless anybody's trying to develop pictures, it's too dark!!! Electricity bills were definitely something they saved, because when I ate outside at their little balconies, the only light I've got is from street lights and my mobile phone..... They didn't know what drink Soho and lime was...errr..it's Soho, and you squeeze lime into it. Food wasn't that bad, a little overpriced for regular fries and buns! I couldn't remember exact price as it was 2 years ago...but I remember exiting sober and hungry. Not a good Friday! Looking for something better? Then catch the tram on Collins St and...Crown off you go! Southbank off you go! I don't get men who take their women on a date to Cookie.... (spotted many of these those days...) Please don't. Just...don't...
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Pierre R.

Yelp
Ok this is a nice bar, a lot of bottled beers from all over the world, and some vintage ones if you're willing to pay the price. Talking about price, 13$ for a Hoegaarden... I really wanted one so I did it, but coming from Europe I still have some troubles accepting the price for good beer in Melbourne. Came here on a monday night and it was already pretty noisy, can't imagine how it gets during the weekend.
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CJ B.

Yelp
Very high energy place with delicious Thai food. It's up a flight of narrow, dark stairs in a fun building that houses a bunch of other hip joints including movies on the roof! Cookie can get noisy but the food is worth the distraction. The "small plates" here are fairly large so an order of four or five small plates can easily feed three folks. The "larger" are generally larger in price, not size.
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Darren W.

Yelp
I come here for the beer. Not living in Melbourne I don't get to the suburban bars so it is nice to find a place that have a good vibe and knowledgeable bar staff. Go range of beer on tap and more by the bottle.

Anthony D.

Yelp
Cookie, ok food, ok service, waiter talked us into a budget house wine $70 when the bill came. Had to be a $ 65 mark up. Sneaky bastard.
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Danny B.

Yelp
Good times had at cookie. Its always a destination that you bring someone that is new to Melbourne or hasn't been here before. Its a good meeting point for friends to come to and there is lots to do at the Curtain house building. I find that i don't always attend cookie level, its more like the toff or rooftop where you'll see me at. Worth a check out and a good destination to show people. Def is a good representation of what melbourne is all about
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Scott B.

Yelp
Came here for dinner on a Sunday night, and it was just mediocre all around. It didn't start off well as we showed up about 10 minutes before our reservation time and I tell someone we're there and the response is, 'oh, I gave away your table'. Umm, yeah, I was very close to breaking out into the Seinfeld car rental routine but restrained myself and thought I'd just go with it since they could sit us in the bar area. The bar area can be explained in a few words, really, really, loud. It would have been cool had it been later and we wanted to shake our asses, but everyone around us was also eating and didn't seem to be in a dancing mood. It would be cool to have some drinks at later in the evening, but sitting in the bar eating dinner wasn't something I'd go back for. As for the food, it was decent, didn't think it was anything special, but decent. Had the drunken prawns that you peel yourself which tasted like plain prawns, then the drunken noodles and chili beef. Both main dishes were ok, nothing I'd rave about but not bad either. Maybe there's something I don't get about it, or maybe just went at the wrong time and day, I could see how people like this place but it just didn't do it for me.