Monster Kitchen and Bar

Average food average service. No waiters came to take our order. We had to get our own menu and water from the water tap next to bar. Staff are useless and lazy. The steak was not worth $40+. It was a cheap cut from woolies and not cooked correctly. It tasted like it was stewed in the pan rather grilled. Very disappointed. Not worth the $150 paid. Civic pub is 10xs better.

Nice and hard-working staff. Environment very unexpected. Food was regular. Dessert was out of this world. Celebrated my birthday, staff and chefs were very kind. Bathroom were beautiful and amazing for photo taking and general use.

Delicious, interesting vegetable dishes. Great flavours and well prepared. Our party of 2 shared the corn ribs, pomello pumpkin salad and the crispy tofu to start. Then shared the cauliflower shwarma main dish. The cauliflower was very tasty, ribs and tofu were very good, the pressed pumpkin in the salad was a little strange texturally, but the pomello and creamy feta was a nice combo. Great wine list, attentive service. We'll be back 👍🏼

I had high hopes for Monster Bar in Canberra, but unfortunately, their cheese board fell well below expectations, especially considering the premium $39 price. For that price, I expected a thoughtfully curated selection with a balance of quality cheeses, fresh accompaniments, and attention to presentation. Instead, what was served looked like something hastily thrown together at home. The board featured a few basic cheeses, some tired grapes and raisins, a handful of mixed nuts, dry crackers, and a small piece of quince paste. One of the cheeses even looked like it had been sitting out too long. It was underwhelming and felt like an afterthought, not a premium experience. When we politely raised this with the waiter, their only suggestion was to return the board. No attempt was made to offer a replacement, a better alternative. For a venue that charges premium prices and markets itself as high-end, this lack of customer service was very disappointing. What makes this even more frustrating is that venues like Ambrosia provide cheese boards that are not only generous and beautifully presented but also far more reasonably priced. Ambrosia’s platters show real care, with artisan cheeses, fresh produce, and well-matched sides that make you feel the price is justified. Monster Bar needs to seriously improve both the quality of their offering and their approach to customer service. At the moment, it feels like style over substance, and not worth the money. OUTRAGEOUS

RIP Monster. The old Monster was our go-to for special occasions, and whilst over the last year we’d noticed a distinct drop in the level of customer service we’ve always tried to give the place the benefit of the doubt as the food and menu remained excellent. We were aware of the change in approach to an omnivore menu before we booked, and knew we’d miss the tasty veggie, vegan (and almost entirely) GF offer. Tonight we had booked an early table before a film. We were met hesitantly, shown to a dining table in the bar area where we were seated and told to order at the bar. We assumed perhaps a new approach to early evening dining or that there was an event in the main dining area. Sadly no, this is the new status quo and both our first round of drinks and food were served to the wrong table. Whilst the food was tasty, it was overpriced, and if we’d have booked for an (even more) special occasion we’d have been left with a bad taste in the mouth. A disappointing experience.

Great location, lovely modern decor, great food Attended for a 7:30 Saturday night dinner, upon arrival were met and taken to our table by the friendly wait staff, unfortunately we were placed next two two large 15+ party tables who were extremely loud, and we could barely hear each other talk. Our waiter attended swiftly where we placed our drink orders and soon after our dinner order, we were asked in what order we would like our food to be served (unfortunately this was not followed) the first small plates arrived very quickly. After finishing our entree we had to wait about an hour for the plates to be cleared and the rest of our food to arrive. Despite the wait staff walking past our table multiple times. We were also unfortunately never asked if we would like another drink (these things I would expect when dining in one of the more expensive options) In all the location is great, food is priced highly and portions are on the smaller size but quite delicious. Probably better options around Canberra for the price point

This is a nice venue within Ovolo Nishi on the ground floor. The layout of the restaurant is nice, as it is open and there is space between tables. You have to order food and drinks at the bar, so it doesn't have a typical restaurant feel to it. We were coming to watch a movie at Palace cinemas but came here first for a beer. It is nice that they have a fireplace, as the venue has a warm and cosy feel. It would be most convenient if you were staying in the hotel to come down for a meal.

We had the pleasure of dining here on Friday night. Was a little trepidatious after reading some of the reviews but we needn't have worried! We had the tasting menu with matched wines. The night started superbly with deliciously inspired cocktails followed by tasty and unique wines and courses that were flavour bombs! The servers were attentive and knowledgeable and the dining room well thought out for a lovely relaxing evening. Would highly recommend!

Writing this review after experiencing this hotel lobby restaurant and bar at all times of the day and visited/ordering food and/and drinks 8+ times. Overall will rate at 3 stars for "ok" but the 2 star rating "could be better" really sums it up. To start: I love their veggie initiative - all foods for the year will be vegetarian which is awesome and great for the earth. The building itself is awesome too, and the decor is nice, sleek and modern with some interesting art. Food and service are okay, not many healthy options but food comes out quickly. If you are not an adventurous eater the veggie burger and fries may be your best bet. We ordered edamame once but it was so salty and spicy it wasn't really edible. Biggest pet peeve: Operating hours do not adhere to what is published on website. Even with revised COVID hours, kitchen/bar often close earlier than published on their own website and staff is unclear when asked what time they are actually closing, which is awkward because no one wants to be ordering food or drink or lingering when the place is about to close. Another big issue is that the restaurant website also advertises room service and takeaway but the website hasn't worked in 3 weeks but will take you through the whole process before saying the order cannot be completed. Not ideal, especially for a hotel bar/resto where people may be arriving and needing sustenance at odd hours. Overall okay, but could do better.

Omg omg wow wow my husband took me in a date night and the service was soo warm and welcoming and the staff were friendly and always made sure we were ok and if we needed anything. The food what can I say cooked to perfection fast service and tasty food I would 400% return and recommend to any one