Songbird Thai BBQ

I don’t understand why there r so many good reviews for the food here. They were ok, nothing was very impressive. I do think the corn and the prawn cooked very well! Oh, the pork rib was very bad,super chewy and no flavor inside, only the Sriracha sauce flavor outside. The service from the lady who looks like a manager or owner was very lack of concern. The service from the host girl was lovely. I had a quite high expectation for this place. But I definitely won’t come back.

Can’t believe we waited so long to come here, one of the best meals we have had, and we have eaten in over 5 different countries. We got the feed me and it was a delight, everything was delicious and we were not disappointed. Would return in a heartbeat. Sat at the kitchen bar table and was a great experience. Thanks Songbird!

All I can say is what an incredible dining experience. Not only is the food cooked at a spectacularly high standard. If you sit up against the bar, you get to interact with the chefs as they plate and organise the dishes for the restaurants. By doing this you get a personalized experience of why the flavors were chosen, the best way to eat the dishes and how to pair them with the correct sides. Every dish was so well thought out, there wasn’t a single dish that wasn’t full of flavor and rich in culture. Highly recommend experiencing this restaurant with its incredible flavours.

5 stars all the way. The service was excellent. The menu was superb as was the food and the cocktails were absolutely delicious. The atmosphere was relaxed and it was evident every customer in the restaurant was having a great time from their experience. We met Jo who was front of house and is also co owner. She was a pleasure to talk to and her dedication to her business from her attitude, presentation and hard work(which we observed throughout the night), makes me want her and her business partner to succeed beyond their expectations and I believe they will. Their wait staff were just as impressive and were highly attentive to every table. I would highly recommend Songbird for either a date night or for larger groups. You will not be disappointed !!

Songbird in Geelong stands out as a gem for those craving authentic Northern Thai barbecue. From the moment you step in, it’s clear that the restaurant is committed to staying true to its roots, without any pretense. The menu showcases a range of traditional dishes, expertly prepared with bold flavours and fresh ingredients. Each dish I’ve had reflects the rich culinary heritage of Northern Thailand, allowing the smoky aroma of the grilled meats and the vibrant, herbaceous notes of the sauces speak for themselves. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a hint of the smoke and smells of a evening walk down the streets of Chiang Mai-enhancing the overall experience of enjoying a meal that feels both authentic and personal. If you come here expecting dishes to be elevated beyond street food using techniques borrowed from several other cuisines and petite servings over a long dinner, then you are in the wrong place. In a dining landscape often filled with fusion twists, Songbird proudly embraces its identity, making it worth a visit for anyone looking to savor true Northern Thai barbecue. Come hungry, the servings are generous.

Had really high expectations given the reviews but I found myself wanting more. Yes this is northern Thai food and yes this is street food, however the flavour just weren’t quite as punchy and the execution slightly lacking. The ribs tasted great. The som tum or green papaya salad lacked acidity and spice. I appreciate them using the traditional wooden pastel and mortar though. The beef short ribs weren’t particularly juicy and the roast chicken was really just a roast chicken to me. The pork belly didn’t taste as good as other place I’ve tried in Melbourne such as Roslyn Thai, nor did it taste like the one I had in Thailand. Unfortunately for value or taste, I can’t say it’s the best representation of thai food, perhaps in Geelong as there is not many other restaurants doing northern Thai food. The owner/manager seems to be very proud of the team and it is formidable, but every restaurant gets rated based on customer’s experience and often without a second chance, so it’s only fair that Songbird gets rated the same way.

Staying a night in Geelong, decided to try the famous Igni. Located in an alleyway but not difficult to find unlike some places in Melbourne, you know immediately which is the restaurant where your surprise menu awaits. Staff were really friendly and inviting. We started with some cocktails - the standout would have been the Chilled Red. Snacks at the start were good and interesting. The crumpet was yum but the edible flowers were slightly bitter (perhaps this was intentional). We thought the beetroot could have had more of a roasted beetroot taste perhaps? The blue eye was fresh but the dish itself lacked some taste (or so we felt). We thoroughly enjoyed the duck (even though we usually aren't fans of duck) and the extra fennel/calamari dish was great. Wasn't quite the fan of the cheese course but appreciated the complexity and artisan value it provided (looks like cauliflower from afar). In terms of drinks - the non alcoholic pairing was good and good value. Didn't think the alcoholic pairing was all too special (it was all wines, expected maybe a beer or some fermented beverage somewhere). Overall, I'd def recommend this place as a must try for fine dining outside of Melbourne, but maybe next time we'll stick to the cocktails and not the alcoholic pairing.

Great place for a quick bite or a leisurely dinner. Flavours were on point and the cocktails delicious! Well priced for the quality and service.