The Mitre Tavern

Overall, my experience was just meh. The food itself was average (my meal), although the menu was impressively extensive with plenty of options to choose from. Unfortunately, the service fell below expectations and definitely felt less than average. On a more positive note, the atmosphere was great. The place has a charming, tucked-away feel, hidden along Bank Lane, which adds to its appeal. The drink selection—especially the beers—was quite good, with a wide variety to choose from. However, the prices were noticeably on the higher side.

Tucked away in Bank Lane, the Mitre Tavern was buzzing — strings of lights overhead, pints clinking, Union Jacks waving, and the hum of anticipation for Oasis filling the air. It felt like walking into a London laneway pub that somehow teleported to Melbourne. The service was nothing short of rock-star level — we ordered, grabbed our drinks, and before the first sip of Guinness had settled, our food landed on the table. Perfect timing. I went for the steak sandwich, and it absolutely hit the high notes. Perfectly cooked steak, sweet caramelised onion, fresh lettuce, and that ideal sauce-to-bread ratio. The chips? Golden perfection. The Guinness? Smooth, creamy, and arguably the best pour in Melbourne — Mike’s got it down to an art. The crowd was electric, the playlist nailed the Oasis vibe, and it all made for the perfect warm-up to an unforgettable night. If you’re ever chasing that pre-gig buzz with a side of exceptional pub food — the Mitre Tavern is your headliner

We had a wonderful visit! The food was lovely, and they offer a wide variety of drinks and beers. The service was also excellent. What makes this spot truly unique is its setting: an old cabin charmingly situated right between the modern buildings in the heart of the town.

The food was nice. Beer was awesome. Customer service was nice. The place look clean and tidy. Old pub in Melbourne from 1868. Nice place to eat and drink. Big beer garden. Good burgers and steaks. People say it is haunted. Fun to visit.

Popped in for drink and some lunch while wondering about. I had the steak sandwich which came with chips and onion gravy. The portion was of a good size with plenty of filling and steak, and left me absolutely chocka and in need of a lie down. The chips and gravy were a fine complement.

Very busy even on a week day. Staff are good and food comes out quite fast. My Chicken Parma was fine, nothing crazy for the price of ~$32 but I had no issues. Taverns in the CBD charge about the same for an average meal but this place was acceptable compared to others im the area. Would come back.

Great dining experience in a beautiful old building. Food was fantastic my only negative is for a $75 dish you would think you would get some veg on the side not one little cherry tomato. Still won't stop me from coming back. Just make sure to order a side if you want veggies, salad or potato.

Whether you're a local or a visitor, Mitre Tavern is a must-visit for anyone who loves good food, rich history, and that authentic laneway pub experience. Great spot for after-work drinks! Love the laneway setting—super cosy and ideal for relaxing with colleagues after work. The staff are friendly and service is quick. Food is okay, nothing standout, but the atmosphere and drinks selection are great. If you're coming with a group, definitely recommend booking online in advance—it gets busy fast! 😄🙌👍

Very active vibe. Melbourne's oldest Pub, they say. Friendly and fast. Grab a table; order at the bar. Food portions are large. Had Wings and Lamb Souvlaki to share. Wings were American style, nicely cooked. Souvlaki loaded with tasty grilled lamb

Fun atmosphere for a local pub in Melbourne. I'd go there for drinks but elsewhere for food. They were out of all lamb options which is what I intended to order. I had the salt & pepper squid instead and it was lackluster at best. Very heavy fried food taste and the squid was pretty chewy. You could do much better elsewhere. Service was friendly, though, and they have an extensive number of beers, ciders, etc. on draft.

Charming pub in the heart of Melbourne. Food is great and the ambiance can't be beat.

The oldest pub in Melbourne! Awesome food, great selection of beer and wine. Absolutely well worth stopping by for lunch or dinner.

This is one of those places that I have been meaning to visit for a while but never got around to it. Basically it is an old 19th Century pub that is tucked away in one of Melbourne's many alleys. In fact, it is one of those places that is rather easily missed, unless of course, you happen to work in the area. The cool thing is that they also have some rather nice beers on tap as well. Great find.

This is a great old school tavern. The food was really good and the atmosphere was comfortable. The place has a sense of history and the location is hidden and cute. Great place for a business meal.

I've been drinking here on and off for twenty years so there must be some attraction. It's a blokes pub really with all the suits taking over during lunch times and after work, where you'll find the financial service, brokers, lawyer crew drinking pints of their favourite beer, and with heaps on tap there's a good selection for them. One of the few places in the CBD that has outside drinking so the attraction is for smokers, so if you want outside & fresh air, pick somewhere else. Decor in the style of the old old pub that it is, and the toilets have Limerick tiles that actually won an award in the 1990's from radio station 3AW as "toilets of the year", why I don't know, the limericks are neither clever or funny. Probably heritage listed now so will stay like that forever. Staff come through on their backpacking journeys but they are all pretty friendly and helpful so no complaints there. Basically a drinking pub, with drinking pub food but being vegan I never venture upstairs to the busy grill steakhouse, apparently it's ok. Fancy a quick pint after work just off Collins St? Probably a decent choice.

This is one of my favourite outdoor bars in the CBD. I say "outdoor" because even though they have an indoor space too, their outdoor space is what draws people. This place is really unique in that it's located on the ground floor of a cute old house nestled in a laneway among modern high-rise city buildings. In fact, it's one of the oldest houses in Melbourne -- some even say THE oldest! It's a very charming style of house, like a cute old cottage from a fairy tale. Like where Snow White would live. The yellow paint, ornate windows, and upstairs flowerboxes overflowing with brightly-coloured flowers all add to that cheerful fairy-tale effect. On a more somber note, though, the house is supposedly haunted by the ghost of woman who killed herself because of a broken heart. I never see any ghosts here, but I do see a lot of pasty-white businessmen in suits whom I guess could probably pass for ghosts. These guys dominate Mitre Tavern in the after-work hours on weekdays -- they seem like the banking and financial types, which is fitting given the name of the laneway (Bank Place). Walking by here between 4 and 7pm, you see heaps of them standing around outside in suits and ties, beers in hand. It's generally pretty loud and crowded and not as nice an atmosphere during these times. On the weekend, though, the suits are gone and the outdoor space is much more relaxed and far less crowded. You can actually get a seat during the weekend and read a bit about the place's history while you enjoy your drinks. The place is nice to visit even in winter, as they have plenty of heaters and an awning for inclement weather. Food-wise, they do standard pub fare downstairs, with nothing vegan to my knowledge (I emailed them once to ask if anything on their menu was vegan, and they didn't reply.) Upstairs is a steakhouse that's supposedly much more fancy-pants. Drinks here are averagely-priced, with a lot on tap. Service is friendly but usually seem swamped even at less-busy times. Maybe they're understaffed. Definitely a place to check out if you're a history buff or just want to have a drink outside at a charming old house in the midst of Melbourne's skyscrapers. I'd just advise going on the weekend for a more relaxing experience.

This is for the restaurant section upstairs, not the bar (which also looked nice). I went to the Mitre Tavern for dinner last night and had a great time. Atmosphere: The dining room was fairly busy for a Wednesday night at 9:00pm, which was a good sign. The atmosphere was great, upscale but not in such a way that discourages you from eating or talking, there was good buzz in the room. I enjoyed the old English architecture and style. On to the food: I arrived knowing I wanted a steak, so I had a glass of Shiraz upon arrival. the St. Hallet Butchers. It was good and paired well with the meat. As I was alone, I didn't want to go crazy on the ordering, so when I ordered my steak I had the Pear & Walnut salad as my starter. This salad was wonderful, I would not hesitate to order it again. The table bread and butter was also fresh and tasty, which with the salad was enough before the main meal. I ordered the CAAB (Certified Australian Angus Beef) Porterhouse (400/g), cooked medium-rare. This is a mix of grass fed and grain fed beef. Upon arrival the steak was cooked as requested, with a warm-pink interior and lots of juices. While they do offer sauces, I prefer the taste of the meat and did not order any sauce. It was very good and I finished the entire steak (I had had a light day of food, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it). After this I was quite full, so no dessert, however I did order a cappuccino that was made excellently. My real dessert was a drink of Lagavulin 16 scotch, to which I must say was brilliant. The services: It was good, not excellent but above average for sure. I did keep having to ask for more water, however I don't feel that my waiter was inattentive. He was also very good at answering questions on the menu, about the styles of meat, etc. which was good. Because I had gotten there late in the evening, and like to take my time eating, I was there when they started to close. They in no way made me feel the need to hurry and were content to let me finish in my own time. This ended up garnering them a tip at the end of the night (tipping is non-customary in Australia). Price: The meal was reasonably priced, however I do feel the steak, for the cost/quality, was a little high. I say this as I have had steaks at this cost that were nearly life-changing. Everything else however was either fairly priced or even a little lower than expected, so all in all it evened out for me. I would recommend a visit to the Mitre Tavern, you'll have a good time. I'd add this as a place I'd return ton on another visit to Melbourne.

Quite difficult to find out this restaurant. They have nice outside settings and always crowded for lunch time. They cater authentic Australian steak and not so pricy. Also recommend eating cheese platter for share of two.

Great place for Friday Happy Hour. Lots of men!!! Only stayed for a couple of drinks with an old mate so don't know about the food. Staff very friendly

I enjoyed a lunch at this old businessman's steakhouse....it has an old school feel, food was great, and fantastic wine list. Lots of suits, but didn't feel stuffy. Seems like the kind of place you would close a big deal or celebrate the closing of one. For Americans, note that Scotch filet is more of a ribeye and not filet mignon. There was not a single woman except for the waitstaff in the upstairs restaurant so just thought women would want to be aware of that. There is a bar/ restaurant downstairs and that is more casual and has an outdoor area as well.

Recommended by hotel concierge, we went to this bar + steakhouse restaurant. Honestly, the steak was not as good as expected. Over "charcoaled" meat which tasted very bitter in the surface of both sides. I would not recommend to anyone that does not like bitter stuff. But the service is good. The staff changed one steak to make it less bitter.

I actually found this place by accident when on our anniversary, we were headed to THE CURRY VAULT but wanted a quick drink prior? When you walk n, you are taken back in time. I felt I had just walked into a pub in Nottingham and I was amazed by the bar and the great barkeeps. They have paper money up above the bar and I could not help myself in giving some foreign paper money for the collection. The true pint on tap was amazing! I will definitely return very soon!

I came here recently after a work event and learnt that this is the oldest pub in Melbourne! Who knew. Anyway, I was here on a Saturday afternoon; so the place was relatively empty aside from us sitting outside - so I have no idea about what it's normally like in terms of atmosphere. It was a fun place for the team though with good food (the only pub in the area that was really open for a Saturday lunch service actually) and drinks. And, did I mention - it's the oldest pub in Melbourne!

Rustic old building, full of character. The staff is young and maybe not the most organized, but friendly. The fish and chips was tasty and plentiful.

I'm a big fan of great steak. Two weeks ago I went here with 3 work colleagues. Really quirky (as in, cool) venue. Seems like it's a genuine wood fired grill which I love. Better even than the great Vlados in Richmond. Tony L

The Mitre is a great city pub. Old school setup with wooden booths and tables and a big outdoor area. The food is city pub prices, which is a bit on the high end for something like a parma, but the servings are massive and the food is consistently delicious. If you're not into the heavily male banker crowd who wear fancy suits and like to talk about interest rates and the latest moves of the Carlton footy club, you should not go here around 5pm on a weekday, but that's not the Mitre's fault. It gets pretty chilled out by about 8pm and is a good option to sit outside (under the hardy rain awnings when needed) with some friends. They have a GREAT trivia night on Tuesdays and Wednesdays which is the main reason I go here. I've seen maybe 100 quizmasters in my time and the one they've had for many years (Scott) is seriously the best I've seen. It's often booked out but it really is the best trivia in town. Good drink selection, again on the high end of city pub prices, but the service is great and it's a very well-run place. If it wasn't for their location in the epicenter of Melbourne bankers it would be a great daily after-work pub option. I'm a bit surprised nobody here has reviewed the upstairs steakhouse - I haven't eaten there, but it is apparently a very legit traditional steakhouse that serves properly aged high-end steaks. Again, it probably caters mostly to the suited set, but is on my list to check out at some point.

Not a bad pub. It's hard to make a call on a good pub during the day. I would have to come back at night to see how it really is. It is a very historic pub and building as it is around 150yrs old. I am sure it has some stories to tell. I am told the melbourne ghost tour makes a stop here at night. I only had a beer here but is was nice and cold which is important.

I'm reviewing the steakhouse upstairs: Really enjoyed this place as my first experience with Australian Angus Beef. I loved that the menu was segmented by cut of beef and also how the beef was raised/fed. That was something I had never seen before. The filet I enjoyed was the most tender, delicious steak, and I thoroughly enjoyed the blue cheese sauce. The service was also exceptional. I had become accustomed to having generally inattentive service, however, at the Mitre, the waitstaff were incredible. They noticed immediately once I had finished my wine and recommended another glass at that time. They also made food recommendations which I thought was great! I was expecting a bit more from the sides (that's why I'm giving four instead of five stars). The broccolini and beans dish was primarily beans, so I found the description to be misleading. I did not care for the mashed potatoes, although my husband really liked them. All in all, great experience with Australian Angus Beef!

One of only a few city pubs that has a bit of a local feel. One where the staff get to know you and you could go for a feed a few nights a week. And the food is good value with very generous serves. There's also a great range of beers on tap and usually the sport on one of the many screens. There's a medium size area of outdoor seating with umbrellas under which to enjoy the warm days. Keep exploring each nook and cranny of this place to find all the convenient spaces to gather. There's an area in the back right corner that is great for booking for groups. This place has a similar feel to the Sherlock Holmes and Charles Dickens taverns but with the bonus of more natural light and better food.

Friday night is full of Financial types and other suits. Particuarly great in warmer weather, as the crowd congregates in the ajoining alley way, so it may not be the pub for you on a raining cold winter night. Bonus - popcorn on Friday nights :)

Short and simple from me. Not many steak places ticks my list and this has gone up my number 2 list. Amazing steak. Love the old English decor. Guys don't get confused with down stairs pub food and fine dinner upstairs.

I just loved this place! It's beautiful, Nice. The decoration is incredible, It seems those old mansions, the twenties. Dishes are big and I loved one in special: Smoked Pork Ribs, localized up stairs. Actually there are 2 different styles: up stairs is more gourmet and ground floor is like a Irish Pub. Now The desserts: The Apple pie is simply fantastic. The best ever!!!

This is a bar, don't mistake it for a steak house as they only have one steak. The meat was seriously overcooked but the sauce was good. The service was good, but I normally do not write a negative review but I was so dissapointed by the steak.

Nice little tavern with a beer garden (outside eating area). Note that you order at the bar and they bring you your food (note your table #). We tried the fish n chips, chicken parmigiana and chicken BLT. Chips were the best part. Food was good and serving sizes plenty but taste was not particularly special. The place has a history - ask about it(oldest building in Melbourne, a resident ghost).

The Mitre Tavern is now apparently managed by Asians The food was very UNWONDERFUL with NO genuine hospitality, so llttle wonder there were very few patrons on Saturday night. My $16 prepaid 'Panini Salad Stack' of toasted panini topped with fetta, avocado, semi dried tomatos & salad - turned out to be just a salad roll (2 tab of mainly lettuce & onion). The manager, via the chef, declined to speak to me - in line with the other poor service - waitstaff not serving patrons together at small tables (long lags) and whisking away plates without eye contact or pleasantries such as "was everything allright?" I explained quietly and politely to the head chef that the menu was misleading, particularly as my salad contained no semi dried tomato or avocado. He appeared uncaring, standing with hand on hip, chewing gum throughout arguing that what I got was how it was and intimating that my opinion was unimportant as it was 'just my opinion' - but then returned with a thin slice of avocado. What should perhaps be realised is that good reviews can be written by customers AND establishments themselves - whilst bad reviews are usually just from customers We'll NEVER visit the Mitre Tavern again!

Have your drinks downstairs, soak up the atmosphere and get in the mood. But then GO UPSTAIRS!!! It may be quiet, it may have white tablecloths and it may be more fancy than you think you want. It doesn't matter. This is quite possibly one of the best steaks I've ever had. And I've had a few! I was raised by a steak man. I got the 200g Gippsland ribeye. It was the smallest steak on the menu but oh so delicious! The menu gives you the backstory of how the Mitre came to be (great little read) and then you can sit back, enjoy a wine or beer, and for all you non-steak aficionados can take in the section whereby they describe the cuts of beef, what farm they're from, and how the cows were raised. Great for all who's ever wondered on the difference between a sirloin and a rib eye and a t-bone and so forth! Fantastic. The waiters are attentive, the servings are proportionate and the food is well well oh so very well worth the price! (My steak, also the cheapest on the menu, was $37). Definitely worth the occasional visit. *just FYI - emphasis is on the steak, they're so fabulous the side barely gets a look in!