Food was really delicious and interesting, especially the starters. Lots of flavours and textures make for good eating and fun discussions. The curries are good, with solid portions of meat, but it’s the sides and starters that add more variety. I normally avoid desserts in Indian restaurants but that would be a mistake here. Keep enough room. They are excellent Service was really excellent.

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The layout and design of the restaurant is lovely to look at. Tricky to find down the Melbourne alley way but it makes it intriguing. When receiving the menu you are advised that the food is designed to share! And we soon realize why. Everything about Tonka is ridiculously and disgustingly over priced. Yes we looked at the menu before going however we did not think it was $15 for ONE Crystal Bay prawn, the size of a spring roll and a prawn that can be purchased frozen by the kilo in the supermarket. Butter chicken $49!!!!! Ok but it is listed in the menu in the ‘bigger’ section. Ha! Bigger than what?? One piece of chicken the size of half a breast or thigh. But apparently it’s organic. And takes three days to make. Come on….who are you trying to kid? What a load of bull. And the wine. Just keeps getting better. And beware, unlike the restaurant the evening before they provide you with sparkling water which is on tap mind you, don’t disclose the price and then hit you with a $6 per person charge. When we were asked how was everything we politely told the wait staff that it was disgustingly overpriced for the portion sizes. She advised we speak to the owner who was at the bar. As we got up to leave we saw the waitress and owner run out the back awaiting our departure no doubt. I ventured back to share my disappointment with the owner who did not make any attempt at good service nor apologize or listen. She only came at me with excuses, sob stories and how hard the staff work. Being in the restaurant business myself previously I understand how hard staff work, including myself. However I feel like my well earned money was completely taken advantage of on this occasion. And I was also advised that in her 27 years in the business never has she received a complaint. I find that very hard to believe. Maybe people just don’t return. Having found out afterwards that the head chef and part owner who this restaurant was known for had parted ways the year before I imagine I know why! I have no problem paying for value, even a little over the top. But if I’m going to spend what is expected here I want some good old fashion white tablecloths to start with. Disappointing for sure and will never return to anything this owner runs.

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During our inaugural trip to Australia, we came across this restaurant thanks to its positive Yelp reviews. Although its exterior appeared somewhat unassuming, resembling a hidden gem down a curious alleyway, we soon realized we were indeed at the right place. Once inside, we were promptly seated, a welcome surprise considering a prior establishment had informed us of being fully booked. The culinary experience here was undeniably delightful, with the food leaving a favorable impression.

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Don't let the location fool you -- it really is on a dark alley, and it looks like you're entering through the kitchen. But -- the food was excellent! And what really stood out was the service. Our reservation was late evening, and they would clearly have liked for us to come earlier so they could go home. We couldn't due to our flight arrival, but they took great care of us anyway. They even let us try our first choice wine and changed to a different one for us. Neither the decor nor the food is as exotic as the website makes it seem, but that's all to the good. Wish we could go back again.

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Mouthwatering appetisers. The kingfish tartare, prawn in betel nut leaf, and pani puri were unbeatable. The tandoori ocean trout was to die for and cooked to perfection. Unfortunately the lamb curry was more like a tasteless goulash. It didn't even look like a curry. i couldn't eat it. Would have given 6 stars it the curry was even a basic curry. (surprised with the previous good reviews of the lamb curry) The wines were delic too, thank you Chad. Also they refused to include the dessert in the advertised Chefs menu as there were only 2 of us. Attentive service by Gregory, thank you.

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Everything seemed to go wrong with our experience. I can’t stand coriander (as does half the population take note chefs) and asked the waiter what didn’t have coriander in it. He advised me incorrectly and said he would advise the chef and then…didn’t. After that it was coriander all the way. I grimaced through the starter hoping it was a glitch. Funnily enough I overheard our same waitress advising our neighbours they couldn’t have two of the deserts due to their diet. They don’t carry a Sav Blanc by the glass, and squashed us all up at one end of the restaurant rather than …what…mop whole the floor? We sat in the corner booth listening to two loud conversations either side of us. Also the salt under the oysters was presented as a foam which we both ate by mistake and my daughter ended up most of the night in the bathroom. It was definitely one thing after the other. Sorry guys.

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The graffiti entrance is a complete opposite to the service inside. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable and the tables were well spaced. Most importantly the food was well presented and delicious.

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A fabulous meal with very attentive staff at Tonka. The trout, Rogan Josh, butter chicken, asparagus and accompaniments were very flavoursome and enjoyed by all. For a top night out whilst in Melbourne, I highly recommend this restaurant.

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