Seemor
Inner North › Carlton › Sezar Restaurant
Sezar RestaurantA-Worth Trying
6 Melbourne Pl, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
· Restaurant, Armenian restaurant, Event venue
· 4.5/5 Google (1362 reviews)
Reservations
Laneway Armenian with polished service, generous banquets, and standout lamb shoulder and new-style baklava; creative flavors at premium CBD prices with occasional service and allergy-handling misses.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Sezar delivers exceptional food quality anchored by signature dishes like the celebrated lamb shoulder and brown-butter hummus, paired with warm, attentive service that elevates celebrations and special occasions. The reliable execution across repeat visits and strong destination appeal for banquets position it competitively with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, though modest space comfort and historic allergy-handling concerns prevent advancement to grade A territory.
Restaurant Summary
Down a CBD laneway, Sezar feels like a warm, lively hideaway where servers pace generous banquets and talk you through the plates. One guest called the hummus "so smooth it reset the standard," and the lamb shoulder "ridiculous" in the best way. It is a polished room without stiffness, with genuine hospitality that elevates birthdays and pre-theatre nights. The cooking leans modern Armenian: comfort with contemporary sparkle. Think brown-butter hummus, spanner crab manti with yogurt and chilli butter, and slow-cooked meats glazed with pomegranate or studded with pistachio. Dishes are flavorful and often generous; a few diners find certain sauces too sweet or yogurt a touch heavy, but most leave thrilled, especially after the new-style baklava. For families, there is no kids menu, but it can work: chips, chicken, rice, and lamb are approachable anchors, and staff are accommodating on banquets. Do flag allergies early and clearly; recent service is attentive, though historic mishandling was noted. Expect A$85-120 per person for the full experience, more with drinks.
At a Glance
- Signature lamb shoulder and brown-butter hummus are crowd favorites
- Generous, well-paced banquets ideal for celebrations
- Premium CBD pricing with pricey steaks and wagyu
- Occasional service lapses and past allergy-handling issues
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- laneway_hidden_gem
- generous_banquet_menus
- signature_lamb_shoulder
- modern_armenian_wines_available
What People Love
- Lamb shoulder that falls apart effortlessly
- Silky hummus with nutty brown butter
- Thoughtful pacing and friendly service
- Dessert platter and new-style baklava finish
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive (many mains A$38-50; premium cuts A$80-98)
- Some diners find certain sauces too sweet or yogurt-heavy
- Historic allergy-handling complaints; recent service better but caution advised
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (high five-star share, strong superlatives) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average CostA$85-120 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose the 4 or 5-course set (A$88-98) for best value; add baklava if not included
- Share lamb shoulder (A$92) with Sezar salad (A$15) and mujaddara (A$16) for balance
Perfect For
- Pre-theatre dinner in the CBD
- Celebration banquets with friends
- Date night in a cozy laneway spot
- Visitors seeking modern Middle Eastern flavors
Location Insights
Area: CBD laneway dining near theatres and offices; lively pre-theatre and evening crowd.
Safety: Well-trafficked central area; typical city-night safety with good lighting and foot traffic.
Nearby: Close to theatres, bars, and Collins/Flinders Lane dining; hidden laneway entrance adds charm.
MelbourneMelbourne CBD offers a dynamic dining scene with a wide variety of cuisines, from casual eateries to fine dining. The area is bustling during weekdays with office workers and tourists, and lively in the evenings with locals and visitors enjoying the diverse food and nightlife options.
Melbourne CentralA busy commercial and retail hub centered around Melbourne Central shopping complex, featuring numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars catering to a diverse crowd seeking quick meals or social dining experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:00–22:00
Wednesday17:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–23:00
Saturday17:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–16:30
Available: Reservations
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