I have been to many of Australias best restaurants especially in Sydney and Melbourne and 3 star Michelin restaurants particularly in New York and Chicago, Las Vegas and Hong Kong. The dinner we had at Vue de Monde would not have been out of place in any of them and was better than most. It was a 10 course, (more like 15) degustation menu served in a location equal to any. There are almost 360 degree views over Melbourne. From our table we also could watch the chef's plating up meals. The restaurant has been fitted out with recognition and consideration of the Australian environment. Nothing here is in any way haphazard. Despite some modest theatricality in the service and the dishes there is no feeling that it is contrived. The dishes are often unique and sometimes variations on traditional classic dishes. Melbourne onion soup is a great example. It has all the elements of French onion soup but quite different to the original. The menu changes frequently, usually a bit at a time. There is an extensive, and expensive, wine list with which the sommelier can help. Many dishes are complex whilst some are simple but all are interesting, taste very good, look exquisite. There is little point in describing individual dishes however pic's and an extensive review is available on 1001dinners.blogspot.com
I suspect it is the most expensive restaurant in Victoria and for us it was worth it. We have been before and we will certainly be back.
DISCLOSURE: We know owner Chef Shannon Bennett as a result of eating at his restaurants over the last 15 years. If he is 'in residence' he generally comes to speak with us and on this occasion gave us a little added value including a signed copy of his book about New York when he heard we will be visiting there soon.

Best dining experience in my life ... for those who have not try Vue De Monde - must experience .. because the atmosphere of the place is awesome..the food was brilliant (quality food).. the service was over the top .. very professional! I really enjoyed dining in Vue De Monde. However, the price is kinda overpriced..

Seriously amazing dining experience here. Pretty pricey but at the same time, quality and service was just impeccable. Real attention to detail and amazing and delicious creations all round. It was definitely worth the price we paid! And we will be going back again sometime later this week! This is a must for any foodie or Melbournian!

Had one of the nicest meals here, the full degustation. Seriously fine fare, I cant rate it highly enough!

An experience you wont get anywhere else, and a price to match. We had the full degustation and it lasted 4 hours! Although the dishes were truly unique I didnt really enjoy the flavours and much preferred a meal 1/4 of the price and much more simple! Fantastic service though and even a take-home pack for breakfast the next day.

My favorite culinary experience so far. The service was exceptional. The food was a gastronomic event with a touch of theatre.

Approximate cost: $400

Food was amazing and definitely something I couldn't reproduce at home. The service was the best i've ever experienced- There when you need them, invisible when you don't.

Approximate cost: $100-$300

A fantastic special occasion restaurant. Creative food, amazing flavours and fresh, non-pretentious setting. Very enjoyable experience. One of my fellow diners wasn't expecting the $$$ bill, however calmed down when he realised just what a wonderful time he'd had. Can't wait for my next visit.

Approximate cost: $50+

French at it's best!
The food was superb. Went for the lunch because dinner was too expensive! The package included entree, main, dessert + drink. But in between each course, and before, and after, you receive palette cleansers as well.Sevice was very nice.
Tip- dress up for this. There were so many suits and dresses there that day and it was lunchtime.

Approximate cost: $55-59

Our annual degustation splurge brought us to the French icon in Melbourne - Vue De Monde. Rather than the late night offering, we decided to try their lunch menu.
A place like this does have a sense of intimidation. Everything appears to be meticulously planned - the way you are greeted ("Since it's your first time at Vue De Monde...") to the curious decor (all available for sale). We were sat by the window, overlooking the patrons at Cafe Vue next door (I wonder who was envious of whom?).
While the food was very, very good, I found that the service was the icing on this cake. They weren't as intimidating as you would imagine (or did they match staff persona with relative patron experience? - it wouldn't surprise me if they did). We were carefully taken through the items on the menu and even the potentially sensitive topic of cost ($35 for a glass of champagne!) was very delicately discussed. Naturally, the meals were exquisite and matching wines were even better (yep, I liked them MORE than the food).
The Vue de Monde experience is completely holistic - food, decor, wine, staff. It all delivers on an amazing promise and is a definite must do for the foodies in town.

Approximate cost: $250