Silk Road
Editorial
It's the décor that hits you first, and may actually floor you. See if you can stop yourself from 'oohing' and 'aahing' at the completely over-the-top massive chandeliers that float above like elegant jellyfish in a sea of crystal, giant mural ceilings, marble statues, velvet and satin drapes. The place is simply HUGE, with eight sumptuous bars to explore, each with their own theme and drinks specialty. Ever wanted to get gloriously lost in a palace? The attention to detail in the décor is simply staggering, I felt like I'd stepped into an Asian-themed Versailles, somehow lodged miraculously in the middle of Melbourne CBD. Get ready for a grand fusion of European, Middle Eastern and Asian design.
The original Silk Road was an overland historic trade route that connected silk merchants across the Asian continent connecting East and West Asia to the Mediterranean Sea. The most famous of these travelers was Marco Polo, and you can see him today astride his horse in the form of a huge statue above the Venetian bar on the ground floor - above him are reproductions of Renaissance frescos embedded into the ceiling.
Drinks at the Venetian include a wide range of draft beer and spirits, with an enclosed smoking area down the back for smokers. On this level are also intimate private rooms, including the Dynasty Room, with gorgeous golden dragons presiding over the bar with a focus on single malts and fine cognac, as well as high-end French Champagne. The St George wine room, also on this level, is an elegant cigar lounge with a comprehensive selection of Australian and international wines, to quaff with a unique mix of fine cheeses. The cheese platters were surprisingly affordable at $18, or $25 for large.
Other bars include the unpronounceable Shahanshah Lounge - trying saying that after a few glasses of very fine French Champagne - located on the mezzanine level, with classic signature cocktails, a relaxed, more intimate atmosphere, and a view of the Venetian bar and ol' Marco Polo on his horse down below.
Meri Harli, March 2010
User Feedback
Ben Oxford
March 25, 2008
The Best Venue in Australia -A must see - the chandliers, the service (almost a waiter for evey patron) a smokers room, free condiments - including marinated olives - unbelieveable - a must see
Louise Parker
May 03, 2008
We have been to Silk Road a number of times now. My guests and I walk away having had such a great night, the drinks are amazing and the staff are all so friendly. The interior is heaven!
Joan Wakim
May 12, 2008
If you're looking for a place with class - then you found it! Excellent venue!
Anon
May 13, 2008
Silk road and Lotus are not from the same people. Bar staff are absolutely amazing and clued in. Beautiful fit out. Australia has not seen anything like this.
James Fairfax
May 13, 2008
Great.. Was left speachless. Fantastic staff. Just the music is a bit on the plane side.
elly
May 16, 2008
silk road would be perfect, if there was better music
James ANZ
May 28, 2008
Great scotch selection- impressed! Nothing cheap here- they only serve the good stuff!
Walter
May 30, 2008
Heard about this place from business assosiates.Wanted to see what all the hype was about,had to go. Went on a Friday and was shocked by the stunning decor,absolutely gobsmacked. Atmosphere was great,lighting and sound were amazing,those chandeliers are spectacular. Music suited the mood-asian and middle eastern chants. Tapas and asian grill upstairs was very tasty,drinks were good,but very slow. This is a very sophisticated place with mature clientle. Finally a place i can enjoy without having to put up with 16 year olds from CQ,Baroq,etc,etc..
Frank
July 04, 2008
Little condiments are already a thing of the past at Silk Road...it is a beautiful place but like many others, hopeless when it gets too crowded. Am very pleased that you dont have to put up with kids even though at times some of the patrons give me a good laugh. Certainly recommend it to friends, but either get there early or stay till late, it is so much more when you can easily walk around and get a drink.
Dean
July 09, 2008
Go Melbourne. Silk Road, It is absolutely amazing. The food is great, surroundings, immaculate, the Bar Attendants are brilliant, happy, all knowing and are pleasant to talk to. Security seem pleasent and are everywhere. All my experiences with silk road have been great. A special thanks to the Bar Attendants on the first floor.
John
July 13, 2008
For a 40 year old who craves conversation , beautiful art and surrounds this bar is the ultimate for me and my senses.No loud doof doof music it is a treat for me.The staff know their drinks and are pleasant. I love it will be back every week.Young yuppies go to the viper room , q bar,161 and other trashy places and leave the old boy alone to enjoy Silk Road.
Clare
July 19, 2008
Beautiful interior & enough 'suits' to keep us entertained on Friday night. The wine list in the main bar could do with an overall already & the drink stains on it were less than impressive. Attentive staff & excellent music.
marian from AFP
September 05, 2008
lovely place silk road best place for best service.best bar staff best and caring security staff .made me feel special from da door man to da waitin staff .loved da way me and my friends got treated.silk road da plce to be .
joe
December 18, 2008
felt out of place being a person of working class lol but absolutely devine women there which is good need to buy me a suit lol
Dave
March 31, 2009
Way too expensive compared to equivalent bars in Melbourne. $11 for a red wine or a champagne is totally outrageous. At the end of the day, it's a pub. $8 a red or champagne is the maximum you should pay anywhere, and that's already a 200% mark up.
sina
June 01, 2009
I discovered this venue purely by chance. Loved it, had the best night the patrons were very friendly the atmosphere brilliant. Will certainly return, had the best night in a long time and it was nice to find a classy venue for a change.
Jonathan
July 10, 2009
Recommended by friend, silk road has amazing atmosphere, the entire place is very classy. Staff were great, however been told that you cannot order cocktails that are not on their menu! I ordered a Singapore Sling for my friend and was told they cannot make it?
Cranky
August 01, 2010
Looking for cocktails on a Saturday night before going to a restaurant we agreed to meet some friends at the Silk Road at 7.00pm. I had read on the website that I need to wear a collared shirt (normally do anyway). When we arrived the doorkeeper told me I was not allowed in because my shoes (extremely expensive Rockports!!) did not fit their dress code. Wow banned from a club at 7.00 pm at night, now I understand the stories my teenage children tell me about arbitrary door policies. I suspect I was too old for the well healed crowd that are allowed in. Walking past later there were a group of obviously very drunk Collingwood supporters let in- how do I know, they all had their scarves on!!
schmemmm
December 18, 2010
This place may be 'exclusive' and but the word is glamour... and it runs out. This place was nothing more than a sleazy over 50's meat market when I went, I wouldn't be in any hurry to go there again.
Not Recommended
February 19, 2011
Friend organised birthday here on sat night, even though came with the birthday girl and 20 friends, turned away from door because denim was not dark enough and dress shoes not pointy enough - never again!!
nicole0609
September 09, 2011
**DO NOT RECOMEND FOR ANY FUNCTIONS!!!** staff very unprofessional and uninformative. I will post reviews everywhere I can find!!! Totally ruined my birthday, flew all the way from Sydney with family and friends, rang an hour before to ensure everything was fine, to show up on time and be told there is a special night that required guys to wear suits. was told sorry I could not be helped, unfortnately SORRY just isn't good enough!!! I expected more from a venue of this status!!!!!!
nicole0609
September 09, 2011
**DO NOT RECOMEND FOR ANY FUNCTIONS!!!** staff very unprofessional and uninformative. I will post reviews everywhere I can find!!! Totally ruined my birthday, flew all the way from Sydney with family and friends, rang an hour before to ensure everything was fine, to show up on time and be told there is a special night that required guys to wear suits. was told sorry I could not be helped, unfortnately SORRY just isn't good enough!!! I expected more from a venue of this status!!!!!!
Your Feedback
25 User reviews (add yours)