I’ve given this place about 4 attempts to get things right and every time I give them another go they disappoint me. Today I arrived at 9.20 am(someone had saved me a seat thank goodness ’cause there was a queue of about 10 awaiting some sort of service), ordered a simple long black coffee. At 9.50am I asked whether it was coming or not and the reply was«we’re very busy» — it arrived at 10am. I then ordered a friend a skinny flat white — I was charged and was delivered a skinny latte about 40 mins later. The other parkrun participants who had ordered food were in confusion. This is standard operating proceedure here, and even though they are on the Albert Park Lake, you’d think they would be used to runners, rowers, cyclists — me thinks not. You won’t be finding another check in from me here!
Lara P.
Place rating: 4 Australia
This is a wonderful café perched upon Albert Park Lake. There’s great usage of indoor space and a large outdoor decking to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The menu itself is enticing and delivers on creativity and flavour, whilst the coffee is consistently good. It’s child and dog friendly, and you’ll absolutely leave feeling relaxed and content. A great spot to enjoy brunch without the headache of crowds, parking and table turnover.
Danielle S.
Place rating: 3 Melbourne, Australia
The official post race meeting place for parkrun. On the surface you would imagine this would be the perfect venue for post race refuelling. However, there are a few things that prevent it from getting 5 stars. First, there needs to be more outdoor seating for groups — especially as this is the type of clientele that frequent the Carousel — outdoorsy types. Secondly, there is a strange absence of any smoothies or freshly squeezed juices. Thirdly, service is a tad slow. On the plus side is the venue itself — it’s very nicely fitted out and the location is perfect for anyone who exercises at the lake. Another plus — excellent soy hot chocolate. We have yet to eat breakfast but have spied some very promising options arriving at the tables of the hungry athletes next to us.
Abby E.
Place rating: 4 Melbourne, Australia
You know those places that you go to from time to time, and it checks all the boxes and you leave quite satisfied, and you wonder why you don’t go there more often? Carousel is one of those places. I guess the most reasonable answer is that it’s in the middle of Albert Park, so it can sort of be a pain to get to. Other than that it’s totally ace. Firstly, you have the beautiful setting of Albert Park Lake which, on a sunny day, can be quite picturesque indeed. Then there’s the interior itself, which in warmer months assumes a kind of quasi outdoor setting as the big glass doors are pushed back and the wide open windows let in all the sun(and wind sometimes). The food is quite scrumptious. It doesn’t blow my mind, but it fills me up and slightly fondles my taste buds — just so. The prices are up there because it’s a ‘classy establishment’/they know they can.