Iconic Melbourne Train Diner Earns Rave 9/10 Review

Unique Dining Experience in Collingwood Praised for Atmosphere and Cuisine

Melbourne’s vibrant Collingwood district is home to a dining establishment that defies conventional expectations. Ezies, a restaurant housed within repurposed 1970s Hitachi train carriages perched atop a building, has garnered significant attention for its novel concept and culinary offerings. The venue, established approximately a decade ago by food enthusiasts with a penchant for fun and urban art, has become an iconic spot, blending a unique aesthetic with a focused burger menu.

A Culinary Journey Aboard a Stationary Train

Stepping inside Ezies is akin to entering a time capsule. The restaurant’s interior retains the essence of the Hitachi trains that once traversed Melbourne’s lines in the 1970s and 80s. This nostalgic setting provides a distinctive backdrop for a menu that prominently features a wide array of burgers. Options range from single, double, and triple patty configurations, with the triple burger reportedly being a substantial offering, equivalent to two Big Macs in size.

The dining experience was enhanced by the presence of Alice, a guest accompanying the reviewer. While initially presented as a surprise, Alice was revealed to be a close friend of the reviewer’s daughter, adding a personal touch to the review.

Menu Highlights and Taste Test

The menu itself is noted for its engaging design. The reviewer opted for an off-menu special, the “Sidecar Sandwich,” a creation featuring a chicken patty, habanero mayonnaise, and pickles. This choice was lauded for its balanced spice level and well-executed components, including crispy yet succulent chicken and a flavorful mayonnaise.

Alice selected the “Oklahoma” burger, described as a classic, no-frills smash burger with onions integrated into the patties and cheese. This burger was noted for its robust flavor, highlighting the quality of the beef and the satisfying crispiness of the smashed patties, even without additional sauces.

A third burger, the “Chicken Bow” (later clarified as “Bow Wow”), featuring grilled chicken with lemon slaw and lime aioli, was also sampled. This option was characterized as a lighter, fresher alternative, with the lime aioli adding a distinct garlicky note.

Sides included potato tots and sweet potato fries. The potato tots were praised for their seasoning, crisp exterior, and fluffy interior. The sweet potato fries also received commendation for their crispiness and well-seasoned flavor, avoiding the common pitfall of becoming soggy.

Dessert Discoveries and Verdicts

Despite initial intentions to forgo dessert, the positive dining experience at Ezies led to the decision to sample two of their recommended sweet treats. The first was an Oreo cheesecake, described as visually appealing with an Oreo theme. However, the taste and texture were found to be unusual, with a flavor profile that deviated from expectations and a texture described as odd and not entirely creamy.

The second dessert, a pecan pie with caramel and ice cream, was met with enthusiastic approval. This was compared favorably to a treacle tart and was deemed exceptionally delicious, with a delightful nuttiness and rich flavor. While the pie itself was a standout, the accompanying ice cream was noted to have a slightly icy texture, suggesting it may have been refrozen.

Value and Overall Assessment

The total bill for three individuals, including burgers, sides, and two desserts, came to AUD $111.00. This was considered excellent value, especially when converted to other currencies, equating to approximately £50 for a filling meal for three people.

The reviewer concluded that Ezies is an “absolutely brilliant” establishment, awarding it a high score of 9 out of 10. This rating took into account the unique setting, the quality of the food, the engaging atmosphere, and the friendly staff. Alice also concurred with the 9/10 rating, expressing a desire to return to sample the milkshakes.

Market Impact

While this review focuses on a single dining establishment, the success of uniquely themed restaurants like Ezies highlights a broader consumer trend. Diners are increasingly seeking experiential value beyond just the food itself. Concepts that offer a strong narrative, a memorable atmosphere, and a distinctive aesthetic can command premium pricing and foster strong customer loyalty. For the casual dining sector, this underscores the importance of differentiation and creating Instagrammable moments that drive organic social media promotion. The AUD $111 bill for three, representing excellent value, suggests that even in a market with high operational costs, creative concepts can deliver profitable and highly-rated dining experiences.

What Investors Should Know

For potential investors in the hospitality sector, Ezies serves as a case study in successful niche market positioning. Key takeaways include:

• Unique Selling Proposition (USP): The train carriage concept is a powerful differentiator that creates immediate interest and buzz.
• Menu Focus: Concentrating on a core offering, such as burgers, allows for specialization and quality control.
• Atmosphere and Ambiance: The blend of nostalgic design, cool music, and engaging staff contributes significantly to the overall customer experience.
• Value Perception: Despite the unique setting, pricing was perceived as reasonable, indicating a strong value proposition for the customer.
• Dessert Differentiation: While the main courses were highly praised, the mixed reception to desserts highlights the importance of consistent quality across the entire menu.

The strong 9/10 rating suggests a high level of customer satisfaction and potential for repeat business and positive word-of-mouth marketing. The establishment’s ability to create a memorable and enjoyable experience, even with minor flaws like the cheesecake texture, points to a well-executed business model in the competitive Melbourne food scene.

The overall assessment of 9 out of 10, given the unique setting and quality of the food, positions Ezies as a standout destination. The value for money, with a substantial meal for three costing approximately AUD $111, further solidifies its appeal.

Source: Eating Burgers Inside a Train on a Rooftop! 🍔🚂 World’s Coolest Burger Joint? (YouTube)