We had been to this restaurant years ago and been bitterly disappointed. Seeing that it was still open, we assumed it had improved. So, for the next birthday in the group we booked the Harbourfront hoping they would be able to change our mind and praying that we may uncover another decent place to eat in Wollongong.
Unfortunately, we are now left wondering how the place is even open at all.
We waited over an hour for our entrées, the mains were delivered in such a staggered way that from a table of 8 by the time that last person received their meals, the majority of the group had finished and were patiently awaiting the drinks they had ordered 15 minutes ago that had been sitting, unattended on the edge of the bar for 10 minutes.
The raised eyebrow and looks for attention from staff were ignored and it honesty felt like we were the uninvited guests sneaking into a wedding at which, we were not welcome.
So, onto the food. The entrée- under cooked and over salted scallops. The main - being a seafood restaurant we opted for a seafood dish (rather than the steaks etc they also have on the menu). The John Dory with king prawns in a creamy garlic sauce was, whilst not a bad as the scallops, still not worth the price tag of $39.90. Don't get us wrong, we'd happily pay (and have done) well above that price, but you do expect to get quality food and ingredients. This main was served just warm, the fish has no texture (leading us to believe could it have been previously frozen) and the sauce seemed to act as a cover up to the very average quality of the fish. The king prawns were not that large and had little flavour.
After the first 2 courses being so disappointing, we did what we often do in these cases, pull back on the drinks, decline desert and ask for the cheque - why put ourselves through another painful course and further contribute to and reward what is, at best mediocre food and high prices.
With one of the best locations in town, the restaurant needs to do one of 2 things - reduce the prices and continue on, or, increase the quality of the restaurant, food and staff and try to move forward. The place needs a good clean and refurb and the toilets are less than desirable. The place is resting on previous reputations and could, with minimal effort (fresh local produce, a good clean of the restaurant, more and better trained staff) easily improve and we honestly hope that it does. Having said that, we will not be the guinea pigs and will await some serious accolades before we book again.
Unfortunately, we are now left wondering how the place is even open at all.
We waited over an hour for our entrées, the mains were delivered in such a staggered way that from a table of 8 by the time that last person received their meals, the majority of the group had finished and were patiently awaiting the drinks they had ordered 15 minutes ago that had been sitting, unattended on the edge of the bar for 10 minutes.
The raised eyebrow and looks for attention from staff were ignored and it honesty felt like we were the uninvited guests sneaking into a wedding at which, we were not welcome.
So, onto the food. The entrée- under cooked and over salted scallops. The main - being a seafood restaurant we opted for a seafood dish (rather than the steaks etc they also have on the menu). The John Dory with king prawns in a creamy garlic sauce was, whilst not a bad as the scallops, still not worth the price tag of $39.90. Don't get us wrong, we'd happily pay (and have done) well above that price, but you do expect to get quality food and ingredients. This main was served just warm, the fish has no texture (leading us to believe could it have been previously frozen) and the sauce seemed to act as a cover up to the very average quality of the fish. The king prawns were not that large and had little flavour.
After the first 2 courses being so disappointing, we did what we often do in these cases, pull back on the drinks, decline desert and ask for the cheque - why put ourselves through another painful course and further contribute to and reward what is, at best mediocre food and high prices.
With one of the best locations in town, the restaurant needs to do one of 2 things - reduce the prices and continue on, or, increase the quality of the restaurant, food and staff and try to move forward. The place needs a good clean and refurb and the toilets are less than desirable. The place is resting on previous reputations and could, with minimal effort (fresh local produce, a good clean of the restaurant, more and better trained staff) easily improve and we honestly hope that it does. Having said that, we will not be the guinea pigs and will await some serious accolades before we book again.
