The occasion -a birthday, the venue - Carindale Hotel.  First impressions were good.  Nice layout and atmosphere but sadly it was downhill from there.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - service, service, service!  Some of our party were already there, so we seated ourselves.  

Waited, waited and waited for service.  Menus were already on the table, when the waitress finally came to our table it was to take our meal order, yet our parched palates had not been seen to.  After our drinks were served, we ordered our meals.  The waitress informed one end of the table of the specials neglecting the rest of the diners.  One thing I’ll say is there were a good variety of meals were available with steaks priced at under $30 seemingly quite reasonable.  No follow up drink service was offered.  

Some of the entrees were served, we had to chase up our bread!  Usually it’s customary to clear one course before the next is served…?  Mains were delivered.  One thing that impresses me with a restaurant is when they take the time to do a structured order and then can deliver the dishes to the correct diner without having to say a word.  Don’t bother going to this effort when you can’t follow through.

Bland risottos and overcooked steaks were the order of the night.  Every steak was overcooked.  The only complementary thing I can say is good presentation.

As I mentioned we were there for a birthday.  I would think you might check that the birthday girl/boy was at the table before bringing out the cake!  We ended up going up to the bar to order our coffees.  The little girl assisting the diner with coffee service laughed as she spilt my coffee serving it. Then walked off in her own little world completely ignoring my complaint.

AND of course, “only one bill per table”!  

Part of the dining out experience is the service and when it’s lacking and is accompanied by overpriced food it all adds up to a disappointing night out.

Mutton dressed as lamb!!

Carindale St Carindale Q 4152
p 07 3395 0122