I dined at Knots Kitchen several times over the course of my stay at Lakes Resort Hotel. Breakfast each morning as part of our package, and one dinner seated inside the restaurant itself. What stood out immediately was that while this place flies under the radar, it quietly does a lot right. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. But it leans into simplicity with confidence, and when it gets it right, it really lands.
Breakfast (included in our room package) was one of the stronger hotel breakfasts I’ve had in a long time. The variety was generous and thoughtfully curated. Perfectly poached eggs, sautéed spinach, yoghurt with fresh fruit and granola, a solid selection of hot breakfast options (scrambled eggs, hash browns, baked beans, mushrooms, toast), and cold choices like fresh cut fruit, juice, and pastries. Each dish was plated with care and came out looking and tasting fresh.
The only downside; and it’s one I kept feeling, was the coffee. A good breakfast should come with a good coffee. Instead, we had pod coffee in the room and had to pay extra at the restaurant for a barista made one. While I understand barista coffee comes at a cost, when the breakfast itself is this strong, it feels like a missing puzzle piece not to have even a single standard coffee included per person. It’s the one detail that kept it from feeling complete.
Dinner was casual but well done. I ordered the fish tacos, and I’ll admit, I almost didn’t. The menu listed 'lettuce' as the main filler, which didn’t inspire much excitement. But what came out completely changed my mind. These were flavour packed, crisp tacos with pickled vegetables, coriander, jalapeños, and fresh lime, bright, balanced, with just enough kick. They were cooked perfectly and layered in a way that felt fresh but satisfying. Honestly, they were better than many I’ve had in Adelaide, and I've tried them all. My suggestion? Update the menu to reflect the actual ingredients, not just for taste, but for dietary clarity. Even a photo on the ordering app would help customers know what to expect. It was a fantastic dish that deserves better showcasing.
Cocktails were well presented, balanced, and felt considered, not thrown together. I ordered a cherry topped drink and asked a couple of times for the cherries that never arrived. But to a waitress' credit, she eventually brought me a little glass filled with cherries to make up for it. That small act of kindness didn’t go unnoticed, it left a better taste in my mouth than the drink itself. Service like that makes a difference.
Knots Kitchen isn’t trying to be a showstopper, but it delivers with ease. The food is fresh, portions are generous, and the service has a relaxed warmth to it. Whether you’re staying at the Lakes Hotel or just passing through, it’s a good spot to start or end your day.
If the coffee was included with breakfast, this would’ve been an easy five stars. Until then, a...
Read moreLakes Hotel Adelaide: A Perfect Pub Experience
Rating: ★★★★★
I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Lakes Hotel in Adelaide, and I must say it exceeded all my expectations as a fantastic pub experience. From its inviting atmosphere to its exceptional service and delectable offerings, the Lakes Hotel is a gem worth visiting.
Upon stepping inside, I was immediately greeted by a warm and friendly ambiance. The pub has a tastefully decorated interior with a mix of modern and classic elements, creating a comfortable and cozy setting. The well-maintained seating areas, including the bar, lounge, and outdoor spaces, provided ample options for patrons to relax and enjoy their time.
One aspect that truly sets the Lakes Hotel apart is the outstanding service. The staff members were attentive, accommodating, and genuinely passionate about their work. Whether I needed a recommendation from the extensive beverage selection or had questions about the menu, the staff went above and beyond to ensure my needs were met promptly and with a smile.
Speaking of the menu, the Lakes Hotel boasts an impressive array of culinary delights. From pub classics to gourmet dishes, there was something to satisfy every palate. The quality of the food was exceptional, with fresh ingredients and skilled preparation evident in every bite. I particularly enjoyed their succulent steaks, flavorful burgers, and the wide selection of craft beers and wines available.
Another highlight of the Lakes Hotel was its commitment to entertainment. The pub regularly hosts live music events and other performances, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere. It was delightful to enjoy a drink and indulge in great food while being entertained by talented musicians or comedians. The pub's dedication to providing a diverse range of entertainment options only enhanced the overall experience.
Lastly, the Lakes Hotel's location near the picturesque West Lakes added to its charm. After a delightful meal, I had the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll by the lakeside, enjoying the beautiful scenery and tranquil surroundings.
In conclusion, the Lakes Hotel in Adelaide offers a quintessential pub experience that goes above and beyond expectations. With its welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, delectable menu, and diverse entertainment options, it is undoubtedly a top-notch destination for locals and visitors alike. I highly recommend paying a visit to the Lakes Hotel and experiencing everything it...
Read moreI have been there with my partner, we had two entrees, two mains, one side, two desserts and four glasses of wine (spent about $130), everything was pleasant from the atmosphere to the food and the service, until... We are still eating our mains when we get asked if we want desserts (about three minutes to 9pm), so I get that the kitchen is probably closing and we start choosing our desserts. At 9pm sharp, the waitress come back telling us that the kitchen is closing so to order the desserts straight away (fair enough). I leave my food, I approach the bar and I order the desserts. While eating the dessert, the music and lights start getting turned off (fair enough...) the bartender, while we are still eating (9.15pm), comes to us with an undelayable desire to remind us that they are closing at 9.30pm, at the point, I really feel kicked out. I work as a manager in hospitality, my partner work as a cook, we both study, so we know what working in hospitality means and how everyone wants to get out of work after our shift, but we also rarely have a day off together and we just wanted to enjoy a dinner without the rush that we have in the every day routine. It was only 9pm, it wasn't 10pm or so, and anyway we were still eating, it's not like we were still there after half an hour finishing our meals. As a person who works in the field, I don't think that this is the right way to treat customers, especially for what we ate/spent. If they only have waited for us to finish the dessert before turning the music off and reminding us for the third times that they were closing, we would have left straight after our desserts anyway, and this would have been a five stars review. If we will ever go back, we certainly won't rush as we did last night to...
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