The Rocks Marino Restaurant — Restaurant in Adelaide

My family and I were looking forward to seeing the new restaurant seeing as it had been closed for so long. The Asian food of the menu was great, but that’s where it ends! The lunch menu is very limited, so most of chose pad Thai which was delicious. The breakfast menu runs until 2pm and my partner ordered a big breakfast. It was basically a dog’s breakfast! Cheap sausages, cheap bread, cheap overcooked bacon. I originally called to make a booking to find out that you have to text to make a reservation. I didn’t receive a text back for nearly 2 days. There would have to be a better booking system that can be used. There are many places where it’s all booked online with confirmation immediately. When we arrived we were seated. It took me a while to realise it was no longer a ‘restaurant’, though it’s stated in their title and a flag outside saying, ‘restaurant open’ where you’re served at the table and rather it’s now definitely a ‘cafe’ where you go up to the counter and order. For $26 for a pad Thai, they really need to consider this option. We ordered drinks and clearly stated the brand we wanted. The staff pulled out another brand, but his apology was that it was a ‘miscommunication’. I don’t see how? Then someone else looked and could only find 1 bottle of this brand left. 2 of the 3 don’t like the alternative. I decided I’ll have a ginger beer. He gets out an alcoholic free ginger beer. I asked for alcoholic at the same price as I’d payed more for the cider. He then gives me a beer. When I said this isn’t ginger beer, he said he was sure it was. I then googled the ‘Better Beer Ginger Beer’ and showed him the photo which he then got me from somewhere else and his excuse was, ‘someone must have stocked the fridge. He also did not offer me another glass or a glass with ice to drink from. I had to use my glass I was using for my table water. After my meal I decided to order coffees. The girl who started taking my order couldn’t do it for some reason and got the original guy who served us to do it. He brought our coffees to the table however, he has given me a large and not a small as ordered. He gave me another excuse. I ended up taking it back to the counter. Another girl apologised, however, I wasn’t given any alternatives, nor was I offered to have my actual order made, nor was I offered anything to make me at least feel happy. After all this debacle we definitely weren’t going to try a dessert, however if we wanted to, we hadn’t been given a dessert menu when arrived, nor given one or suggested one by any staff. Total missed opportunity for add ons and money missed by them. There was a ‘cake’ display on the counter which only had fairy bread in it. We also weren’t offered any specials of the day on arrival. Again another missed opportunity. I won’t...

We celebrated our anniversary on a Wednesday night here. We shared steamed dim sims, chicken satay and the salt and pepper squid. The food was lovely and we congratulated the chef. I've been in hospitality a really long time and as a result, so ridiculously fussy! We loved the food!

However.. What shines brighter to me more than anything when I dine out, is the customer service.

Maddie thank you for your warm and welcoming greeting - this is where the customers experience starts and so much relies on it. There was also another older woman behind the bar who recognised our booking name, also showing organisation and warmth. Well done 🤗

What made our experience though, better then the positive start, better than the fantastic food, was our waiter - Aviton. He was informative, he was friendly, he had a great banter game and made me laugh more than a few times!

He read the room so not once did we need to ask for anything, at the same time we weren't smothered.

Most importantly, he CARES! you can really tell that he wants to be there, has pride in his management role and a commitment to ensuring everyone leaves feeling happy.

I can tell you, that's rare.

Additionally, he remembered my partner visiting, from over a year ago, down to their conversation. That's attention. And attention to detail can make or break no matter how good the food is.

So thank you Aviton, you should be extremely proud of the customer service you provide.

Thank you team, we will be back 🙏 And thank you for all of your impressive efforts 👌

*do not know these...

The Rocks Marino – A Breakfast and The Dinner Nights Worth Driving (or Walking) For!

There are few things better than a great breakfast by the sea, and The Rocks Marino delivers exactly that. Just a 20-minute walk or 5-minute drive from home, this spot has officially earned a place in my favourites.

I went for their amazing Omelette, and let me tell you—it charms you from the first look. Golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with generous fillings that add just the right balance of flavor. Paired with my signature Extra Hot Flat White, every sip and bite was pure satisfaction. The coffee was strong, smooth, and exactly how I like it—warming me up as I soaked in the relaxed coastal vibes.

But beyond the food, it’s the people who make The Rocks Marino truly special. Aviton, the ever-welcoming manager, ensures that every guest feels at home, while Danni, the brilliant barista, crafts coffee that keeps you coming back for more. And let’s not forget the amazing hostesses (Macy, Lilas and Leila), whose warmth and attentiveness add to the charm of this place. Their hospitality turns a great meal into an unforgettable experience.

If you haven’t been here yet, you’re missing out on one of Marino’s best-kept secrets. Whether you’re here for a solo breakfast, a casual brunch, or a long-overdue catch-up with friends, this place delivers. A little tip—if you’re planning a weekend visit with a group of four or more, it’s worth booking ahead.

Trust me, you won’t want...