The Rocks Restaurant & Bar (Rebranded to Coral Sea Pavilion) — Restaurant in Airlie Beach

Everybody recommended this place from the moment we landed in Airlie beach so when we were thinking about our last dinner in the town it was quite easy decision. First - ordered 2 cocktails, Pina collada was OK, we asked for regular espresso martini without any caramel, ice cream or whatever else they like to put in it. The waiter decided that we want it without sugar! Really? Well, tasted terrible, sent it back. Asked for a fish of the day - she said it's salmon, sweet, love it, ordered. Some time later she said it's not salmon, it's kingfish, well, that would not be my first choice but that will do. Husband had steak. Steak was really nice piece of meat, but it was just piece of meat that we can buy in the shop and throw on the barby! Couple of steamed broccolini and mashed potatoes that any kid can make... Nothing special, nothing exciting, no flavor. When I saw my fish there were 2 tail parts and it was the smallest kingfish I saw in my life which turned out to be some tropical fish - waiter made a mistake again... The skin was soooo salty and fish was very boring with some boring boiled spinach... I ate it as I hate to waste food but it wasn't restaurant meal. I also ordered cosmopolitan cocktail and it was very weak and didn't taste like cosmopolitan at all. So we were waiting for 15 minutes for someone to pick up our dirty glasses and ask us if we want anything else to drink but as soon as we mentioned we didn't like the food all of a sudden one waiter spent like 10 minutes explaining us that the girl is new... Then manager spent another 15 minutes apologizing... I would prefer them to spend 2 minutes earlier to make sure she does everything right. They gave us a good discount but we still spent like $130 for the dinner none...

My wife and I had eaten here at lunch, with a small seafood platter that was simply to die for. Such great value beside the pools and very well done. It was fantastic and just right at the top of the experience that we had with the resort.

Coming for dinner we had high expectations and had a couple of hiccups. We spoke to the manager and agreed to try again and I have to say they nailed it better than all the other experiences. The service was perfect, they didn’t hover enough to be intrusive yet were very attentive and just seemed to magically appear when you thought you would need something. One might suggest they were on their toes with us but looking around the venue it was clear the whole place was a the top of its game. Everyone seemed happy, well timed and well taken care of.

We ordered the steaks which was among the best, and these I’ve had in quite a few places. It was a cooked to perfection and such a unique flavour that is memorable. We had some great wine from a brilliant selection and even the salad was amazing.

The view needs its own special mention. Arriving just before sunset the views alone at worth coming just to have a snack and a few drinks. The ambience is warm and welcoming and you could easily spend the night just around the spectacular pool and small beach area admiring the views.

It made the experience and now we can wait to come back before the end of the year already. Thank you to all it was a great night and we celebrated my wife’s birthday in...

Best resraurant in Airlie! 5 star food, 5 star views and 5 star service. We were almost deterred by the 1 star Google reviews but we decided to try anyway. Glad we tried our luck because this was the best restaurant experience of our entire trip! I'm not sure if the restaurant has simply taken the negative feedback on board or if we just got lucky with the night and particular staff but we couldn't fault anything. I should mention that customers should be more understanding since covid has hit so many businesses so hard, but the staff on our night out were simply lovely and so attentive! Inspired by a French chef most meals are for tasting distinct flavours in your mouth as opposed to large food portions most Aussies may be used to. However the lamb shoulder was huge as a standalone dish for 2. The sticky date the best ever. The entrees of raviolo and onyx beef were out of this world. And the foccacia just melted in our mouths. All the while the sunset colours formed magic in the background. Truly a fantasy experience in a serene destination. Give this place a go and try your luck because you may get one of the best restaurant experiences of your life. $240 for 3 entrees a main each 4 cocktails and a dessert is reasonable IMO. We ate heavy and left super satisfied. Thank you to all involved. Will definitely be back next time...