Caffe Rosso Bowral — Restaurant in Bowral

I’m a visitor from Sydney, and I came to Bowral on October 5, 2025, for the Tulip Time Festival. It was the last day of the event, and around 11:30 a.m., my boyfriend and I decided to have lunch at Caffe Rosso.

Since we didn’t have a reservation, a staff member led us to a long table in the corner of the restaurant — a table that could easily seat six people. There was a “Reserved” sign on it, but the staff removed it after seating us. I found it strange because there were still plenty of empty tables around, including a two-person table right next to us with no reserved sign (as shown in my photos).

After we sat down and ordered, my coffee arrived — and then, to my surprise, the same staff member brought two other female guests and seated them directly beside us at the same table, without saying a single word to us or asking whether we were okay sharing a table with strangers.

It wasn’t the idea of sharing a table that bothered me most — it was the complete lack of courtesy or communication. The staff could have simply asked if we minded sharing. When I raised my concern with another waitress, she asked if we had a reservation. I said no, and she replied that because it was “lunch rush hour,” they couldn’t move us.

I pointed out that there were still at least five empty tables, including the one right next to us. She insisted all of them were reserved. However, during the entire hour we stayed (from 11:30 to 12:30), many of those “reserved” tables — both inside and outside — were never occupied. Even the two women who were seated with us managed to move to an outdoor table shortly after.

To be clear, the food was actually very good — I especially enjoyed the seafood risotto. But the service experience left me quite disappointed. A simple explanation or polite communication would have made all the difference.

I still recommend trying the food here, but I hope the management takes this feedback seriously and trains their staff to treat all customers with a bit more respect and courtesy, regardless of whether they have a...

Authenticity: The restaurant emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, reflecting the principles of authentic Italian cuisine.

Dishes are prepared with a focus on simple, high-quality ingredients, highlighting the true flavors of Italian cooking. Many dishes are made from scratch, demonstrating a commitment to traditional techniques and homemade recipes. The restaurant provides a welcoming and comfortable environment, contributing to a positive dining experience. While known for classic dishes like seafood spaghettini the restaurant offers a range of options, including pizza and other regional specialties. The restaurant is a popular spot for locals, such as myself who frequent often indicating its authenticity and quality. The staff are friendly and attentive, providing a positive dining experience. The restaurant offers good value for money, with generous portions and reasonable prices. The restaurant creates a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, perfect for a meal with friends or family. A well-chosen wine list complements the food, offering a variety of Italian wines the best i’ve tasted anywhere. i bring all my sydney friends to cafe rosso and they leave very impressed . i have dined here at least 200 times and its been perfect...

Service is just as important as the food Greeted by the owner should have been our first tip of how the lunch was going to go. Not very welcoming. We started with a drink and an app. Very nice bruschetta. Plates were cleared. Then no one came to our table for at least 45 min. when we waved down as waitress. She said no worries and went to kitchen. It would have been another 15 min when I got up and spoke with the owner who was helping out greeting and serving. He didn't say sorry but gave the excuse that the wait staff that cleared our plates should have notified the kitchen we were ready for mains. Another 15 min and out came our meals. They were really good. Nice and hot right out of the kitchen. While eating no one stopped by to see how the meals were going or if we would like more drinks. In the mean time staff were talking to other tables. Owner actually visited the table behind 3 times while we were eating. Had to get up again and ask for bill. I did talk to owner who in turn never said he was sorry but had excuse after excuse. He did in the end give us $30 off our bill. The meal is well worth the visit if don't care how you're treated. Not me. I'll...