Monaco Bowral Restaurant — Restaurant in Bowral

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I appreciate the response from the owner, but unfortunately, it is completely inaccurate and has only compounded what was already an exceedingly negative experience.

To be clear: I called the restaurant from a mobile phone. The same number they called me back on. I also now live locally after relocating to the Highlands, meaning even a landline call would have come from a 48 area code—not an "out of area" number, as claimed. There was no second call from me or anyone connected to me to cancel the order.

Additionally, at no point did the chef speak to me or attempt to explain anything. The only person I spoke to was the staff member at the front, who provided no apology, no clarity, and no reasonable resolution—just an insistence that my order had been cancelled by someone else with no further details.

What could have been a simple mistake has now turned into something much worse: an attempt to rewrite the events instead of taking responsibility. I find this response both dismissive and dishonest, and it only reinforces my decision never to return.

For those considering dining here, I would strongly encourage supporting restaurants in the area that value honesty, accountability, and basic customer service.

I was really looking forward to trying this restaurant based on its excellent reviews, but unfortunately, my experience was deeply disappointing.

I called ahead to confirm that they offered takeaway and gluten-free options, and after receiving confirmation, I placed an order for two mains and two starters. I was told it would be ready in 30 minutes. A few minutes later, the restaurant called back to ask for my name, as they had forgotten to take it during the initial order—an oversight I didn’t think much of at the time.

I then drove all the way into Bowral with an excited five-year-old, only to be told upon arrival that my order had been cancelled. The same woman I had spoken to on the phone claimed that “another woman” had called to cancel it but could not provide any details—no name, no phone number, no explanation. Despite the obvious confusion, there was no attempt at an apology or to take responsibility for the mistake. The only solution offered was to wait another 30 minutes for them to make the order—something I simply couldn’t do with a hungry child in tow.

What could have been a minor mishap was made significantly worse by the staff’s complete lack of accountability and basic customer service. A simple apology and a genuine effort to rectify the situation would have gone a long way. Instead, I was left with a frustrated child and no dinner after making a trip based on the restaurant’s assurances.

This was an abysmal first impression, and unfortunately, I won’t be giving this place a...

Warm goat cheese salad $22 ⭐️ - don’t underestimate this salad. Lettuce was so fresh and crispy while the warm cheese added such a unique and creamy touch. The pear and crunchy walnuts made it interesting! MB’s Onion soup $20 ⭐️ - like a warm hug, this soup tastes rustic and homemade. Cheesy toasted baguette made the dish so rounded and satisfying. Scallop and prawn $26 ✨ tender scallops on creamy sauce. Tasty! Escargot snails $22 ⭐️- tender snails, but the sauce is really the star here. Absolutely amazing and I kept dipping leftover baguette into it. Garlic bread was great and crispy too. Fish $39 ⭐️ - WOW! One of my boyfriend’s and i’s favourite dishes of all time. Uniquely tender fish on a bed of sweet creamy butternut and leek risotto. Herb salsa verde was a perfect pairing. Beef Wellington $56 ⭐️ - tender meat wrapped in crispy pastry. Amazing peppery sauce and the best truffle potato mash. Strong truffle flavour that was so moreish. Vanilla creme brulee and berries $ ✨- would’ve preferred a more set custard but still tasty!

✨ try it for yourself ⭐️ I recommend it!

Overall: so amazing. Every dish was a hit. Friendly service and small intimate venue. Restaurant is inconspicuous outside so I didn’t expect that much but the amazing reviews are undeniably justified. Highly recommend - a must...

This is a hidden gem and I will definitely be returning when I next visit Bowral. From the moment that we were seated, we found the service exemplary including answering any questions that we had regarding the menu as I have an allergy to foods containing chilly and spices that contain heat. Even with my allergies, I found that the menu catered for all tastes including favourite dishes from the 80's. I chose the seared scallops with mini spring rolls as an entree, duck a la orange as my main and we shared crepe suzette and creme brulee for dessert. I was certainly not disappointed with any of my choices. An added bonus to this wonderful restaurant is that you also have the choice of BYO or an extensive wine list. I found the corkage charge very reasonable, so much so that I cannot remember the cost. Congratulations to the new owners, including the chef as you certainly run an extremely well run...