Maeve — Restaurant in Brisbane City

My recent dining experience at Maeve Wine Bar left much to be desired, and I feel compelled to share my candid thoughts. While I understand that managing a restaurant can be challenging, the issues I encountered throughout the evening were quite disappointing.

From the start, it was made clear to us that the dishes might not arrive simultaneously, a point we were perfectly willing to accommodate. However, this well-explained understanding was disregarded when the Bay lobster strozzapreti was brought out ahead of schedule and, to my dismay, served cold. This initial mishap was an unfortunate indication of the evening to come.

The partner's barramundi, anticipated with a glimmer of hope, fell short of expectations, to put it mildly. The dish could only be described as average at best, lacking the flavors and creativity one might expect from a wine bar that aspires to offer an elevated dining experience.

Service, which is often the backbone of any memorable evening, was sorely lacking. Throughout the course of the meal, I encountered multiple staff members who seemed oblivious to the fact that we had purchased a bottle of wine. Their persistent inquiries about whether we wished to order more drinks were not only irritating but indicative of a lack of communication among the staff.

The climax of the evening occurred when, at 6:30, an aggressive inquiry about the bill was thrust upon us, even though we still had half a bottle of wine left to enjoy. This abruptness persisted at 6:35 and again at 6:40, when the bill unexpectedly arrived at our table without our request. The maitre d's subsequent arrival at 6:45, informing us that we needed to vacate the table by 7 PM due to a booking, was perplexing to say the least, given the evident availability of numerous unoccupied tables.

The nadir of the experience came when I pulled out my credit card to settle the bill and attempted to catch the maitre d's attention with a polite wave. In response, I was told that our attitude was displeasing, a comment that left me both baffled and offended. The maitre d then hovered over me as I reviewed the bill, an action that only compounded the discomfort of the situation.

Ultimately, my party and I chose to depart before 7 PM, with no intention of returning. It is disheartening to have an evening marred by such a series of unfortunate events. As someone who appreciates good food, attentive service, and a pleasant dining atmosphere, my experience at Maeve Wine Bar has left me with a strong sense of disappointment and the resolve to explore other dining options in southbank...

Service isn't good and the food is never hot but the idea is there. I work down the street and finally having somewhere nearby that is open even after I close at work is great. The wine list is amazing. The interior and the views are beautiful. I've now been here at least 10 times since it's opened and I love the place but their are some things that as I continue to go here and they never improve are starting to further bother me. The French waiter is intimatingly off-putting, if he stuffs up it's not his fault, he won't apologize, he's not friendly like all of the other staff and I happen to get him almost everytime. I don't expect to be best friends with him but I'd prefer not to feel intimidated by him, "sit down shut up" is his whole vibe. He also takes your bread plates then gives you bread to eat off your hand. I generally get the flank steak and I have only once had it hot. It is amazingly delicious but never hot. Also since opening they have raised the price on the steak which is a little bothersome. I really love this place but the cold steak and not personable waiter really bring it down. The male manager and the blonde haired bar woman are both extremely lovely. The leak with goats curd is amazing, the complimentary bread is some of the best bread I have ever eaten. The creme caramel is also amazing, however I'm still eternally hoping that a trial of chocolate fudge that I was given one night as I was leaving will make it...

This review is longgg overdue! My partner and I have been to Maeve about 3-4 times now for dinner and we have loved it every single time. The vibe is incredibly welcoming and friendly, and we've been lucky enough each time to sit in what has become a favourite table next to the window overlooking the street below - this becomes even cosier when as the night goes on the lights are dimmed and the little candles are lit. Maeve has that golden trifecta with it's food, wine and service. The food is seriously delicious - we're addicted to one of the set menus they have, and if you go do yourself a favour and get the wine pairing. Every glass of wine we've had there (and there have been many) has been incredible, and that leads me to the service. Emily is a key part of what keeps us coming back - she is super friendly, really knowledgeable and great for a laugh. We've taken up every wine recommendation she's ever given us and we've not once been disappointed. If the dining experience isn't enough for you, they also do most of their wine as takeaway bottles as well - we've just polished off one (another of Emily's recommendations) and can't wait to open the second. If I could give Maeve more stars I would, do yourself a favour...