Mr Chester Wine Bar & Bistro — Restaurant in Brisbane City

UPDATE: Apparently, stretching the truth is a favoured pastime of the restaurant owner. Despite their response to my initial review, we enjoyed a delightful meal across the road at the far superior Italia La, and on our way back, we couldn’t help but notice those “booked” tables at Mr Chester were still conspicuously empty. For the record, I took photos—just in case the owner feels like questioning my integrity again.

—

In a bold display of optimism, we entered a half-empty restaurant only to be informed that our preferred table was off-limits due to an influx of expected bookings. Perhaps they were holding out for something better—though, judging by the empty seats, everyone else had the same idea as us: stay home.

The wine list boasted an impressive selection, with prices to match their ambition. However, my chosen bottle was conveniently sold out. Naturally, they suggested I "upgrade" to a pricier option, likely with margins as inflated as the waiter’s ego.

Feeling sufficiently unwelcomed, we decided to cross the road, where a warm reception—and probably the wine I actually...

Where do I start!? Entered the venue on a Friday night not to be greeted but to be spoken to from the other side of the room someone telling us to sit down and order at the bar, not friendly, not welcoming and not inviting. The place was dead, it had about 6 people in there...We looked past this service anyway and sat down, to find there’s no menus on the table and couldn’t find any anywhere, staff just looking at us like we are crazy instead of asking if they can help. Decided to order a wine and a whiskey and a ‘pizza’ which is the next flaw here, it was a TINY piece of baked bread with no cheese on it and after the bread was cooked they threw on a couple of pieces of prosciutto and cherry tomatoes (cold and uncooked) and gave it to us. Literally like a joke for $22. Came to paying for this overpriced, disappointing evening and I was stood waiting to do so for 10 minutes while 1 of the 4 staff on shift where doing an extensive wine tasting in front of me... crazy. Sorry Mr Chester I NEVER write reviews but this was one of the worst experiences iv had. Bad food, terrible service...

Was super excited to go here but was left disappointed. First off the menu on their website isn’t accurate, all the prices have been hiked up, expected $14 pasta which seemed reasonable for how simple it is, was quite surprised to see it was actually $18 when we arrived. Tried 4 different wines and honestly didn’t love any of them (for a wine bar!) bought a $14 a glass more out of courtesy cause we’d tasted a few, although wished I’d just had water at that price/taste. Pasta was disappointing which I was the most gutted about - as it was the whole reason for the visit. It came out and was only just warm, so by about 3 mouthfuls you’re eating cold pasta, the flavour was okay, but a bit lack lustre. Was excited to see Portuguese style custard tarts on the menu for dessert albeit being $7 for a small tart! Ordered one and the server came back and told us that the chef had got halfway through making the custard earlier and had forgotten about it - so no tarts made. Sad to say this was a very average...