Rockpool Bar & Grill Perth — Restaurant in Burswood

Food is really good, service is a bit of a shambles.

Examples of poor service received (poor in terms of what I would expect for a restaurant of this caliber) -starters came very quickly after we ordered; they were delicious but I hate hate hate being rushed at dinner, we also had to ask them to give us 30 mins between courses so we could actually enjoy ourselves which apparently was a big ask. -bread was just plonked on our side plates, we weren’t given the option, nor explained where the bread was from (bakery, made in house etc) same with the accompanying butter. It would be nice to know exactly what I’m eating and from where if I havnt actually ordered it. waitress didn’t ask my partner how he would like his steak cooked. When she walked away I remarked how odd that was, but we came to the conclusion maybe they like the chefs to decide depending on the cut. Well; my partner went up to ask the waitress (had to get up to ask because trying to get someone’s attention in there is abysmal) the waitress then lied and said “oh I did ask you you said medium rare” - first of all my partner has never eaten a medium rare steak in his life and she definitely did not ask lol but I think she lied because the maître de was standing there. My partner corrected her that he wanted it medium. Spoiler alert it came out medium rare lol so I couldnt have any of it and my partner left half of it uneaten because it was too rare for his liking. Not really the kitchens fault. chips were dry like they’d been under the heater too long, also we asked for 2 servings of sauce but initially only got one. Also they have ketchup on the menu but no aioli!? They didn’t even have mayo as an option. Seemed unusual for an Australian restaurant. i ordered 3 of the same cocktails over the entire night, every time I asked for a straw. I think after the first or second time I asked for one someone should remember I like to drink my cocktail with a straw. The last time I asked someone clearly forgot so after approx 10-15 mins after they put the drink down I had to go and find someone (tried to get someone’s attention but was not successful) so I had to get up to ask someone to get me one which took another 5 mins. when we left to pay for the meal they gave us the receipt which I checked, and then when my partner went to tap his card on the reader it had a value $117 MORE than the receipt. My partners half bloody blind so luckily I saw it and corrected the staff that our bill should only be $400-something not $500 something. So dodgy!

In short, would I go again? Mmmm if someone else (that I didn’t like very much) was paying maybe, but there are far better restaurants in Perth that you’ll find equally amazing food but with way...

Basically I seated for my reservation around 1735 Ordered my drink first, and then did my food order after I received my drink, I ordered two entree and one main only myself on the table for my 40’s birthday

when I started having my two entrees, the table next to me just ordered their meal, they took awhile with few drinks order.

When I finished my two entree the waitress ask me if I want the main come straight away or wait a bit, I said I am ready to have it just come straight.

But I have been waiting for over 30 mins even the table next to me have already received all mains and sides for 4 ppl, my main haven’t arrive yet, I knew they were in a hurry for their show starts at 1930, but they took 45 mins for their drink order, and then they got their food earlier than me because of they told the staff they have to leave by 1900 ish for to show twice

( I saw staff came double check the time for show, and over heard form the conversation) I understand it’s important for them not to be late, but 30 mins between entree and main and I had to wait there drinking water isn’t sound right I believe.

The waitress was very helpful, double checked with kitchen for me, and also fill up the water several time for me, even help me order dessert.

When I finished my meal I went to counter to pay the bill, asked if it’s ok I give some feedback, a part from waiting for the Main for too long, the steak wasn’t cooked properly, I ordered medium rare, the steak came with the colour looked like rare as super red and bloody, but the texture was really tough and chewy, there were even the white fat part of the meat looked under cook, doesn’t taste like a scotch fillet to me, feel like it has been precooked half way and back on grill to warm up before serve but resting too long so it’s not juicy as it should be and also not tender either.

I had to passed to two ppl from the counter but the second person can’t really do anything and want me to call their manager on the second day.

I just feel have explained same thing twice already but not really feel been heard and got kicked away again after all, very bad birthday dinner experience, just want to spent sometime myself and enjoy the food.

But it wasn’t as good as it used to be ( I have been here multiple time to have dinner either my or friend birthday or any other occasion) and I did spent $235 just myself with either sea food, duck and steak that wanted to theat myself for big birthday, but full of disappointment apart from the helpful waitress

I sent to the manager email to complain about the experience, all he reply was want me to make a another reservation and he will offer me some canapés and a glasses of...

I’ve always expected a superior experience at establishments such as Rockpool, last night was not one of those. When suggested we visit Rockpool for my sisters birthday I happily agree. Visits to Rockpool were special, precise and memorable pre-pandemic when still under Neil Perry. Sadly not anymore.

From the moment we arrived we’re provided with lacklustre service. After walking in just prior to our booking time of 2030 we are asked to wait at the bar as our table is not ready. After a few minutes we’re bought to our 6 seater table (there is four of us), menus are thrown in front of us and the wait begins.

After around 10 minutes a waitress approaches and asks if we’re ready to order food (in a very pushy American diner sense). We inform the waitress we’ve not even had an introduction or even ordered drinks. After a few minutes another waiter returns to the table and takes our drinks order, this is again swiftly followed by the food order. No menu explanations are given during the cold interaction.

By the time the first glass of champagne is poured it’s been 30 minutes.

Starters take an alarmingly long time to arrive at the table, around 35 minutes. Everyone is starving by this point.

After ordering three steaks (one sirloin costing over $200) all medium rare, we’re presented with a blood seeping steak that would barely pass for deceased. After bringing it to the attention of the waiter (whom has walked past our table about 20 times) we’re offered for it to be re-cooked. The steak returns minutes later thrown back on the plate.

By this point all of our drinks are finished, the champagne is emptied with no offer of another bottle. The wait begins, we sit there for over 30 long minutes with dirty plates and absolutely no check-in by the team. After 30 minutes I approached a waiter to ask them if we’re forgotten, if they’re short staffed? I get mediocre apologies and an offer of a birthday candle for a dessert we’re not having.

When paying for the $900+ bill, no one offers any apology, no friendliness. Just a poor attitude.

I’m really disappointed by how quickly the Rockpool experience has deteriorated after Neil’s departure. After visiting Margaret in Sydney’s Double Bay a few times and receiving the most incredible service, I won’t be back...