Port 53 Restaurant — Restaurant in Echuca

We booked this restaurant because of the reviews and the food it offered. My two mature American couple friends and myself were in Echuca for a day trip so we booked for a 6.30 sitting so that we could get back to Melbourne for them to catch an 11pm train. We walked in and the tall waiter approached and right from the start had such a rude, short attitude. No smile, no proper welcome just do you want sparkling or still! Had to focus our thought on what he was saying as it’s not what you’re expecting straight off. He walked us to the back of the restaurant where it was extremely dark. My friend friend asked if we could sit at the table next to the window ( so we could read the menu without our phone light) No. that was for someone who booked before us! My friend asked if we could sit at another table ( close to the window) his response was “ just sit where you want mate”. So unprofessional and with such irritation. I must say, sitting there in this “shed type” setting the atmosphere of the room felt very flat and unhappy. The waiter was racing around like everything was out of control. He finally came over to serve us and immediately said I’m only taking drink orders at the moment. ( first time I have ever heard a restaurant say that!) He then served two other tables and took their drink AND food orders!!! I approached him at his entry desk and before I could open my mouth, he put up his hand at me, without looking and said in an aggressive, agitated manner “ just wait as I have a lot of things going on in my head” When he was ready he turned and I asked why we couldn’t order our food. He said he’s very busy at the minute and tried to walk away. I said hang on, you took the other tables food order. Again he tried to walk away saying just wait. He walked off and another young waiter came over to where I was. I asked him what the guys name was and he asked me why and I said because he was so rude. This young guy then says to me that it’s pretty disrespectful that we ask to sit at a different table when we were taken to a table. WHAT THE! So these two had time to have a conversation about the fact we had the” audacity” to ask to sit at another, vacant, table so we could see! What professional establishment carries on like that!?! So the “ I’m only taking drink orders” was so we would be last to order and waiting forever to eat. There is NO EXCUSE for the behaviour these two, especially the tall one, gave to us. If you are that sensitive to someone asking to sit at a different table then you should get a different job! I want to add that we were very polite and respectful the entire ordeal. The menu is not cheap so the service and ambiance should all be in balance and reflect on each other. I have never experienced such disgusting lack of service and professionalism by anyone in a restaurant or cafe. My American friends were in shock and I was embarrassed for them to have experienced this. I am in the customer service industry and have been all my life and that was appalling. By the way, I walked over to our table as he finally came to take the order and said , no, we are leaving. His body language and the way he stormed off just sealed my decision. I will never give this place a second chance and this business needs to look at their staffing...

Port 53 is easily one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in Echuca. The atmosphere is modern yet inviting—polished concrete floors, warm timber accents, and a lively but comfortable energy. We were seated quickly, and our server Mitch was fantastic: attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about the menu.

We started with the mussels marinière and Southern-fried cauliflower. Both were outstanding—the mussels were fresh with a rich garlicky broth perfect for dipping bread, while the cauliflower was crisp, golden, and surprisingly addictive. For mains, I had the BBQ pork ribs, which were fall-off-the-bone tender with a smoky, slightly sweet glaze. My partner’s seafood jambalaya was hearty, well-seasoned, and packed with prawns and sausage.

The drinks list is impressive, with plenty of local wines and excellent cocktails—the espresso martini I ordered was perfectly balanced. We finished with sticky date pudding, warm and decadent with vanilla ice cream.

Everything from service to presentation was consistent and polished, yet the atmosphere stayed relaxed and welcoming. Whether for date night or a night out with friends, Port 53 delivers on every level. Highly...

We had ordered chicken waffles, Mac n cheese and the chicken wings. The chicken waffles came out with three pieces of southern fried chicken which was mainly bone with out any chicken, and the southern style coating was thick and hard like it had been sitting there all day.. it almost felt like I was eating glass (not that iv done that) the waffle came out burnt and black with very minor syrup, you'd also assume chicken n waffles you wouldn't have to deal with bones. The Mac n cheese was very bland with no flavor was worse then a packet pasta. I haven't had a worse meal since I got a raw microwave pizza in Italy. As I was walking out another small family was looking at the menu on the outside I was that disappointed with the dinner I told them our experience and would not recommend. They then thanked us and walked away. I never have written a review online but if your in echuca for a weekend I'd highly recommend not going there if you're looking for...