Average but overpriced food with great service and a nice view.
Snapper tacos 10/10 Chicken tacos 6/10 Pork buns 4/10 Natural Oysters 1/10 Camembert 8/10 Aus Aus Aus burger 10/10 Fries 10/10 Popcorn prawns 8/10 GOTTALOTTAMOXIE (with mezcal sub) 10/10 Tiki me Elmo 7/10 Palmy grog 10/10 Onion rings 7/10
Food was very much a mixed bag. Some amazing and some a bit astonishing.
Best by far (in my opinion) was the Aussie Aussie Aussie burger. Beautifully delicious and simple burger.
Side of fries were exactly what you would expect.
Tacos - ordered the chicken taco and the snapper taco. Chicken was average at best. Snapper was phenomenal.
The pork buns (4 pork bun entree) were average, tasted like anything you could buy at Woolies and chuck in the microwave for a quarter of the price.
Popcorn prawns were good. Personally I'm not a huge prawn fan but they tasted good, and the sauce they came with (spicy!!!) Was really nice!
The camembert was amazing.
Onion rings were mediocre but the dipping sauce that came with them is absolutely delicious!!!
The Oysters. Good gracious the oysters.....we orders the "natural fresh shucked oysters" and just.....no. we finished the plate of them but would not recommend and would advise anyone wishing to preserve their dignity to stay away from them. I don't know if we just got a bad batch, if the bloke in the kitchen was having a bad day, or if this is the norm for them but we definitely aren't ordering them again. "It tasted like drinking the ocean from a shell" -my dinner companion
Drinks!!!!!
Service is good, but a bit slow (went in the middle of holiday season so no judgement here). We orders 3 cocktails and 1 of them came about 2 minutes later. The other two took quite a long time to arrive (to be expected during a busy holiday evening, but it's weird that one came shortly after the order and the others took a while.
The GOTTALOTTAMOXIE was great!!!! A small disclaimer though. I subbed out the normal tequila for mezcal. I love mezcal, but it's got a smokey flavour not everyone loves. I highly recommend the substitution but do so at your own risk.
The tiki me Elmo! Also good. Fruity. Great on a hot summer Arvo.
Palmy grog was also quite good. Very strong, but as a professional drinker with a work problem it was perfect.
Bar staff and wait staff are always kind, polite, quick to a smile and good conversationalists. But at the end of the day, a good chunk of the cost is going to location and reputation so everything is a bit overpriced. It's a good place for a night out with friends when you...
Read moreThe food was average, nothing to complain about, but nothing special either. We ordered two baos: one pork and one prawn. My partner really liked the pork one and would give it five stars, but the prawn bao was disappointing, with literally just one prawn in it, more like a three-star dish. That said, the bao dough itself was delicious and worth trying.
We also ordered a ceviche, which was okay. The fish was nice, but it lacked flavor. The fried rice, on the other hand, was really good, I actually enjoyed that one, but still nothing special.
Overall, I’d rate this place two stars based on the food being just average (considering the price) and the major issue being the customer service. However, I’m giving it three stars because we’ve had nice service here before, so I’d like to believe this isn’t always the standard. But the difference in service quality was definitely noticeable.
Now, for the service: Four staff were working, yet only one was actually doing their job. We were the only table outside with dogs, meaning the only takeaway order, and still, the staff completely ignored us. Our food sat there while they stood around, and even as we waited right in front of the bench, they continued to ignore us. We had to check and grab our own order, behind the bench, only to realize the drinks were missing. Thankfully, Steph, the only staff member who seemed to care, noticed and handed them to us, apologizing.
It’s unbelievable how lazy and disengaged the rest of the team was, leaving all the work to one person. And before anyone blames it on being busy, this was 3pm on a Sunday, definitely not busy time there. I work in hospitality, so I understand the job, but if you choose to work in this industry, at least do the...
Read more🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 A Culinary Wonderland in Palm Beach
From the moment I stepped into The Collective, I was transported into a vibrant world of flavors and ambiance. Nestled in the heart of Palm Beach, this innovative dining destination offers an unparalleled experience that tantalizes all the senses.
What sets The Collective apart is its ingenious concept: five distinct kitchens under one roof, each serving up delectable dishes from Italian, Mexican, Asian, American, and Greek cuisines. Whether you're craving the rich flavors of a lamb ragu, the zest of street-style tacos, or the delicate taste of dumplings, there's something to satisfy every palate. The ability to mix and match dishes from different cuisines in a single meal is a food lover's dream come true.
The ambiance is equally captivating. Transformed from the old Palm Beach post office, the venue boasts a chic, open-air setting with a retractable roof, allowing diners to enjoy the beautiful Gold Coast weather. The rooftop bar is a highlight, offering stunning views of the hinterland and a perfect spot to sip on creative cocktails as the sun sets.
Service here is top-notch. The staff are attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, enhancing the overall dining experience. The option to order via iPad or through traditional table service adds a modern touch without compromising on personal interaction.
In summary, The Collective is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary journey that celebrates diversity, creativity, and community. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this gem in Palm Beach is a must-visit destination that promises an unforgettable...
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