Sidewood Estate Restaurant — Restaurant in Hahndorf

Our party of six made a Sunday lunch booking two months in advance. Dietary requirements were noted at the time of booking. On arrival the venue was elegant and impressive with interesting artwork. When met by our waiter he seemed flustered and went on about our time constraints, which we couldn’t comprehend because we didn’t have any! We chose the three course menu (entrée/main/dessert) but was told it wasn’t possible due to time. If we wanted dessert perhaps go to Otto’s Bakery down the road! At no point at the time of booking or when the reservation was confirmed was it mentioned that our table was booked for a second sitting and we must depart by 2:30pm. As the venue was fully booked there was no option to be seated elsewhere. We were bitterly disappointed. Further disappointment was felt when dietaries couldn’t be accommodated. The meals presented were satisfactory but not outstanding. The service was pleasant but clearly rushed. We noted other patrons vacating their tables too for the second sitting with disappointment on their faces. We all understand business and the need for turnover of tables, however, it is the height of rudeness to not convey this to your patrons in advance and give them the option of booking a later time or not booking at all. To learn after speaking with others that this is a common occurrence reaffirmed that this is an issue you need to address. Please show your patrons the respect they’re entitled to when booking. Numerous restaurants do this with acceptance and without complaint or disappointment. You have so much to offer and...

So much potential at this stunning winery but my goodness does it miss the mark in lots of aspects. We booked for a 60th birthday in the restaurant. We ended up having 1 more for lunch than originally planned and they could not cater for it in the restaurant, we ended up outside in the casual dining area, which we were absolutely fine about. Outside went from bad to worse very quickly. Firstly, for a winery, I would expect some sort of sparkling glassware but they could not offer us any nicer glassware than water glasses for their bubbles. Sparkling wine that is 50+ dollars. We then decided to order some food for lunch. All on a buzzer system which you would assume creates easy service and prompt food delivery, however, we sent back 2 lots of food due to them being stone cold. In the end we got a refund for the dumplings because we were not prepared to go a third round for freezing dumplings. We then waited at the food area and saw our pizza and instead of waiting for our buzzer to go off we said to the wait staff can you just check that orders number and it was ours, sitting there getting cold on a camping table again. A heat lamp wouldn’t go astray. Cold chips are a red flag. Restaurant prices outside but be prepared for minimal service and I mean minimal. We watched multiple people complaining and multiple food being taken back. Not to mention the crowd of people at the bar because they were totally understaffed and the staff they did have had zero idea what...

Round #2

Went for lunch to see what had changed over the past year and was stoked to see how Sidewood had grown into not just a winery but an institution.

The menu was expansive and boasted some amazing GF options. We sat for almost five hours and ordered enough food to feed a small army hahaha. Each dish was packed with flavour and complimented the next.

Shout out to Dave, Fiona & Eden for their hospitality.

Round #1

Sidewood Estate have definitely created a space that caters for everyone.

From it's sleek tasting room, vaulted ceiling restaurant for a more discerning audience, expansive decking for groups, VIP day beds for those spesh occasions and outdoor games areas for both little kids & adult size kids.

If I can please just seperate the restaurant for a moment (which is why we visited) you are offered what can only be perceived as a trendy, up market experience as the modern decor and price point reflect this. Although the menu reads well, the dishes definitely need a little refinement especially if your charging this much at a cellar door eatery compared to a stand alone restaurant.

Please don't get me wrong, this place has the potential to be an Adelaide Hills favourite and in their defence have been super busy since opening, but as we know new establishments only ever get one chance at a first impression.

Still, we'll definitely give this place another go once the dust settles.

Side note: staff...