Riverside Hotel — Restaurant in Launceston

Very very poor experience, below average food.

First, they had nothing on their menu for Vegetarians. We asked, was told we can have a veggie burger. It was the only option available! When we said, is that the only option, she pregnant waitress just shrugged and said yes! We just looked at each other to say “wow”. It’s really annoying and disappointing so many places won’t cater for vegetarians. With so many option to add to a menu, there are actually people who eat meat will choose a vegetarian dish at times if given the options.

Anyways, the patty was mushy inside it. Crispy on the outside because it was deep fried. Was given a small side of chips. The bun was your typical tiptop style bun. Paid extra $2 each for cheese and egg, the egg was hard fried! Worst burger I’ve ever eaten! Couldn’t even eat it all it was that bad! I could have made it better at home! We had an entree of the veggie spring rolls. Basically nothing in them. Just pastry. These were clearly frozen cheap veggie spring rolls thrown into a deep fryer!

The meal took almost an hour to our table from ordering. We were ready to get up and leave. Service was below average too, the ladies weren’t friendly, they were just a matter of fact attitude. It wasn’t that busy in there. Heaps of free tables.

The drink was the only nice thing.

Will we return? No, they need to have more friendly staff. They need to add a few more vegetarian options to the menu.

My advice, don’t waste your money. Find another venue. There are actually better places to go.

Added comment in reply to Riversides management Response:

Management states they have a variety of Vegetarian Options! The menu said otherwise and so did the waitress, your waitress did not provide any vegetarian options except the veggie burger. To offer a salad or soup in a restaurant for vegetarians is an insult. Why not just say Vegetarians can only be entitled to rabbit leaves! So narrow minded. Such an after thought. You say “not limited to” your waitress advised us differently.

As I mentioned she offered the burger only and told us with a shrug that was all they had as a vegetarian option. But it’s not her fault what’s on the menu or what is on offer. Really, we should have just left at this point.

Regards to Riverside manager calling, the number was not recognised so it went straight to voicemail. Besides, I’m not really sure what else I can say. I do appreciate your response and attempts at an apology.

I’m well aware about Covid and staff restrictions, I’m from Victoria, even with the restrictions we faced here, we don’t have to wait almost an hour for food. Thank you for reminding me of Covid related problems, I wasn’t aware 💁🏼‍♀️ Besides, it was not even busy! There were two other tables with people on them when we were ordering. But I do appreciate your effort on trying to explain your staffs actions or lack of.

May I say, it would’ve been more effective and appropriate, if you simply apologised and let me know your business will try better for future customers. Just saying. 🤷🏼‍♀️ My response here would not have been needed.

Just another side reference, I mentioned the Riverside Hotel to some Tassy residents, their response was “Omg, why did you go there!!”

I’ve added a copy of the menu for peoples reference.. certainly not even slightly catered for “all types of dietary...

I would have given -5 stars to this hotel if possible.

Booked in one night for Christmas eve 3 months before arriving from Melbourne. Got a call from hotel 2 weeks before my arrival and assured me i will find my key under the matt at my room's entrance. On 25th morning, reception assured again that i will find my key once i check in the evening.

Guess what? There was no key when I reached hotel and hotel staff wasnt picking my call because they closed early.

What a Christmas gift from a Tasi hotel to a Victorian on his first visit to Tasmania!!

I was stranded along with my wife and 2 young daughters regretting the day i booked with this hotel. Luckily i got one last left over room with a another hotel( hotel manager told me that i was very lucky to get family room on Christmas eve). I didn' have to spend night in car with my family.

I escalated to Expedia who got the booking money refunded but there was no call at all from hotel to apologise. I myself called next morning and Asst manager apologized explaining it was due to miscommunication. When i asked about compensation, he said he will get back to me after taking to his manager while im still in state.

I am back in Melbourne and no call yet from hotel. No goodwill gesture, no courtesy call and no further apology. Expedia on other hand did compensate me independently.

Very bad service and would seriously advise anyone traveling to Launceston to avoid this hotel. I will also report this hotel to consumer Australia to ensure hotel's bad service is...

Look I’ll be honest we had meals there on a busy night, loved the atmosphere and only one waitress looked sour, and one barmaid looked dis interested, everyone else was great, food .... not so great, I got chicken with surf in garlic sauce, plain bechamel is not sauce. You need cream (reduced) , garlic (freshly crushed) , sour cream, Parmesan cheese, together it reduces to a beautiful thick creamy base that you toss yummy fresh prawns in , but I got 3small tasteless ones in a plain white sauce. I’m devestated, almost embarrassed for you. I would take it off menu and actually re train your staff. I’ve worked in a lot of pubs, and there’s always room for improvement, and the kitchen is where it really needs attention, chips were soggy and over done laying under my chicken, really if you need to put them under my chicken they shouldn’t be on the plate, maybe a side dish? . It’s only my opinion and I hate giving reviews, but I’d want to know if it were my business. Again I did enjoy atmosphere and most likely would go back and order something different, my husband had the house burger and liked it, loved the fact kids can play, made relaxing a bit...