Portside Cafe & Restaurant — Restaurant in Maryborough

Booked a hightea for a bridal shower, had 13 people so spent a lot of money and there would not have been no where near enough food or drinks for the amount we had to pay. Took 40 minutes to get our first drinks and over and hour for the first round of food to be brought out. Had 1 person half hour late due to the floods in Hervey bay but everyone else was there by 09:10 and had ordered their first drink by 09:10, there was a small amount of sandwiches left an some sweets that were put in take away containers but not the amount you would think there should be for $672 worth that we spent to have this meal and the left overs was because one person couldn't make it due to the floods and there was no refund option as we had to pay the full amount up front. Disappointed that we didn't get the service we paid for. Have photos of what food there was on the tables for reference! Also recieved a phone call telling me to take the review down as apparently it's not true. Reply to owner.. We also have evidence of when people arrived before 9 and just after 9. we ordered drinks for others who hadn't got there until 0915, the last person arrived at 0930 (we have messages to show this). We were never asked about when we wanted the food brought out before everyone arrived, you came out and asked if everyone was there and we said we were waiting for one more then ordered the drinks, once the last person arrived you asked if we were ready for our first course which was after 10. The reason for there still being drinks left was they were cold when delivered and one of the saucers were dirty. We are all laughing and over joyed as we enjoyed each other's company, it wasn't to do with the service. The left overs food at the end was because it was not very nice, the bread dry and stale and the sweets were way to sweet or bitter. We took it home because we paid a lot of money for the food and thought we may as well take it and could give it to the chickens. Some of the food was good. I stand by my review and so do the other people...

We had no idea that Maryborough had good restaurants so it was a nice surprise to find this online when we realised there was literally nothing in Poona.

Our initial impression was that it was a beautiful atmosphere but we were definitely not impressed to be seated inside literally next to the couple outside (with an open window in between) when we were the only other people there. Having worked in hospitality I didn't complain as I took this to mean that there would be a bunch of reservations to turn up, but this was not the case. Instead it seemed they did this to clear the tables quicker when ready to start closing down which was disappointing as in my opinion it should always be about giving the customers the best experience.

Regardless this soon was forgotten when we got our appetizers- hervey bay scallops and zucchini fritters. The fritters were nothing special but the scallops were to die for- we loved them. The service from the American owner was good as well but unfortunately this level of service was gone once he was.

We had also ordered a seafood platter and pulled pork enchilada to share and were surprised how big the servings are (this would have been nice to know as easily even with a massive appetite the seafood platter is sharable). All was cooked well and I especially loved the enchilada however both plates had unnecessary filling meaning a lot of food goes to waste. Regardless it was good value for money.

We were left to wait for ages with dirty plates and almost greeted with annoyance when I asked about the liquorice in the pannacotta. It was very clear the server wanted us gone to maybe start the next side duties and get out so we did, but we took a cheesecake to go and are looking forward to trying it.

Overall I would give the restaurant a mixed review but because of the service from the American, the scallops and the pulled pork would...

Went for a birthday lunch for my partner. Nothing wrong with the food but the service could improve and catering for children. We were told the high chair was booked. And I could see it empty no child using during our whole seating. It would have been nice if they came up and offered it as it was not in use. Also with table service and the amount of money you pay these days to go out for a lunch I do expect someone coming up to the table and asking if its all good. I worked hospitality myself and the bare minimum is to check in on your table. We also waited for the food around 45/50 min from ordering. Even when I got up to pay I barely got looked at. He just went to the iPad. Put in the table. And nothing else. Could easily asked "how was everything? How was the birthday? Any type of small talk. I ended up saying thank you and barely got a thank you back... and bit disappointing. Overall good food and a beautiful spot by the river but customer service and guest care could improve. (Update as the venue has turned off reply section. We sat down our whole lunch from the food got to our table. Before as we were waiting for the food our son did walk around the grass and the back area and I asked the girl if that was okey which she replied yes. I think as a business when you get feedback it is important to take it on and not reply like it is the guest fault for poor guest service. There is no excuses not to ask "how was your lunch?" As i said bare minimum. I dont require alot of service but it would be nice with getting a check in that's all. I have read all the replies for people who reviews lower then 3 and its all back on the guest. Maybe just check in on all staff and see where you can improve instead of not handling...