On New Year’s Day my partner and I decided to try O’Connells for the first time. We’d been meaning to try this restaurant for a while and made a reservation for 6pm. What a mistake this was. There were so many issues during our short visit during, which we experienced the worst meal we have had in Melbourne.

Having made a fairly early reservation, we were unsurprised to be the first diners seated. Our table was next to the kitchen and was fine. Drinks were ordered, menus given, all seemed good. Until the second table arrived, and in a fairly large and completely empty restaurant, were seated right next to us. We commented on this, as did the other table, and when they asked the waitress if they were fully booked that night, she replied to say that there were only 8 tables booked in. This whole situation became even more strange when a third table was sat directly next to the table of four. Naturally, they asked if they could be moved, to which a male staff member said no, the other tables of two are booked out. Having previously worked in restaurants, this is just poor planning, which even the chef commented on. Totally bizarre.

We were served our entrees of calamari which was fine, if a little over priced for the portion size, and the croquettes which were dry, tasteless, overcooked and without enough aioli. We hoped our mains would be better, but alas, we were even more disappointed. I was served an impressive looking pie which when cut into, uncovered a thin layer of watery gravy, covered by some crispy pastry. Most of the dish was air. This was supposed to be served with creamed potatoes and mushy peas. I received one spoonful of potatoes and a sprinkling of mushy peas drowned in a red wine jus which I expected should have been in the pie?! Absolutely appalling for the price paid. My Gran in the UK makes a much better steak pie than this chef in this overpriced restaurant.

My partner ordered the fish and chips. He was given one piece of fish, which initially seemed fine, until we noticed other diners had been served two pieces of fish.To add insult to injury, when he cut into the fish half of the it was empty batter! This was supposed to come with pickled gherkin but instead came with what was quite obviously un-pickled CUCUMBER! As if we would not realise… We then heard a male staff member reading out specials to another table. Why were we not offered these?

Not once were we asked how our food was; how the experience was or even if we had a nice evening by ANY staff member. It was almost as if they knew how terrible our experience had been and were avoiding asking the question! In hindsight we should have spoken up and had planned to if asked, but really we just wanted to pay up and leave.

We have spent similar amounts of money in other local restaurants and had better meals. We have spent half this amount and had excellent meals. The whole evening was bitterly disappointing and a complete waste of time and money. What a way to start the New Year! Thoroughly disappointing.