The Watering Hole Tavern — Restaurant in Melbourne

The decor and ambiance of this place is appealling. We wanted to like it. However, we went on a Thursday night and wonder whether this was a chef-free night. It wasn't very busy, but after a reasonable wait for our meals, they seemed suspiciously pre-prepared and defrosted. The chicken parmas were dry and tough around the outside, and topped with an overpowering tomato layer similar to pasta stir-through sauce straight from a jar. Maybe it was made in-house, but could have benefited from some cooking. Served with chips and vegies/salad. The salad was reasonable. The vegies were a nice mix of colours, but unevenly cooked and possibly frozen. The seafood mornay was flavourful and delicately cooked, with an even mix of scallops, calamari and prawns. I think there was a bit of fish in there. Serving it with rice or potato mash would have been more appropriate than with the standard seasoned chips and vegies/salad option. We wondered whether the chips were from a bag or not. If our plates hadn't been cleared quickly without so much as a "How was everything?", we might have asked a few questions to solve our doubts. We're local, but not sure if we'll return,...

A very disappointing experience indeed... Our group walked in for a Saturday afternoon meal to experience an abysmal luncheon, poor service (only two staff members in attendance' bar maid and chef)' poor table service, and terrible manners. For the lunch order one of our group members required that his meal be cut up in the kitchen prior to being served at the table, this was not done (even though the receipt made note of this requirement). The food was sub par as best we can describe politely and all members of the group expressed their lack of satisfaction at such a premium level cost meal, both in quality and preparation. All members of our group did not finish their meals. Clearing of dishes was not performed and had to be requested after twenty minutes of trying to catch the attendants eye... The fact that there were no other diners in the venue between the hours of 12.30pm and 3.00pm on a lovely Saturday afternoon speaks volumes. I should mention that all of our group were local to the area and prefer to support small independent local businesses. However none of our group shall ever be back to The Watering...

A perfect place to cap off a lovely day of berry picking.

We were warmly welcomed even though we were a large group with a dog and without a booking. We had a lovely table out in the beer garden. There was only one staff member taking orders and serving but he was amazing, very friendly and efficient and nothing was too much trouble.

The food was so delicious. Cheesy garlic bread was soft and tasty, the mushroom cups with green peppercorns and brie will be something to try making at home, very more-ish. The garlic steak sizzling plate was fantastic, the meat was cooked to perfection and the sauce was as anticipated, garlicky and just the right amount of creaminess. The volcano pizza was spicy with a nice thin crispy base. Chicken parmas were juicy with a crunchy coating and the grilled fish was nicely cooked. Serving portions are generous without substituting quality for quantity. The chips are dangerous - so crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside - you will have hoovered a whole bowl without realising it. The chef knows...