Inner Light Tea Rooms — Restaurant in Nelson Bay

My friend and I dined at the lighthouse cafe today while on holidays and I’m sorry to say it was a disappointing experience from start to finish, even though we had read some good reviews and thought we would try ourselves.

First off, despite booking online, no one bothered to confirm my reservation, which left me calling the restaurant myself the next morning as soon as it opened, just to double-check and due to the rain I had requested and inside table.

When we arrived, 5 mins early, the waitress ( who needed some enthusiasm) said they had given my table away to a bigger book later that morning and offered us a table in the walkway, that was wet and in the rain. I kept being bumped when people walked past. Half through the waitress said that the group that they had replaced us with, hadn’t even showed up and we could move if we liked but it was too late. We were already cold and wet.

Also we overheard a conversation with another family at the same time booking experience exactly like us, no response and also had rung to confirm, but the restaurant had lost their booked and they had to prove to them they had rung as the waitress didn’t believe them. The customer showed his phone and they were offered to sit in the rain or takeaway.

Once seated, the food was nothing short of disgusting. The dishes lacked flavor and were poorly prepared— we couldn’t even finish my meal. It was clear the kitchen didn't care about quality. The scrambled eggs didn’t even taste like real eggs.

To make matters worse, the customer service was absolutely awful. The staff seemed very young and uninterested, which made an already uncomfortable dining experience even worse.

And let's not even talk about the prices $25 for cold, rubbery scrambled eggs and a small piece of sour dough that wasn’t even toasted. It was way too high for the poor quality of food and service provided.

I regret spending my money here and would not recommend it to anyone. Go for the view on a sunny day but Save your time and find a better...

Nestled at the point of Nelson Bay, this hidden gem beckons travelers and locals alike with promises of culinary delights and cultural immersion. As you approach, the scent of freshly baked scones and expertly brewed coffee greets you, signaling the beginning of a memorable experience. But this establishment is more than just a café—it's a vibrant hub of activity and community engagement. Step inside, and you'll discover a charming gift shop, curated by the dedicated ocean rescuers. Adding to the allure is the Museum housed within a lighthouse-keeper's 1800s cottage, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich maritime history. Wander through time as you explore exhibits filled with tales of seafaring adventures and coastal life.

However, it's the human touch that truly sets this place apart. Ascend to the upper level for an opportunity to connect with the passionate individuals behind the ocean rescuers' mission.

In essence, this establishment isn't just a culinary destination—it's a cultural and community oasis. Whether you're drawn by the allure of the scones and coffee, the chance to explore history, or the opportunity to support a worthy cause, a visit here promises a truly enriching experience.

Highly recommended for those seeking not only great food and cultural immersion but also a sense of purpose and connection to the Nelson...

My partner and I came here for my birthday lunch, which he tried to make special, however the wait staff were very rude from the moment we got there. Incapable of polite communication and they ALL treated us like we were an inconvenience. The service did not get any better and I don’t think we stayed there for more than 30 minutes. The pandemic is not an excuse to treat people appalling, and if it’s so triggering for the owners/waitstaff, maybe close the place down until it’s over? But no, you want the money but hate customers? Make it make sense please. After we left and went to our car, we befriended a lovely family who said they were treated just as badly and that the waitstaff ‘barely tolerated them’ and were very rude. My partner then spoke to a lady on his right and she said she was disgusted by the service as well. So three completely different groups of people who all had the same terrible experience. Great company culture guys! I felt so sorry for the people who were going up there, knowing what they were about to experience. Do better guys, the world does not need this negative energy, and no one is forcing any of your workers to be there, so why should customers have to suffer such rudeness? You just cannot treat people this way anymore, it’s so out dated and gross. You could not pay...