Ivory Waterside — Restaurant in New South Wales

I have been visiting this restaurant bistro /pub /call it what you like (?)...as it has changed quite a deal over the many years I have been a frequent diner.

The latest incarnation, that has been this way for a few years, has many different areas where you can be comfortable regardless of group size or weather. They have both indoor and outdoor dining tables, bar tables and stools. Lovely tables by the water and terrific views across the river. There is also a gaming area, a large bar, outdoor area by the water, sports bar and a more typical dining room. There are also function facilities at the venue. There is a large car park out front offering free parking.

The menu offers typical pub grub of burgers, snitzchels, etc but more seafood dishes than the usual which is a pleasant change, and quite appropriate for the area. There is a large range of meals, entrees, salads, etc. There is always a couple of extra specials. No table service for ordering food or drinks though. Pay as you go and buzzers for meal pick ups. The day we dined recently there were six of us from interstate. I found a lovely table outside. Unfortunately both the table and the floor areas were very inundated with food and other debris. Each time we asked for the table or area to be cleaned the follow-up from staff was relatively prompt and cheerful.

Everyone really enjoyed the meals especially the fresh prawns and calamari. Chips hot and golden. Salad fresh and the dressing not too overpowering. Lovely presentation and modern dinnerware.

The beers were lovely and cold and there was a special $9 schooner on offer. There is a very good range of other drinks and the staff were happy to prepare things just as we wanted eg. cranberry juice and vodka.

Our visit was lunchtime on the weekend Sunday and of course a very busy day. Clearing empty tables a bit quicker would make a better atmosphere but understandable on such a busy day.

I visit this venue 2 or 3 times each year and the current incarnation is possibly the best. I will keep returning and taking new guests each time....

I would give zero stars if I could. Myself and 10 of my friends and family attended Christmas lunch. I feel beyond disappointed and let down. They served my daughter half of a stale cheese toastie. NOT EVEN A FULL TOASTIE!!! Also, I did pay $60 for a child ticket to be served a bloody cheese toastie!!!! It literally crumbled in her hands it had been sitting out that long before being served. Her main meal of fish and chips was the best thing that came to that table. The prawns presented as an entree were soft and would turn to mush in your fingers when attempting to peel them, they smelt and fearing the onset of food poisoning we decided to not eat them. Between 10 of us who all enjoy seafood there was enough for us to have two each if we did decide to eat them…..There were small rations of ham and flavourless cheese paired with stale bread. There wasn’t enough ham to distribute to everyone around the table. The main was ONE dry slice of turkey and ONE slice of an undercooked (literally raw) piece of beef. Also, an extremely undersized portion. The dessert was served on a small bread plate. It was delicious but (or was it just because everything else was so bad????), again, a disappointing portion size. One of our meals had hair in it. All three different beers were flat and had floaters. We got a glass of ice with prawn antennas in it.

The staff serving on the day were lovely, and helpful and I appreciate all their hard efforts on the day.

I’ve been coming to the Ivory for the last 15 years and enjoying each new management that comes through. I had high expectations and whole heartedly believed it would be a wonderful experience. We had to stop in at maccas on the way home all of us were still so hungry. I feel let down after spending $1600 for absolute disappointment. They didn’t deliver as advertised. When comparing it to other venues we have had Christmas lunch at I would absolutely not recommend to...

Let me start by saying I am not usually one to complain but our most recent experience at Ivory was extremely disappointing and I am writing this because of how poorly the whole situation was managed.

We stopped at ivory for a drink to celebrate my Mums birthday. We ordered a round of cocktails ($48) and took a seat. After walking to the bar numerous times to see if our drinks were ready it was evident that the bar tender had forgotten about our order. After realising his error he said that he would bring the drinks over to us. Sure enough the bar tender did bring our drinks over but unfortunately the cocktails tasted terrible and were watery, definitely not worth the money. I wanted to just flag our experience with the floor manager so asked to speak them. After waiting 15min (the young gentleman who was sitting on his phone the whole time) came over and I explained the situation to him. All in all he seemed none too interested and insincerely acknowledged my complaint. If I were the owner of this establishment I would be mortified if this is how the floor manager managed any complaint. I doubt he even followed my complaint up in anyway shape or form. His reaction and complete disregard for the situation made me see red.

All in all, please think twice before spending your hard earned money on cocktails here. If you must stop by I would Recommend sticking to drinks on tap or out of the fridge which takes no skill to make. Or better yet go elsewhere where the hospitality staff may treat people hospitably. I hope the attitude at this...