The Poyer's — Restaurant in New South Wales

A stark contrast between the restaurant's high prices and the mediocre and pompous service received.

Avoid this establishment unless willing to overlook these significant shortcomings, or if you are a part of the growing number of elderly Australians who enjoy overt classism— including subtle reminders of restaurant etticate.

The death of Australian egalitarianism is evident here. Soon this place will be banning people unless they are wearing a tuxedo.

I have travelled and lived more places than most humans. This place reminded me of aspects of France that I didn't like — at all.

Shall not be returning — or recommending to anybody.

If they want decent reviews then I suggest in the future that they treat customers as civilised adults — and drop the arrogance. Australia is not France and many people here are glad about that fact.

Take note of the negative reviews. For those who missed them, here are a few:

"Looked like a nice place to eat at and after reading the reviews was really looking forward to it, unfortunately we didn’t get to eat here as the service was terrible and some of the staff were racist"

"Rudeness has taken over good service. Very unimaginative food. There are better establishments in Port Stephens if you want a fine dining experience"

"I've just seen a review on here that is shockingly but not surprisingly similar to my experience.

My boyfriend and I dined here in September and the co-owner I believe, who had spoken to us earlier, got me confused with the only other non-white female there! My partner is white and I am mixed race and I was confused with someone who looked nothing like me and was dressed completely differently while I was waiting for the bathroom.

You had spoken to us earlier so it was all quite bizarre. Definitely ruined the experience.

Food was average, but there aren't really any other options if you are staying in Lemon Tree Passage."

"If I could give this place a zero I would.. Absolutely disgusting staff attitude. Did not want to serve my family after we asked for a large table and lied about their closing time to entice us to leave."

"Suggest you make a booking even if its just to have a coffee inside, @ 11am this morning thought i would take my sister for a coffee and cake before she flew back to Melbourne but was greeted at the door by a rude female staff member informing us that they had bookings at 12 pm and they were setting up for that, we explained we only wanted a coffee and we would be finished in plenty of time we were then confronted with more abruptness and rudeness. I was quiet shocked as this is a place i visit regularly, and take large family gatherings to, i understand there was bookings coming in an hr but i feel this could have been handled with out all the rudeness and abruptness. Little customers count as well and i want be returning."

The...

The location over the water is pleasant, the dining room is airy though rather prosaic. The service is relaxed and attentive, and we did not wait long to be served despite a busy Sunday lunchtime with a large table of 12 next to us. Entree: I had the scallops for entree. I suspect they had been frozen as they had a watery, spongy quality and the outside was not adequately caramelised as frequently demonstrated on cooking programs. Mother and son had Nelson Bay Pacific oysters, which I usually don't like as they are too big and flabby, but these were nice and fresh and not too big, the balsamic accompaniment was very good. (I should have had them.) Mains: The mains were the best. I had the Schnapper, which was well cooked and its bed of lemon risotto creamy and light. Mother had the fish of the day, Kingfish from memory, which was also very good. Son had the Schnapper on gnocchi, all of which was fine, the fish cooked respectfully and remaining moist. Desserts: The desserts were a mixed bag. The tart tatin (like the scallops) was not properly caramelised, in fact not caramelised at all, which if you have ever attempted to cook this yourself is the most important, difficult and best part of the recipe. The berry tart was nice but straight out of the fridge, which detracted from the taste. The creme brulee was similarly cold although the custard was fine and the top had the hallmark crunch. I suspect all the desserts were served straight from the refrigerator, which is not great though I suppose understandable given Australian's climate and the heat of the kitchen. I am a hard marker, though when you are paying over $300 for 3, I think it's okay to be. Cocktails for $20, wine by the glass for $12 was very reasonable. I enjoyed the experience, though unlike mother wouldn't rave...

WOW! Incredible all round! Emailed to book as it was after hours and got a confirmation quickly (also after hours). Appreciated placing us at a window table with the view as we were there to celebrate two birthdays. The owners were there working with the staff, chef owner came and saw us after our meal which felt lovely. The atmosphere was a lovely, high end family run restaurant. Service was prompt and food was INCREDIBLE! So fresh, bursting with flavours. We had, and highly recommend: Kingfish cervice (special), raw beef entree- not sure of the name (special), truffle oil Parmesan oysters, lamb shoulder, swordfish (special) and OH MY…. The.. lobster!!! Quite $$$ but being a special occasion we splurged. And could not be disappointed in any $ they was dropped. Delicious! Despite the menu saying it was ‘à l’americaine style’ it was very Thai flavoured in a herb filled sauce with rice which was incredible, light and summery full of fresh flavour. I think the American style is just as it’s served for using your hands with bone crunchers and I got messy - don’t wear white, take a bib 😂. Mandy, the owner had extensive knowledge of the wine menu. Desert was then a special vanilla custardy filled pastry with berries. What a day! I’m rating it the best high end meal I have had in Port Stephens. Date nights, special occasions will forever now be...