Emilio’s Ristorante Warners Bay — Restaurant in Newcastle-Maitland

This was our 2nd visit to Emilio’s, the first being about a year ago. Back then, it was good, but not WOW. Decided to go back for a belated birthday with hubby & 2 other family members. This time, I’m disappointed to say, it wasn’t even good, let alone anything else.

When the garlic bread is the nicest thing you are all night, you know you there’s a slight problem.

Yes, the garlic bread was truly lovely, and a good small size for 2 people to share, unlike the bigger breads which are pizza size and therefore a very heavy and filling starter.

We didn’t have entrees (apart from the bread). For mains I decided to order the Osso Bucco because, although I do love veal scallopini, I wanted to order something I wouldn’t ordinarily cook at home. The minute it was presented to me, I regretted my menu choice. It just didn’t look visually appealing, and for any diner, I think that’s a very significant thing. It’s the sort of thing that actually puts you off eating it, even before you start. It looked heavy, served with large wedge sized carrots that were fairly firm to cut & eat, beans (not my fave), and mash, (which you couldn’t initially see) as the whole plate was stacked to the rafters with diced tomatoes.

The osso bucco beef itself was tender, but uninspiring and underwhelming. I could only manage half the meal and left the rest. So not great.

My husband ordered the Emilio’s seafood special. He said his meal was “ok”, but also not anywhere close to wow.

We then ordered mango gelato for dessert to share between the two of us. Our two companions did the same,

Well, it arrived in small low round parfait dishes and when we tried to dip the spoon into it, we discovered it was “rock hard”. Frozen solid. I’m talking cricket ball hard. Impenetrable. When we tried to push the spoon a little harder, it actually went flying out of the bowl and bounced on the floor of the restaurant. We were all like “woah!!). Seriously, we thought . Goodness me !

We called the waiter over & explained what happened. He was attentive and smiled at our predicament, and immediately went and got another one for us. Same, absolutely rock hard. But he returned with knives to cut through the frozen shell, which, let me tell you, also was a challenge.

For anybody that wanted to eat totally frozen ice cream, they probably would’ve liked it, but, correct me if we’re wrong, isn’t gelato supposed to be soft and creamy. ??? So, this was dessert that didn’t impress.

Overall, in terms of food, which, let’s face it is why we go to a restaurant, it was very disappointing and we wouldn’t be in any kind of rush to go back anytime soon. The customer service during the night was ok, the price is middle of the road and acceptable, but a restaurant without consistent good quality food that people “want to eat” is a restaurant with a problem. I hope can they solve it, because in terms of location, and authenticity, it ticks quite...

OH! MY! GOD! WOW WOW WOW 🤩!! Called to enquire if there was an available booking after a disappointing start to a booking at another establishment and was informed that there was plenty of room and to come on down. The gentleman, on the phone, was upbeat and had a lovely phone manner. Upon arriving, we were seated instantly, had water for the table poured for us and the lovely young woman who was serving us was more than happy to have a little chat about our previous experience from that night and was very happy to provide reassurance that she hoped that they could exceed our expectations. Well, ABSOLUTELY THEY DID! We ordered the chicken al pollo, or to us it’s just pesto chicken, and the bosciola, with a bruschetta and there are not enough words to describe how amazing it was! The flavour was incredible and certainly not lacking authenticity, the dough was homemade and fresh, the pasta was also homemade, fresh and beautifully cooked, the sauces were bursting with flavour, the chicken was juicy and tender, the portions were large and well worth the price and it was so enjoyable that we ordered another serving of our two pasta dishes to take home for lunch!! The staff were friendly, attentive, had a beautiful uniform that makes you feel like you’re in an upper class restaurant and the lovely Italian music in the background and the lovely little table lamps along with the rest of the decor makes you feel like you’re somewhere in Italy and you’ve been transported to another place!!! Cannot speak highly enough of this restaurant! What an amazing first impression! We are already looking forward to coming back as regular customers of this establishment!! To the owner, you have created a beautiful place that exhibits the Italian family lifestyle of friendliness, love, and a warm welcome with food that you can taste the love and effort in every bite! We, personally, cannot wait to see other locations opened and to take another step into what we are now calling “Newcastle’s Little Taste of Italy”! If you haven’t already dined here, then race down and see for yourself how incredible it is! YOU WILL NOT BE...

Stellar Dining at Emilio's Restaurant, Warners Bay

Emilio's Restaurant in Warners Bay truly stands out as a top-tier dining establishment. From the moment you arrive, the charm of this place is palpable, setting the tone for an evening of culinary delight.

The ambiance at Emilio's is both sophisticated and intimate, making it an ideal spot for both romantic dinners and gatherings with friends or family. The decor is tasteful, with a warm and inviting atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed.

The menu is an exquisite blend of traditional and innovative dishes. Each plate is a testament to the chef's dedication to quality and creativity. From the appetizers to the desserts, every bite is a burst of flavor. The seafood options are particularly noteworthy – fresh, perfectly cooked, and beautifully presented. The pasta dishes, rich and flavorful, transport you straight to Italy with each mouthful.

The service at Emilio's is exceptional. The staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive without being intrusive. They offer excellent recommendations and are always ready to cater to any dietary needs or preferences. Their attention to detail and commitment to providing a superior dining experience is evident throughout the meal.

Emilio's also boasts an impressive wine list that complements the menu perfectly. Whether you prefer a robust red or a crisp white, the selection is sure to impress even the most discerning wine enthusiast.

Desserts at Emilio's are the perfect conclusion to a fantastic meal. The panna cotta is silky smooth, and the chocolate fondant is decadently rich – both are must-tries.

Emilio's Restaurant in Warners Bay offers an unparalleled dining experience. The combination of exceptional food, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy a memorable meal. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a top-notch dining experience in...