Cypress Lakes Bistro & Bar — Restaurant in Pokolbin

Unfortunately, despite a beautiful location, the lunch dining experience was underwhelming to say the least. We were only 1 of 2 couples eating at 12pm, however, the bar and wait staff couldn't seem to get their act together. Our steak order was cooked incorrectly, medium came out welldone and dry, and the chips were dark brown and overcooked, but when we went to say something it was impossible to find staff as they were all complaining and arguing VERY loudly in the adjoining open kitchen, killing what little ambiance there was. Things were being thrown around and slammed in there, no one seemed interested in engaging with customers to be honest. Our other order was a burger that was very obviously was using old wilted salad leaves. While we understand that the hospitality industry is currently experiencing difficulties, particularly with staffing, this place really needs to up their game. The 1 star is for the location, it would have been 2 except there was an over-turned garbage bin with birds scavenging from it, the contents spilling out near the pool area that both waitresses walked past and ignored without addressing. Oh, and I need to mention the shirtless GA cleaning the pool as part of our overall visual experience. With so many places to choose from in the Pokolbin district, we won't be returning or recommending this...

Booked a table. Arrived and they couldn't find the booking. Ordered food... 1 hour and 15 minutes waiting and got 2 dishes of 4. Waited 10 minutes to see if they would bring out the other dishes so that we could all eat together. Nothing. I then asked the Maitre d' to check where the meals were. They went into the kitchen -which was visible- and for about 5-10 minutes we observed the confusion trying to find the orders. The kitchen was chaos. Maitre d' then proceeded to serve meals to other patrons and ignore us. I waited for them to come back and tell us where our meals were. They did not. I then got up and asked them what was happening. All they said was the meals were coming. WORST service ever!! After waiting another 15 minutes the other two meals came. We saw many other patrons complaining about the lack of service and meals. Food was just acceptable, very standard. Service...

I booked a table for 10, but upon arrival, they had set the table for 8. When we pointed out the mistake, instead of adding another table, they crammed extra chairs around the existing setup and didn’t provide additional cutlery.

When I made the booking online, I mentioned we’d be bringing a birthday cake. Upon arrival, I handed the cake to them, and they assured me they’d bring it out after dinner. However, after we had been seated for an hour, a waitress informed us there would be a $5 “cakeage” fee per person. This was not mentioned during the booking process, nor was it advertised anywhere. They had plenty of opportunities to inform me—whether when the booking was made, when they took the cake, or even before we were seated.

The service was disappointing, and the lack of transparency around fees was unacceptable. I...