Encore Buffet Restaurant — Restaurant in Queensland

Dined here for the second time last night (Saturday). Previously had lunch here a couple of weeks ago and for the price of $19.95 it was ok. Last night it was over $36.00 and it was dreadful. Probably one of the worst meals I have had in Gladstone (and there have been quite a few) since arriving here in May. As an interstate visitor I am appalled at the standard of food and the lack of enthusiasm and rudeness by waiting staff. I must say that this was NOT the case at this restaurant. The older lady who served us at the counter on both occasions was lovely. On the first occasion the soup was so unpalatable that it was removed from the buffet. Last night every cooked dish I tasted was either though, dry or tasted bland and horrible. There were plenty of lovely plump prawns which seemed to be the highlight of this restaurant however for those of us that don’t eat prawns there was nothing else that was enjoyable.Even the dessert bar was not appealing. The fruit salad and custard were the tastiest items there. Cake that was dry and obviously not homemade probably left over from the lunch trade didn’t do it for me. A broken down urn was the final straw so we had to buy a coffee from the bar area. This should have been complimentary!!! It would have been nice if there was a platter of cold meats to compliment...

After reading the reviews, I was prepared for the worst. I acknowledge that we cannot compare the food in a big city Mantra Hotel to a regional setting. We had 2 breakfasts and a dinner here. Considering the location, there was a large variety of food selection, including Mexican, Asian and Australian cuisine.I don’t think we should expect authentic dishes as there is no link to the communities. The pizza was quite good. The highlight of the dinner was the lamb shank, nicely cooked, good flavour. The wagyu add-on is a great idea, something special and everyone can cook it to their liking. The staff was attentive and hardworking. We had 2 breakfasts here. I understand that the barista coffee is an extra, however Nescafé is not a satisfying option. On our second occasion we arrived after 8 and the staff packed away all the bread by 8.35. We had the last pork sausages and they didn’t feel it up. Instead of the compotes I rather have a better selection of fresh fruits (there were a few apples only). Overall I gave 4 stars because most staff members were kind and really...

This buffet would have to be the worst I have ever eaten in my life. I'm so disappointed, we paid $36 each for our buffet. Most food was inedible, the meats were super tough, totally dried out and tasteless. The Thai soup was so hot in spice, I had one spoon, made me start coughing from the heat, so I couldn't eat it, even the lady working there told me it's way too hot that it should be taken off. The potato, and macaroni was dry and tasteless. The Indian and Chinese dishes were disgusting, watery and an awful flavour. The pizza was stone cold and like cardboard. The desert buffet was just as bad, looked like 4xday old tiny squares of cakes etc, dry and hard to swallow. Ice cream was even watery. The only nice food was the delicious prawns. I usually eat anything and not fussy. I'm shocked and disgusted after spending so much per head for a buffet that the food was this bad. Do yourself a favour and DO...