HOPSCOTCH Kitchen Bar — Restaurant in Queensland

Nonna has left the building. Hopscotch has been our go-to for years when it comes to a relaxed, great value, family dinner out, so it’s a real shame to say this visit did not meet our expectations.

We were seated promptly and given menus and water, but waited quite a while for someone to return to take our order. It was only when we saw a nearby table heading to the bar that we realised the ordering system had changed—we were now expected to use a QR code at the table or order at the bar. Unfortunately, this wasn’t explained to us, and it set the tone for a rather confusing start to the evening.

The starters were definitely the highlight. The arancini and Nonna’s hot wings were full of flavour. The halloumi fries, however, were a underwhelming despite their colourful presentation with sauce, pickled fennel, and pomegranate (?) seeds.

For mains, my daughter ordered the lamb ragu gnocchi, which unfortunately missed the mark. The gnocchi was oddly textured, simultaneously soggy and doughy and cold in the centre. The olives were from a jar or can, and she also ended up with a very large piece of slimy lamb skin in the dish, which wasn’t pleasant and she would not eat any more of the dish once she discovered it. The chicken parmigiana, which has always been a favourite, and is usually second to none was also just okay this time.

While the staff were friendly and polite, the service felt less polished than usual. The team seemed to be made up entirely of backpackers, and while they were friendly and did their best, the overall vibe just wasn’t what we’ve previously experienced at Hopscotch.

I don’t usually write negative reviews—if we have a less-than-great experience, I tend to give no review at all. But given the noticeable drop in quality and a bill of over $200, we left feeling quite disappointed. We’ve had many great meals here in the past, so it’s disheartening to say this visit was...

I am not one for leaving bad reviews but tonight was dreadful. From when we first walked in the table we were seated on was not set properly, missing cutlery, glasses stuck to table, etc.

Table of five, we all ordered drinks. Ranging from cocktails to soft drinks. We received our entrees, finished, and asked for a follow up on our drinks. The waitress went and checked and came back and told us they could not make one of the drinks. This is not an issue however after waiting so long for drinks you would think they would have told you sooner. When we received our mains only then did we get our drinks, including a singular glass of coke. Meanwhile pints of beer were being poured but soft drinks were not. It is understandable that cocktails take longer, however, not half an hour longer and to be served with a simple soft drink.

The two steaks that were ordered medium rare came out well done. We did not send them back as we had already waited long enough and did not want to deal with anymore of the bad service. Additionally, the steaks read 300grams but looked to be 200grams, if that. Each steak was roughly $50 and not worth the money at all. It was the worst steak we had ever seen at a restaurant.

As a dinner with our father, we were ashamed that he paid a few hundred dollars for what we had received and...

After being greeted by staff member they couldn't find a menu after I asked to look at one but had to go looking. Nothing at front counter. On arrival home pizzas were soft, doughy and underdone, not even cut into slices with burnt black areas on top. If I had been eating in I would have sent my order back. Nothing like I had been told by my son who suggested your pizzas were delicious. Service was ordinary. Staff not knowing answers to questions. e.g. How long will the order take? (10 mins turned out to be 25 with at least 8 staff and less customers at 5pm) Is your Classique the same as Supreme? When he said "I'm guessing it is" I asked if he could find out. What size are your pizzas? "Good question he replied.... I'll go and find out" On three occasions the staff member had to go and find someone to ask and find an obviously more "experienced staff" member, one who appeared to be having dinner. On pick up staff stood around chatting while the pizza boxes sat on the shelf/bar where cooked. One staff asked if I was Greg and seemed confused when I said no. Next minute my order mysteriously turned up by the 4th person I had dealings with. Maybe we'll try again...