Really average at best — not living up to expectations and its reputation. Came for a special occasion of celebration. Regrettable decision (as I was hesitating between trying this one and going back to another similar fine dining place I had tried before).

To start with the positives: 1. decent food quality in general, especially the seafood (4-5 stars, solid), 2. extensive international wine selections, 3. solid appetizers with nice presentations, 4. short waiting time for dishes, 5. convenient location next to the ferry pier

However, the experience was overall underwhelming mainly because of little things below altogether:

Assigned a table against the wall which looked like an office conference room or college dining hall — very noisy due to echo under a low ceiling and tables 80%+ filled. Difficult to have any conversations. Barely any views as well. (Disappointing even though the booking was made over a month in advance, although I understand a table with a view was never a guarantee).

Chairs were not comfortable (height and feel) and appeared a bit worn out. Need a bit of refresh of furnitures maybe?

No extra recognition of special occasion noted in booking (birthday in my case), not even in the dessert ordered — no words or anything. A tad disappointing, although the dessert plating did look and taste nice. (Only acknowledgement was the greeting upon entry.) Didn’t feel welcomed or valued enough as a diner booked in advance.

Servers mostly looked very busy (Sunday lunch) — quite attentive (which’s positive), but mostly not personal or friendly that one would expect (like even when I wanted to acknowledge or thank a couple of servers I didn’t even know any of their names).

A little introduction or recommendation of dishes or wine pairing suggestions that one should expect for this kind of fine dining setting would make a huge difference.

Also, small things like condiments for the bread or fries served (like some olive oil or sauces?) seem basic things missing, again a bit weird.

To conclude, among restaurants of similar price range in Sydney and Melbourne that I’ve tried (many award-winning as well), Catalina is not one I would recommend to others at all unfortunately. Maybe it used to be better based on past reviews? Maybe on weekdays when it’s less busy it’s better (note already got a 10% Sunday surcharge as clearly stated)?

Overall a mixed experience despite the positives stated at the top. Thought it’s an institution and legend as many have raved about in the past, but I was somewhat disappointed and would not come back.