Donny's — Restaurant in Sydney

Just had the worst experience at this place that used to be one of my fav in Manly. Got there at 6:15pm with my boyfriend to have dinner, downstairs was crowded so we went upstairs. There, a guy, who called himself later as THE manager, asked us to wait to be seated. Fair enough, less than 2 min, he gave us a table. Our order came 15 minutes later and we ordered another beer and another steak for our friend who was coming to join us. The same guy said “ok, sure.” 15min later again his order came and he stared to eat. 10min later (6:55) that came passed by our table and said “I’m gonna need this table in 5min” and left. We were like “humm.. ok” but my friend was still eating his steak. At 7pm a really nice and polite girl came to our table and asked us if we had asked for the bill. We said no but it’s ok, we’d pay anyway and our friend had just finished his dinner. Out of nowhere, that guy came back to our table and said: guys, I asked for this table. I need you to leave this table coz I have a booking” - the problem: he said that in a rude way. My boyfriend asked him when he told us about that and he started to argue back, saying that he asked 5 min ago(he really thought it was the right way to do it), that WE were making things difficult... my bf and our friend replied to him that his attitude wasn’t nice, he has just informed us about a booking and he was practically kicking us out of there, they asked for the manager and this guy replied: I’m THE manager.. then he said again that WE were making things difficult and the nice girl came back and tried to understand what happened. By that time I lost all my patience (because of his rudeness) and told both of them that this really arrogant guy didn’t inform us about the booking when we got that, only 5min before the booking.. he started to lose his mind and said: ok ok don’t need to pay bla bla bla.. you are making this difficult... he was still thinking he was right.. My friends left and I asked the nice girl for the bill.. she was still apologizing for HIS stupid mistake and only charged me for the meal and not for the beers.. I don’t know what is her position at Donny’s but she must be a manager because that girl understands about customer service and how to be polite. That “THE” manager should go back to preschool...

For the record, if you need a table back (especially within 50minutes of giving it out) inform your customers so that there is no misunderstanding and disappointment on either side. Might I add also, my bf has been a patron of Donnie’s bar since the day they have opened, never has he seen this ‘manager’ and we do hope he bucks up his ideas and methods of service before he mistreats the...

Really disappointing.

I came here on the 23rd of February with a booking, I arrived and went up to the bar and asked about a my booking, the staff on duty told me to go upstairs and the server up there would look after me. I went upstairs and waited for about 10 minutes whilst the server continued to walk past me over and over again without even acknowledging me.

Eventually I got sick of it and sat down at the table I assumed to be mine. (It was the only table with 8 chairs set out) on the way over to the table I almost slipped because there was a leak in the roof and no effort had been made to try and mop it up or warn customers of the wet floor. One of our chairs was wet because the leak was directly above the corner of our table.

I saw the people at other tables getting served at the table so I waited and waited for the server to come over and give us some menu’s. He never did so, I had to get up from the table and go to the counter and ask to get served, the server said he’d could do table service but I can’t sit at the table I was on because it was reserved. I told him it was my booking and he said “oh yeah sweet”

After about 10 minutes he comes over and says “what can I get you” I then asked him if I could just see a menu and his response was “we don’t have any more menu’s up here, they’re all downstairs” and so I said “oh ok well what’s on the happy hour?” The staff then sighed and said “I’ll go and get you menu’s then” he went downstairs and got us 1 menu and told us to give it a read and he’ll come back. He never came back. Regardless to say I went downstairs to the bar. Ordered some drinks, which to be honest weren’t bad. And left within 45 minutes of my booking.

Frankly this entire experience has really infuriated me because I’ve previously had such great times here but this time I felt that the staff didn’t even want...

Donny's Bar is a great bar/eatery just off the corso in Manly. Donny's Bar is set up with a loft and a few tables out front to be enjoyed when the weather turns on. Once inside, the first level has the main bar and a hidden private bar out back. The kitchen and dining area occupy the upstairs space. The drinks are on point and the food is of a high standard. Even better, they have a range of great daily food and drink specials. Check out date night and half price Sunday deals which are superb value.

We visited on a Sunday evening and they had a half price tapas menu and also a corresponding happy hour which runs from 5pm-7pm every day. There was also live music put on by the venue, making this joint ideal for a Sunday Sesh. Donny's have good beer on tap and a quality selection of cocktails and the sticky date espresso was a definite ‘must order’.

Foodwise, there a number of tapas plates, perfect for sharing (but keep in mind you will want it all yourself!) The crumbed camembert was incredible; you simply cannot go wrong with fried cheese. This is accompanied by a sweet spice and chili infused date paste.

The leek and Manchego croquettes were full of flavour and another good option to snack on with a drink.

There are larger plates, if you are something more substantial. With a range of quality options, to suit all diners . The crispy skin salmon was very inviting, nicely plated and perfectly cooked. We were advised the chicken skewers were marinated for 24 hours and are a popular menu item. These did not disappoint, they were tender, juicy and very flavoursome.

Donny's bar is a cool join with a relaxed vibe, a great spot to catch up with friends enjoy a drink, some good food and entertainment. The specials are extremely good value. Make sure you check this joint out...