Outback Steakhouse Penrith — Restaurant in Sydney

I was racially profiled in this establishment.

Details and back story below.

I have always come to this establishment for my meals every other weekend.

However, this past weekend, on the Saturday evening of 12th April 2025 things were different. I strongly believe I was profiled based on my skin complexion and subjected to rude treatment as a result. For context. I'm of African background.

I arrived at the establishment and was allocated a sit far away from the main area. I was then told that a server would be at my table to collect my order.

However no server arrived. I waited for nearly 45 mins with no one attending to my timetable. I waited for 45 mins and no one bothered to collect my order.

In the meantime, I could see servers collecting orders for people in the tables around me who arrived long after me. Yes they bypassed my timetable and attended all other surrounding tables.

Tired of being kept waiting and bypassed I went to the reception desk to ask why I wasn't being served. I spoke to a lady there but I don't think she was keen on listening to my plight.

She assumed I was making a payment for my meal. When I explained my case, I was treated in quite a dismissive way.

My case was treated as a mere oversight by the servers/waiters. It was no oversight. Those servers attended to all tables around me but never approached mine. They simply avoided me.

I felt hurt and disrespected that I had to undergo the indignity of coming across as if I'm pleading to be served.

I don't know what's worse. Being purposely ignored or having to go through the indignity of begging an establishment to serve me as a customer.

Eventually, I was reallocated another table. However after having finished my meal and going to the reception desk to make my payment, I found another lady there who again was rather condescending in her attitude towards me.

All I wanted to do was to now pay for my meal that was now 1.5hrs late so I could leave the place. But it looks like the earlier treatment was not enough, I had to stand there and tolerate the cashier's rude attitude towards me.

I was profiled because of my complexion. I'm Black African hence why the servers pretty much avoided me. The same explains the cashier's attitude towards me as I attempted to pay for my meal.

I understand sometimes people or businesses don't want to serve or would rather not deal with Black African clientele, for one reason or another. Most likely racial hatred and prejudice. That's ok, each person has there own preference. It's a free country after all.

I would have understood if I was told straight away that no one wanted to serve me because of my identity. I would have simply left the establishment and gone elsewhere as I don't see the point of begging a business to serve you of they don't want to.

But intentionally making me wait for 45 mins when you could have simply barred from your establishment is I think intolerable.

I'm happy to be told that my kind are not welcome here as opposed to being invited in, and then be subjected to rude and disrespectful behaviour all for the sake of a simple steak meal, that I could have prepared at home.

It would have spared me the racial prejudice I was subjected to.

I guess my business was not really wanted in this establishment, but the staff just didn't have the guts to tell me so.

Atleast now I know better. Outback Steak house. I will tell you this. I'm a human being like any other. I bleed red, I speak English, I walk on two legs. But I'm not pale or light skinned. I guess this lack of pale skin is enough for your staff to consider me not worthy of service.

Perhaps your staff have been taught that Africans are disease ridden, filth, dirt and stench carries. Perhaps they have been taught that Africans ar robbers, thieves and murderers and hence should not be approached

That's ok. I understand. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and has a choice of whom they interact with.

I atleast know this now, and will atleast know to avoid your establishment and not waste mine or your...

Had a really nice time at Outback Steakhouse in Penrith. The location is spot on inside the Panthers Complex and there’s heaps of parking, which makes it super convenient. It’s also a big venue with plenty of space, so it’s great for families, groups, or just a casual night out.

The best part for me was the service. The staff were all so friendly and welcoming. From the moment we walked in, we were looked after really well. Everyone was smiling, helpful, and made sure we had everything we needed. It gave the place a really nice vibe.

Food-wise, I started with the crispy calamari and it was excellent. Light, crunchy, not greasy at all, and the aioli sauce that came with it was delicious. Definitely something I’d order again.

I also tried the Outback Special sirloin steak. This was actually my first time trying steak, so I wasn’t totally sure what to expect. The flavour was really good and the seasoning was on point, but it felt a little overcooked for my taste. The sides though were spot on—the fries were crunchy and tasty, and the salad was super fresh.

The chargrilled chicken was another dish I had. It came with mushroom sauce, veggies, and coleslaw. The flavour was great and the outside was nicely cooked, but the middle was a bit overdone, so it wasn’t as juicy as I’d hoped. Still good overall though.

For drinks, I went with the mango daiquiri. Loved the fruity mango and lime flavour, but it was a bit too sweet for me.

Overall, it’s a really nice place with a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and tasty food. A couple of dishes were slightly overcooked, but nothing that ruined the experience. It is a little pricey, but definitely worth treating yourself every now and then. I’d happily come back and try some of the other dishes on the...

BEST FOOD EVER!

OMG, how can they produce 10/10 food like this to complete strangers walking in off the street?

Called into this place at random today for lunch and was left absolutely speechless after dining here.

We started of with an entree of "Crispy Calamari" in breadcrumbs. This dish melted in our mouths. I've NEVER had calamari like this in my life. It was to die for. I could have easily had a mains of just this. WOW!

Next, we ordered a 185gm Prawn topped fillet steak with mash and veggies, and Garlic prawn sirloin with chips and veggies.

Now, I don't know about you, but it's rare to find a soft, tender piece of steak without any fatty, tough sinews. This piece of meat looked and tasted out of this world. Every mouthful was an absolute joy to eat. Even the steamed veggies and mash were cooked to perfection. It was one of those meals that made you sad when it came to an end.

My Mrs steak was cooked well done, just how she likes it and was a culinary creation if excellence. Her veggies were also cooked perfectly.

Afterwards we both looked at each other and shook our heads. Neither of us had words to describe what we had just eaten.

We finished off with a Cheesecake. We were both a bit hesitant to order desert as we didn't want to possibly ruin an otherwise perfect dining experience with an ordinary Cheesecake. Could they manage to produce THREE perfect dishes? Surely not. But, to their credit, they served up a beautifully balanced cheesecake that was neither too sweet or bland. It was PERFECT!

Well done guys, you are culinary freaks of nature and I say that with admiration and respect.

Try this place just once, you'll...