TERROR ON THE DOMAIN I live locally and took my family to the terrace when it first re-opened after renos, for breakfast, as I knew the guy who did the design work on it at White Group. The food and service were average, but it had just opened so perhaps teething problems. It had no vibe at all, as we were the only ones there, on a Saturday morning, but , again, it had just re-opened. Strangely, the kiosk at the front only does takeaway coffee. Drinking a long black coffee from a takeaway cup is most unpleasant. So, I asked why they only did take away. They said that we can get sit down coffees in the restaurant, when it re-opened (after lockdown). Lo and behold, after a morning walk around Mrs Macquaries 2 weeks ago, I saw the terrace had re-opened and thought sitting down and having a coffee might be nice. So, I stopped. I was rather rudely told that I couldnt have a coffee as they were fully booked. There were a 3-4 tables free, but I took him on his word, live and let live, and went on my way. I tried again last Sunday, after a morning walk, thinking that with the some light rain there wouldn't be many people there, which was the case. There was no-one at the main door, so I entered (fully masked) and went over to the waiters and asked if I could get a coffee. The rather unpleasant guy, who turned me away 2 weeks previously, emerged and told me that they had a number of bookings and they could not serve me, telling me I could get a coffee at the kiosk. I looked around the restaurant and not surprising for 10.30 on a drizzly Sunday only a handful of tables were occupied. All of them were drinking coffee. I pointed this out to this rather uncivil fellow, and mentioned they only did takeaway coffee at the kiosk. He started to get quite unpleasant and rude, telling me I had entered the main door (which was wide open) and I should have stayed there, waiting for someone. There were no signs to that effect however, and the place was largely empty on the inside. He said all the people drinking coffee were waiting for food (not a good sign because none of them had any... unless of course they all happened to enter at the same time? or maybe he was gilding the lily, after all, we were next door to the Botanic Gardens..). He again indicated I could get a coffee at the kiosk. I said, once more, I didn't want a take away coffee. I wanted to sit down. He told me to leave and not to come back because I was arguing with him ??????!!! Presumably, this fellow doesn't like his job. Or perhaps thinks it might be easier if he didn't have any customers. My gawd, what an incredibly unpleasant, ugly vibe, juxtapositioned with such a beautiful location. Such a terrible shame. As a local of more than 20 year, I will not be going back again. I certainly wont be recommending it to any friends or family; I wont be taking any clients there and wont be opting for it as a function venue. The manager is obviously oblivious to the butterfly effect. Maybe the manager got some joy out of stopping me sitting down for 10 min for a coffee. On the cost/benefit axis though, was it really worth it ??? I hope management at White Group have a word with this uptight, obnoxious, graceless fellow, hopefully finding someone with a more chilled, serene disposition, more suited to...
Read moreWe attended for Christmas day lunch, which was a set menu at $195.00pp, payable regardless if you showed up or not. There were so many things that were wrong with this experience. We eventually got seated for our 1.30pm booking at 1.50pm to which we were then ignored for approximately 20mins. When we were attended we ordered some drinks and waited. 15mins later the entree was delivered and some 10 mins later the drinks arrived. We had not finished the entree when they started placing the mains on the table in the middle of all the entree dishes. The entree dishes were ok, but how can you really stuff up an antipasto plate, however the mains were disgusting. These comprised of Salmon and gammon hook. My Daughter tried the the salmon first and hated it with a description of 'it is like the frozen fish out of the box from a supermarket', to which everyone else agreed, two large pieces of Salmon were not touched again. The Gammon Hook, was just as bad, it was extremely tough and dry and un edible. We sat waiting for service to return to us and when they did some 30mins later and asked how it was, I said disgusting, hence why it is still all on the table uneaten, to which the response was 'Oh', nothing more than do you want me to clear the plates, I asked for the food to be put into containers and we will take it home for the dog, she returned with containers for us to put the food in after we did this the plates were cleared. We expected the deserts to arrive shortly, but why did we really think that!! After 20mins I asked for the deserts to be brought out and the bill, bill came really quickly! After another 20mins I asked again how long for the deserts and was informed 5 other people had ordered deserts at the same time, not sure why this should be an issue for what were pre made deserts sitting in a fridge. After another 15mins a asked again and she said she would chase, 10mins later they arrived. We ate these paid the bill and left. The venue was noisy to which it was hard to hold a conversation, it was hot and stuffy. I even asked for a table outside to which I was informed tables get allocated, however for the whole experience tables were free outside. Service was some of the worst I have ever experienced for food as well as drinks, in which we only had one drink for the whole time. Plenty of staff on but not good a serving the customers One exception to the lack of service was the lovely lady who kept on offering us water, to which we were very grateful. This was a experience I want to forget and it ruined our...
Read more"Terrace on the Domain" isn't just a restaurant; it's an experience. From the moment you step onto the elegant terrace overlooking the lush greenery, you're enveloped in an atmosphere of refined tranquility. My recent visit surpassed all expectations, primarily due to the exceptional food and the unparalleled service provided by Euge and Chelsea. Let's begin with the food. It's clear that the kitchen team at Terrace on the Domain operates with a passion for quality and innovation. The attention to detail extended beyond the plating. Each course arrived at the perfect temperature, and the portion sizes were generous without being overwhelming. However, the true highlight of my dining experience was the exceptional service provided by Euge and Chelsea. Their warmth and genuine hospitality made me feel like a valued guest. Euge's knowledge of the menu was extensive, and he offered insightful recommendations, taking into account my preferences. He was attentive without being intrusive, ensuring that my glass was always filled and that I was enjoying my meal. Chelsea, equally charming and efficient, complemented Euge's service perfectly. Her friendly demeanor and genuine smile created a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. She anticipated my needs before I even voiced them, seamlessly navigating the dining room and ensuring every guest felt special. Their collaborative effort was a masterclass in professional service. They worked in perfect synchronicity, demonstrating a level of teamwork that elevated the entire dining experience. It wasn't just about taking orders and delivering food; it was about creating a memorable and enjoyable occasion. Terrace on the Domain, with its stunning setting, exquisite food, and the exceptional service of Euge and Chelsea, is a true gem. It's a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge in a truly remarkable dining experience. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone seeking a special occasion meal or simply a delightful lunch or dinner. You won't be...
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