The Boatshed Pyrmont — Restaurant in Sydney

Great food let down by incompetent, almost non existent service.

We had a reservation for 6 people for my mum's 70th and arrived on time to be told we had to wait until a table was ready. 10/15 minutes later we were given a table that could fit 4 people next to a smelly internal bin/cleaning area. In my reservation I mentioned my mum's birthday hoping for a nice table with a view but with no expectations. Given a table too small and next to a cleaning area wasn't a great start.

We ordered a bottle of bubbles which then took forever to arrive. While waiting we saw another table next to us leaving and asked 3 different waiters if we could move tables just to get away from the smell. Each one said they needed to check with the manager and after no one came back for 10 or so minutes we somewhat forced the move by getting up ourselves to get their attention.

Then we were ready to order food but couldn't get any waiters attention. When we did, we ordered the seafood platter for 4 and a couple of extra dishes. We also ordered a bottle of wine.

Another long wait, this time with a couple of empty glasses which always makes the wait seem longer. Finally one waiter returned with a glass of wine. We explained the mistake that we ordered a bottle and assumed it would be quick to go back and get a bottle but no. The restaurant was busy but it's no excuse for how long everything was taking. Again we followed up with different service people at times but no success.

Half the food then arrives and we explain again we are waiting for a bottle of wine. The half the food that arrives is the hot platter which then gets cold while we wait for the other half of the food which includes the cold platter. Why you wouldn't serve the cold platter first seems dumb to me but whatever. The rest of the food comes about 5 mins later and eventually the bottle of wine arrives but the waiter brings one glass. Comical.

The food was great. A good selection of hot and cold seafood and it could be world class if it was simply accompanied with any level of competent service that got the basic things right.

After lunch we asked what they had for dessert as there was nothing in the menu only to be told we had to scan a barcode off the table to see. By then we couldn't be bothered.

Got up to pay the bill. Was just under $500 which included an additional 10 or 15% surcharge for the public holiday.

Would I recommend it? No. Maybe if it's quiet and you have...

Their lobster special with ginger and shallots is a nice surprise in a fish market. You would normally expect this in a traditional Hong Kong restaurant in Chinatown. It is an excellent dish full of flavor and the presentation is very satisfying. I guess they coat chucks of lobster meat with corn starch and fry it, so each piece would absorb the maximum amount of broth. The egg noodles are very tasty and chewy. The lobster meat is bouncy and firm, so you know it’s fresh. I wondered whether they stir fly the ginger and shallots in cooking wine first, because the umami is so strong and well balanced.

————— Went there again the next day and was very disappointed. I ordered the lobster special with Singapore chili and egg noodle. It didn’t taste like live lobster at all and I couldn’t find much meat. With few small chunks I can find, the meat was tough and soft just like you would expect from the dead lobster you buy from supermarket. I think it’s because I ordered the Singapore chili, which is a thick egg-based sauce that is easy to hide low quality meat. I don’t think people go all the way to the fish market would expect this level of low quality seafood. While other shops in the market offer live lobster special for $89, this restaurant charges $98. I like the chef’s confidence by charging more, and that’s why I went for the first time. The lobster was excellent on the first day, and all lobster meat chucks were bouncy and delicious. But the second lobster was a huge disappointment, very few tiny meat checks and no meat in all lobster legs. All other shops emphasized “live lobster“ on their sign, I remember this restaurant called it “Lobster special” instead of “Live lobster,” so they are not obliged to serve live lobster. Hence a 3-star...

If you're a seafood enthusiast like me, then this restaurant in Fish Market Pyrmont is an absolute must-visit! From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu is a treasure trove of delectable seafood dishes, each one crafted with absolute finesse. From succulent grilled lobster to perfectly seared scallops, every bite is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to serving the freshest and most flavorful seafood.

One of the highlights of my visit was the impeccable service. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and offered excellent recommendations, ensuring that every dish exceeded my expectations. Their attention to detail and willingness to accommodate dietary preferences made the experience even more enjoyable.

The presentation of each dish was a work of art in itself, with vibrant colors and intricate plating that showcased the chef's creativity. It was evident that every plate was diligently crafted with utmost care and precision.

The flavors were simply outstanding—the seafood was tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The menu also offers a variety of sauces and seasonings that complemented the seafood beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

In terms of ambiance, the restaurant strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort.

Overall, this seafood restaurant surpassed all my expectations. From the impeccable flavors to the top-notch service and stunning presentation, every aspect of the dining experience was exceptional. I highly recommend this restaurant to all seafood lovers out there. You won't be...