Willo Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in Sydney

A friend who had a positive experience at this place made the recommendation. For a night out thought it would be something different, especially considering it was rated as a one hatted restaurant.

Making the reservation was easy, the staff who showed us to our table were friendly but from there it went downhill.

Let’s start with our table, located in the foyer of an office building. The art lobby they called it. Nothing art related at all. Bunnings plastic tables. The decor, simple but nothing special. Noted that once the diners left the table cloth was taken off, shaken out beside the table, turned over and reused for the next patrons. Really? Put us offfour food actually.

The service. Staff were friendly enough but for a restaurant that has a rating of 1 hat I would expect a level of service that is attentive to your dining experience. For instance, the entrees came out before the appetisers and before we knew it we had 4 dishes to work through. Almost like it had been prepared for another table but redirected to ours. When we asked about the appetisers coming out after we had our entrees there was a blank look from the wait staff. Normally you would also receive your drinks before any meals come out but they came after we had finished both entrees and appetisers. Once again, unusual but Ok. Going with the flow.

The clincher came when the mains came out.

My squid pasta came wrapped in baking paper and the pasta had all congealed as a solid lump with the seafood in place. The squid was chewy and the pipis tough. It was almost like it had been warmed in a steamer within the baking paper, lumped on a plate and the finer expected to unwrap it. Very odd.

When our sides came out we had to ask the waiter again for utensils to be able to serve our ourself. Attention to detail.

The potatoes sides were supposed to be crunchy as advertised in the menu. They were soft as if they were in a Bain Marie and shoved on a bowl before serving.

Regarding the entrees, the soufflé seemed as if it was rewarmed and the texture was undercooked. The kingfish was most likely the better dish of them all.

Overall, we won’t be coming back. We were not happy with the evening and couldn’t pay for the bill and get out of the place quick enough.

One hat restaurant accredited but somehow didn’t seem to match the service we received. I know of a family restaurant up the road that has better experience, food and atmosphere and they don’t have a one hat rating. I will be going there...

I attended Willo with a reservation on 14th September at 8pm. It was planned for a birthday celebration for my partner and meant to be a joyous occasion. Some feedback:

1. Main door was kept open blowing cold air all night throughout the establishment- can’t imagine why this was left so as it made the interior chilly
2. After we were shown to our table, we were kept waiting a good 15-20 mins before anyone came around to take our order. The staff even apologized and said that the manager would come around to take our order as they were busy.
3. The entrees came fairly quickly and were lovely.
4. The mains took another age to come, (30-45 mins between entree and mains) and I am acutely aware of this as the wait staff come to apologize for the wait and informed us that the food would be coming out soon.
5. After finishing the mains, we waited a long time again before anyone came to attend to us to clear the table and asked if we wanted desserts. The staff asked how the meal was, I responded that it was ok- she said ‘just ok, not amazing?’. I personally thought the mains were average, but it would have been fine if not for the lengthy wait throughout. Assuming she said that also because she was used to people saying that everything was ‘amazing’. Additionally, after hearing that response, she didn’t say anything else and proceeded to clear the plates. Perhaps an education session on service recovery to staff would be appropriate.
6. We did order some dessert and knowing that it was my partner’s birthday, they kindly organized a sorbet dessert for celebration. It was a thoughtful gesture which I appreciated. However, by that time, we were left with a pretty sour taste in our mouths by the whole experience and found it hard to find the affair cheerful. For an 8pm dinner, we left close to 11pm when the restaurant was closing, and it wasn’t because we were eating continuously and having a great time. Overall a very disappointing experience that marred what was suppose to be a happy occasion for celebration. I received an email from Steve Jreji (Director) the next day requesting for feedback on the experience which I promptly provided as above. I guess a response was not warranted because I never heard back. Which led to greater disappointment, indicating service does not seem to be at the forefront of this...

A Culinary Gem in Parramatta: Willo restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Parramatta, Willo's exudes an undeniable charm that goes beyond its delightful decor and warm ambiance. From the moment you step through its inviting doors, you are greeted not only by impeccable service but also by an atmosphere that promises an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu at Willo's is a testament to culinary excellence, blending innovative flavours with classic dishes to create a symphony for the senses. Whether you're a connoisseur of fine dining or simply seeking a delightful meal, there's something to entice every palate.

Start your journey with their tantalising appetisers, each crafted with meticulous attention to detail. The freshness of their ingredients shines through in every bite, setting the stage for what's to come. Each dish is a masterpiece, expertly prepared and presented with artistic flair.

The wine list at Willo's is equally impressive, featuring a selection that complements their menu flawlessly. Whether you prefer a crisp white to accompany your seafood or a robust red to enhance the flavors of your steak, their knowledgeable staff will guide you to the perfect pairing.

Beyond the exquisite cuisine, Willo's prides itself on creating an atmosphere that fosters warmth and relaxation. The attentive staff ensures that every need is met with a smile, making each visit feel like a special occasion. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply enjoying an evening out, Willo's provides the ideal backdrop for cherished moments.

In conclusion, dining at Willo's in Parramatta is more than just a meal; it's a journey into the artistry of food and hospitality. With its inviting ambiance, exceptional cuisine, and impeccable service, Willo's stands as a beacon of culinary excellence in the heart of Parramatta. For anyone seeking a memorable dining experience, Willo's comes highly recommended as a place where every visit is sure to...