Le Chile Cafe — Restaurant in Tamborine Mountain

This is a rustic and quiet retreat that can be easily missed when wandering along Gallery Walk. It is set back quite a distance from the footpath and partially hidden by trees. It doesn't look like a cafe at first from the street because at the front they have gelato, Belgian chocolates and giftware/jewellery. But once you walk inside and then go onto the deck at the back and side of the little shop, you will be pleasantly surprised. It is a very relaxing place with lots of foliage around and a very casual, welcoming vibe. My husband and I discovered this place a few years and have returned whenever we are on the mountain. We have tried a number of dishes as well as the coffee and been really happy each time. On our most recent visit I had the lentil soup and my husband had the meatballs. I loved the soup! It was hearty and full of flavour with leeks, onion, chilli and more. It was a generous serving and was accompanied by crispy and yummy bread. My husband loved the meatballs, which came with some carrot, thick slices of baked potatoes and rice. He said the flavours were delicious and that the meal was much better than many he's had out at cafes or restaurants. I tried some of his dish and I agreed it was a well made dish with plenty of rich flavours. The service is friendly and quick. We also bought large mixed berry fruit tart to take home and it was delicious with great pastry. This is not a fine dining restaurant and it's not trying to be - it is a casual cafe, but after several visits I consider this place deserves 5 stars because they do everything well and better than dozens of restaurants I've been to. The cooking is honest, homestyle, satisfying and the type of meals that are nuturing and that bring a sense of comfort. The Chiliean owners do all the cooking and they clearly work hard to try to deliver good experiences for their customers. This place is...

A Right Shambles at Le Chile Café on Tamborine Mountain

Continuing our grand Australian road trip, the old man and I found ourselves at Gallery Walk on Tamborine Mountain. Feeling peckish, we decided to give Le Chile Café a go. Little did we know, it would turn out to be quite the adventure – and not in a good way!

First thing I clocked was this hideous chef statue out front. Couldn't help but laugh at it. "Oi, look at this daft thing!" I says to the old man, giving it a poke and a flick. Had a right laugh at that.

Curiosity got the better of me, so I peeked into the kitchen. To my shock, I saw the staff washing dishes with their bare hands! "Blimey," I thought, "that's a bit dodgy." I nudged the old man, "Have a butchers at this! They're washin' up like we're back in the dark ages!"

We ordered our grub, and when it arrived, I couldn't believe my mince pies. There was a hair right in the middle of my enchilada! "SHIVER ME TIMBERS!" I bellowed, completely gobsmacked. In a fit of disgust, I punched the enchilada, sending it soaring through the air. "Look out!" I shouted, as it hit the clock on the wall and fell through a crack in the floor. Talk about a scene!

To top it all off, while I was fuming over the food, a cheeky magpie swooped in and pecked me on the head from behind. "Oi, get off, you blighter!" I shouted, swatting at it. The old man was in stitches, "That's what you get for stirrin' up that statue!"

The whole experience was an absolute shambles. Unhygienic, horrible, and a right mess. "Never again," I says to the old man as we left. "Le Chile Café, you've got a lot to learn about proper food service and cleanliness."

Cheers, A Thoroughly...

Every time I come to Mt Tambourine I eat at this restaurant. Today the standard was very poor. I firstly ordered and was charged for a menu item that I came, from Brisbane to eat (empanadas). Five minutes after ordering the waitress came to our table to tell us they were sold out and any item we ordered would have to be paid for at the higher (or lower) charge. If it was pre order it would’ve been fine to charge me as it was my decision, at this point you’ve taken my money.

After waiting at least 45mins for food what came was extremely small (for an $18 burrito.) I’m not a big eater either but this was just ridiculous.

Finally, we then attempted to order coffee and cake. After waiting a few minutes at the counter with what I would presume to be the owner, she refused to acknowledge me. When she finally did, she was extremely rude and she went on a rant about how busy she was and she can’t do everything,etc etc. I was shocked and just froze, I couldn’t believe that someone with a customer service business would speak to a customer like that. I’m still shaking with how I was treated. Needless to say we won’t be coming back and felt strongly that people like this should be called out as it’s very unnecessary no matter what is happening in your own personal or...