Hooked on Bellerive — Restaurant in Tasmania

We were baffled as to why this little place wasn’t buzzing on a semi decent day in Hobart, and once we engaged the staff we quickly found out.

We ordered one meal as we just wanted to share some fish and chips - a common practice amongst a lot of takeaways, restaurants, cafes and bistros across the world. We were given a number on a ticket, despite dining in, which is uncommon. I guess remembering where people sit if you only have 10 tables is extremely difficult - couple this with only 2 other diners and it’s a maelstrom of confusion for staff. When our food arrived our number wasn’t called or our ticket removed - crisis averted.

Ordering was simple enough. The staff confirmed that the fish was ‘fresh, yet all of it comes frozen.’ Their understanding of fresh is obviously confused to the dictionary meaning.

Anyway, that wasn’t the issue. As detailed in many of the reviews we read, we asked for another set of cutlery. The waitress simply said no, we don’t do that. I then asked if we get to keep the cutlery, to which the waitress replied ‘because of Covid’. The fact we didn’t get another set of cutlery only amused us as the reviews had pre warned us of the abruptness of staff and the torrent of abuse that awaits - and we weren’t disappointed.

What my issue is is that none of this behaviour they exhibit is signed, written or explained anywhere. They take your money and then they tell you ‘no, it’s not happening’.

As a business you have every right to stick to your health plan, refuse entry, change what you want or not change, and be as rude or polite to people as you choose. The level of sarcasm, rudeness and outright damage you to do your own business is laughable when reading your reviews and the majority of it could be avoided by proactive communication. Instead, you choose to respond, with what are dim witted comments obviously once you’ve had a few and your ability to have a semblance of sympathy or understanding has gone.

To provide balance and a review on the food, it was great, and if it wasn’t for the short sighted owners/operators this place would have a line...

Tourist and family read this before you go. This is a non kid friendly restaurant, I got friends visiting from Melbourne with their kids and stopped for a bite to eat as this restaurant is recommended by a foodie. we thought it might be worth to try. we ordered 3 meals to share with our kids. we've ask for more set of cutlery after we paid. Their staff refused and be rude. She said that one set of cutlery for one meal as per COVID and we have to order more meals to have extra cutlery. I cannot believe how ridiculous that sharing cutlery within one household will spread the virus. We are not sharing food with strangers that we don't know!!! if so, they shouldn't allow people to dine in.

Maybe that the reason why I saw two kids before us, the staff refused them to share. they had ordered two same meals and just finished 1/5 of their meal before they left. I feel sorry for the kids and waste of food.

For food, we have ordered fish and chips and two caesar salad. Food are just average and seafood are not so fresh. You can get better seafood somewhere else.

I don't recommend this place for tourist and family with kid. Because, I do not agree the way they take advantage of customers.

replay to the owner response below All my friends just landed on that day, and they didn't have catch a plane. so please don't make up your own story. In regards to social distancingI measurement, with your size of dining or sit-down area should no more than 6 diner(only our table have 7 people with an other diner in as the same, I i'm pretty sure that your table is not reaching the 1.5 social distance requirement. you might be breaking the rules. you refused to give cutlery, what you responded below is nothing to do with that. I m sure that a lot of fish and chip places will...

If you've read some of the glowing reviews here that state how wonderful this place is, and how warm and welcoming the owner is, I can personally confirm that they are true. My wife and I were visiting family and we were excited to try this place on the water. Twas an especially cold morning with freezing wind, but when we stepped into this cosy little restaurant, we immediately thawed out with the overhead radiating heaters. View of water was so relaxing, especially with the sunlight sparkling on the surface. And just as other reviewers have commented, owner was EXTREMELY upbeat and welcoming and we immediately felt like we definitely wanted to try this place. Wide selection of yummy cakes that can be paired with a coffee for $13 (?) and simple but delicious menu that includes a range of fish and chip options, as well as souvlakis. Tried some fish and chips and a chicken souvlaki. Fish and chips portion size ok in my opinion, but would have liked a bit more on the plate (hence 4 stars for food). But all cooked really nicely! Owner confirmed that, upon request, they offer a great GLUTEN FREE BATTER (cooked in DEDICATED FRYER) for their fish and chip options, and chips are also gluten free. Small portion of salad on side was good but came served with dressing that I wasn't personally that keen on. Keep in mind and maybe ask for no dressing or dressing on the side if you're not a huge fan of salad dressing. Chicken souvlaki was tasty but I personally prefer a souv that is a bit fatter and loaded up with a bit more meat (other reason for 4 stars for food). But all in all, I highly recommend this place and don't think you will be disappointed. And so much appreciation for the owner who goes above and beyond in trying to make your experience a wonderful one. Definitely try...