The Vault — Restaurant in Tasmania

Everything about this restaurant drew us in. The online menu and website was interesting, fresh and promised something that reflected the local produce. The atmosphere and environment was slightly Melbournesk, an old bank converted into a contemporary restaurant.

The interiors were well set up; good seating, gorgeous bar and a confident welcome. The cracks appeared when we ordered our drink. Being on holiday we decided to splash out with a couple of cocktails. Orders were taken and then a few minutes later we were informed that key ingredients were missing. Further perusal of the menu left me flat, so I asked for a Tom Collins. I was met with...’oh actually that cocktail comes as a mixer. Not many people know that.’ Now, I may not have worked in hospitality for many years, but even I know that that is rubbish. A Tom Collins is a classic and much loved cocktail that includes basic ingredients. I have ordered and received delicious versions from some of the most remote locations in Tasmania. But hey, we were on holiday, had experienced a wonderful beach walk earlier and loved our local accommodation at the Waterfront Wynyard...so we were keen for a relaxed evening of good food. I found an alternative cocktail and we studied the menu.

We love to share food, and to expand our experience we often order many dishes to share. The entrees on this menu were much more interesting than the mains, so we chose three entrees, a bowl of fries and the house salad. A few minutes later the waitress reappeared to inform us that some of the ingredients were missing and that due to the potato shortage we could not order a side of fries. We were informed that the only way we could eat fries was if we ordered a main course.

We were slightly perplexed but ordered the steak; a medium rare 260g 28 day aged Cape Grim grass red Scotch for $48. It arrived warm and undercooked. It was so unpleasant to eat that we left half uneaten. When we politely expressed our disappointment to the waitress, she apologised, but there was no free glass of wine or follow up from the Manger who stood close by.

Hilariously the steak arrived sitting on top of two large potatoes with a stack of fries next to it. So much for a potato shortage.

We wanted to enjoy this restaurant. It was in a fantastic location, and we were happy to spend a bit of cash on a good experience. Sitting in the food basket of Tasmania this should have been a positive experience. However $175 later, we left disappointed.

The walk back to the Waterfront Wynyard was picturesque and the next night we ate delicious Thai takeaway from Rusty Iron Thai Restaurant Wynyard.

We hope that our experience at The Vault was a one-off, and we may try it again as we genuinely try to support our regional cafes and...

We arrived on time at 11.45 for lunch and were see through, unfortunately no one initially acknowledged us. We were finally pointed to a table and about 10 minutes later the drinks menu was placed on the table we waited for at least 20 minutes from our arrival to place our order. Only 4 of us at the table and no one else was in the room where we were seated. The meal was delicious. We were offered coffee and deserts. We placed our order and before it was received another waitress then asked us all “to leave the restaurant as two people from the next reservation had arrived early and were waiting”

As we left our food orders had not been recorded. We had to tell them what we had eaten. My mother and sister had come from Hobart to enjoy Mother’s Day. I drove up from Waratah. Our dining experience was very upsetting and the staff where rude. To be asked to leave before 1.00pm really upset us all. As we were leaving staff told us they allow 1 and 1/2 hours? I was half way through my drink. Which they poured into a take away container. What?? The way we where treated was humiliating and upset us all and for a Restaurant that I had recommended to the Waratah Bowling club this experience was most unpleasant.

As a result of this experience I have suggested to the Waratah bowlers not to make the effort.

The waitress asked us how our meals were, before we had even had the chance to taste it.

Very disappointing service, It is a shame as it really let this dining...

As regular visitors from 'the Mainland' the past eight years, Wynyard and The Vault we know well.

Tonight, under the new ownership of Jesse and Navendra, it was exceptional dining in a NW Tasmanian town of just 6,000 population.

The menu, utilising Navendra's US training and Sydney experiences, offered a well designed menu featuring excellent local produce (superb Tarkine oysters, Cape Grim Scotch Fillet) every mouthful delicious.

The warm and cosy ambience of this old converted bank is the add-on. Visitors to the loos are in for a great surprise!

Lastly, and most importantly, we were impressed by the cheerful welcome by Jesse and her hand-picked front of house staff. Service was well delivered and timely.

An incredible drinks menu featured 3 pages of Whisky, 3 of cocktails, plus an excellent selection of local and overseas wines.

The raspberry sorbet to finish was declared by hubby as the best ever sorbet in his 80 years!

We highly recommend The Vault for dinners, also their breakfasts, lunches and all day coffee and...