Meribella — Restaurant in Terrigal

We live in Sydney but were offered the locals treat which we took up for two nights and then added an extra night. The first night, the food was great - duck gnocchi and the tuna for entrees and pork belly and the pea risotto for mains. The tuna entree was minuscule compared with the duck gnocchi, such a disparity in meal size never being a good look. However, we both very much enjoyed both courses. The next night, I persuaded my husband to have the duck gnocchi as they were so great the night before. I had them also - and what a disappointment!! The herbaceous topping on the gnocchi was so salty that all herb flavouring was lost!! Not only was the dish incredibly salty but the quantity and size of the gnocchi was far less than the previous night. I mentioned this to a very charming wait lady. Such was the difference in the dish from the night before I asked if perhaps someone else was doing the gnocchi that night. She said she would mention it to the kitchen and came back and said that the chef declared the dishes were the same both nights!! The lady was so nice and I didn't want to make any trouble for her, so I left it at that. However, that was rubbish and almost insulting as within 24 hours I'd eaten the same dish twice - once with sublime enjoyment and then with only salt being the predominant flavour. The dishes didn't even look the same on both nights! For main we had the barramundi (husband) and I had the steak. The skin of the barramundi was so salty that it overpowered the flavour of the fish. Disappointing again. The steak was ok, nothing special but at least not buried in salt. It's hard to comprehend that the two evenings were supervised by the same management. Additionally the wait for the meals was very long on the second night. After the first night, we so looked forward to the second but it was a huge disappointment. When mentioning our disappointment to the staff member when we left, he was so incredibly apologetic. It was not his fault but he could not have expressed more concern. He was amazing as were all the staff on both evenings. No complaints with...

My partner and I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Meribella Restaurant and Bar during our recent stay at the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, and it was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere enveloped us in a perfect blend of sophistication and warmth—elegant yet inviting, as we rekindled our anniversary with an intimate dinner—a passionate do-over that wove an even deeper magic into the night. The ambiance struck just the right note, offering a serene escape with impeccable attention to detail in its decor and lighting.

The customer service was exemplary, a true standout that set Meribella apart. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about ensuring our experience was flawless. Every interaction—from the warm greeting to the thoughtful recommendations—was delivered with a level of care that made us feel like valued guests rather than just diners. Their seamless coordination allowed us to relax and savor the evening without a single hitch.

As for the food, it was a masterclass in quality and presentation, showcasing the finest ingredients prepared with skill and creativity. The menu delighted us with highlights like the Grilled Prawns, which were succulent and bursting with flavor, perfectly complemented by the slow-cooked sugarloaf cabbage and parsnip. The steaks—Black Angus and the Wagyu Ribeye—were cooked to perfection, tender and rich, adding depth and elegance to each bite. The warm, soft, crisp Sourdough, was a revelation—flavorful and the ideal start to the meal. The Heirloom Tomato’s provided a fresh, vibrant counterpoint to the richer dishes, rounding out an unforgettable culinary experience.

Meribella Restaurant and Bar is a gem within the Crowne Plaza Terrigal Pacific, delivering an outstanding trifecta of atmosphere, service, and food quality. It’s a dining experience I’d wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking excellence in Terrigal—worthy of every one of its five stars. We’ll undoubtedly return to relive this...

My experience with Meribella was unpleasant, particularly with the booking system and the lack of courtesy and professionalism as a fine dining restaurant. I took the time to write an email explaining my experience, however, did not receive any form of response including automated one. Therefore, it is fair that I write publicly to inform future customers.

My partner and I were looking forward to celebrate our anniversary at their restaurant but were surprised when we arrived, that there are two sections to their dining experience – the bar and the restaurant.

We had booked a table for Monday via their online reservation system, and only upon arrival did we learn that the restaurant section is closed on Mondays. While we found this out when we arrived when we were presented with a menu that was different from what we had seen online, it was not clear to new guests like us during the booking system. When I asked the waitress where the a la carte menu was, she explained that the restaurant is closed on Mondays and operates on some days only. Unfortunately, had we known this earlier, we would have chosen a different date to ensure we experience the dining experience. As we were already seated, we ordered a drink each and a couple of small bites before heading to another restaurant for the experience that we wished for our anniversary dinner.

We wrote them a suggestion that might help future guests, especially first-time visitors like us to explicitly mention on their booking page that the restaurant is opened for the dining experience on some days only - a small adjustment that would help set clearer expectations.

We were looking forward to visiting them next time. However, since our feedback was not responded or acknowledged by Mirabella, this lack of courtesy and professionalism does not make us want...