Capital Bistro — Restaurant in Victoria

I stayed in the Choice motel adjoining which listed on it's site that it had a restaurant, so decided to try it. The entree was good, Haloumi chips. I ordered medium well steak for the main. The first attempt came out seared on the outside and uncooked inside. I drew it to their attention and the second one was perfect. I ordered a 1/4 strength not too hot cappuccino at the end of the meal. The first one that came out, was strong enough to chew, and cold, the second one was too hot but I drank it. Then it came time to pay. The bill was $90.00 for dinner and drinks, that was OK steaks are pricey. The man said the amount, $90.00, the EFTPOS machine said $90.00, so I paid $90.00 (or so I thought), and went back to my room. I got ready for bed, and plugged my phone in to charge, and that's when I noticed that I had been charged $91.17, not $90.00. I was in pjs so rang to enquire and got motel reception who then told me they have nothing to do with the restaurant (the site needs to be updated then). They put me through to the restaurant. The guy told me that $1.17 is a service charge for using a card to pay. I reminded him that he had told me the bill was $90.00, and he entered that in the machine, so our 'contract' was for $90.00. I allowed them to access my account for $90.00, no more. They accessed my account fraudulently and took extra funds from my account. That's theft/deception. He said it was nothing to do with them, that it was the machine that charged me not them - well, considering the funds went into their account, that's not correct. If there is a charge, it should be and usually is, part of the transaction not secretly and fraudulently stolen from a customer's bank account after the transaction. He said next time I come in they'd refund the money - I won't be back. Not...

Yesterday, was my first and last time attending this establishment. To begin with, calling them up a couple of times to book and confirm our booking table of 10. For Saturday, 3pm. Was pleasant and easy going. No problem, very accommodating. Was rather pleased with the service. So, we arrived. Wasn't shown to our table, we had to figure that out for ourselves, we seen a long table and just assumed that it was ours. Ok, maybe I was expecting more. Maybe, it's the new normal. But ok, so anyway. So, it was time to order, up to the counter to do so. All well and good. But, I asked for a coffee, with very minimal milk, no froth and such. Ordered a mint hedgehog slice. It was dry and felt like I nearly needed a chainsaw to slice into it. I had a dessert fork, pushing down with 2 hands just to slice into it, to eat it. I didn't want a main meal. The meals that others had at the table, looked absolutely delicious. And there were rave reviews on these meals.

All was well there. My problem with the establishment is.

My husband cleared up the table, taking our used plates, bowls, cups and cutlery up to the front counter. As, somehow. The staff were to busy at 4 to 4.30pm to clear up. Which I understand. If it was the case. Again, not my complaint. So, my husband went up to the counter to hand the used dishes to the staff. Helping them out. It's just what we do when we go out. A little kindness doesn't hurt. Well, that's what I thought too. But he was told off by a staff member. "You don't put them there" not spoken to nicely at all. Well, if you had done your job in the first place.

I didn't take to kindly to the way he was spoken too. And I usually don't like to leave reviews. But, apparently a bit of kindness isn't appreciated in this place. So, I won't...

Prepare to be amazed!

I popped in here for dinner as I was staying at the Comfort Inn (same building) for work.

I was honestly expecting cafe style chicken schnitty etc, nothing famcy.

W O W

The greeting I received from the ladies felt welcoming & genuine. Thre was a pleasant relaxed feel to the room, which I appreciate dining on my own.

The table layout is nicely spaced, not all cramped up, and the chairs are super comfy.

A quick scan of the menu revealed this was no run of the mill eatery, and when I looked around I noticed quite a few large group bookings (always a good sign too)

Lamb shoulder served on puree with veg… seriously, I was starving, missing lunch, so I tried to pace myself to truly enjoy this meal. The seasoning and flavour of the lamb was perfect, the veges were full of flavour as well. Portion size, temperature, everything with this dish was on point.

If you’ve read any of my previous reviews I’m a dessert first kinda girl, and I was not disappointed with the menu.

Snickers cheesecake for the win, but the presentation… I just smiled and did a little happy dance. This dish looks like chocolate mousse, but no, this dessert is so,so much more. The peanut crusted toffee, the hidden layer of caramel, even the mint was a crisp finish ( I love eating decorative herbs & flowers - sometimes they are a hidden element!)

Chef and team - Thank you so, so much for wowing my tastebuds

Now to start plotting a reason to visit Horsham again.

Definately recommend.

Try to book a table ahead, but they also provide the room service for the...