The Mallow — Restaurant in Victoria

Service was bad, food was worse. Have been here several times but recently it’s just gone really down hill in the dining area. We’re greeted by friendly staff who then disappeared and wouldn’t stop chatting amongst themselves, as we tried to get service (the only table in the dining room). 5 people for lunch, meals came out in twos a few minutes apart, except for the vegetable soup (if you could call it that) which came out 5-10 minutes after everyone else’s meals (which were already only lukewarm and had to be started). We actually had to ask if they’d forgotten and it came out shortly after. There was cold beetroot on top of the pumpkin pizza (which tasted like it had just come out of a can and been placed on top) and the pizza was essentially pumpkin purée on bread, which was so cold that the grated cheese garnish on top wasn’t even slightly melted. There were a lot of flies everywhere in the dining room further making it an unpleasant experience. We shared our meals with the woman that ordered the soup as the soup wasn’t edible, tasted like salty dishwater and looked like someone had grabbed a can or dry sachet of soup and stick blended it with salt. We shouldn’t have paid for any of the horrible meals but only asked for the soup to be refunded but were given a $3 credit only, as that’s all the staff member was authorised to do and he would get anyone else. Wouldn’t recommend and won’t be returning there again, much much better places for eating...

Wife and I had a belated Valentine's dinner after hearing good word of mouth reports from people I trust. Menu quite varied but includes traditional pub grub. Commenced with pork belly donuts which, although slightly dark, still scored 9/10 and chicken wings were also yummy. |Main courses of fish and chips and chicken parma (I know doesn't sound adventurous or romantic but wait...). Parma was best I have ever enjoyed and I'm and elderly codger, crumb coating was thin but well attached, chips superb, salad terrific and topping light but tasty. Wife's fish beautifully battered and chips/salad same as mine. Shared brownie with raspberry coulis, salted caramel and vanilla ice cream also top notch.|Service was well beyond what we have been disappointed to experience in so many other local restaurants. Attentive and responsive without overwhelming. This is by far the most enjoyable meal we have had in Ballarat in 15 years and I include Catfish in that consideration! We will soon be back to try the less traditiobal offerings. If you enjoy good food and service don't...

Wife and I had a belated Valentine's dinner after hearing good word of mouth reports from people I trust. Menu quite varied but includes traditional pub grub. Commenced with pork belly donuts which, although slightly dark, still scored 9/10 and chicken wings were also yummy. |Main courses of fish and chips and chicken parma (I know doesn't sound adventurous or romantic but wait...). Parma was best I have ever enjoyed and I'm and elderly codger, crumb coating was thin but well attached, chips superb, salad terrific and topping light but tasty. Wife's fish beautifully battered and chips/salad same as mine. Shared brownie with raspberry coulis, salted caramel and vanilla ice cream also top notch.|Service was well beyond what we have been disappointed to experience in so many other local restaurants. Attentive and responsive without overwhelming. This is by far the most enjoyable meal we have had in Ballarat in 15 years and I include Catfish in that consideration! We will soon be back to try the less traditiobal offerings. If you enjoy good food and service don't...