Hidden River Estate — Restaurant in Western Australia

I have enjoyed this place very much over the years but I don’t know if they had the c team on during our recent visit but it was not the event I’d come to expect.The meal and the experience was so disappointing i even wondered if it had changed hands! Asparagus with haloumi for starters was tasty except the haloumi was such a think wedge, while the outside was nicely browned, the inside was cold and ‘uncooked’. It may have had something to do with the timing. I have heard of speed dating but not of speed eating - we were seated and within a very few minutes asked for our food and drinks order. We probably got our drinks within three to four minutes and out entrees about a minute later.I’ve waited longer for a hamburger. We made mention of how quickly the entrees arrived and the pleasant but slightly offhand woman serving simply giggled. Our plates were whisked away within a minute of our completing the entrees and the mains arrived incredibly quickly. No sitting and relaxing or allow resting space between courses.The lamb chops were not trimmed or frenched and had a fair quantity of fat attached - as the lamb was served rare the fat was not rendered or charred. It really was very ordinary and not particularly pleasant to eat.The grain and spices - said to be sumac but we couldn't detect it - the lamb nestled on were actually just a kind of tasteless mass of gloop. The pork belly was tough and the puy lentils and mashed pea bed had also surprisingly little taste. I’d had this dish before and it had been delicious. One of us opted for halva tiramisu for dessert. We’d watched various ice cream combos come past in glasses and remarked how they’d all looked exactly the same. The tiramisu appeared identical - a mass of white dairy stuff kind of splodged in a glass. Not much flavour and certainly no finesse or pride in serving it. Our meal was over so quickly -we’d driven several hours to get to the restaurant- we felt like we’d barely arrived. We mentioned the speed of the meal to the fellow at the reception desk to which he replied ‘ yes well we like to move people in and out quickly’. It was a charmless and unwelcoming end to a very ordinary meal. I’d be reluctant to travel that...

Great food and setting, sadly let down by below average service. We arrived 5 minutes early for our booking and stood at the door for 10 minutes by the "please wait to be seated" sign, before one of the many staff members that walked past, even acknowledged us.

We were finally seated in an empty room past the bar, that lacked any atmosphere, with messy tables, that had obviously previously sat large groups. There was a nice view of the lake and grounds.

We had three different waitresses, all providing consistently below average service. The first forgot to pick up a children's menu, said she would get it, and after 5 minutes still hadn't returned. I could see the menus from where I was sitting so went and got it myself. We didn't see her again until we paid our bill when we were leaving.

The second seemed genuinely surprised that the first hadn't provided us with water. She went off and came back with a bottle, but nothing to drink out of. Before we could mention we'd need some glasses she moved away and started clearing the tables at the other side of the room. We finally got her attention and were able to place our order.

Waitress three was surprised that nobody had given us any cutlery yet. She brought our food, which came out very quickly and tasted very good. We had the beef and the lamb, portion sizes were reasonable. Our son demolished his bolognaise.

The third waitress came back past to collect our plates, but didn't ask if we'd like anything else, not even drinks, which by now were empty. I asked someone passing for a dessert menu and then waitress number three came back with one. No kids menu again. At this point we felt a bit fed up and disappointed by the whole experience.

This is the only place in Pemberton where the people weren't friendly and helpful. When you're paying above average prices for meals you expect to get the service to match. Service was fantastic every else we visited. Hidden River Estate was such a disappointing experience overall, especially considering how much we were looking forward to...

Hidden River Estate is a standout winery restaurant in Pemberton, offering an exceptional experience for both adults and children. The modern indoor dining hall provides a relaxing atmosphere, while the outdoor deck showcases stunning views - perfect for sunny days.

The culinary offerings are outstanding. We enjoyed dishes like Free Range Chicken, Pork Belly, and Beef Skirt Steak prepared and presented with meticulous attention to detail. Each plate bursts with flavor, showcasing the chef's skill and dedication to quality.

What sets Hidden River Estate apart is its family-friendly approach. A dedicated children's menu ensures that younger guests are well catered for, while an outdoor playground keeps them entertained. This thoughtful setup allows adults to savor their premium meals without worry, making it an ideal venue for family gatherings and celebrations.

Special mention goes to Rose, our server, whose impeccable service elevated the entire experience. Her friendly, attentive, and unobtrusive approach truly deserves a 5-star rating.

For an unforgettable dining experience that caters to all ages in Pemberton, Hidden River Estate is a must-visit. Be sure to make a reservation to secure your spot at this remarkable winery restaurant, perfect for both intimate dinners and family...