El Ocaso — Restaurant in Yamba

On arrival we were told by the manager that we need to get off the table by 7:30 (5:30 seating), this felt very rude asking us to order quickly as the restaurant would get full and the food would take a long time but this should not be a patrons problem as the kitchen should fulfil the capacity requirements of the venue. We could not order our dinner for 30 minutes as no waitstaff would come over to us. We had to flag down staff to ask time and time again for drinks (3 drinks orders in 2 hours) with most saying they cannot take drinks orders then waiting until another waitstaff came over then having to order again with another waitstaff as we were waiting 20+ minutes for our drinks order. The manager said one was delayed because of a keg change, a keg does not take that long to change from experience. We waited until 7:10pm for our food for a 7:30 change over (over an hour wait for 4 main dishes). One waitress was lovely (blonde and older, sorry!). The food was below average for the price and you could get a better meal at another place in Yamba for a lot cheaper. We ordered two steaks one medium rare and one medium well, we had to switch the plates and couldn’t tell the difference as they were cooked the same and very poor quality of beef. It was an overpriced meal and drinks that no one should get excited about. There was also a sign asking to not bring prams into the restaurant. This is not okay and discriminatory as prams aid parents to enjoy their meal and may make parents feel as though they are imposing if they have a baby or child. Overall, I am incredibly disappointed with the service and the food for the price point and will never refer this restaurant to anyone. There is no ground to blame poor quality of food and service on a busy time such as the school holidays as you can preemptively plan for this time.

REPLY Our party was seated 15 minutes at the latest after our booking not 6pm. One member had to leave but we asked to order several times in their absence.

As our mains arrived at 7:10 and you had asked us to leave at 7:30 we did not want to waste your precious time asking to change the food or rectify this at the time as we felt like a burden and were aiming to get out by 7:30 for your convenience. To answer why we finished everything, we were quite hungry after waiting…

I understand there may be a risk with the stairs for prams. The patrons who had the pram did not book or see the sign and we were informed by others while at the restaurant this was the policy. We were not asked by anyone at the venue to move the pram and we were not in the way of anyone. If it was a problem it is your responsibility to consult with patrons and find a solution to solve this.

We all remained seated after we paid the bill as the drinks we ordered before 7 were given to us at the end of our meal around 7:25 and we were finishing them. You had plenty of tables with the same seating number available to seat this party.

Your comments about ourselves having no regard… as a manger it seems you have no regard for the management of your team and running a top quality restaurant as your venue and price point suggests. Your reply to our poorer review and others reflects blame onto patrons, unaccountability for dissatisfaction for services you provide rather than taking it on and the rudeness you showed towards us in the restaurant.

I guess it says something about the person…

I hope you can take on these comments and your busy season runs...

Mixed Experience ...we dined at El Ocaso with high expectations, as my daughter had gifted us a $250 voucher for a much needed special night out. Unfortunately, our evening started off on a sour note due to the unprofessional behavior of the hostess, Adriana.

We had booked for four people at 6 PM but, due to unforeseen circumstances, one of our dining companions fell ill just 30 minutes before the booking. We called the restaurant to inform them, but the phone system directed us to email—hardly practical given the short timeframe. We decided to proceed with just the two of us, intending to explain the situation upon arrival.

When we arrived, Adriana’s response was shockingly rude. Despite our polite explanation that our friend had a medical episode, she berated us for not calling ahead and dismissed our reasoning. Her demeanor was unprofessional and unnecessarily hostile—she even slammed our menus down on the table, making us feel uncomfortable and unwelcome. If it were under different circumstances I honestly would have got up and left.

That said, the rest of the staff were excellent, and the food was absolutely beautiful. The dishes were prepared with care and the quality was high, living up to the reputation of the restaurant. We truly cannot fault the meal or the attentiveness of the waitstaff.

However, Adriana’s attitude overshadowed the experience. It’s disappointing that someone in her position would treat customers so poorly, especially in situations beyond their control. Life happens, and a bit of understanding and professionalism would have gone a long way.

While the food was outstanding, Adriana’s behavior makes me hesitant to return or recommend the restaurant to others. Dining out should be an enjoyable experience, and no one should be made to feel like an inconvenience for circumstances they cannot control.

EDIT: in response.... Ok Adrienne, whatever you say. Based on your abusive email we received after you read my review, plus this reply to the review, the situation really speaks for itself.

.... Owner has changed the version of her reply so many times now Ive lost count. Most recent one to correct the fact that she said we didn't ring ahead after I showed her evidence that we actually did. Im rest assured that I know the true version of events. At this stage all I can do is wish her well in her...

The venue Is nice and the staff were friendly, however the food does not match the price point.

I understand the costs for produce and rent for premises has increased for businesses, but when you are paying top dollar to dine at these high end restaurants you expect to be blow away and it is disappointing when you come away dissatisfied.

All in all we had a good night and some really nice wine and I think the restaurant has a lot of potential. I will give it another go next time I’m and Yamba and hopefully have a better food experience.

Edit: It’s quite clear that the owner Adrienne can not take any criticism about their resturant judging by the response to any form of criticism.

First of all you have just assumed I have not eaten white pasta dishes before or that I don’t cook them myself. I have eaten many of these dishes and have had far better ones for a much fairer price. Charging $40 for a pasta is absolutely ridiculous and one would expect to be blown away after eating it.

Also, No I don’t know what it’s like to run a restaurant but when you’re paying over $200 for a sitting you would expect the food to be great, which it wasn’t…

I was being optimistic about the restaurant but after this defensive, rude response I won’t be coming back. I’d advise others to not support someone like this. A...