Pins on Megalong

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  9     

We have been to Pins twice now, and loved it each time. We like the relaxed attitude and friendly atmosphere, and being in an old house it is very homely with no pretensions.

The prices are very reasonable, unlike several other Leura restaurants which are very overpriced. We went last night for our anniversary and couldn't have been happier with the food and the service. We had a mix of Japanese and western food, and everything we had was cooked perfectly. The wait staff were very pleasant and efficient, our orders were taken within 10 minutes of arriving, and our meals delivered in a very reasonable amount of time. We were also asked during the meal if we were happy with it, which we definitely were.

We like the fact that Pins is BYO and we were able to take a favourite bottle of wine for a very reasonable corkage charge. The dessert we chose was the coconut and mango panna cotta which was so generous we shared it. The Japanese owner is a very friendly and welcoming lady.

Jan 28, 2012 

4 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  7      Service  4      Value  2     

Pins is an italian and japanese restaurant. I don't think the food is fusion, more just both types separate, and I love japanese and I love italian and so I was excited to come here with a large group of friends. I liked the decor and the fact that it's BYO, But found the food to be hit and miss (more of the latter unfortunately).

I enjoyed my entree (some kind of sashimi salad) but my teriyaki salmon was overcooked (all the way through) and the outer char was over-done so that the whole thing just tasted burnt. I was very disappointed. I should have sent it back, But because I had waited 15 minutes longer than the rest of the table to receive my dish, I kept my mouth shut.

The place was so crowded I assumed I would have to wait another 30 minutes. I tried some of my friends dishes, notably a japanese udon noodle stir-fry type thing. The sauce was excessive and unbalanced (much too salty) and I have had much better noodles from any asian shop, any day.

All in all a true disappointment, although looking at some of my friends italian pasta dishes (which they thoroughly enjoyed), I would consider giving Pins a second chance, maybe.

Sep 01, 2011 

6.5 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  3      Value  7     

Food was great, but service was completely lacking. Throughout the whole meal, service was slow. After finishing our meal, we sat in excess of 40 minutes, with not one server coming to check on us. Finally when they did, in the middle of taking our dessert order, we were told that they needed the table, and that we needed to leave.

However, we could have the dessert as takeaway. When we mentioned that we had been waiting over 30 minutes for them to take our dessert order, they frankly acted like they did not care. Not the kind of treatment we were expecting from a highly recommended restaurant.

Aug 06, 2011 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

We have been to Pins on Megalong many times! Sometimes it isn't absolutely perfect, but it sure comes close enough for us! The food is varied and amazingly good, cooked to perfection, there is something for everyone and the desserts are sublime. Sometimes they get very busy as they are so popular, but the service is always friendly regardless! Highly recommended!

Jul 13, 2011 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

I have been eating at Pins for many years and am surprised at a couple of the extremely negative reviews below here. The food is consistently excellent, a unique combination of Japanese and Italian dishes, with lots to choose from for a vegetarian. The small pasta is enough for a main (for a medium eater) and there are several delicious vego choices.

Desserts are always spectacular. Going there tonight for my Mum's 82nd birthday and know we will be in for a treat, just like every other time. My favorite upper Mountains restaurant for taste, quality, service and value. Try it!

Jun 29, 2011 

3.5 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  3      Service  4      Value  3     

Extremely disappointed. The calamari (entree) was plain old chargrilled + bare. Flavourless. For mains, Mediteranean risotto had minimal chicken (3 pieces) + chorizzo (3 pieces). The tomato "paste" was overbearing and not as described in the Menu as "sun blush tomato". The fried pork fillet with capsicum, shallots + chilli in blackbean sauce was nothing special and was comparable to the cheap chinese t/away places you find in the larger shopping centre food courts.

The waitresses were dour + whats up with the decor? You have this beautiful old house to use as a restaurant and you strip it of all personality and install cheap decorations with no thought to the character of this house. Not going back. Promise.

May 28, 2011 

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  8     

Loved the kangaroo. Miso soup, quiche and risotto were good too. Service was a hit and miss, it took time for our wine glasses to arrive (not before the owner noticed they were missing), we had to ask for water and received our cutlery twice. Could well be first night on the job. Still, lovely atmosphere, good food and very reasonable prices.

May 08, 2011 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  9     

Had a great meal with my daughter. Two small serves between us and we were full. Caprice pasta for myself and Cabaonara for my daughter. One alcholic drink each and all for under $40. Great service and great food.

Apr 16, 2011 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  10     

Had dinner here on Saturday night and really enjoyed it. It was a busy night in the restaurant (was the Blues Festival in Katoomba which is why we were up in the Mountains).

Service was great, prompt and friendly. Food was fantastic, had the gyoza dumplings for entree while my partner had the sushi trout which was soooo fresh. For the main I had a pasta which again was terrific. To finish off with we had a banana cheesecake with ice cream which was also yummy. All in all we will be back for sure, certainly one of the best places I have been to in the mountains and really good value for money.

Mar 20, 2011 

2.8 Not Recommended

Food  3      Ambience  5      Service  2      Value  1     

When you say Chargrill it doesn't mean I want to taste charcoal through the whole steak or chicken darn it. Told the senior staff and she informed me that it taste that way! Garbage I have been to enough meal with charcoal grill that taste non burnt!

Mar 15, 2011