Fresh User Reviews for Water View in Canberra

5.5 Average

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  2      Value  7     

Forgot our order, ran out of clean spoons and my glass had food in it, generally needs a good clean, it was great in the past but is now missing the mark in the area of service, food is still Ok if it arrives, would not go back.

May 27, 2012

6.5 Recommended

Food  5      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  3     

We went to the Boathouse for a birthday, and, like the previous poster, are more than happy to pay for quality food that gives us something a little more fancy which takes a little more effort than what I might cook at home. But we also left thinking how overrated it is.

Service was excellent, staff were friendly, knew the menu, took your coats and, along with the atmosphere and little added extras (like the bread rolls, palette resfreshers, mini soups), made the night quite pleasant and what you'd expect from such a restaurant.

However, the food was somewhat of a let down. My partner ordered the venison for a main which was not a tasty dish and I the lamb which had nothing special to it that couldn't be whipped up in any kitchen. Desserts were also a little underwhelming.

All in all, the ambience and service were up to scratch but the food was nothing special (though definitely not inedible) and far far overpriced for what you got.

Feb 15, 2012

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  6     

We went here on a Tuesday early evening with our 5yr old twins. There were not many diners, but plenty of dirty tables, it looked pretty unpleasant. We found a clean table and ordered 2 pizzas and a selection of tapas. The tapas were pretty yummy, and good portion sizes (we tried the Chorizo, Calamari, Onion Fritters and Scallops) but I would give the pizzas a miss, they had very thick bases and were very doughy and not much flavour. (but if you like your pizzas that way, then go for your life!).

There was a guy playing the guitar upstairs and he was great, it created a good atmosphere. We were also here on a Sunday arvo a few weeks ago, and there was a funky band playing upstairs, the place had a very cool feel to it.

I will go back for a few wines and tapas on a Sunday arvo sit outside for a great view of Lake Ginnenderra, and watch the (Canberra) world go by.

Feb 06, 2012

5.5 Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  2     

Let me start by saying I really don't mind paying for quality, well thought-out food, and good service. However, after attending the Boathouse for a birthday dinner I left thinking this was probably the most overrated restaurant I've ever been to.

I'm not saying the food was bad, I'm saying that if I pay $40 for a main meal, I expect it to be main meal-sized and expect something fairly fancy. My venison was neither of those things.

This was basically repeated for the entree and dessert. There was always one or two dishes that left us as a group decidedly underwhelmed. Despite trying to charge us for too many drinks (had to take points off for that), the service was good and attentive.

I don't think I'll be back any time soon. There are much better dining options around Canberra for that special occasion.

Jan 28, 2012

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  8      Value  9     

Overall it was quite a good experience. A few minor glitches along the way. The service was good, took a few minutes to catch the waitresses attention but after that she was particularly attentive and apologetic.

The food was impressive and a good sized portion for the pricing. The weekend was very busy so I would recommend booking but have since been back on a weekday and it is very quiet and peaceful. Perfect for a mid week coffee on the deck in the sunshine.

Jan 05, 2012