Wharf Tavern Char Restaurant

6.5 Recommended

Food  5      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  6     

We've dined here a few times now, for both lunch and dinner and the results have been pretty inconsistent, even within the same meal order on the same day.

'The Wharf' at Mooloolaba's environs is in need of a serious upgrade, it looks tired, dated and dirty with numerous potholes to negotiate via both car and foot. Not the most salubrious scenery from the outside! Shame - because the complex commands prime position alongside the Mooloolah River, with riverside McMansions across the way, and marine craft ranging from tinnies to Super Yachts cruising past.

Eating outside at this tavern is certainly preferable in terms of ambience, but snagging a table with shade can be problematic and you will need sunscreen and hat. Inside, floors are always sticky for some reason with the smell of stale beer and the furnishings look quite tired.

On our last visit 'Classic Fish & Chips' ($21.50) - Aussie Barramundi in a 'Fat Yak' beer batter with chips and salad was a disappointment. The lone fillet presented in a flabby batter with oil that had seen out it's time. My fish special of the day ($25) was the same dish with addition of 3 cold Mooloolaba King Prawns in shell and a fresh avocado salsa.

Prawns were fresh and sweet, the salsa very enjoyable, but again, the oil used for the chips and fish was old and unable to produce a crisp result so I didn't enjoy the soggy serve.

Salad was colourful and contained all fresh ingredients including fine julienne of fresh beetroot.

The 'Seniors' lunch menu generally offers a fish dish and a 200g Graziers Rump, served with the same sized salad and chips as meals twice the price and represents fairly good value.

So, our score must represent the mixed results. However, on all occasions the serving staff have been pretty on-the-ball and certainly personable. Our advice? Steer clear of the fried foods, grab a spot in the shade on the deck (you may have to book at peak times) and you'll probably enjoy dining here more than many other pubs on the Sunshine Coast.

NB: In 2011, on Thursday nights a 'Seniors VIP' night offered a selection of meals from the a-la-carte menu for $12.50 to valid Seniors Card-holders. The venue was very busy as a result.

A few weeks ago we swung by intending after seeing a movie to dine under this particular offer, only to be told it had ceased in December 2011 and, "Chef is still deciding what he wants to do". As there were only 2 people dining in the vast space at the time I would suggest 'Chef' may choose to re-consider implementing this offer again sooner rather than later as price-savvy punters are clearly voting with their feet and in this economic climate businesses shouldn't be discouraging turnover of tables albeit it at a smaller profit. Just a suggestion.

Update: Chef may read 'Eatability'??? As they have now re-instated the Thursday Night VIP Seniors offer. Will visit soon & keep you posted!

Jan 08, 2012 

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  8     

We had a great girls lunch here. Typical Pub bistro food but a notch above the norm. Eat outside overlooking the river/canal on a sunny day. It was beautiful! Oh...but don't forget the sunscreen!

Sep 06, 2008