Blackwater Ristorante

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  8     

We had dinner at Blackwater last night and it was a wonderful experience. Food was amazing, service friendly but unobtrusive and all our requests were met without a whimper, exceptional customer service. If you dine out in the city often and you live down south, you will be very happy with this local eatery! Finally a decent fine dining restaurant close by!

Feb 15, 2012 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  8     

We have had dinner here a few times and lunch once. Went for dinner the other night and after a crazy festive season of many many dinners out and parties. We realize just how great blackwater really is.

The food always pleases us with it's presentation as well as outstanding taste. The service is always friendly and very helpful. Not really a dessert person but have had a couple here and really enjoyed them. We'll be back and soon.

Jan 22, 2012 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

After reading some of the other reviews I just don't get why people feel they have to write a review on one experience that may not have been so perfect to all their previous experiences with the restaurant. Why not write good reviews after their other visits?

I'm also in the industry and eat out alot all over Sydney and I think the consistently of Blackwater is much higher and greater than most restaurants.

Most diners don't realise the food scene has changed and gone are the days of fine dine menus, it's back to basics and doing it right and this is where I feel Blackwater excels at, for example the crumbed pork cutlet with heirloom tomato salad, so fresh and tasty. Baked chicken with fontina cream spinach and prosciutto, delicious.

Service is always attentive and friendly. The room at Blackwater is cosy, elegant and modern. Can't wait to see the new menu for 2012, I'm hungry already.

Jan 05, 2012 

2 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  2      Service  2      Value  2     

We dined here on Christmas Eve 2011 and were extremely disappointed, not just the food but the service and way we were treated. A few of us ordered the parmesan crusted pork and received something that would be barely acceptable as a veal schnitzel at the local pub.

The duck was dry and rather tasteless. We finished our first bottle of wine in the middle of the main course and the waitress cleared the wine glasses and ice bucket without a word, did not ask us if we wanted another (which we would have). She also cleared the olives and cheese, again without asking us or saying a word. And then we were left with half glasses of water for 20 minutes before she came and dumped the dessert menus on the table, again without a word.

We have eaten here a few times before and have always enjoyed it but after our last experience we would be very hesitant to go again or recommend it to anyone.

Jan 03, 2012 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

We revisited this restaurant recently for the first time in a couple of years. We had an excellent meal here. Each of the courses had interesting dishes and the table of 7 all enjoyed their choices.

The service was friendly although a little on the slow side. That was fine with us that night but I guess they might have to watch that since some reviewers have found difficulties with that. For us on the night it was fine. We went on a BYO night also which helped on the expense. I did think for the good quality the food prices were quite acceptable. So I am looking forward to going back.

Dec 24, 2011 

6.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  5      Value  6     

As previously the food was lovely, but overall a disappointing visit for lunch today. 3 days before Christmas, the restaurant was 2/3 full, with quite a few wait staff, so really no reason I could see for the poor service. My friend and I had both been to Blackwater on a number of occasions, and the service was always a standout, door opened for one on arrival, a welcome, attentive water top-ups, a cheerful thank you and farewell, door opened for you, not today.

The food was fine, the pepita bread is almost worth the visit, however, I specifically said one serve of the bread, just one and we ended up with 2. Didn't want to make a fuss, but its very filling. The Tomino cheese in pastry was sublime, my companion's pappardelle yummy, and the Cavolo salad a real crunchy surprise.

Desserts were fantastic, best ever zabaglione (though at $17 a bit pricey) and the Budino (a creme brulee with a filled Italian donut on the side) was great but a bit too filling for my friend, after the bread and pasta. I had to constantly ask for my water to be topped up, plates arrived and left with nary a smile, the tea came well after dessert was finished, we had to ask for the bill and we walked out totally ignored by all staff, including the barman who was 1 mt away!

A great disappointment, and it will be some time before we return. I will, however, contact Blackwater with my feedback as well as this review.

Dec 22, 2011 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

Our first time here, a group of 11 (company Xmas dinner). Parking was limited and the restaurant was packed and noisy on arrival but view was nice. Service was remarkably prompt, friendly and attentive but the background noise level high enough to discourage enquiring about the menu. We started with the cheesy bread, then my partner had the quail entree, scampi main with brussel sprouts and the apple with figs dessert while I had the figs entree and duck main with broccoli.

Other members of our group had the chicken, lamb and steak mains. We also shared a bottle of red and a bottle of white. Everyone was impressed with the quality of the food and service given the price. We are happy with our discovery and expect to be back.

Dec 22, 2011 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  9     

Awesome for the shire which is always Thai restaurants. About time we had a quality restaurant with great food. Been three times now.

Nov 26, 2011 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  10      Service  9      Value  7     

Although initially I was a bit concerned about going to black water from previous reviews. We bit the bullet & kept the booking.

Upon arrival we were warmly greeted. Drinks served while we waited for the other couple to arrive. Us ladies had cocktails to start which were very nice. The men ordered a bottle of wine. Starters were fried calamari. Fish cakes & figs with prosciutto. All very nice. Along with breadsticks olives & cheese. We then had our mains. 2 of us the parpadelle with wagu beef ragu 2 the fish. Side of vegetables.

Don't get me wrong the food was tasty and portions neither over the top or mini sized but for just under $400. That's without dessert. It is an expensive night out. I think charging for bread is a bit steep. But I would go back again. Maybe for a special occasion though.

Oct 23, 2011 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  10      Service  9      Value  8     

This place has a great feel as soon as you walk in greeted by friendly staff and a striking black horse lamp (real size horse and all) have been few times now and always had a great experience and enjoyable night! Food is fantastic nothing else like it in the south! Service always friendly and attentive. I must admit I have had the steak nearly every time as it always cooked perfect and tender as. My wife on the other hand always has something different and has enjoyed everything from pastas, sduck, quail, fishcakes and various other thing. Highly recommend this place. It is on the high side of price scale but the food quality shines though with every dish.

Sep 19, 2011