Cucina 105

2.5 Not Recommended

Food  3      Ambience  3      Service  1      Value  3     

We dined here last nite for the first time and without a doubt we will never dine here again.

We arrived just after 6:00pm and was seated promptly. Shortly thereafter the waiter took our order and drinks were served quite quickly.

We ordered bruschetta for entree and it arrived approx 10 minutes after ordering, which was great. Shortly thereafter our mains arrived, we ordered spaghetti marinara and it was pleasant but I have never had this dish with so much chilli in it before. Then the service went from average to really bad. We tried for over half hour to get a waiters attention to order another glass of wine a bottle of water.

The waiters do not make any eye contact with the guests so it was frustrating trying to get their attention. Finally we called the male waiter and asked for a bottle of water and wine and approx 5 minutes later the glass of wine was brought to our table but no water. We waited another 10 minutes to see if they brought out the water but nothing, so again we tried to get the wait staff attention to ask for water.

By this time my husband started getting frustrated because he noticed the senior staff of the restaurant talking quite abruptly to his staff in front of the guests and they seemed more interested in the larger group of guests outside than their smaller groups (couples) dining inside.

Finally, we got the waiters attention and asked for our bottle of water a second time. It was brought to our table quickly but no apology for forgetting to bring it originally.

Then they offered us the dessert menu and said they would come back to take our order. Twenty Five minutes passed and finally they came back. During this time we noticed other guests getting their main meals in a take away container and leaving and to be honest I don't blame them.

For dessert my husband ordered affogato and I ordered the vanilla custard tart with banana and caramel sauce. It took almost another half hour before the desserts were served and we were shocked at what was put in front of us. My husband had one scoop of ice cream in a glass and a shot of liqueur and nothing else, the main part of the affogato is the coffee and it wasn't even served.

I was served a pastry tart base filled with liquid chocolate and slices of banana on top with a side scoop of ice cream. Where was the vanilla custard inside the tart and the caramel sauce as per the menu? When questioned about the affogato we were swiftly brought the shot of coffee but that was all. The waitress apologised for the wait time for my tart and said it was divine and I would absolutely love it. I probably would have it I got served what I ordered.

In the end I left the dessert (as it was aweful) and we left this restaurant. We will never ever dine here again and I strongly recommend anyone wanting perfect service and food to go elsewhere as you won't get it here.

Mar 14, 2012 

6.3 Average

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  5      Value  6     

After discovering Cucina 105 in an internet search, I was impressed with the convenience of being able to book a table for 2 online and they confirmed our booking within an hour of placing the booking online.

When we arrived at Cucina 105 we were somewhat impressed by the relaxed but family friendly atmosphere, the warm décor and intimacy of the restaurant made it easy to forget the rain outside. We were quickly greeted and seated. Unfortunately, this was overshadowed by the fact that it took the waiter 10 minutes before taking our drink order.

After ordering 2 glasses of Rosé and a bottle of table water, the waiter took our order, for starters we ordered bruschetta and for mains gnocchi alla gorgonzola and risotto alla pescatora.

The bruschetta came out in relative good time, by that stage we were very hungry. The tomato, parmesan shavings and basil was delicious, however, the oven baked bread was a little dry. The servings were enough to keep up content until our mains.

We didn’t have to wait long before the waiter brought out our mains. The gnocchi alla gorgonzola was perfect. The gnocchi melted in your mouth and the gorgonzola cheese and cream sauce flavour was sensational. The risotto alla pescatora was equally as delicious. The seafood was nicely cooked and chilli in the napoletana sauce complimented all the flavours of the different seafood.

Although staff were courteous and hospitable, it was rather disappointing that Cucina 105 did not concentrate on settling their guests. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our meal.

Jul 26, 2011 

3.3 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  4      Service  3      Value  2     

Ordered a rib eye medium rare, came out rare. The carrots that came with meal were very soggy, and the mash was very cheesy. Food took at least an hour to come out and we were served our food after other customers who came in after us. Overall, service was average to below average and food was very sub-par for the prices they were charging. I would not eat here again.

May 21, 2011 

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  5      Value  7     

Wasn't too impressed initially with the service. We were seated at a dirty table and the waiter was happy to take our order even though we had cups and ashtrays on our table still. As he walked away I had to request for another waiter to clean up the table as it was left dirty even though the water and my drink arrived 5 minutes later. They also forgot about the wine my friend ordered which was ordered first (and we had to remind them to bring out), and came out during out mains.

The food was definitely a highlight though. I ordered the spagetti marinara dish which I thoroughly enjoyed. My friend ordered the seafood hot pot with the bread. We both thought the seafood was great and the portions were just right. Prices are reasonable. Even though the service was slightly lacking, I'd be happy to eat here again.

Dec 07, 2010 

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  8     

After seriously many many month (too long to say to be honest). Well what a pleasant surprise! Very Italian (still) with a contemporary menu and all good. I had tuna carpaccio followed by a crab pasta dish. Because we lingered longer also had an excellent dessert (tiramisu), with copious good wine. All in all a very pleasant lunch and I will not be leaving it so long to come back again.

Nov 05, 2010 

7.3 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  7     

Nothing out of the ordinary that I could tell on the menu. I had the steak which I love, perfectly cooked. Pretty quiet though, for a Friday night when my friend and I went, so the service was great. Will have to come back if I get the chance.

Oct 05, 2010 

4.3 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  7      Service  4      Value  3     

Nothing special at all, waste of money! We could have gone to Macquarie Hotel instead for half the price and would very much walk out 10 x happier!

1st visit, tried out the "all you can eat" for $15 Tuesdays, rip off, all 15 of us would have eaten an equivalent of 1 half plate of pasta and 2 very regular pizzas, which to sum it all up $8 per person. LOL.

2nd visit, rump steak and kids meal. Steak was good but for $32.95 so small plus hardly any veggies and sauce, kids meal, we've counted the chips to be 20 x per plate.

That will be our last dining experience @ Cucina 105! Nnot recommended!

Jul 12, 2010 

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  7     

I've been a few times now it's one of the better Italian restaurants in the Liverpool area. Disappointed that the restaurant isn't open for more hours. Garlic prawns are tasty with the napoletana sauce. I usually ask for more bread! Most dishes that I've tried are quite tasty. The squid and octopus that comes as part of the hot antipasto platter a little disappointing.

Leave space for dessert. The semi fredo is awesome and the almond biscotti that accompanies some of the desserts melts in your mouth.

Mar 22, 2010 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

I am a regular at this restaurant ie about once a month, took a friend here for her birthday as they seemed to be the only local 'restaurant' that is open on Monday for lunch.

Nov 02, 2009 

5 Average

Food  5      Ambience  6      Service  5      Value  4     

Went there on a friday for lunch with my partner. Nothing special. Waiters are unprofessional and disinterested. I could make better garlic bread at home. The bread was soggy. Awful! Mains were basic and bland. Will not be back.

Oct 04, 2009