River Canyon Restaurant

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Drinks  8      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  10     

What a hidden gem this restaurant is. Had the pleasure of dining here on Thursday night after purchasing a voucher off one of the internet sites and so pleased I did.

The food was alot better cooked and presented than alot of restaurants I have been to in the City. A chef that actually knows what a semi rear steak is, such a pleasure to eat. As for the desserts well the senses both visual and taste were sent into overload. Many thanks for a meal to remember will be returning again and maybe even on a night when there is a floorshow on.

May 26, 2012 

2.6 Not Recommended

Food  5      Drinks  2      Ambience  2      Service  1      Value  3     

On the whole our experience tonight can only be described as disappointing. The buffet meal was average, and we had to ask to have certain items refilled and for plates, our drinks order came out incorrect 3 times.

The website advertised the Hawaiian Show which included a fire show, what we were actually presented with was an amateur performance and there was no fire show in sight.

When it came to paying our bill, we were struck with a 3% surcharge for using eftpos, not a credit card, direct debit. When this was questioned we were met with the most inflexible member of staff who insisted that the 3% surcharge stands. In our opinion, this is akin to robbery and a neat little business strategy for clearing at least $300 extra a night in surcharge fees.

After this experience, we won't be returning.

Response from Management:
Hi There, sorry about this experience, we will speak to the staff who did this.
thanks, David

May 13, 2012 

9.2 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Drinks  8      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

What a great night out we had on a very wet friday. There was nothing that we could think of to complain about this restaurant. The buffet food was great and there was plenty of it and beautifully cooked. We were impressed at how quickly the dirty dishes were removed from the table.

Drink service was fast for a restaurant that was filled almost to capacity. The Brazilian floor show was short but it really made the night more enjoyable. Three of the dancers were obviously highly trained. The guy was truly amazing. We will definitely be back.

Mar 02, 2012 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Drinks  8      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  10     

We had Christmas dinner at the River Canyon. The food was delicious, not the usual old buffet christmas food, much more interesting. The desserts, especially creme brulee, (daughter would still kill for some more today) well sized, plenty of variety and yummo. Thanks to David for helping with the booking. Great work to all the staff for giving up their christmas night.

Jan 25, 2012 

9.4 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Drinks  8      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

This place was Fantastic, it offers something that no other place around seems to! It is the first time I have been able to go out since having my 3 year old son without having to leave straight after the meal because he was bored or because I felt that my child may be bothering others.

The staff were fantastic to the kids and both the adults and children in the group were made to feel very welcome and had a great time. I had to drag my son off the dance floor at 1 am begging us to stay! Great night had by all. Highly recommended! We live an hour away, but will definitely make the trip back again soon!

Aug 21, 2011 

7.2 Recommended

Food  8      Drinks  6      Ambience  6      Service  9      Value  7     

Great food and top service! (staff were friendly and plates were cleared away quickly). However, no complaints whatsoever about the food. I especially loved how an actual fruit salad was available for dessert (with strawberries!). Rarely do you get a variety of fruits at a buffet.

Jul 24, 2011 

5 Average

Food  8      Drinks  8      Ambience  4      Service  1      Value  4     

Worth mentioning that we were a group of 5 with 3 scoopons and 2 paying full.
Good Part... Food. All the items in the buffet inc desserts were good, fresh.
Bad Part... Service and the overall management.

It was over crowded. To get to the buffet we have to wait for at least 8-10 minutes in the que (each time). We were given the table far away (may be coz of scoopons)... on the side of main stage, we could see the performance from behind at 45 degrees, not the place you would like to sit. The table and chair were the outdoor garden plastic ones (only on our side, the main sitting area was fine). The request to change was refused as it was overfilled anyway.

We were given a plate of 5 garlic breads and 3 pizza slices to start with... not sure the reason behind 3 slices? To get the drinks we ordered atleast 4-5 times and waited for almost 15-20 minutes. We were asked to pay b4 the performance. So, we waited in the que to Pay, felt like waiting to buy McD or KFC with only 1 counter... and then the billing was wrong, again waited for 10 minutes to get that sorted as the operator started billing others in the que ... missed half of the dance show.

Overall experience still good as we were catching up with the friends after a while so we were enjoying even the waiting stuff. But we were waiting/ standing in ques for almost half of the time we were there.

Response from Management:
Dear sir,

On a busy night, how can we seat all customers in front of the stage area. The stage area can only fit tables of 20. And we were not over crowed, our capacity is 250, there were only 220 people.

Thanks,
David

Jun 06, 2011 

8.4 Highly Recommended

Food  7      Drinks  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

We had a fantastic time on Saturday night. I was very impressed with from the start with the friendly, efficient and easy going service David, the manager, gave me while organising my function. Then the staff on the night were so fabulous too. We all had such fun, especially the kids! Many of my guests told me that they loved it. Even my father, who is very hard to please, said he had a great time and was very impressed with the place!

The show was a big hit. The MC is such a great character! And, Wow the beautiful dancers were a knock out! We enjoyed our meal also. I must compliment the staff. They were always friendly, helpful and did not worry too much when the kids ran past them or were loudly laughing. They have a great attitude towards the service they are providing.

Lastly, I have never had such a big party, just for me, before and I had a good idea of what I wanted, the night surpassed my dreams! It was perfect, a great combination of food, fun & dancing! The best way to celebrate my 'half century'!
I'm sure we'll be back.

Jun 02, 2011 

4.4 Below Average

Food  4      Drinks  4      Ambience  5      Service  5      Value  4     

Had a birthday celebration on Sat night. Buffet was Ok, nothing flash. DJ was good. Music was a good mix for young and old. Very welcoming for young children. The polynesian show was short and sweet. Our birthday guest was surprised. Very nice email after to a link on the video footage, needless to say we emailed link to all. Fun night for $39/head, might be back but not for the food.

May 23, 2011 

4.5 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  5      Service  4      Value  4     

I don't recommend this place after going there on Easter Saturday this year. I booked online and had 2 replies from the booking manager re attending on the said night. Not once did he inform me that there wouldn't be a show on that night. They had cancelled the show, and didn't let people know. We travelled an hour and a half there and back, to brighten up our easter with what promised to be a good night out with a Hawaiian show followed by a DJ. The place was mostly empty when we got there, didn't get any better. When we enquired about the show and were then told it wasn't on, I asked to see the manager. She offered no apology for us not being informed and no compensation. I had one glass of wine which they didn't even offer to put it on the house.Will not return and the travel out there for a very average buffet, wasn't worth the effort at all.

Response from Management:
Hi Ashley,

Yes I took your booking, and it was clearly mentioned on the website 2 weeks before the Easter Saturday, that there is no Hawaiian Show, because of Easter long weekend.
However we put on a Belly Dance show for the customers that night. This happens rarely, and especially during long weekends there is no entertainment. and we are sorry for the trouble caused to you.

Cheers, David.

May 05, 2011