Boathouse on Blackwattle Bay, The

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  7     

I took my mother and father to the Boathouse last night to celebrate mum's birthday, and it was an absolute hit!

We were fortunate enough to snap a booking that morning and were seated for a 6.30-8.45pm sitting, which meant we got to witness the amazing city transition into evening.

We shared some oysters (yes, a little overpriced, but heck they're a beautiful way to start a meal) and had bonito, scallops and the beetroot for entrées. My bonito was smokey and suitably coupled with grapefruit, radish and cuttlefish.

For mains, I got the swordfish, dad had the polenta encrusted mahi mahi and mum hit the famous snapper pie (with the assistance of her fellow diners). We closed with the custard tart and souflée.

The food was beautiful, and I would like to dispute the suggestion that the food is bland. The flavours are certainly not overbearing, and they successfully compliment the subtlety of the seafood. As for the service, no complaints at all. The wait staff and attentive and they know their menu.

Jan 22, 2012 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  10      Value  9     

Thoroughly enjoyed the food. Had the lamb and crab for mains. Service was outstanding and the location is lovely. The only thing I didn't like was the space limitations. It is quite cramped. But overall is was a great meal and very reasonably priced. Will definitely return.

Jan 10, 2012 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  6     

Been here twice and the first time I went, was in a group of over 6 and service was poor. Took over 2 hours for our mains to come out. Second time I went with 1 more person, service was great and ordered mud crab (salt n pepper) which is suppose to be ordered in advance. Crab was full of meat and lightly deep fried, tasted pretty good!

Jan 05, 2012 

7.8 Recommended

Food  6      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  5     

Gorgeous location, views, ambience and service. This is definitely a treat for a special occasion and I recently frequented with a group of friends for my boyfriend's surprise birthday dinner.

The oysters were delicious, as were the entrees, snapper pie (this is a must!) and dessert. This is pretty much dead set guaranteed as it received general approval from the group. We had one gripe, however, which was:

1) The price. For around $50 per main for a fillet of fish, the portion size was small, and most of us thought the flavour was rather 'subtle' - politely speaking. Or bland. Don't waste this opportunity and order the snapper pie!

Oct 14, 2011 

5.5 Average

Food  7      Ambience  9      Service  4      Value  2     

We had our anniversary dinner here last week and the ambiance is superb. The snapper pie was good but not worth what they charge you for. I agree with the other reviewer, 25% less and we would frequent it more often.

Sep 20, 2011 

7.5 Recommended

Food  6      Ambience  10      Service  9      Value  5     

The food was well cooked, i.e. cooked well, but very expensive for the amount. Ambience was hard to beat, really classy. Service was way above average, very good, friendly and interactive. The wine list is pretentious and overpriced. I might be a bit tight with my money but I think costs were 25% too high ($400 for 5 Sunday lunch, I reckon $300 should have done it).

Aug 08, 2011 

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  3     

Have been going here for years & have progressively thought it was getting a bit "rich" in terms of value. The lunch we had on Thurs 9/6/11 was disappointing for a couple of reasons. The blinis were undercooked & so hot they had to have been "nuked"(don't know how you achieve this). The main courses were so small we (3) women were still hungry afterwards. The wine is an absolute rip off. $85 for a sem/suav which was inferior. Only saving graces were the staff & the view.

Jun 12, 2011 

7.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  7     

The snapper pie is a must and was definitely the highlight of the night! It is rather big and could be shared between 2 after a starter. Great to see they are generous on the portion sizes though!

Service was very friendly which is great however I don't feel it was to the calibre of other similar priced restaurants. Needs a bit of work. Overall we had a great night and the food was faultless! Will return & recommend to others

Jun 08, 2011 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  7     

Location, food and service. Brilliant. A great way to have lunch on a weekend. The waitress was extremely knowledgeable and professional. Impressive actually. (She did reach over us a couple of times however. Not sure why this is becoming the norm is Sydney. Wouldn't do it at the dinner table at home let alone an upmarket restaurant).

The wine was expensive, however, it was excellent. One of us had the oysters and was impressed. I started with the cured king salmon with shaved fennel, grapefuit and radish. Excellent. I am really not sure about $27 for an entree however. For a main a couple of us tried their smoked and cured bonito. Quite an unbelievable flavour and texture. It was reminscent of smoked chicken. Their side salad of bean, rocket, egg, sunflower seeds, and a mild wasabi dressing was just wonderful. One of our group had the snapper pie and after a sneaky taste I think I'll be having it next time.

Definitely worthwhile and definitely expensive. Will be back.

May 23, 2011 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

This is a place well worth visiting for a special occasion. The signature dish of Snapper Pie, which is well respected on this site would have to be one of the top 5 dishes I have ever tasted. Great views and great service with prices that are OK for those looking for that little bit extra.

May 01, 2011