Watsons Bay Tea Gardens

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  10      Service  8      Value  8     

A totally relaxed place to be to soak in the ambience of Sydney Harbour. The staff are from everywhere, which kind of reflects the place Sydney has become. It's a rare treat to be able to enjoy a meal outdoors.

May 25, 2012 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

Went on a lazy sunday morning for a brunch, and ended up staying for an afternoon lunch. The best seafood I have ever had. The whitebait fritters are the tastiest and lightest I have ever had. The prawn pasta was to die for, I want to replicate it at home, but can't seem to get it right.

The coffee was fantastic and the desserts were too many to choose from, so I had 2 of them. The lemon tart was my favourite, so moist and tangy, and the pastry flaky and short. Beautiful.

Thanks for a great meal and a great day enjoying the ambience, the service, and the great food. I will be back again and again and again.

May 24, 2012 

3.5 Below Average

Food  6      Ambience  2      Service  3      Value  3     

This a nice spot in the sunshine & the food was delicious. However I can't help but think after 3 visits the management/staff could be much improved. None of the staff speak English apart from the main man. Not just this but he is the only one who takes all the orders -this can take a while when it's busy. If we attempted to order through some one else we were told to wait for him. Even when it was only 2 dishes being ordered. Perhaps no one is capable of taking orders correctly but when you're starving it is of high importance to be served efficiently.

The other waiting staff who brought the drinks/food seemed stiff. No smiles or conversation, on 2 occasions there seemed to be confusion about drinks which resulted in some shouting inside the cafe. When I chose to go inside to pay to save at least some of my afternoon I was greeted with a lady who looked as if she was about to break down. Perhaps it was a bad day but the stress levels were noticeable & certainly created an atmosphere. The bell was the main sound throughout my meal - It must have been pushed 4 times in a row every time a coffee was made. Not the friendliest of places which lets this place down.

Apr 16, 2012 

6.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  6     

Great location, smallish servings of good quality food. Outdoor seating great in warm weather. Nice place to visit.

Jul 16, 2011 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

One of the best locations in sydney, smack bang on the water. Kids were able to frolick in the garden to their hearts content whilst we relaxed in the shade. The fish of the day is a must, was much more elaborate than the menu suggested! All in all a great spot to spend a lazy afternoon.

Apr 16, 2011 

4.8 Average

Food  4      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  2     

Went here expecting something completely different from what we experienced. The tea gardens is more a cafe than a restaurant, the feel of which may have been amplified by the fact that we went for lunch. My partner's prawn fettuccine was apparently tasty, however, my $22 grilled prawn dish was 5 prawns layered between 3 bits of toasted bread doused in olive oil. It didn't help that the prawns still had their heads and tails on - but I guess some people like to eat them that way. I was really astounded as to how a place can charge that much for such a half-hearted, poorly made dish.

We went here because we were looking for a better value than the other over priced restaurants on the Bay. I would have rather gone to one of those and pay the same price for a dish that would actually be worth it. Also, as a little cafe (versus a restaurant), they don't serve alcohol so be prepared to stop at a bottle shop on your way there.

Feb 18, 2011 

6.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  6     

A hidden gem! Why would anyone want to be in the crowds around the Watson's Bay Pier when you have the opportunity to relax in peace and comfort at the Watson's Bay Tea Gardens a short walk away.

The food is brilliant, I enjoyed the Calamari and then watched others enjoy great platters with whole fish, saald and chips that looked magnificient. Spoilt myself with carrot cake and ice cream for dessert, just wonderful. I enjoyed being able to quietly read the newspaper by myself while indulging in some good fare. The staff were friendly and welcoming. Will be returning with the "Boss Lady" and some friends.

Dec 02, 2010 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  10      Service  8      Value  8     

Been coming here for several years now. Great food with a fantastic setting. Also good for children, they entertain themselves in the garden with the toys supplied so I can relax.

Jun 02, 2010 

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

I have been a customer of The Tea Gardens for the last 4.5 years, it has been my family's favorite place since. My children love the kids menu and play area. The food is always delicious and service is family friendly and prompt. The owners love my children and treat them like they were family. Their new thin italian style pizza is delicious!

May 01, 2010 

9.8 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  9     

I have just arrived back home with the family, after a wonderful day down at Watsons bay. Where we stumbled across a fantastically laid out cafe down on the harbour. We popped in for a quick coffee at around midday. Whilst myself and my wife took in the views the kids played frantically around the garden, where there was also toys for them to play with!

We didn't end up leaving until they closed! the food was excellent. It was brought out to us in good time, it was well presented and it tasted brilliant! both times round, as we ate twice! There was also a kids menu, so they were happy too! chicken and chips!

The service was also very good. tThe staff were all very welcoming. They all had big smiles on their faces and they all knew what they were doing! Watsons Bay Tea Gardens has a really big thumbs up from us! we'll definitely be going back!

May 01, 2010