Jinny G.

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

Visited Bocados for lunch and was surprised how busy it was for a Wednesday lunch and the crowd was a real mix - Business men and tourists, young and old. It was really difficult to choose out of the menu and the specials, but we settled on breads, chorizo, fried potato, empanadas and Portuguese tarts.

The portion size seemed a little on the small side, but by the end we were stuffed. Everything was good, but the empanadas were a real highlight, the lamb melted in your mouth and the pastry was soft and sweet. My only regret is not saving room for the paella or the pork belly!

The service was fast and friendly and not too intrusive. They were there when we needed and the water was constantly topped up (always a good sign!).

At $50 for two I found Bocados great value and can't wait to return!

Pros - Authentic Spanish food, fresh and friendly service
Cons - I wish I ordered more dishes

Dec 13, 2012

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

What a pleasant surprise! I come to the Hunter regularly for work and decided to venture out of Pokolbin for once. 221 is great value, Fresh and gourmet without the price tag. The dips tasting plate was divine,k House made baba ghanoush, hummus and olive/tomato with toasted garlic/olivey ciabatta and Turkish bread. The serving was enormous and I barely finished my main of crumbed fish fillet with hand cut chips with rock salt (Amazing), house-made tomato sauce and green beans.

I had a looooooong lunch and the staff were very accommodating, nothing was too much trouble and the service was friendly and polished.

Will definitely return!

Pros - Affordable, quality produce, good service and plenty of parking
Cons - Not in Pokolbin (this can be a plus as it's cheaper!) and a little quiet.

Nov 08, 2012

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

Just moved to the area and every time I drive past this place it is busy. Had a family lunch here today and discovered why it's so busy - The food is fast, fresh, authentic and very affordable. My sister brought her newborn baby and pram and the staff were very accommodating. Will definitely return!

Nov 04, 2012

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

Cafe Mason - Popped into Cafe Mason and what a pleasant surprise! The food is made fresh and very affordable ($8 for gourmet sandwich from a hatted restaurant!). Tasted so nice I got a few pastries take away, it was hard to choose but the chocolate raspberry tart was incredible and the bacon/egg sausage roll was the best sausage roll I have ever had. Restaurant menu looks good, I recommended it to friends and hope to be back soon.

Nov 01, 2012

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

Popped in for lunch and was surprised at the value - $12 for a large chicken burger with avocado and pesto, chips and garden salad is a bargain. Reserved parking is another reason to make Ashley's a winner. The owners are very nice and I will definitely return!

Oct 17, 2012

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

Visited Bocados for lunch and was surprised how busy it was for a Wednesday lunch and the crowd was a real mix - Business men and tourists, young and old. It was really difficult to choose out of the menu and the specials, but we settled on breads, chorizo, fried potato, empanadas and Portuguese tarts.

The portion size seemed a little on the small side, but by the end we were stuffed. Everything was good, but the empanadas were a real highlight, the lamb melted in your mouth and the pastry was soft and sweet. My only regret is not saving room for the paella or the pork belly!

The service was fast and friendly and not too intrusive. They were there when we needed and the water was constantly topped up (always a good sign!).

At $50 for two I found Bocados great value and can't wait to return!

Pros - Authentic Spanish food, fresh and friendly service
Cons - I wish I ordered more dishes

Dec 13, 2012

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

What a pleasant surprise! I come to the Hunter regularly for work and decided to venture out of Pokolbin for once. 221 is great value, Fresh and gourmet without the price tag. The dips tasting plate was divine,k House made baba ghanoush, hummus and olive/tomato with toasted garlic/olivey ciabatta and Turkish bread. The serving was enormous and I barely finished my main of crumbed fish fillet with hand cut chips with rock salt (Amazing), house-made tomato sauce and green beans.

I had a looooooong lunch and the staff were very accommodating, nothing was too much trouble and the service was friendly and polished.

Will definitely return!

Pros - Affordable, quality produce, good service and plenty of parking
Cons - Not in Pokolbin (this can be a plus as it's cheaper!) and a little quiet.

Nov 08, 2012

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

Just moved to the area and every time I drive past this place it is busy. Had a family lunch here today and discovered why it's so busy - The food is fast, fresh, authentic and very affordable. My sister brought her newborn baby and pram and the staff were very accommodating. Will definitely return!

Nov 04, 2012

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

Cafe Mason - Popped into Cafe Mason and what a pleasant surprise! The food is made fresh and very affordable ($8 for gourmet sandwich from a hatted restaurant!). Tasted so nice I got a few pastries take away, it was hard to choose but the chocolate raspberry tart was incredible and the bacon/egg sausage roll was the best sausage roll I have ever had. Restaurant menu looks good, I recommended it to friends and hope to be back soon.

Nov 01, 2012

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

Popped in for lunch and was surprised at the value - $12 for a large chicken burger with avocado and pesto, chips and garden salad is a bargain. Reserved parking is another reason to make Ashley's a winner. The owners are very nice and I will definitely return!

Oct 17, 2012

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  10     

Super fresh food. Authentic Japanese food and very affordable. Will definitely return!

Response from Management:
Thank you - it is heartening to receive such a positive response to our new restaurant. We have only been open for about a month but are already overwhelmed by the kindness of our North Strathfield customers. For a different atmosphere with the same delicious food why not try our 'mother-restaurant' in drummoyne?!

Oct 12, 2012

9.8 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  10     

This is my go to place for lunch when in Wollongong. The service is prompt and the food is fresh. Wollongong has an abundance of seafood restaurants, but home-made pasta is a little trickier to find. After a few visits here I just stick to the specials and they haven't failed me yet.

The staff are very friendly and prompt, they are pretty good at reading people and know when to chat and know when to give you space. The restaurant gets busy but their service doesn't falter. I normally come for business or as a solo diner but Gigi's seems popular for groups.

Pros: Well priced - Many mains under $25 and affordable breakfast, outdoor seating.

Cons: Parking is very difficult in Wollongong, might have to walk a couple of blocks, can get loud on a Saturday night with groups.

Oct 11, 2012

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  8     

Popped in for take away, the food is fast, fresh and authentic. The duck salad was a pleasant surprise, the salad was more like a gourmet salad with fresh herbs rather than the usual garnish. The prawn pad thai was also delicious and had huge king prawns. Restaurant looked nice so will try dining in next time.

Plenty of parking is another plus!

Sep 28, 2012

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

Great quality food, especially the Wagyu. Service was very friendly will definitely return to try the buffet!

Jul 09, 2012

9 Highly Recommended

Quality  10      Food  9      Drinks  9      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  6     

Arguably the most beautiful winery in the Margaret River. The Estate is a labour of love, and the attention to detail is amazing.

The staff are very professional and service is slick. I must be the only person silly enough not to have a designated driver, and my water glass (just tap) was attended to dutifully (a sign of good service!).

I enjoyed the breads and spreads, The bread was warm, the olive oil had a kick, the Dukkah fresh but the eggplant dip was incredible.

My friend and both had the venison, the gamey flavour was not for me, but the pomegranate and goat's curd tart was a highlight. The house-made pastry was a standout.

The dark chocolate marquise and the hazelnut sponge were delicious, but the portions were a little small.

Overall: $60 each without beverages - A little pricey, but it is a destination worth the drive.

Apr 18, 2012