The Greengate - Australia

Sorry, but today's lunch was just really disappointing. Service was incredibly slow and food was underwhelming and overpriced. We have always loved our dining experiences here in the past, so not sure whether the restaurant has perhaps recently changed hands?

Good, attentive service. Well done bistro cuisine. Will visit again

My wife ordered the beer battered flathead and chips for $20. She got two tiny strips of fish with a thick caking of batter. I ordered the chicken schnitzel (a safe bet). The schnitzel was actually ok. The mushroom sauce tasted burned though. Both our servings of chips were cold and sad, like they'd been sitting around for a good half hour. The salad had old cabbage in it, which made it really bitter and quite inedible. There was just a tiny smattering of dressing on the top bits of lettuce. The rest was just dry. Won't be back ever again!

The Greengate Hotel also hosts one of our favorite dining spots, the Greengate Terrace. This elegant and stylish dining area retains the charm of the historic building, adorned with natural light streaming through numerous windows and doors that overlook the terrace, which offers ample seating. The service here is notably more upscale than most pubs, featuring table service—a refreshing change from the typical buzzer service found elsewhere. The fully stocked bar boasts a tempting selection of cocktails, an excellent wine list, craft beers, and premium spirits. The food at Greengate Terrace is also top-notch, made with high-quality ingredients and expertly prepared by the kitchen staff. Starters are straightforward, showcasing the natural flavors of the ingredients. The half-dozen Sydney Rock Oysters were plump and creamy, served fresh with a champagne vinaigrette that provided a delightful contrast. There are several shareable small plates, too. The highlight of the day was the trio of grilled butterflied king prawns from Mooloolaba, enhanced with butter and herbs—perfectly sized and full of that wonderful charred seafood flavor. For a vegetarian option, the asparagus dish is refreshing, featuring both grilled and shaved asparagus, accompanied by slivers of grapefruit, rocket, and tonburi (Japanese field caviar). This dish is beautifully plated and skillfully prepared. When it comes to mains, there is a wide selection of pub classics, such as fish and chips, pasta, roast chicken breast, slow-cooked lamb, pan-fried Barramundi, and various steak cuts. The dining experience feels much more refined than what you typically find in a pub. We relished the delicious Barramundi, which was cooked to perfection with crispy skin and flaky flesh, served alongside broccolini and a silky kimizu sauce—a Japanese egg and vinegar blend reminiscent of béarnaise. Simple yet elegant, this dish was expertly prepared. We also tried the 5+ Wagyu rump from the specials menu, prepared medium rare as requested, and it practically melted in our mouths. This was accompanied by French fries and a scrumptious truffle butter—definitely one of the best steaks we've tasted. There are plenty of side dishes and tempting desserts available for those with a hearty appetite. Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Greengate and will certainly return. It's a great spot to check out if you're in the area, and it's worth stopping by while traveling up or down the coast. Thanks to the Greengate Terrace for their warm hospitality, and to Vandal and Co for the invitation.

What to order: - Seared scallops with zucchini ribbons, pomegranate, and verjuice for $24 - Beef carpaccio with pecorino, mustard leaf, and truffle oil for $22 - Pan-fried Cone Bay barramundi with salsa verde and cavolo nero for $32 - Apple, pear, and raspberry crumble served with vanilla bean ice cream and custard for $14 Overall, Greengate Terrace is the perfect spot for a long, enjoyable lunch, with all dishes of exceptional quality. The standout items were definitely the barramundi and the crumble. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was vibrant. It's truly worth a visit!