Ensemble Theatre Restaurant - Bayly's

Not good value,poor service, expensive but not worth cost. Inexperienced staff not used to serving in what should be fine dining for this cost. Long wait to even get some butter for a dinner roll.

Visit to Darling Bay a must, stopped for dinner at the waterside , with steak and the trimmings, watching the world go by

Great seafood, good wine and great view, good service You can see both the opera house and the Sydney Bridge at the same time at dusk this is a fantastic place to eat.

We have been members of the Ensemble for more than 20 years and have always dined at Bayly's (Ensemble Waterfront Restaurant) each time we attend. The food has always been excellent and good value for money, however the last few times we have noticed that each time we visit the cost of a meal for two has increased. Last week we had our usual 2 courses, coffee, desert and a bottle of wine and the bill was $180!! We then noticed that a glass of wine had been incorrectly included but it was still $170. (A careless mistake...?). At one point the waitress stopped at the table and lifted the wine bottle out, looked at it, saw that it was half full and put it back in the bucket!! Said not a word and moved on. In those circumstances at hospitality school they teach you to ask the customer if they want some wine, and then pour it!The food contained too many astringent flavours and had far too many "Asian" influences in what should be basic food. A backstrap should not have the flavour destroyed by over zealous additions of onions and pickled (?) rhubarb. $12 for a side dish of potato and leek gratin is excessive as the serving was small and it was basically a gooey mess - with not much "gratin".The food now is far too complicated, less enjoyable and expensive.The theatre was 95% full and the restaurant at 7.00 pm half empty. It seems to me that the patrons are voting with their feet and we are so disappointed that we will eat elsewhere in future and after 20 years that is truly disappointing.

What a superb location, tad expensive but well worth it, fantastic views of Balmoral Beach. One of the family had phoned from the Uk and organised champagne to be served as we arrived. The waiters were very helpful and well organised. Well done Guys!!! Will deffo book this venue again