Jacos - Stanley

At coordinates S40°45.655' E145°17.770', Cornell Lyn and his energetic team run several establishments, including B B Stamps and Jacos Fusion Bistro in Stanley.... read more At coordinates S40°45.655' E145°17.770', Cornell Lyn and his energetic team run several establishments, including B B Stamps and Jacos Fusion Bistro in Stanley. Jacos boasts an attractive and captivating website, claiming to serve extraordinary Asian cuisine, infused with unique flavors meant for those who appreciate divine Asian meals. Having explored culinary delights across Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam (you can read our reviews), we have encountered some spectacular Michelin-starred restaurants hidden in remote villages. So, we wonder: Is Jacos overly ambitious for a small town in Tasmania, or has their website merely borrowed from other renowned establishments? First, we commend the chef for offering a diverse menu that encompasses Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, and Korean dishes. Notably, the Anvers chocolate dessert pays tribute to Cornell, who hails from Belgium. On Valentine's Day in 2020, we sampled a variety of sushi ($12) and vegetable tempura ($10) as appetizers. The sushi was fresh and delightful, while the tempura was enjoyable. For our main courses, we chose Korean BBQ-style beef brisket, steamed jasmine rice, and bok choy ($28), along with Szechuan duck breast paired with orange and fennel salad ($30), as the menu lacked fish options. Both dishes impressed with their flavors, complemented by a glass of Leconfield Cabernet Merlot 2009 from South Australia ($75). We ended our meal with the pink Anvers chocolate and chocolate spear dessert ($16), which rounded off the evening pleasantly. They utilize a 'Square' payment system, and it seems that tipping via digital payments is becoming less common, which can be a positive change. While having a tip jar for cash is fine, the system's tendency to present tip options (5%, 10%, or 15%) directly on the screen can feel a bit forceful, detracting from an otherwise enjoyable experience. This was the first time we encountered such a method, and it could dampen a fond memory from the evening. It’s evident that Jacos aspires to match the previous establishment, “Xanders, the experience,” aiming to provide a higher standard of food than what is offered at the Stanley Hotel or local fish and chips from Hursey Seafood. This ambition deserves recognition, as many establishments in Australia continue to serve only basic pub fare despite the availability of excellent local produce, based on our experiences traveling through Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Cairns (again, feel free to read our reviews). In conclusion, Jacos is likely the best dining option in Stanley, presenting an intriguing menu and solid Asian fare. However, true exceptional and divine Asian cuisine still feels like a distant goal.

We ordered takeout as a family and were thrilled with the presentation, taste, and value of our meal. It was a fantastic experience! read more We ordered takeout as a family and were thrilled with the presentation, taste, and value of our meal. It was a fantastic experience!

Read about the pies and they did not disappoint. worth $22 for the crayfish pie and the scallop pies are absolute bargains for $12. NB the curry sauce is made w... read more Read about the pies and they did not disappoint. worth $22 for the crayfish pie and the scallop pies are absolute bargains for $12. NB the curry sauce is made with coconut milk so is dairy free delicious. Salt and pepper squid also excellent and the chips were above and beyond. The view is also pretty amazing. Meal type: Lunch Price per person: A$20–40 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Curried Scallop Pie, Crayfish Pie Parking options: Free street parking

What a wonderful discovery! The food was amazing, and the staff were extremely friendly. read more What a wonderful discovery! The food was amazing, and the staff were extremely friendly.

Stanley has the best seafood around. While the menu may be limited, the food is of exceptional quality. The service is top-notch and the atmosphere is pleasant.... read more Stanley has the best seafood around. While the menu may be limited, the food is of exceptional quality. The service is top-notch and the atmosphere is pleasant. The average price per person for a meal is between A$40 and A$60. Highly recommended dishes include the Babel Island Crumbed Scallops, with Chips, and the North Point Salt Pepper Calamari.