Harabuhji
28/12/2022
Lunch at Stefanos.
The ambiente imitates an Italian eatery as perceived as such in Australia. A good standard.
We ordered 4 dishes. Mushroom burger is ok, but not exciting good. I would notice that a sharper knife for the burger should be offered. It is common, though, to get a standard cutting knife everywhere. Chips, together with the burger, resemble a classic Burger Chips dish. There's nothing wrong with that. And the chips were well fried, thick and maybe not from the bag?
Suacage pasta was tasty, missing maybe some pepper, spicyness.
Gnocchi with Stefanos sauce was ok. The Gnocchi were massive. I would prefer them a bit lighter in texture and fresher in the arrangement. Red sauce with parsley topped with a bit of cheese, it is ok, but heavier as wished for a lunch dish.
I cried when there was no Osso Bucco available!
The steamed vege was nicely glazed,green zucchini, Brussel sprouts, and broccolinis. Ok, good! A good choice for a side dish.
The service was a bit strange. We have been asked to sit on a table for six. Then suddenly the manager? Asked if we were waiting for anyone else. On our answer, she did not even reply. She just turned away and continued her work. We have noticed her being rude to other staff. Not rude but abrupt. Do not do that in front of your customers! A manager must be the friendliness personified.
Not offered the wine list, even after I started looking on the displayed wines. Why?
Overall, I had higher expectations. It's a good restaurant, but it can do it much better. Improve the organisation, train your staff to be polite besides being "stylish" and with "attitude". And play a bit more with the dishes. Do not forget your wine list!
Last moment addition... desert practically not existing. The pantry displayed mass-produced flourless "persian" tart, lemon curd, and a few almond croissants. These are not deserts!