Before stepping into La Grillade it was already on the back foot. During my reservation I'd specifically mentioned I wanted the 36hr Maryland lamb shoulder. They called the day of my reservation around 1pm to confirm with me that I'd still be making it but later called at 6pm saying unfortunately the lamb shoulder would not be available. Not happy Jan! On the bright side though at least I was still told before getting there. Rescheduled for the following week and with some luck the lamb shoulder was in stock! FOOD Complimentary bread and a shot glass of soup coupled with pieces of soft blue cheese. I wish that shot glass had been a bowl of soup and blue cheese. First entree was the Grilled scallops served with fresh truffle ($26.50). Extra $10 for the few shaves of truffle but so worth it! The velouté sauce accompanying the scallops was phenomenal. Second entree was the Twice baked spanner crab soufflé ($17.50). Whilst the soufflé was soft and fluffy in terms of flavour it was definitely overshadowed by the scallops. After the entrees the monster dish I'd been waiting for was served. The 36hr Marylands lamb shoulder to share ($69) is a must to try if you come to La Grillade. The lamb is so soft and tender it falls off the bone. This is quite a fatty part of the lamb which means its juicy and oh so flavoursome. There is so much meat my sweet tooth needs to have a rest and pass on dessert. OVERALL I loved everything about this place. The food, the setting, the fireplace which creates a warm intimate atmosphere. It made me forget about all my initial annoyances which is what all great restaurants do! read more

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As a reward for being a fine, milky Mumma's Boy for most of the year, mater took me out for a birthday dinner where I was even allowed to choose m'own meals. (She spoils me). The word institution is bandied about far too often these days (Starbucks is not an institution, children), but La Grillade is fer damn sure an institution in these here parts. The food was rich and wonderfully done: chilli salt and pepper calamari and duck pate with port wine jelly and salted crispbread to start, leading into amazing mains of pork belly with a veal wine reduction - a superb texture combination of white meat, salty fat, and chewy, caramelised crackling - and pan-seared Atlantic salmon which was simply faultless. Dessert was vanilla bean pannacotta with a berry coulis and pear stewed in wine with vanilla ice cream. There could have been more ice cream but really, with the amount of food we ate, any more would have been gluttonous. So I guess it was just right. This was one of those meals had me wishing I'd worn elastic pants. And had one of those sticks with the two ceramic fingers on the end to purge gloriously, like a Roman emperor might. read more

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Cosy feel although even though they had the heat on, it still felt a bit cold as we were seated near the window. Great food. Great portions sizes. They have a 3 course lunch for $66. Great range to chose from and some items are extra depending on your choice. Toilets are located out the back and upstairs which is a little inconvenient for the elderly with leg issues. Attentive staff. Was there more than 15 years ago. I think they closed for a bit and now reopened. Not sure if same owners. What didn't make sense was that bc it is the coldest day in 20 years, we asked for hot water. We got it. Then the same staff member came and poured ice water in our glasses. Go figure. Everyone seemed happy with their meals with their steak cooked to each persons request. I felt my coq au vin could have more flavour especially after being explained how it was cooked. Also, could have used a spoon. But bc the company I was in was so perfect, I didn't even think to ask. Regretted it when I saw the splashes on my white outfit. read more

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It's been a while since we revisited this former old favourite. It's had a bit of a makeover out front and, confirming our suspicions, has changed hands not too long ago. Clearly still popular, seemed to be quite a few punters coming and going. I wish I had something better to say, but we had an all round disappointing night. And we really tried not to. Our traditional start of a martini and a cosmopolitan didn't go well- martini was not really cold enough, but tolerable, and the Cosmo had to go back to be remade. The menu. Ah the menu... Printed on paper, it sadly reminded me of an old time bistro or maybe upmarket RSL. Especially the desserts, which we didn't sample because frankly nothing appealed. For entrees snails, goats cheese, fried calamari, scallops, pate, prawns or gnocchi- I opted for the scallops, she opted out. By now we discovered the wine I ordered was sold out- no biggie but meh. The bread roll and baguette arrived with a tiny bowl of oil and balsamic - the bread was unwarmed, and something qantas would be proud of, but not any restaurant I know. Far too quickly my entree arrived, at the same time as an alleged amuse-bouche, a small glass of what I think was a cauliflower soup. I say far too quickly for my entree because it could not possibly have been cooked to order in the time available, and it's tepid temperature led me to believe either there is a few precooked and ready to go or I got someone else's- either way not great, and it was only ok at best flavour- wise. For the main, well the range is good if you like steak, but a fish lover better like salmon or you are out of luck. Coq au vin, salmon, pork, duck or about five choices of steak to choose. And our perennial favourite, shoulder of lamb for two. Since she doesn't like salmon and I have been in steak all week the lamb it was. Our memories of a nice shoulder in the bone accompanied by a small pile of crisp roasties was dashed - although a large chunk of tender if slightly dry lamb arrived in an impressive metal griddle plate (inexplicably cold) no roasties to be found, and the side of steamed veggies was two heads of broccoli, some nice crunchy beans and a ton of badly sliced carrots. Sigh. The lamb was not too bad, although the coating of whatever it was, nuts and stuff, on top was far too thick and gluggy. So, all in all, very uninspiring for a return to a former favourite- I realise the competition in Crowie is tough, which I assume is why the former owners sold, but on this experience I would be hard pressed to go again. Bummer. read more

Fine dining a its best. I remember when this federation house was a privately owned restaurant, these days its part of the Trippas White Group. However, the food has not gone downhill, it has actually risen to even greater heights. From the tasting plates, the absolutely delicious oyster (done in 8 different ways) to the French inspired main meals, it would be hard to pick a winner they are all so good. At lunchtime it has a real business feel about it, at night it has a cosy ambience. Unfortunately it's not cheap but I will say the food might be a little pricey but you do get good value. You won't be able to fault it and the service is impeccable. read more

La Grillade Restaurant - French Near Me - Crows Nest, NSW

My friends smile said it all, she loves this place. My experience of this cuisine is limited I admit though I have French work colleges who's friends own restaurant businesses . They know of this place by name. The service which my friend described as they will look after you more than other places was on the money. The snails were generous in portion. The house I wine I must say was the nicest house wine I have had all year ( Available is a posh device used to air the wine for the ultimate result).The main which myself and my oldest pal shared a plate between us was the chicken and mushroom and pork chop with apple (sorry my French is sub standard) the desert was so nice since do not usually have desert we found ourselves dinning fit well over an hour enjoy each other's company over a perfect evening. Keep up the great work La Grillade read more

La Grillade Restaurant - Fine feast - French Near Me - Crows Nest, NSW

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I must say that the service here is superior. Plus the dishes are well done, the set menu has wide variety of choices; the atmosphere is cozy and accommodating. Will definitely come back again. read more

La Grillade Restaurant - French Near Me - Crows Nest, NSW

The restaurant is located in a posh Crows Nest house with fresh paint, a white picket fence, complete with a well-maintained front garden. I arrived at 6pm (the opening time) and waited 10 minutes outside in the cold along with the other guests. It felt as though we were waiting for a home inspection to start! I could hear the staff inside the restaurant going through a pep talk to motivate themselves for the night, at the expense of their guests getting cold. The restaurant finally opened its doors and inside was a procession of around 10 staff lined up in a row awkwardly facing the guests, ready to direct the guests to their seats. All the guests had Living Social vouchers which meant the same food was served to everyone. The food was pre-made the food and the staff carried out dishes of the same entrees, mains and deserts to the guests, like a factory line. This turned an otherwise nice restaurant into a cheap experience. On the positive, the decor was nice. There is a bar at the back of the house, and a French themed courtyard area that extends almost to the length of the house itself. read more

La Grillade is such a cosy and welcoming restaurant with a rustic, home-y yet romantic kind of vibe - check out the wall deco! The dishes were well presented, and the service was absolutely fantastic! Though I came with me family of four, (two of us were using vouchers) our treatment was flawless. The food was decent enough but I felt it to be a bit bland (esp. the seafood) for my tastes (though I must say, I quite enjoyed the small selection of mustards that I requested which came with the wagyu steak!) All in all, I'd say the appetisers were better than expected, the mains were alright, and the desserts were really quite average. All the foods were a bit on the pricey side for what it was, but the atmosphere and service left quite a lasting impression :) read more

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Far below expectation. Wagyu beef ordered pink came out overdone and chewy and tough . we cannot even cut the steak., hence many left the steak uneaten. Manager says this is the way we do it ........that's it. Never even replace the overdone steak. . Staff service was average but the attitudes was bad . Manager (was told her name is Kimberly) was arrogant and not fit to be in the hospitality industry. Rudeness personified. Bad food + Rude arrogant staff/manager = dinner from hell! read more

Let me start by saying I'm a French food snob, having lived in Paris and eaten at many many top French restaurants around the world. La Grillades not one of them. Very attractive modern bistro like atmosphere. Menu reads really well and there is no mistaking its franco bias. However, the execution leaves much to be desired. We had a late seating at 8:30 and so the restaurant was not busy. Yet it was almost an hour before our entrees were served. Believe it or not they were out of baguette! Pâté for me which was good although the toast points were stale. My daughter had a chèvre en croute which as a bit of cheese on stale pieces of baguette toast. Not inspiring. Mains were much better especially the duck with sour cherries. We skipped dessert. I'll probably go back but first time left a lot to be desired. read more

the restaurant setting is diverse and has a few different sections, a lovely semi outdoor section which has a relaxed feel to it and the interior part that has a darker and formal feel to it. The steak menu is classy but it's lacking something to give it that special feel to it that makes you forget about the price. Service the night we were there was a little poor but we later found out that she was brand new. I'd give it a second chance. read more

I had dinner at this French Restaurant yesterday evening and am not disappointed with the service, deco ,fine food , white CLOTH napkins etc. They do allow BYO but the corkage is $15.00 for a bottle of wine. This is definitely one of the better restaurants in Crows Nest and a French Restaurant without the "snobbish" service! Will definitely dine here again.. read more

Food was fine - tasty, well presented and more than enough. Corkage was a bit steep when we had to pour ourselves all night and don't forget to leave a healthy tip or you will be bailed up on exit by the waiter with a 'please explain'. That spoilt the whole night and we will not be back. read more

Having read previous reviews we had great expectations which sadly were not met on the night. Three of our party of 5 had the Barramundi special and in 2 of the 3 dishes the fish was badly underdone. They did get it right the second time though. Breads had to be asked for and sauce for one diners steak was forgotten. Certainly not a good night for them as the staff seemed not to take the time to listen to the the customers This resturant has much more potential than was exhibited to us. read more

Amazing food, wonderful staff. Would definitely come back here again. We got a deal with Groupon for 50% off and it was totally worth it.

We once frequented La Grillade 4-5x a week for business lunches and dinners. (before they changed management) After it changed hands, the quality was much lower, so we didn't return for about 2 years. And again 3 years later. Having tried it again today, I can sadly assure everyone that the restaurant is still a sorry disappointment. (I read other reviews here saying they used vouchers - if a restaurant needs to use discount vouchers to sell itself and get patrons, there is something really wrong! The previous management would never have needed to do this) The welcome at the door was delayed but friendly enough (even though the room was quiet), however the welcome used to be immediate and extremely warm, (even when they used to be always fully booked). We were offered a lovely table, as there were only 2 other tables in use in the whole restaurant. We're not surprised now.. The old La Grillade (under the old management) was always flat out, lunch and dinner. I miss it so much :-( The décor in this restaurant is fine, perhaps slightly better than the previous 'elite barnyard' feel, but what is the point of lovely décor when the food is sub par..? The old La Grillade had lovely crisp white table cloths; the current one offers blank café tables. We ordered a "14 hour slow cooked lamb shoulder" ... That was mutton, not lamb. No way that was lamb. We travel extensively and have eaten slow cooked lamb from my own kitchen to New York, Marrakech, Paris and Dubai. We know our lamb :-) It's our favourite meat. I asked where the lamb was sourced from, but nobody came back to let me know. We were told the lamb would take 20 minutes to prepare. So we waited. The dish looked lovely on arrival. However the meat had been incorrectly re-heated, and was literally cold in the middle (like fridge-cold), and barely warm on the outside. It was extremely fatty - more than half the dish was fat and bone. Very greasy. And the flavour was not good. But we ate some because we were so hungry. So we paid $70 for a few mouthfuls of pretty sub-par meat.. It didn't taste good, and was under-seasoned. We lost our appetite and left as soon as possible, after taking a few bites of the soggy mashed potato (with lumps of something white and non-potato through it), to curb our appetites til we could get home. Where I promptly vomited from the greasiness of the meat. Really disappointing. When the front-of-house lady came to ask us how our meal was, we expressed to her as politely as possible it was 'edible', but cold, flavourless, and I said that I suspected it was mutton, not lamb. Rather than offer to heat the dish further, or fetch the chef, she simply responded 'thank you I'll pass that onto the chef'. Perhaps we offended her, but as a restaurateur I would rather hear the truth from those with complaints, than those saying 'everything is fine' when they aren't happy.. It's business, not personal. In any case, we got out of there asap, and they still charged us $98. We were so looking forward to a lovely meal, and we felt like we'd eaten at a truck stop :-( We could've had a better meal at a burger spot or noodle place or sushi train or Arabic cafe - or even at home. And for 1/4 of the price. We aren't short of money, but we're not stupid ;-) I'd wanted to treat my husband to a lovely meal for being so patient with me all morning, and instead he was served this mediocre slop. Really, really disappointed :-( We won't be returning ever again. Lesson learned. read more

Have not even been to this restaurant yet, and the experience was horrible. I was attended to by Anne. She was lovely all "yes" & "of course"....until she found out I was a customer with a promotional voucher. The shift in attitude gave me whiplash...it was as though i was stealing from her. I was aggressively told to email and that I did NOT get to choose when I ate there. For a company that is attempting self promotion through these avenues it would not make me want to go there or recommend to friends. Anne...Since when did being thrifty become a crime? read more