Painfully disappointing experience.
I usually don't like writing too much about bad reviews, but a couple words...
We were looking for a nice pub for fathers day. Upon calling, this place seemed very promising, but.. it failed miserably.
Lamaro's suffers from an identity complex. It can't tell if it wants to be a casual pub or a fancy tapas joint. And the staff, menu, attitude(s) and decor all reflect this conflict of mentality.
We basically wanted a mix of pub food/tapas, and (despite assurance on the phone) this turned out to be a huge issue as certain dishes can only be ordered in certain parts of the joint (which mind you, are only a couple metres apart even though the place is empty). Eventually we argued our way (by saying we'd order dishes in separate parts and carry it over ourselves), but even then, you can't order certain dishes to arrive with the mains (it just has to come whenever its done) etc. So we had to eat burgers while others had starters, etc. Just crappy mindless service that doesn't have the customer's interests in mind.
And then, for our wine drinkers, the staff insisted on keeping the wine behind the bar (which fancy places do), but then they refused to attend to our table and refill glasses when empty. Then when you do finally get their attention, one time you get a waitress who's all gung-ho filling you glasses to the rim, next time you get a fancy pants water who fills each 1/8th of the way.
Just complete identity complex type crap. And it's not cheap either. About $75 a head, and that's on the frugal side of things.
We also had several other issues, such as overcharging me double the amount, and then refunding it, and then blaming me (for inputting it wrong?), and all this weird shite, but I can't be bothered to get into it all. Meh.
Basically, if you want a weird, expensive non-experience, check it out yourself, and let me know how ya go!
I wouldn't return here ever even if I was paid to. I'd give this a one star if it was my thing, but lucky for them, it's not. Nonetheless, Lamaro's Bodega was probably one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had in Melbourne to date, if not, the worst. And that's the truth. read more