I took a friend who was visiting to the Cottage for some nibbles and drinks last week. I must say the ambiance is lovely and it is clearly one of those places where the prettiest of the pretty in Balmain go to be "seen"- it def would be a good spot for a first date.
Unfortunately this review is about their staff and food, both of which is extremely lacking.
We sat outside and were given menus, then subsequently waited for 15 mins until my friend actually went in to get the waiter to at least take our drink order. Looking around at the other patrons, it would appear we were not alone in our displeasure regarding the wait staff.
When the waiter arrived with our drinks, I asked if he could recommend his favorite dish. Blankly he stared at us then mumbled something about everything being good. We ordered a mushroom pizza and "fancy" chips with truffle and Parmesan.
The $18 mushroom pizza was dry, overcooked, and nearly inedible; my friend again went in to get the waiter to ask him for some chili oil or something to improve the flavor of the pizza. He gave her chili flakes. Fail.
Next, our "fancy" chips arrived, and, while extremely crispy, they had absolutely no salt, or truffle, and a stingy sprinkling of Parmesan. There was also no dipping sauce to be had- for $10, a small bit of aioli wouldn't go amiss. Yet again, back to find the waiter to give us a salt shaker, which is a little ridiculous.
The only time the waiter was prompt was when he brought us our bill without asking if we wanted more drinks or clearing our plates- no "how was everything", or anything to that effect, so at least we could feel like they cared just a little. I guess they don't. My advice- stick to a nice drink here then head to The Riverview or even Dick's for a proper meal. Also, to the Cottage- consider hiring waitstaff that are competent in addition to good looking! read more