Jaaning tree restaurant, 8/1 Wellington Drive, Nambucca Heads

After reading the other reviews on this page we decided to try out the Jaaning Tree restaurant. A group of drunken indigenous people outside in the park heckled us as we arrived. There was a “for sale” sign in front of the restaurant, and we hoped that would not be a bad omen. Upon entering the empty restaurant we were greeted by a rotund man who gaily showed us to our seats. The menu described entrées as “Small Plates” and main courses as “Big Plates”. After we ordered Big Plates the waiter testily removed the entrée knives and forks from our table. He seemed miffed that we were not ordering 'Small Plates'. We bought drinks and made our orders. It did not take the Middle Eastern looking Chef very long to make them. My wife's “Big Plate Fish of the Day” turned out to be two small prawns and a tiny, inch wide, circle of fish, about the same size as a small biscuit. They were placed in the middle of a very large plate, I guess so that the owner could justify calling it a “Big Plate”. This tiny meal, about two mouthfuls, was supposed to be a main course! My meal was a little larger– about five or six mouthfuls. It took us a minute to finish. I went to pay the bill. “How were your meals, sir?” the waiter asked, gaily, in a loud voice. I quietly replied, “We were disappointed that you advertised the main courses as 'Big Plates'. They were tiny. My wife's Fish of the Day was just two prawns and a tiny piece of fish – about two mouthfuls altogether.” “I'm sorry to hear that,” the waiter said loudly, so that the cook looked over with a menacing glare. “Now I have to go and pay for another meal somewhere,” I added, as I handed him three fifty dollar bills. When he gave me my change I commented, “Good luck with your sale,” and walked away. We went to another restaurant and bought a real meal for half the price.

Great service, Good size meals. Ok for families.

As a family we try to dine at Jaaning Tree twice a year as we travel to Nambucca Heads from Kurrajong, west of Sydney. It is always a delightful experience. The menu is excellent, the service is warm and friendly. It has become our favourite place to experience fine dining in NSW.

The fresh oysters for entree were the best I've eaten, as was the signature dish smoked kangaroo. Including a bottle of Spanish wine the evening cost $120 for 2 people, and was worth every dollar. I noticed that the business is for sale, hopefully it remains as enjoyable in the future.

We started with sharing the cheese and macadamia beignets. So picturesque and so tasty with all the bush jams, dusts and accompaniments. I then had the whiting fillets with a lemon myrtle and pepper crust with polenta and ragout - excellent! Great meal and we wish we found this place sooner than our last night in Nambucca Heads.