The Boatshed La Perouse

I'm torn about this place, so I'm planning on coming back soon to check it out during the day time and see what I think then, so plan on an update in the near future. But here's my take for now. We rolled in for dinner here with some friends of ours who grew up near here and wanted to take us to a nice place with a view of the ocean, so the Boat Shed was the pick. It delivers in all the right ways for a place on the water, with a cool little beach underneath the outside deck, which was great seating with beautiful views over the water and has plastic screens to keep the wind down if it's a little cooler. It's in an older building too, so it's got lots of seaside charm as well. We were one of only a few tables in the place, and we figured out why later, which wasn't anything bad, just that they had only just started serving dinner, as in, this was their second night, so we were guinea pigs for this round. Apparently they do a big turn at lunch, so that's their usual go to time. Anyway, I love being in a place that's quiet, so this was perfect. We got a seat right next to the water, and loved the view, even if the port is on the other side of the harbor, it's still pretty. Our waiter, Peter I think, headed over and we hit it off right away. He got us started on some garlic bread which was pretty ordinary, but complimentary, so no complaints. We split a couple of meal portions of salt and pepper squid and haloumi salad for appetizers. Both were good representations I thought, but again, nothing out of this world, and maybe not quite justified given the slightly higher prices. For dinner, the wife had Dory fillets, which she said were ok, and to be honest, that was as good as I'd go, not much to them, and the portion wasn't very big. Our friends had the seafood stuffed mushrooms, which I sampled as well, and they were fine, but again, nothing to go nuts about. I ordered the bacon wrapped scallops on Peters word, and they were tasty, with a rich buttery sauce that went with them, but the presentation was pretty weak, and they rice bed underneath was underwhelming. For the prices they're charging, I'd expect a little more on the presentation side, and a little more on the flavor side. But all that being said, they're just starting to try out the dinner mode, so I'll give them another shot in a while. They have a killer location with a charming building, they just need to bring their dinner game up to par and they'll be packing them in soon enough.

It is unfortunate that this beautiful setting was spoilt by the atrocious service. The staff were arguing amongst themselves and in front of patrons as well as being rude to us and other diners. It made for a very embarrassing and awkward meal. I cannot recommend this restaurant.