Liz_beth

This was one of my most disappointing dining experiences in a very long time. The service was friendly and very quick, the atmosphere was chatty and family friendly without being overly loud. Unfortunately, that's where the pleasure stopped...4 dishes were ordered between us and not one was enjoyed. Grilled Barramundi - frozen, odd texture, exceptionally salty from the seasoning they used, served with over cooked peas, frozen beans and FROZEN carrots, tolerable potatoes and a couple of pieces of zucchini. This was $28.90. Dish 2: Beef n Reef - medium rare - 3/4 of the beef was overcooked, same veg as previous dish, frozen prawns many not shelled/prepared for serving properly, mussells questionable re fresh or frozen - cost was around $29. Third dish was a traditional Italian chicken dish with the same vegies as the previous dishes. The chicken was very dry - the sauce though was ok. Lastly was the kid's pasta - reasonable, but received spaghetti instead of fettucini - not overly bothered by that, but there was visible cooked yellow egg yolk pieces and chunks of spaghetti stuck together. When I tried to use my entertainment book voucher at the end I was told no vouchers on mother's day. There was not a mention of it over the phone when we booked, no signs saying so around the restaurant, not a mention by anyone. I acknowledge that I didn't ask either however other businesses usually indicate in the fine print if there are restrictions to voucher use. I have read the other review on here saying the food was alot better than ours but unfortunately I would not risk spending $25-$29 a plate again on such low quality food - no matter how good a review I read in the future. It's a shame too -because the ladies who served us were really lovely!

Approximate cost: $28.00

Friday night light dinner; started with bruschetta which I really enjoyed and it was served beautifully. The waitress who looked after us was extremely courteous and friendly. My coffee was brought promptly and it was soooo good! Nice and strong, and just the right temparture. Shared a plate of the $12.50 spinach and ricotta ravioli and it was quite flavoursome. Also quite a large serve - easily shared with two after the bruschetta and not exceptionally large appetites.

Approximate cost: $12.50-$25.00

The dining area was clean, comfortable and not overly crowded. The food was really nice - no complaints. Be mindful - nachos were a tad on the spicy side if you have no palate for 'chilli' (I didn't mind it but the kids found it too hot and nachos are one of their fav dishes). The 'kids eat free' menu on Sundays is very limited - only 3 choices and more suitable to younger rather than 10-12 year olds. The staff were really friendly and courteous.

Approximate cost: $20-$25 for mains, casual bites under $20

Twice in the last month I have dined at El Nonnos and was so incredibly impressed by the atmosphere, the delightful, friendly service, the efficiency of the all the staff...I just cannot think of a negative element! Alex makes an exceptional long black, the spinach and ricotta cannolloni is devine and the side serve of vegetables has this delightful seasoning that is simple yet scrumptious. My kids love the boscaiola and the carbonara and for only $8 on Pasta nights (Mon-Wed) the value is extraordinary. Nothing is too much trouble... no schallots - done, take away dish for left overs, done... no reservation.. too easy... don't forget BYO and if you haven't tried it yet, YOU SHOULD! Great food, great value, wonderful people - and after a recent experience in Leichardt's famous Little Italy - I'd pick El Nonno's any day as a first choice! :-)

Approximate cost: $10-$20 depending on the night