Ambience - outstanding. Service - excellent. Value for money - good. Food - ok. I liked that they included side accompaniments with steaks in the price. However, there is room for improvement on the food quality and some of the cooking techniques used.
The seafood tasting plate entree we ordered had sufficient variety and flavours. Though some of it was very greasy and the prawns were slightly overcooked. The presentation could also be improved. The sweet potato shavings were heavenly!
For mains we ordered sirloin and t-bone steaks with accompaniments. My "spring vegetables" were definitely way overdone and covered in oil. Whereas they cooked my partner's chips perfectly and presented them in a cute mini colander. We didn't much care for the creamy garlic sauce however. My mushroom ragout was NOT ragout but a watery brown sauce with some mushrooms thrown in.
As for the steaks themselves, my partner's was done perfectly medium rare, while my t-bone was medium well (as ordered) on the outside, but very rare in the middle.
Overall, Kobe did some things very well, but there are definitely some techniques that need improving.
They also have an extensive wine list which can significantly blow your budget, the cheapest bottle at approx $30. So be prepared to splash out if you are into fine wines!

Approximate cost: $40-80

They offer an extensive range of teas expected of a tea house. Along with the usual selection of coffee, sandwiches, wraps, pastries, scones and cakes to whet your appetite. There were also some interesting desserts entitled Red Velvet Bombs which I must try next time. The interior is air-conditioned, and you order and pay at the counter before being served at your table.
Go for a walk in the Palmetum gardens next door to work off those treats. The gardens are orderly and well-maintained with plenty of shade during the hot afternoon. Entry is free.

Approximate cost: $7 - $20

I was surprised at the high level of service received when enquiring about a current sales special which had run out of stock. Perhaps it was because we asked the right sales assistant, who had "15 years of service" on her name badge. Prices are a bit expensive on larger items such as curtains, but discounts on selected items are available when you join their VIP Club. Go during their half-yearly clearance sales for big discounts.

This independent, family-owned cinema prides itself on providing an alternative cinema experience. There is a dress code and mobiles are asked to be switched off. The movies shown tend to be more 'arty' and thoughtful than regular Hollywood fodder. However, there are box office winners to be found in amongst foreign language features. Go on Thursday mornings for complimentary morning tea and nibblies at a discounted rate.

Get in early on weekends, as the place becomes packed. I ordered waffles with Raspberry Coulis, Lemon Curd and Whipped Cream. The staff obligingly swapped it for Ice cream for no extra. I felt the portions were too much for one person, and the prices reflected the size of the portions. Go with someone you don't mind sharing food with and split the costs. Trouble is, there are so many other tempting options. Next time I'll definitely try the savouries to compare with the sweets.

Approximate cost: $20

Saw a great price on a 6L slow cooker in an advertised catalogue, however they were out of stock when I visited in August. Nevertheless, paid for item at the special price and was assured they would have one in soon. 2 months and 3 visits later, the item is still not in stock. Each time I have visited the store, a salesperson would again assure me that it will be in "next week". The last time they offered a smaller product which was not worth anywhere near the original price of the item I paid for. They also offered a full refund, but this is not good enough as 2 months of waiting would just be wasted. Have lost faith in this store, and of any future 'special deals'.

Now open every Saturday from 6am til midday, these markets are proving to be popular amongst those living in the northern suburbs. From honeypuffs to organic meats, there is a bit to browse and buy. You will find the usual fresh produce stalls amongst other more 'boutique' goods, such as native Australian vanilla. One thing I've noticed from attending since the start of the season is that the quality as well as quantity of the stalls have dropped. Not sure why that is, but fortunately the few stalwart owners have managed to keep up some of the good work. Market management needs to do more to lure stallholders to keep coming back. Shopping here can be a bit hit & miss when the stalls you see from one week is not here the next. There also needs to be more hot food stands - one of the things people want to do is have a feed before/after doing their shopping. The nearby coffee shop seems to be inundated with customers on Saturdays and can barely cope. Another minor annoyance is the parking lot (formerly interference-free) which for a small 'donation' attendants will now tell you where to park.

Approximate cost: $N/A

Funky, authentic and eclectic, the Sweatshop is unlike most cafés/bars in Townsville. Not only do they serve decent coffee (no extra for soy) but the best chai latte in town. Their jaffles and jam-jar cocktails are stand-outs. There is also tapas, wraps, salads, pancakes and gelato on offer. Boutique beers and ciders tickle your tastebuds. They also proudly support local artists and charities. Do yourself a favour and check it out. Open til midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Approximate cost: $7

Definitely the better of the 2 pet stores in Domain Central. The staff and owner are great, providing good advice on products, high level customer service and the occasional treat for your dog! They have a store loyalty program offering discounts to members which is free to join. The store also supports a local animal foster home, which holds an adoption day in-store every 6-8 weeks. There is also a hydrobath (self-operated) at the back of the store to wash and dry your dog. You can also bring your own pets into the store as long as they are leashed. Great place to shop WITH your pets! :)

Approximate cost: $N/A

Tried their "Beef and Burgundy" Sunday promotion. For $30 you can choose from 3 different cuts of steaks (eye fillet, sirloin and scotch fillet) and 2 types of red wine. Atmosphere and service were very good. Steaks were a little charred on outside but cooked nicely in the middle. There are other poultry and seafood options as well as a selection of desserts. The Finger lime tart and Chocolate Temptation were both pretty good. We'll definitely be back to try their other Promotional nights. Great value for money for a fine dining experience.

Approximate cost: $35 - $90