Caledonian Hotel - North Adelaide

The amount of times I've driven past this place and not tried it is crazy, and finally came for a set menu Mother's Day lunch 2day ($55pp) and what a joyful experience indeed! We ate in the Barton's Restaurant side and it isn't really special in decor- just a modern cosy dining area with a view of a lovely looking wine shelf at the end, but the service and food was just fabulous. Shout out to Danika our lovely server who was just wonderful the entire time. The food speaks volumes in flavour, presentation and portion sizes. Though was a set menu it is a smaller version of their actual menu so have to mention the Scallops and the Barramundi (simply delicious on all standards!) Value for money was beyond what I expected and will definitely return indeed! ????

Delightful spot in the outskirts of Adelaide. Food was absolutely to 'die for'. Smaller servings just perfect for lunch. Service was wonderful. Great time with family

Positive thoughts came to mind initially; experience from a previous visit solidified my snap decision to dine at Bartons Monday night. Interesting ground this, close to 3 years between drinks. Scepticism subtly crept in as I declared to my other half ‘maybe the chef’s having his Monday day off?!’ Was I right? Chargrilled. What comes to mind? Charred and grilled sounds hot right? Wrong, swordfish is served cold on a bed of diced veggies and little to no hint of wasabi. Such a flavoursome fish bastardised, thrown down a path of contradictive menu statements, confusing diners – this must be noted on the menu. The braised duck; dried out, tasteless, flavourless, little to no seasoning, not surprised if it were pre-frozen, nuked and served on its bed of lacklustre horseradish aioli, the gnocchi being the only highlight, and I’m being mightily generous here. We had decided to give 4 dishes a try, see how we felt, then if hunger allowed, continue with 2... read more

Poppy had breakfast at the Caledonian, it wasn't one to remember. Extremely simple and plain. Small serving of basic scrambled eggs, small portion of bacon, Aussie sausage, maccas hash brown, half a mushroom and tomato, some spinach and onion concoction with a slice of Tip Top White bread. Nothing exciting. Can't recommend, thumb down not worth an eat ????

Positive thoughts came to mind initially; experience from a previous visit solidified my snap decision to dine at Bartons Monday night. Interesting ground this, close to 3 years between drinks. Scepticism subtly crept in as I declared to my other half ‘maybe the chef’s having his Monday day off?!’ Was I right? Chargrilled. What comes to mind? Charred and grilled sounds hot right? Wrong, swordfish is served cold on a bed of diced veggies and little to no hint of wasabi. Such a flavoursome fish bastardised, thrown down a path of contradictive menu statements, confusing diners – this must be noted on the menu. The braised duck; dried out, tasteless, flavourless, little to no seasoning, not surprised if it were pre-frozen, nuked and served on its bed of lacklustre horseradish aioli, the gnocchi being the only highlight, and I’m being mightily generous here. We had decided to give 4 dishes a try, see how we felt, then if hunger allowed, continue with 2 more dishes. Disappointment reared its ugly head again in the form of a singular prawn and crab ravioli. Served with raw, fennel root, the dish proved itself every bit a tragic excuse for effort as the Barton’s owners consider their chefs worthy of the title. This was the pinnacle of poor value for money. Nuke and serve should never be considered, even within the confines of a dated and characterless establishment.  My suspicion that the reason why the only other table with customers ordered just chips confirmed. Pokie revenue is keeping this place a float, but it is about time the reigns were passed onto another, upcoming chef who can utilise their skills to produce and creative something exciting with the advantage of a fall back. This was my saddest dining experience to date, the worst food I have ever eaten out. Even with the Entertainment card the bill came to $75 for 4 dishes and $18 corkage. Kudos to the very friendly and courteous waitress who made us feel welcome, while all the time clearly embarrassed by what she had to serve. This is the first time I’ve ever stated that a restaurant should not be tempted. 1 out of 5.