Lagoon Restaurant - NORTH WOLLONGONG

Two of us had lunch here yesterday and on reading the previous reviews were somewhat concerned it may be a poor dining experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. We live in Wollongong and have been here many times although not in the last...year so it was disappointing to read the very negative reviews. Firstly a wonderful greeting from front of house Rosa who seated us and was extremely attentive and engaging and who seated us near the front for a top view. Then our waiter the very engaging and helpful Dakota, for whom nothing was too much trouble, took our orders. The Sommelier was also very attentive filling wine and water glasses regularly. The only mixup with the food was that a half dozen oysters were not as ordered but the other half dozen were correct. Dakota offered immediate replacement but as I’d already started on the delicious Kilpatrick I was happy to keep going. We ordered the steamed whole Snapper and the Jumbo Queensland Prawns, grilled with a wonderful sauce, and both dishes were perfectly cooked and delicious. We followed with one desert and a piece of the cheese also good. So all up we had a lovely lunch and recommended the restaurant highly. However, to avoid any doubts that this may be an “inside” review the reader can read my earlier review for the coffee kiosk on the deck where I gave one star and was highly critical. I’ve since found out it’s a separate operation. Yes it’s correct to say the decor is somewhat dated and I had to swap a dirty wine glass for a clean one but the food in our experience was excellent and the young staff extremely engaging, professional and helpful. We look forward to a return visit well done to all staff mentioned.

Returned to this restaurant as we received a voucher for a gift. We had been here a few years ago and had vowed never to return due to the soggy seafood. This visit was even worse. The place is in need of an upgrade. There...was a very unpleasant smell in the room when we arrived. Perhaps the carpet had never been cleaned? Our wine glasses were dirty and had to be sent back and then one of our water glasses had congealed food on it as well and had to be returned. If a restaurant has a dishwasher and proper quality control this shouldn’t happen. Are they being washed properly or just rinsed? We had octopus for the entree. It was ok but wondered why you would serve an Asian flavoured dish with a salad that didn’t match. The fish dishes were nicely cooked, however, some of the vegetables left a lot to be desired. Don t even bother with the side garden salad. The toilets were pretty filthy, including leaking taps. Such a disappointment as premium prices are charged. There are plenty of other fabulous places near so I would definitely avoid this restaurant.

What a terrible experience we had. We usually come here once a month, not any more. The last time we came we ordered a decent bottle of wine only to be told by a staff member : did they shake it up because I’ve worked...in a winery and that’s what you should do if the wine has sediment in it. ? Seriously have you not heard of decanting a decent wine, obviously not. We have always liked this place so we gave it another go. Today we ordered our entree nice. I had fresh prawns other had tempura. Both ok. We then were looking at the mains and decided to order a bottle of red. They had Cabernet Sauvignon Shiraz on offer. So we tried to order then advised we have cab sav available and Shiraz. Why on earth did you give us a full menu listing at the beginning with no explanation that you don’t have any wines available. We asked for a few different bottles and the staff checked and came back to us with no we don’t have it, was there any managers around? Apparently no they are on holidays. It was a horrible experience and we certainly won’t be coming back until they pick up their game. The staff blamed it all on covid. Yes it can be difficult but we have been to other restaurants in the Illawarra and they have their finger on the pulse. Enjoy your holiday managers the place is going downhill fast.

By far this was the worst restaurant I've been to lost order wrong order hour wait. Things just left on the table. No steak knife with the steak had to ask. If you're wanting a special night out for dinner the only thing...the Lagoon restaurant can guarantee is a very large bill poor service and average food. If you're wanting to impress your date I suggest you go elsewhere. I was so stressed could not relax to enjoy anything....

Returned plates and wine glasses several times as they were repeatedly placed dirty, poor hygiene especially in a pandemic.. seafood platter was the worst I have ever had. Could not finish eating.. mushy seafood, didn’t seem fresh.. ginger shallot scallops served raw..bathrooms putrid.. this...used to be a great restaurant.. stomach turning now! Very disappointed