r/canberra • u/magicalhullabaloo • Nov 18 '25
Recommendations Looking for a poor quality yet expensive restaurant to recommend to an enemy. Any suggestions?
Taken from r/melbourne
Edit: are y’all saying it’s just all of Canberra’s restaurants 😭
173
u/Br0z0 Tuggeranong Nov 18 '25
Rashays!
13
u/AdAlone2972 Nov 18 '25
I didn't know frozen avocado was a thing until Rashays. I'm sad I had to find out.
34
25
u/Chefepl Nov 18 '25
I don’t know if I would say Rashay’s is expensive though. I want my enemy’s wallet to hurt as much as their taste buds.
22
u/Br0z0 Tuggeranong Nov 18 '25
I realise my enemies are also struggling with the cost of living.
But maybe they need some overpriced drinks! And sides! And dessert! And..idk some more microwaved stuff!
1
7
u/Enceladus89 Nov 18 '25
Their steak is just as expensive as a steakhouse even though its probably cooked in a microwave.
3
2
u/Platypus01au Nov 20 '25
Literally won a voucher to eat there for free and I thought I’d been ripped off.
96
Nov 18 '25 edited Nov 18 '25
One of my favourite dining out stories in Canberra was a waiter at Akiba correcting my Japanese wife's pronunciation of their menu items. She apologised to the waiter too. Was hilarious. I recommended the restaurant to my mother in law when she visited.
2
70
u/rolex_monkey_50 Nov 18 '25
Marble ane Grain. Looks expensive but they couldn't cook meat at the right temperature to save their lives and they will gladly argue with you if you complain.
9
u/createdtothrowaway86 Nov 18 '25
This. Was told they couldnt make a sauce (for one of us) that didnt have garlic in it. WTF. No chefs in the kitchen?
4
3
→ More replies (1)2
43
u/Pleochronic Nov 18 '25
Supreme Leader chicken. Rocking a solid 1.8 star average at all their restaurant locations
13
u/DesiccatedPenguin Nov 18 '25
Don’t you go knocking KFC!
Wait. What do you mean Colonel Sanders isn’t our Supreme Leader?
2
u/Subcritical-Mass Nov 18 '25
This place is truly garbage, mostly because you expect Korean style food and it is not, or at least wasn't when I went, their Korean fried chicken was like Southern fried with siracha, also very dry and tough.
2
u/NewRaider Nov 18 '25
It's part of the Pattysmith's junket
All their food is pretty ordinary
3
u/Axman6 Nov 18 '25
Their pickle milkshake (which was really mostly a dill milkshake) was surprisingly good.
14
51
u/pap3rdoll Nov 18 '25
Water’s Edge and Courgette. Unwaveringly boring menu and an embarrassing amount of fuss.
8
u/lyaatm Nov 18 '25
OMG, I thought it was just me and my date. Courgette was extremely underwhelming and dull. We wished we stayed home and had pizza instead.
77
u/barelyautistic7 Nov 18 '25
Fonda Mexican in the city is pretty shit. Bad fast food burrito quality at sit down restaurant price.
13
u/Crowley101 Nov 18 '25
Third this, single worst dining experience I’ve experienced of Canberra, something like $45 for three bite size tacos, around the same for each member of the family, tortilla were cold. Multiple tables piled with old dishes of past guests while wait staff stood together chatting or on their phones ignoring customers. Left angry and hungry. Could be perfect for your purposes.
11
7
u/Key-Lychee-913 Nov 18 '25
I liked it
2
u/Tower_Watch Nov 18 '25
Why did you like it when everyone else hated it?
I was thinking of going there in a couple of months, and would like to know if that's a good idea. (Will also welcome comments from those who hated it - but some of you have explained why already.)
3
u/Key-Lychee-913 Nov 19 '25
It felt healthy and balanced. It’s on the expensive side. Try it and see.
1
3
u/barelyautistic7 Nov 19 '25
I used to live in Mexico, the food served in Fonda is nothing like actual Mexican food and just overall tastes shit or bland and very expensive for what you get.
3
u/Tower_Watch Nov 19 '25
I wouldn't expect genuine Mexican outside of Mexico anyway. (But I wouldn't know, I've only been to Mexico once - before I was born.)
2
1
3
u/TheFoxInSocks Nov 19 '25
A friend from Melbourne wanted to go as apparently it's really good down there. I had to explain that no, it's dreadful here.
First time I went they completely forgot my burrito order; I thought they were just busy so I waited patiently while my friends ate. It wasn't a good first impression.
2
1
u/Strange_Tailor_7807 Nov 19 '25
I order it on ubereats sometimes coz you can get a $10 burrito deal, it’s alright but sometimes bland. The burrito bowl was good the one time I got it.
1
48
u/BettingWithDyl Nov 18 '25
Muchachos Kingston
24
u/battyscoop Nov 18 '25
Is that place a front or something?? It’s always empty and rent is not cheap there so I’m not sure how they stay open
3
u/Nameless-King Nov 18 '25
Someday I saw a van with Ali baba and muchachos logo on it.
I think they are in the same group, so they can keep afford production and rent cost
1
11
3
1
u/TheFoxInSocks Nov 19 '25
I do like their chips, and they're not overly expensive. Definitely had worse.
1
15
u/BiancaBayBliss Nov 18 '25
There was a black hair that looked like down there hair in my burger from a place in the city that rhymes with Thrill’d. (Delivered by DoorDash)
3
u/maxy0007 Nov 18 '25
I hate to ask, but did you eat it?
6
14
Nov 18 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
7
37
27
u/fitzroybowiedog Nov 18 '25
The last experience at Akiba was ordinary. Food was boring at best, wait staff either overworked or not paying attention. Way overhyped.
2
u/johnnydecimal Canberra Central Nov 18 '25
Have they changed the menu yet? We went in ~2020 and the guy told us they'd never changed it as long as he'd been there which was something like 5 years. He told us he was so bored. Nice guy.
14
u/BobbleBird Nov 18 '25
Otis - I've never had a chewier, stodgy gnocchi in my life. Even woolies shelf gnocchi is better. Such a disappointment for such a pretentious place.
3
u/Ecstatic_Function709 Nov 18 '25
Agree, chefs come and go. There pepper steak 🥩 used to be 🔥 but now, bloody shocking 😳
2
u/tangaroo58 Nov 18 '25
Otis used to be great. The chef/owner was in a car accident and couldn't continue, very sad. Sold up to someone, but it's not holding up the quality now. https://region.com.au/otis-dining-hall-for-sale-as-injured-chef-hangs-up-his-apron/876514/?
1
u/withoutthes Nov 18 '25
Out of curiosity, when did you go? They changed owners recently.
2
u/BobbleBird Nov 19 '25
It was probably a year or two ago, can't remember exactly sorry. I'm still angry at myself that I didn't send the food back. Honestly the worst pasta I've ever had.
2
u/ferret42 Nov 20 '25
I went a couple of years ago, the service was slow, the waiters rude, the food was incredibly average, overpriced and tiny serves. The whole place was the essence of pretension.
I thought it was just me....
1
u/Luluthedogcat Nov 18 '25
Agreed. Otis used to be one of my favourite spots. I went a few weeks ago and it was average at best. I won't be going back anytime soon.
1
u/RamaCBR Nov 23 '25
We tried twice because some people raved about this place and both times were disappointed. Will never come back again.
7
u/Tower_Watch Nov 18 '25
I come from a philosophy of 'love your enemy' and 'do not seek revenge', but I love this post! 🤪
6
u/the-garden-gnome Nov 19 '25
Blackfire.
Terrible experience and an aggressive owner if you complain about the quality.
5
u/Substantial_Water911 Nov 19 '25
Can’t agree enough. We had an absolutely terrible experience at Blackfire.
Food was actively bad and I think we ended up paying close to $300 for the two of us including the set menu and some drinks. The only course that was any good was the roast meat and veg, which I’ve done better at home anyway.
We were given a discount voucher for a return visit at the end as an apology for our negative experience (which they argued with us about). I couldn’t have thrown it out faster.
10/10 would recommend to your enemy
→ More replies (1)1
u/RamaCBR Nov 23 '25
Disagree. We go here plenty of times for steak and they do good meals. The service was nice too and they can split bills. Never had any issues.
23
u/froggie94 Nov 18 '25
Balla Vista in Belconnen, the service is horrible, food over priced and lacks flavour
9
u/amethyst89 Nov 18 '25
I had blue cheese gnocchi from there once and it burned my mouth? Like, spicy. It was so confusing and I couldn’t finish it cuz I’m a baby when it comes to spice.
13
2
u/Substantial_Water911 Nov 19 '25
Second this. Cost us $140 for 2 mains, 2 cocktails and a starter, and all of it was dreadful. Service was nothing short of shocking either.
2
u/Minoskalty Nov 19 '25
Yeah... they're not awful so much as just ridiculously priced for what it is. More than $30 for a bowl of gnocchi is what broke me.
3
u/SerendipityinOz Nov 18 '25
Have to disagree, I love Bella Vista, I've always had friendly and helpful service and love the food, as does everyone we've taken there!
1
u/fingergelix Nov 20 '25
Apparently much depends on whether the mama is doing the cooking on the night you visit…
56
u/Comfortable_Meet_872 Canberra Central Nov 18 '25
Cartel Taqueria. Haven't been to the iteration at Belconnen but went to Queanbeyan. I will never go back.
It's basically Tex-Mex meets oil slick & it's expensive for what it is. The owner is a nightmare. She accused us of not paying for two cocktails and created a scene. When we were able to prove we did, she didn't even apologise but walked off swearing.
If you want a laugh, read her responses to bad reviews -- that is, punters telling the truth -- on Google.
15
Nov 18 '25
Yeah Cartel Tacos is an oily mess... At least we have Jarachos
7
7
u/Axman6 Nov 18 '25
Do you mean Jarochos in Braddon? If so, I absolutely agree, the food is delicious, the staff are great.
3
5
u/low_end_AUS Nov 20 '25 edited Jun 03 '26
gate stare bells quince blue-eyed smell phone spooky sugar defeated move
2
u/Negative_Habit_480 Nov 21 '25
FINALLY!!! Someone else who feels the same about cartel. It’s severely OVERPRICED rubbish.
1
u/perty87 Nov 19 '25
Ive found the food there to be ok, but it's incredibly expensive for what it is
→ More replies (7)1
u/caliDora251 Jan 06 '26
1 Taco at Cartel Taqueria is usually as much as 2 or 3 at other joints. I find Cartel Taqueria worth it and tasty. I've been to both QBN and Belco, never had an issue.
32
u/Striker4750 Nov 18 '25
The Burns Club in Kambah.
17
u/Ecstatic_Function709 Nov 18 '25
Underrated comment and a strong contender of poor quality yet expensive
2
u/sleepy_kitty001 Nov 18 '25
But it looks cheap. You at least want your expensive but poor quality restaurant to look the part.
2
10
2
u/Icy-Buy-3830 Nov 18 '25
This!
The best part is that there are so many dishes that they get to be diaappointed over and over again!
That being said, I've taken out-of-town family there, but with the disclaimer of it being the most extensive and varied range of just tolerable food you'll ever see*.
They are impressed by the range and by the fact that they manage to make every single dish underwhelming.
*Except the fairy floss. That's where I recoup my admission costs.
13
Nov 18 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
24
u/amethyst89 Nov 18 '25
Gotta be Hawker
6
3
3
u/Dodgeballs2018 Nov 19 '25
I’ve eaten at Hawker KFC maybe 10 times. They’ve gotten my order wrong on 8 of those occasions.
10
u/Br0z0 Tuggeranong Nov 18 '25
I’ve been sitting here trying to think which one is the worst.
Then I realised, I’ve been to a lot of different KFC’s around Canberra, and that’s not a bragging point.
Also, it’s hawker.
9
3
Nov 19 '25
[deleted]
1
u/DifficultOrdinary54 Nov 19 '25
Agreed. Gungahlin KFC is fckn horrendous. Rushed, overcooked, extra greasy- just makes you feel like you sold your body to someone in Chisolm and you need to reassess your life urgently.
2
u/OurTeethAndAmbition Nov 18 '25
A s big colonel fan, is KFC in Canberra particularly bad?
→ More replies (2)1
5
u/rockernroller Nov 18 '25
Crust Bruce is legitimately worse than any cheaper pizza place. Abysmal quality control
1
7
10
u/FourFourFucnTwo Nov 18 '25
McDonald’s Kippax
9
u/Plus-Bug-9069 Nov 18 '25
What are you talking about? They're doing magical things like bending statistics and messing up every single order.
4
u/Habhabs Nov 18 '25
Spill the beans about the statistics 🍿
1
u/kreyanor Nov 20 '25
It’s quite common at Macca’s. They claim an order is ready on the screen but it’s not actually ready yet. It’s to keep their KPIs met.
Some restaurants either keep the screen off or remove it altogether so customers are kept in the dark that they’ve declared food ordered in the system but nothing is ready yet.
1
u/manlymanofmanly Nov 18 '25
There’s a fuckin McDonalds in Kippax now? Where? Place has stepped up a notch.
2
5
u/danielk2828 Nov 19 '25
Kawaga in Dickson. Not expensive, but terrible. Got served hard, shrunk microwaved chicken.
1
u/Intrepid-Bit-3924 Nov 22 '25
We went last night. Athe chicken was fantastic, cooked perfectly. The kingfish sashimi was perfect as well, just not enough
9
u/DoctorEmu1 Tuggeranong Nov 18 '25
Jimmy's Place in Dickson. Went there a few years ago; strange environment, and the food wasn't great. I am in Dickson often but will not return
3
u/Resident_Kek_Poster Nov 18 '25
They're extremely racist and shit, I'm amazed they're still in business
7
5
u/No_bed666 Nov 18 '25
There's some god damn awful restaurants in Canberra, honestly it's harder to find anywhere good than anywhere shit, still the worst of the bunch and the only one to have given me terrible food poisoning has to be Kickin' inn in Woden, expensive and terrible all up, they charge for fresh fish and crustacean prices then give you crab legs that are so clearly frozen and reheated that the shell is flexible, clams and muscles that are gritty and clearly unwashed, spice that will either be bland and flavorless or so hot that you feel you've licked the unwashed ass of Satan, though to be honest the unwashed ass would be tastier, honestly worst experience I've ever had to the point I will never visit any of their chains anywhere.
3
u/Puzzleheaded_Draw637 Nov 18 '25
Armada Bar by the Boathouse.
1
u/seminallymoist Nov 19 '25
That hasn't existed for a couple years at least, tried going there last year with a friend but it seems like it was just a Covid thing! The actual Boat House is still great as usual though every time I've been
1
u/Puzzleheaded_Draw637 Nov 19 '25
I went there in January 2023 for the overpriced and least cost-effective lunch I've ever had. Not surprised it's closed down.
3
u/Vegetable-Feature205 Nov 20 '25
I came here to say Saint Malo but it looks like that dumpster fire has transitioned in to an events space.
Worst dining experience I had in Canberra!
4
u/tangaroo58 Nov 18 '25
I mean realistically, almost every restaurant will have someone who hated it and thought it was overpriced — sometimes genuinely because of the food (in general or just that night), but sometimes due to wrong expectations or other factors.
And equally, almost every place has some genuine fans.
4
4
6
u/glvz Nov 18 '25
Charcoal restaurant in the Melbourne building. Terrible steak, steamed vegetables tasted frozen, potato had no taste. Awful experience
7
u/Axman6 Nov 18 '25
Something about that place always make me feel like it’s usual clientele must be political staffers looking for somewhere to have covert conversations, like in the movies.
5
11
u/Educational-Key-7917 Nov 18 '25
Such and Such. Average food and pretentious service.
15
18
u/Maglieri Nov 18 '25
I don't dispute your experience, but OP's enemy might have an experience more like mine, i.e. with great food, helpful but informal staff and knowledgeable wine advice. (And I feel Pilot is a bit overrated!)
→ More replies (1)2
2
u/RamaCBR Nov 23 '25
Disagree on this one too. I have been there a few times and always had good food, nice cocktails and the service were great.
→ More replies (1)3
u/supremo_remo Nov 18 '25
Agreed, I had a similar experience. Couldn't believe people held it in such high regard.
→ More replies (1)
2
2
3
2
u/Rich_Dragonfruit306 Nov 21 '25
Italian & Sons added an $80 tip to my bill the one and only time I went there. When I queried it they removed it but no explanation nor apology.
7
Nov 18 '25
[removed] — view removed comment
5
u/tangaroo58 Nov 18 '25
Love the location, the decor, the food descriptions. I know a couple of people who went there and raved about it. From my pov (I've had too many trips to Japan…) the food was meh. Not poor quality, or poor ingredients; just not well designed or assembled Japanese food.
1
2
u/NewRaider Nov 18 '25
BINT in Belconnen
Lukewarm food, lukewarm beer.
Met with attitude when you ask where the food is when there's your group and another couple in the whole place after 45 minutes
2
u/Jellybeanhero Nov 18 '25
“Ginseng @ Hellenic” god awful Yum Cha.
28
u/beefsack Nov 18 '25
Half my family is Cantonese and they reckon it's the most authentic yum cha in Canberra. Probably depends on what you choose.
Got nothing on the yum cha up in Sydney though.
4
u/BloweringReservoir Nov 18 '25
We go 3 or 4 times a year. It's good, though expensive these days. You can order things that aren't on the menu. My friend had tendons last time, and said they were nice. I've had yum cha in Sydney. It was good too.
10
u/CopesAndDreams Woden Valley Nov 18 '25
It's the best you'll get in Canberra. But I'm happy to be corrected if anyone knows better.
→ More replies (1)1
u/RamaCBR Nov 23 '25
Disagree. I think this is the best yum cha in Canberra. Our go to place for yum cha.
1
2
u/carnardly Nov 18 '25
what was the name of the burger and pizza joint (at least I think it was that) discussed on here whose owner was complaining that the work around civic was affecting his business - not the price of $40 for a slize of pizza and a beer. Apparently there is an Asian place just further down the same block that still does a roaring trade.
1
3
u/culingerai Nov 18 '25
Inka. Overpriced, mismatched and weak flavours that do not satisfy.
1
u/garden-variety-con Nov 19 '25
The steaks and prawns looked good but I was so disappointed by the ceviche. Loquitas had better ceviche, surprisingly.
→ More replies (1)1
3
u/paddlep0p Nov 18 '25
The Meat and Wine Co.
Nice frontage but it's basically a Rayshays in disguise
8
u/InfiniteV Nov 19 '25
Ok I could maybe see people saying Meat and Wine Co is a bit pretentious or overpriced but it is not comparable to Rashays at all.
2
u/RamaCBR Nov 23 '25
Disagree. I have been here many times for lunch and always have good meals. They do really good lunch specials.
1
u/Minimum_Fox_2741 Nov 19 '25
PILOT in ainlsie, easiest the most overpriced inedible food in this town. best thing is people pretend its great while stuffing the food in their napkins
2
u/RamaCBR Nov 23 '25
Disagree. I go here for special occasions and always have great food and good service.
1
u/Remarkable_Glass_982 Dec 13 '25
Yes! Just went for anniversary as it was recommended to be amazing like sage used to be. Almost 500 bucks wasted on an average meal
1
u/Catlover-Supreme Nov 19 '25
Very sad to lose Pulp Kitchen. That was worth going for, not this iteration.
2
1
u/ferret42 Nov 20 '25
Am I the only person who has had a terrible experience at The Lotus in Griffith? The reviews are overwhelmingly gushy but my food was almost inedible. Actually-it probably was inedible but I was starving with no other option....
1
u/BJJ411 Nov 24 '25
I’m keen to know what the relationship of the OP is with their enemy and what sort of situation someone would be taking restaurant recommendations from an enemy lol.
1
1
u/AutoModerator Nov 18 '25
This is an automated reproduction of the original post body made by /u/magicalhullabaloo for posterity.
Taken from r/melbourne
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
1
u/goodberryfan Nov 18 '25
Peonee. Bonus points as it will also be a challenge to find a park
3
u/Rusalkii Nov 18 '25
Oh I am sorry to hear you didn't have a good experience. We went this time last year and loved it. Been meaning to go back, when did you go?
1
220
u/MienSteiny Nov 18 '25
Monster, easiest answer.
Place used to be amazing, been bought and sold a few times and now it's god awful. Check out some of the reviews if you want a laugh.