A weekend away to Sorrento meant pricier meals, beach views and laid back vibes. Sunday morning we headed out for brunch with a group of six, and came across Coast Blairgowrie, so thought we would check it out.
ATMOSPHERE & SERVICE
Walking in the space has a modern beach vibe with high white ceilings and featured beams to create a homey feel. Greenery hang from the ceiling as do copper accent lights. The bar area boasts both a wooden front, steel counter tops and oversized black feature shelving, displaying their range of wines available.
The outdoor space is more of a laid back setting, with white plastic chairs, wooden decking and a bright blue canopy, which screams beach.
The service I’d saw was just okay, but nothing over the top. Maybe it’s because we have so many amazing cafe’s in Melbourne, all with attentive and friendly staff, that you really see when a restaurant or cafe isn’t living up to the standard.
Now looking back and reading all the reviews, our experience was no different than most of the other people who have dined here. We were a table of 6, and our meal (most of which was just eggs and bacon) took more than 45 minutes to come to the table. Two other tables around us who had ordered after us got their meals first, which made me think they forgot about us. When we questioned this, they said they were very busy and the meals would be out shortly. However, looking at the photos above, there were only a hand full of tables dining. I’d hate to be there when they were ACTUALLY busy….
FOOD
After a round of coffees, and a solid 45 minute wait for our food, my ‘Bircher Muesli’ arrived with blueberry compote and natural yoghurt. It was a small portion, with dry bircher, which they covered with yoghurt and a few fresh pieces of fruit. Taste was okay, but nothing to write home about.
MC and 3 of the others at the table all ordered eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and avocado. Again another mediocre meal that we could have made better at home, at a fraction of the cost. One meal came out cold, the other with burnt toast and sausage. There was no consistency with any of the dishes that came out of the kitchen.
We had let the team know of the issues we had with our breakfast, however were just shrugged off as they didn’t seem to care. It’s unfortunate that with something as simple as breakfast, which can be done amazingly, it can be completely ruined with the lack of communication between front and back of house. It was clear that we kept looking at the waitstaff wondering where our food was, yet we still waited ages for it to arrive.
Will we be heading back? I’m probably going to say no. Will we recommend Coast Blairgowrie to others who come to Sorrento? Probably not. Which is a shame is the space is beautiful.