Portside Cafe & Restaurant
+61 7 4122 2286+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mon
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Tue
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Wed
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Thu
8:00 am - 3:00 pm
Fri
8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sat
7:00 am - 9:00 pm
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
5.0
Travellers' Choice 2024
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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CUISINES
Mexican, Cafe, Healthy, Australian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
features
Is this restaurant good for lunch?
Details
About
Contemporary Australian/Mexican Cafe & Restaurant situated within the Customs House Residence, built in 1899 with commanding views of the Mary River. We pride ourselves on our full table service with attention to detail. We have a seasonal menu using local fresh produce.
CUISINES
Mexican, Cafe, Healthy, Australian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Family style
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5.0
232 reviews
Excellent
205
Very good
14
Average
7
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Gary D
Southern Queensland6 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
It happened by accident. We were on our way home from Hervey Bay and had to pass through Maryborough. We had time to spare, so we detoured to the amazing Military and Colonial Museum on Wharf Street. But you can't do a museum on an empty stomach, so we were directed to the Portside Cafe and Restaurant in the nearby original Customs House Residence, built in 1899 with commanding views of the Mary River. That's when the gobsmack started. You know you're in an awesome building when your voice drops and you can't stop staring at magnificent workmanship and attention to detail. Then we walked into the restaurant fronting the river. Now this was the good oil! Tables decently spaced and covered in genuine linen/cotton tablecloths. Then wonder of wonders - freshly laundered linen serviettes! - and solid gleaming stainless steel cutlery with nary a fingerprint in evidence. Then, for goodness sake, a uniformed waiter materialises to welcome us and show us to a window table with views of the river (and all this for breakfast would you believe?). And he returns in moments with a stainless steel water carafe blistered with condensation to banish the outside heat, before being respectfully helpful with our choices from the menu. I can't help reflecting on the travesty which counts for service and ambience at the fast food joints on almost every corner in this country which have the temerity to refer to themselves as 'restaurants'. All of which brought us back to the business of choosing what to eat from a tempting menu. We were very pedestrian in ordering muesly and yoghurt (my wife) and eggs benedict (yours truly). Both were painstakingly presented visually, and completely satisfying in the consumption. My experience was topped off with the serving of leaf tea in a traditional pot, with solid crockery including my man-sized cup with a gold embossed rim! I'm still marvelling at this place which certainly hasn't seen the last of us.So when you've seen the classic Queenslanders on the main road through Maryborough, seek out the Wharf Street historical precinct for an historical and culinary experience that will live long in your bank of fond memories. Gary Dixon
Written 30 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
portsidemaryborough
Hi Gary, we are so pleased with your experience at Portside! We have shown the staff members and we have been beaming since your great review. Thank you! Please come again soon, and let us know it was you who left this review.
Many thanks,
Portside team
Written 3 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Frans_12255060
Broadbeach413 contributions
May 2021 • none
Portside serves well priced cafe food in a lovely restored building, with a choice of inside or outside tables. Tables have white table clothes and are well spaced, providing a relaxing environment.
We tried two different soft tacos, and both were generous in quantity and nicely filled, one with fish and the other pork— each dish provided three tacos. Accompanied with a beer and a couple of wines, the $62 bill was excellent value
Written 10 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Portside Cafe and Restaurant
Hi there, thankyou for taking the time to review and leave such a lovely one at that! Hope to see you again soon !
Written 1 June 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lady_Imrahil
Brisbane27 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
We recently stopped in Maryborough twice for lunch, once on our way up to Bargara from Brisbane, and as our first experience was so delightful, a second time on our way back, two weeks later. Make sure you book a table, as this lovely restaurant situated in a historical red brick building beside the Mary River is very popular with locals and visitors alike. With cool breezes from the river on a couple of very hot days, the almost alfresco dining experience on the verandah of what was once the residence of the Customs Officer I believe, with the old Customs House next door, and suitable laid-back music playing at just the right volume, along with excellent food and attentive service, all combined to make our two lunches at Portside a memorable start and end to our holiday.
The drive from Brisbane to Bundaberg, or in our case, Bargara, is a fairly boring and monotonous one, so why not break it up with a delicious lunch at Maryborough? You won't be disappointed if you choose Portside Cafe and Restaurant. While you don't need to get dressed up, as the atmosphere is very casual and friendly, don't expect a cafe dining experience. This is something much more upmarket, but if you're from Brisbane, then the prices are not expensive to comparable dining, and unlike many other restaurants there is no extra sides that need be ordered, as all mains come complete with vegetables or salads. So given that, I was surprised to read a previous review of a person from Brisbane saying it was a bit expensive. You get what you pay for, and in this case what you pay for is great food, friendly and attentive service, and a pleasant atmosphere.
I hope that Portside will be in Maryborough for many years to come, so that on our future visits to Bargara we will always have a great lunch stop.
Written 30 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marigoldKent
Buderim965 contributions
Jan 2021 • none
It cannot be denied that Portside is in a beautiful spot and in a lovely old house with delightful gardens. Arriving at midday for simply a light snack lunch, we were directed to the garden as, although there was space, it was lunch diners only in the main house restaurant. We had an acceptable table with umbrella cover from the hot sun. We were told that some wait staff were in training: they were just not acceptable in attitude and appearance. Our three platters were served up beautifully and very professionally. The three scallops at $15 were lovely; the Arancini balls at four for $15 are very tasty, if somewhat overcooked and hard. What was disappointing were the Coffin Bay oysters - of which we do eat a lot. These were very small and not as we would have expected. Although it was all somewhat disappointing with food and service, it has to be said that this is a lovely place with a delightful and varied menu and we look forward to returning again.
Written 26 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Atkinson Shuttles
Hervey Bay9 contributions
Nov 2020 • family
Oppulance, style and standards.
Words to describe Portside Restaurant Cafe in Maryborough.
From crisp white table cloths, weighted quality cutlery. Wait staff working in sections, a full and available menu based on a families recipes passed down generations for guests to enjoy.
Attentive experienced staff, runners,Commie and floor.
Each menu item is experienced by the staff, and can be explained in detail when asked. The host, the owner is on the floor, attending tables, following up on service," Is everything to your satisfaction",? old world service.
A moreish menu, fun and beautifully presented fare and nothing goes over the pass without an eye of discern.
Congratulations on impeccible, fare, service and standards.
Written 14 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherry M
Brisbane372 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Lunch was calling our names on a recent Sunday while we were touristing in Maryborough. We were wandering in the historical precinct, and came upon Portside. Luckily for us, they could spare a table as we hadn’t booked. Water and menus came promptly, and our table was set quickly. I drank a cappuccino, while hubby had a hot chocolate – both were fine. He went for the sloppy joe, while I chose the chargrilled beef and beetroot salad. So a sloppy joe is like high-quality savoury mince on a burger, rather than a pattie. He liked it, said it was spicy but a tiny bit bland for him. It comes on a brioche bun, with chips in a cute basket. My salad had tender beef strips (would have loved more), a fair amount of beetroot cubes, lots of green leaves, and some fetta. Less leaves and a bit more beef and fetta would have been a treat. Nevertheless it was enjoyable and tasty. I shared some of the chips with hubby; they were a wee bit limp for my tastes. The building is lovely, as are the surroundings with the river right below. The maitre d’/owner? was on the ball, and kept the staff on their toes. Full table service was a pleasant change to the normal counter-ordering that you mostly find these days. All in all, a nice lunch in a lovely building, with good service and tasty food.
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John C
Buderim106 contributions
Oct 2020 • none
We went for lunch and it was full, so we booked and walked the town for an hour. We were not disappointed the food was amazing. We had battered Barramundi with rosemary chips and salad. It was cooked to perfection, the salad was as fresh as when it was picked.
Written 18 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna G
1 contribution
Oct 2020 • friends
We came for dinner before seeing a show and despite initially being fully booked they managed to squeeze us in for an early dinner. The service was excellent (Danny gets a special mention for his joyful, friendly manner and his attention to service - although all the staff were great). The food was very reasonably priced and the wine was excellent. The music was lovely (well suited and not too loud but enough to hear it). The setting is very beautiful in a heritage building with pretty views, giving it a fine dining atmosphere without the hefty price tag.
Written 31 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BonBonInOz
Maryborough2 contributions
Dec 2021 • none
We heard such good things about this place but were disappointed. The 1st server (woman) was very rude to us - wish we would have got her name. The other server Danny- was very helpful, pleasant & efficient. The drinks came fairly promptly but our meal took ages (approx 45 mins). We only had a breakfast Burrito. The Breakfast burrito states on the menu it has scrambled eggs in it & when it came it was really just 1 fried egg cut in half for each half of the cut burrito. Presentation was nice and the taste was good but the fact is it was not scrambled eggs - which I was looking forward to. When this was pointed out we were not offered any sort of apology or free coffee they just said that they have to update the menu as it is not right. So be sure to check what you order is what you are going to get!! Not sure if we will rush to go back.
Written 6 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BirgittaAnne
Torquay13 contributions
Jan 2022 • couples
Fabulous attention to detail. Fresh flowers on the table , crisp white table cloths and even a cake fork to eat our delicious in house baked cake. Staff are exceptional and the setting is lovely . We booked for dinner xxxx
Written 13 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonya P
6 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
Terrific venue. Food exceptional however one female wait staff member and bar staff member could have improved on their manners. Maybe we caught them on a bad day. We had driven from the Sunshine Coast and were looking forward to relaxing by the river. The scenery, food and weather did not disappoint.
Written 8 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Globalga
Dubai67 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
First time visitors to Maryborough and we were delightfully surprised to find this gem of a restaurant for dinner. Carl, the owner is warm and welcoming, and the venue has a lovely garden outlook over the river.
Our table on the verandah had crisp white linens and a charming posy for decoration. Our waiter was attentive without being intrusive, friendly and knowledgeable.
Now to the food… we ordered the chimichanga, California waffles, and spring lamb. Each dish was well presented and perfectly cooked. Each was a taste sensation but special mention has to go to the waffles which are exceptional. The owner tells us that this dish, the waffles, was his personal touch and by his account, a very popular menu item. We can see why.
Very highly recommend the food, the people and the ambience of Portside. A definite must visit.
Written 29 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie
Nice8 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
My family and I stopped in Maryborough for lunch break, back in February during a roadtrip, and let me tell you we were not disappointed with our choice !
Firstly, the restaurant is in a green space, very calm and even though it was very hot outside, we had no problem having lunch on the shadowy porch. Secondly, the owner and his wife are very nice. He's originally from California, hence the mexican-american inspiration of the menu, and it was delicious ! Even the classic BLT is made delightful here ! And to finish with, the homemade cheesecakes for desserts were the best we've ever had, hands down.
Written 10 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil A
Melbourne73 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
This is a great place for lunch. We were very lucky to get a table, being a Sunday. The staff are really nice and repeatly checked us if we needed anything, how is the food etc.
We went to celebrate a friend's 69th birthday and the owner even stuck a candle on one of their scrumptious cakes so we could sing happy birthday. Travelled there from Poona, where we were staying in our caravan. Totally worth the drive.
Written 22 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SantarosaDuo
Hervey Bay44 contributions
Sept 2021 • none
Recommended by our dear friends to come with them to Portside for Sunday lunch 12 Sep 2021, sitting out in the fresh air on the grass with large cafe umbrellas albeit a little windy on the day. We were warmly greeted immediately on arrival by Antony, drinks ordered which were swift to arrive (generous servings of wine by the glass), food was selected from a more than adequate menu - some items had run out of stock as we were the second sitting for the day at 1.00pm, but alternate suggestions were made and these certainly did not fail to please. Entrees were delivered within 15 minutes whilst our beverages were being gently, constantly supplemented. Mains arrived shortly thereafter. Grilled schnapper, and salmon pasta were amazing. Throughout, the service was impeccable. Dessert followed. The best Sticky Date Pudding, wonderfully presented. Carl popped over to enquire as to our satisfaction, and so did the drinks waiter, and dessert waitress - an indication of their obvious passion and professionalism. Thank you Portside for your diligence, mastery and love of running such a fabulous restaurant in Maryborough. Well worth the quick car trip from Hervey Bay. You all deserve much praise.
Written 12 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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