Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant

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#2 of 31 Restaurants in MerimbulaSeafood, Australian, $$ - $$$

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Merimbula Aquarium and Wharf Restaurant

Review

At a glance

Closed now

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Website

+61 2 6495 4446Improve this listing

About

Features

CUISINES

Seafood, Australian

Meal types

Lunch, Dinner, Brunch

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

American Express

Full Bar

Highchairs Available

Mastercard

Outdoor Seating

Parking Available

Reservations

Seating

Serves Alcohol

Table Service

Visa

Wheelchair Accessible

Location

Lake Street, Merimbula, New South Wales 2548 Australia

Parking Available

Does this restaurant have a full bar?

Yes

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Hours

Suggest an edit

Closed now

• Opens at 6:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Thursday

10:00 am - 3:30 pm

Friday

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

Saturday

6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

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4.2

(585)

Excellent

303

Good

178

Average

Poor

Terrible

OATESETTE

Mildura65 contributions

Put it on your list

Jan 2025 • family

Add this to your list! Family friendly dining. Just amazing views of the water. We were watching dolphins swim from our dining spot. We had a GF/DF child in our party and we called ahead and the staff could not have been more helpful and made her feel super special and personalized a menu for her. The kids meals were such a great portion and came with a serving of fruit which was just the best! The aquarium is a bit of fun for the family. We were lucky to have one of the staff "Alan" down there who is a local with a wealth of knowledge and showed our kids so much. While the facilities are dated, it's an authentic experience and has a focus on preserving the local ocean life.

Written 6 January 2025

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.

Naomi K

Wodonga3 contributions

Fresh seafood

Nov 2024 • couples

Amazing! The seafood linguini was our draw card and it did not disappoint. The Gluten Free serve came with identical looking pasta to the regular and it was delicious. I am so used to getting a penne pasta at most places so this was novel for me. The staff were lovely and accommodations made for our entree plate. Go the panacotta for dessert.

Written 10 November 2024

Salibu

Berwick638 contributions

Think before you speak as the wrong words may hurt.

June 2023 • couples

I was ready to give this restaurant the thumbs down considering we had waited some time to be even asked if we wanted a drink let alone have someone take our order BUT eventually I received my wine and our order was taken. I do have to say also that it seemed that everyone who was coming for lunch today decided to arrive at the same time which doesn’t help the staff. Bear in mind that this restaurant has a menu which offers 2 courses or 3 courses, so it is a good idea to order the entire meal. . Our food arrived and it was brilliant, the flavours were pretty spot on, mine probably need a tad more seasoning but once that was added I couldn’t fault the dish. My husband had the Seafood Marinara in which he asked for the addition of prawns, but it did have half a Moreton bay bug, half a crab, calamari and pippis, he didn’t share, and I must say it looked delicious. I chose the Barramundi with Prawns which also hit the mark, although didn’t I just say it did need for me a tad more seasoning. Another problem management has is staffing, the need for senior staff who can take and deliver alcoholic beverages is a problem. Come on locals there must be someone out there who wants a job! My compliments to the staff and the owners of this establishment who are doing their best in todays circumstances to deliver the best service and food they can.

Written 17 June 2023

ross t

2 contributions

Total daylight robbery. Don’t waste your hard earned money

Feb 2024 • friends

Our friends from Canberra took us out for lunch as a treat. My friend ordered the Crayfish mornay special and I ordered the crayfish in garlic butter. The meals were tiny and the crayfish was cooked to rubbery. I’ve eaten prawns 100% bigger and more tasty from a fish and chip shop. Both meals were served with greasy thin chips and a small side salad for $65 each. My partner ordered the spicy duck which was also overcooked and tough. The wait staff were indifferent and rude with a “couldn’t care less attitude” So disappointed and feeling totally ripped off as well as embarrassed

Written 14 February 2024

Susan d

1 contribution

Wonderful ambience, a little disappointed

Mar 2024 • couples

The location is excellent and the gentleman who seated us was pleasant. We didn’t book and it was a busy lunchtime so understood that it took a long time for someone to come and take our order and a long wait to get our drinks and a longer wait for our meal. The menu is a set price, $45 for 1 course, which is as much as we want to eat at lunchtime. It’s $60 for 2 courses or $75 for three courses. I had the filet steak, so that wasn’t unreasonable, but my husband ordered pan fried squid which I thought was well overpriced. The squid was deep fried and unfortunately my steak was overcooked. I ordered medium rare, but got well done. Our waitress showed no interest when we went to pay the bill, as I would have provided the feedback direct instead of posting. Perhaps we struck a bad day, would be prepared to give it a second go when we return to Merimbula.

Written 8 March 2024

lisamari_7

Sydney38 contributions

Very long wait to be served

Dec 2024 • family

We had a 12.30 booking but did not get served until 13.50. The restaurant was very busy and it appeared that the kitchen was having a hard time keeping up with orders. People who arrived after us were being served before us and when we inquired about this, we were told that some food has been pre-prepared and hence quicker to serve. If you don't want a long wait, it might be best to ask what food will be served more quickly. The food itself was fine on the whole, although it was slightly hit and miss. Some dishes were better than others. The restaurant did try to make up for the wait by offering us drinks on the house.

Written 31 December 2024

Craig D

Canberra38 contributions

Great meals and a million dollar view

Feb 2023 • friends

I went for lunch with friends who are locals and regular diners at The Wharf. We had the set menu option of three courses for $75. All I can say is every meal was faultless and was thoroughly enjoyed by all of us. Each plate was presented to a fine dining standard and was great value for money. The squid could not have been any more tender, the blue eye cod was juicy and cooked to perfection, and the chocolate brownie was decadent. Other diners seemed similarly satisfied, as we only noticed empty plates on other tables as well. I will certainly be a return diner on my next visit to Merimbula. Thanks again for a great lunch!!

Written 18 February 2023

Neil D

Greater Sydney3 contributions

A quick lunch

Oct 2024 • couples

Ideal spot for a quality lunch . Limited menu , we had flathead tails and mussels , well cooked and presented. Service was a little slow but once our order was taken the meals arrived in a reasonable time .

Written 18 October 2024

Robyn C

102 contributions

The lobster was fantastic!

Mar 2024 • family

An extremely positive dining experience. We couldn’t go past the lobster special, which was absolutely delicious. The views are exceptional. The staff were great and especially helpful, creating a tempura prawn child’s meal (yes, our granddaughter can now read and strayed into the adult menu!) We we’re all very grateful that they made her visit so special too. We always visit this restaurant when visiting the coast and it never fails to please.

Written 28 March 2024

Tarrod S

13 contributions

Priced for the location not the quality.

Sept 2023 • family

Very slow service. Over priced for the quality of meal. The view was nice. Didn't bother to even try the aquarium due to the poor service of the restaurant (think we dodged another expensive bullet there) Scallops were small and not a good flavour combo. Fish of the day salmon was over cooked to mush. 3 calamari rings for the kids meal.

Written 26 September 2023

Margaret T

1 contribution

Disappointing

Apr 2022 • none

Highly disappointed! My husband and I are locals of 30 years and have been to the Wharf on numerous occasions. We had been for a walk on the beach and decided to stay in town for lunch. First appearances were the lack of cleanliness, the front door and entrance was filthy. The black carpet needed vacuuming (covered in some white stuff). We looked at the Menu and could not find a price anywhere on it for the dishes (except at the bottom where it said 2 courses $60). Naturally we thought 1 course would be about $30. We ordered the Flathead and asked that there be no salad on one plate and no chips on the other. The fish was very nice. When we went to pay it totalled $98. We spoke with staff about why so dear. The price of the meals are not displayed on the menu we then found out that they exceeded $40 we were shocked. Yes perhaps its a fine dining restaurant (but not on this day) $40 for 3 small pieces of flathead and chips. We are in disbelief. Will not be returning!

Written 29 April 2022

BIGbUrJe

Sydney521 contributions

Amazing view… a shame about everything else

Jan 2022 • couples

Firstly, apologies for the long rant but this one made one heck of a bad impression. Besides the great views there were really no other positives about Aquarium. Upon arrival we waited at least 5min before anyone acknowledged our arrival. Eventually one of the waiters who had rushed past a few times noticed we had not been seated yet asked if we’re were being looked after and said he would be back in a minute to help. Shortly after the manager came and said that she would be back to seat us in a minute as well. In the meantime a large group came in behind us and the manager returned, walked straight past and took them to their table. While doing so the waiter then returned and when we mentioned the manager said she would seat us he appeared as if he wanted to help but looked worried to step on her toes and said it best we wait. Eventually we were seated and two girls were alternately waiting our table. One was friendly & helpful and the other seemed untrained and didn’t really know what to do. The first course came out and was ok at best. Mine was 2 prawns with a bit of sauce and my partners zucchini flowers were quite heavy on the batter. The mains however were terrible. They had clearly been left under the heat lamps for way too long. On my dish the snapper was over cooked and the scampi was halved. On the half originally on top the meat had shrivelled so badly that it had gone hard and was inedible. This had obviously been swapped around and placed facedown just prior to serving so it was not obvious until I was halfway through the dish. My partner had ordered a medium rare fillet steak that was served just short of well done and was clearly cut by someone inexperienced. After the first two courses we decided not to roll the dice with dessert and opted to get something in town instead. At $140 for some of the worst meals we have ever had and a bottle of water this will be our first and last visit. In summary, the restaurant seemed to be a rudderless ship as there were many young inexperienced staff and the manager was to busy looking after tables to actually guide the team. Aquarium would be a nice place to sit and enjoy a drink or two but I strongly advise to eat elsewhere.

Written 9 January 2022

Nicole W

Jindabyne9 contributions

Disappointed! Do not waste you’re time.

Jan 2022 • couples

Highly disappointed! We were so excited about dining here and were so upset! Especially because we have a baby and this was an exciting date for us. Firstly our booking was not recorded we were put in the back corner, our entree was ordered based on the pickled salad which came out as a regular salad, when approached they went out the back and returned with a side salad which was still no pickled. The mains were then tiny, the snapper still had scales and bones the seafood pasta had a chunk of hard tomato core and was really watery. The dessert was lovely. We spoke with staff about this and we’re offered no compensation. The price of the meals are not displayed on the menu we then found out that they exceeded $40 we were shocked. Yes perhaps if a fine dining restaurant happy to pay this but wow. We are in disbelief. Will not be returning!

Written 7 January 2022

Michael J

Gundaroo8 contributions

Fantastic Seafood Platter for 2

Apr 2021 • none

We were very lucky to get a reservation at the Wharf tonight because being a Saturday, bookings were few and far between at all the good restaurants in Merimbula. We left a message on the phone and were surprised when they rang back and were more than happy to book us in to a 6:30pm slot - great customer service! We were surprised at how good the whole experience was. We had the seafood platter for 2 and it was absolutely amazing. Heaps of hot and cold seafood, well presented and full of flavour. The hosts were really welcoming and we can't thank Anthony and his team enough! We'd highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys an exceptional meal with prices matched to the high quality seafood they provide. Well done - we'll be back asap!

Written 17 April 2021

Sarbella2161

Forbes132 contributions

Wonderfull food with beautiful view.

Oct 2022 • couples

We really enjoyed our whole dinning experience . Service was friendly and efficient and always served with a smile. The food came out quickly and it was fresh and super hot. We ordered the seafood platter for two, it had really great variety of seafood and tasted amazing. We also had a dessert which was delicious . The price is on the higher side but it was worth it, we are happy to pay for good food. Inside the restaurant decor is nice and it’s very clean. I booked ahead and requested a window seat because we are from central west NSW and of course there are no ocean views anywhere near there, we got to enjoy the amazing view and appreciated our tables spot. Give this place a go, we would go back and try something else for sure , they are open other times of the day as well. We were a happy bunch of foodies.

Written 8 October 2022