Orient Hotel - Pub - The Rocks

Had a steak for dinner at the Orient Grill. Nothing extraordinary - meat was a little dry with a few beans and potatoes. Quite ordinary ...

Had a drink with my wife in the lovely downstairs pub, but, made a mistake by staying for Sunday lunch. Wife ordered the chicken curry, which was below average, chicken tasted old. I ordered the pan fried salmon. The skin was not crisp as it is suppose to be. The warm potato, onion and bacon salad was a good idea, but, preparation was terrible. Potatoes were old and the so called bacon was a handful of old bacon flakes, that hard you had to fear for damaging your teeth. When asking for the chef through the waitress, which was very professional, he never made the attempt to see us. There are much better Restaurants around the area at similar prices with much better quality.

Did not expect much but was surprised. The salad was fresh and well seasoned and the veggie burger was actually well done; a rare achievement for the vegetarians attempt to eat a hamburger. There was nothing exceptional about the decor; but it does figure prominently in the local Rock history.

Ventured in last Friday with the intention of only having a swift beer before heading elsewhere but ended up spending the whole night... Really fun and friendly crowd with great live music. Had an awesome time, an unexpected surprise.

In an attempt to avoid the increased prices on display during Vivid we chose what has been a reasonable pub at the Rocks.There is a fine dining room and a standard pub restaurant on the first floor.The wine selection is limited and expensive ( Rufus Stone Shiraz at $55.00 ) and the menu had mains between mid 20's timid 30's.The food was delivered quickly, however was overdone despite requests for rare to medium for the steaks and schnitzels.The cheese platter is expensive for its size.Overall, an average experience, notwithstanding the smiles on arrival had turned to frowns as we were paying the bill. The service is quick however, once the food is delivered, you are on your own for anything else.