Le Parisien - East Geelong

To be fair to this restaurant, it has had many more positive reviews than negative ones and we did have an enjoyable lunch there about four years ago so maybe we caught the restaurant yesterday (a Saturday) on a bad night. In summary, I can only comment on the garlic bread (good), the location and ambience (excellent), service (very poor) and the prices (given the level of service, way too high).When we booked for this birthday dinner, the restaurant was very specific on the times slots available, so guest arrivals could be staggered, and we ended up with a 7:45pm booking for three, which was fine for us.Things started off well with a cheery greeting from the Maître d’ and being led to our table and being informed the waitress would be with us shortly with advice of the specials.So this is where it started to go downhill. After about 10 to 15 minutes the waitress arrived and asked us how the drinks were going. We had yet to be asked for our drinks order so they weren’t going too well at that stage. After having to ask were there any specials, we ordered drinks, garlic bread and our main dishes with the expectation we would order deserts later. The mains were not cheap, about $45 for my lamb dish plus another $12 for a bowl of potatoes. The bottle of wine we ordered was a 2014 Tahbilk Shiraz, one of my favourite wineries. At $59 it was fortunately one of the cheapest on the wine list although at least three to four times as much as a bottle from Dan Murphy's. Fast forward to 9:10pm and I can say the garlic bread was good, the free slices of bread were also good and we enjoyed the bottle of wine. I politely advised the Maître d’ that if we did not get our main meals in 5 minutes we were leaving, which after leaving cash on the table for the garlic bread and wine, is what happened, in search of a quick pizza. The Maître d’ apologised and said we did not need to pay and offered us vouchers, however, the damage was done. It seems the kitchen staff overlooked our order after they dispatched the garlic bread, which I can understand can happen in a busy restaurant. What I do not understand is how wait staff and the Maître d’ did not notice that something was not going to plan when one table in the middle of the restaurant, after almost an hour and a half, did not have any food. If a restaurant is going to employ inexperienced wait staff then they need to be supervised.If there was to be a next time at this restaurant and I would not be quite so polite and I would be asking regularly for a status update on the ETA of our meals. If a restaurant is going to charge high prices then the level of service should also be high. In this instance, the service fell way below expectations.

No bread, escargot that tastes like they're out of a can, defrosted prawns with no flavour and a seafood medley with a veloute that has already formed a skin, this is a very expensive waste of time. Service was non existent as well. They've been there for 41 years, no idea how? Maybe it's the view and the ambience because that's pretty much all they have going for them.

Stopped in for dinner, no reservation. Fitted us in justice to be done by 8:00. Food was fabulous, beautifully presented and delicious. The service was first rate, quick, attentive and knowledgeable. Would definitely eat here again and bring friends.

Le Parisien is a a wonderful experience into the world of French cuisine. Set on the 1st floor of an old boat shed with exposed beams, candles and a fantastic view of Geelong Bay. Good variety of dishes to tempt most palates.

The Food ✅ The service ✅ The wine ✅ The Decor ✅ The ambience✅ Such an elegant, warm romantic dining experience. Just Perfect!