Rezz Hotel - NEWTON

As usual, staff and presentation of food was very good. However, this time both our steaks (200gr for me and 600gr t-bone for hubby) were overcooked and dry. The surf sauce of prawns and bugs was lovely but charging us $12 extra for sauce on top of a $39 steak was too dear. Considering we also ordered entrees and two alcoholic drinks each.

Dropped in for family lunch, had the dips for Entree (were ok) kids meals are good & they get an ice cream including as well, we had the hamburgers they weren't bad, there's a inside play ground for the kids as well, overall not a bad way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, it was busy so maybe booking is a good idea if you have a large group!

No matter what food style you like, the Rezz at Newton has it covered. With both a café and a bistro, the hotel caters for all. Although the twice I have been there, I have eaten in the Bistro but the numbers in the café section would indicate that this too is a favourite.If travelling there for the first time, I would suggest using a GPS or street map to ensure you arrive as it is off the main Gorge Road in what looks like an industrial area. Persevere as you will be rewarded.When entering the entrance, the café is ahead with the Bistro to the right down a longish thin walkway. The staff were very professional and friendly wanting to ensure that the experience was enjoyable. We opted for one of the booths which make for a quieter eating space and also somewhat a little more private than being in the middle of a well organised and flexible seating area. Tables were pre-set with both food and wine menus available. Water was brought to the table and drinks order taken to enable time to digest the offerings in the food menu. Drinks – for moi, Banrock Station Sparkling Moscato and for my partner Lemon Lime and bitters.Thankfully we were given time to decide on the meals. There was a sense of time available and were not made feel that we had to decide immediately – something that many serving staff do not possess. As it was we wanted extra information on two dishes which the waitress was able to give without any hesitation. It was Herb Bread as an entrée, followed by PAELLA FOR 1 - A southern Spanish style paella of prawns, calamari, mussels, crab and chicken slowly cooked the traditional way for moi and SPAGHETTI MARINARA - Local selection of fresh seafood with garlic, fresh herbs, extra virgin olive oil, finished with fresh roma tomatoes and a hint of chilli for my partner.We were warned that the Paella would take about 20-25 minutes to prepare. But the description made it worthwhile waiting for. The herb beard arrived and was enjoyable with 6 pieces to share. Time now for slowing down and chatting whilst eagerly awaiting the mains. The time did not seem like the suggested 25 minutes and out came the two mains. First reactions was about the size of the serves – both were very generous and both extremely well presented. Now we knew why the finger bowls had been brought out earlier – a good serving of crabs on the top of both dishes. In terms of a well-known reality TV cooking show – the flavours exploded in your mouth.Serving staff coming by and asking how were we enjoying the meal and if there was anything we wanted. For me, the Paella was so large that there was no way I could finish it in one sitting. I was offered a take away contained to take the remainder home. The spaghetti marina was finished in one sitting. The left-over paella the next night was even better as the flavours had fully developed.We decided next time, not to have any entrees but have a main and hopefully get to try one of the interesting desserts available.Return? Definitely yes!

In the past couple of months I have visited various pubs in the neighbourhood with my sister and her husband and am pleased to report the Rezz got my serious tick of approval. Food was delicious, the waitress was right on the ball and the booth seating in the Bistro was perfect. Sister and hubby had the Moroccan Beef cooked in the traditional targine and I had a very nice salmon steak with baked potatoes and salad. If you want a peaceful, relaxed meal the Bistro is the place - if you have kids there is a play area and space for families - recommend booking your table on weekends

Their seafood platter for 2 ($90AUD) is heaps good, well worth a visit! Not very formal, but overall high quality food