Review The Boathouse Restaurant - Daylesford

We came here for lunch as our 1st stop when visiting Daylesford. The view from the restaurant is beautiful. Inside the restaurant, it was cozy and felt spacious. Almost all the tables were filled when we were there. The foods were delicious. The calamari entree was very tender and flavourful. We ordered barramundi and chicken with lemon garlic for the mains. They were fresh and I especially liked the chicken because it was juicy and came with rice too. The staff there were friendly too. Overall, the place is highly recommended if you want to have nice foods with good views.

Great SERVICE, sumptuous FOOD and reasonable Price. All in perfect harmony. Our 4th time here. A very perfect experience.

Just had a beautiful lunch overlooking the lake. Very good service. A varied menu. Big serves- my husband finished my main...Small but good wine list. Not cheap but good value for money. We'll be back for sure!

Lunch today with friends at Boathouse Restaurant and it was so good to be back. Loved the ocean trout entree and mussels main. Such great food. Other wonderful dishes around the table included the barramundi, calamari and prawn linguine. Enjoyed a glass of wine and the wonderful view of Lake Daylesford. As usual the service was friendly and professional - Claire and Susanne do a fantastic job as do their chefs. As with most hospitality businesses, who have done it so hard over the past 20 months, there is a small minimum spend but with a main and a glass of wine - or two - you are pretty much there. I don't know anyone who would grumble about that! Missed this place during the many lockdowns but also would say thanks for doing all the Covid stuff so well. Masks on properly, sanitiser everywhere and checking vaccination statuses. Oh and I love the sign out the front saying no coffees or takeaway coffee. Takes away that awkward "oh, ok" when people come in mistaking this wonderful restaurant for a cafe. Love cafes but this is a world away. Highly recommended. Will be back very soon.

Great food and service with a beautiful view. What an amazing experience! Thank you Boathouse Daylesford.

Beautiful relaxing lunch with friendly professional service. The meal was delicious as were our drinks. We sat outside on the decking overlooking the lake and surroundings it was a really tranquil experience. Also i unknownly dropped some money on the floor on our way out and the staff came outside to return it to us which we are very grateful of. The service was excellent and i would highly recommend a visit to the Boathouse Daylesford. We will certainly be back again.

New owners, Welcome!!! Great food, service and friendly hospitality. The food was delicious and fresh, your friendly approach is going to win lots of brownie points. Well done!!! Dinner on the lake has never been so good. We'll be back.

We came here to enjoy the views of the lake. We had the arancini- amazing flavours! Garlic aioli was delicious. The barramundi was equally amazing and presentation and service of meals was exquisite. Would definately recommend.

Food 4,Service - 0.5, It was a rainny day with limited amount of patrons. We were there for a light lunch, and I called in advance to ask them if we could have a light lunch. We order 4 mains, 2 sides, 2 desserts for 5 Adults, and 4 kids to share, at around 2pm. The waitress give us a look, you know the look that said, too little food order... I did notice that there is a sign saying that they do not accept people who order cakes and coffee only. However, I did order mains and there are not more than 30 people in the restaurant, I would actually prefer to walk out then to experience that look on her face. Then a few of the waitresses start chit chatting behind the counter, and looking at us. I felt so uncomfortable. Food were good, but the experience was not. Love the playground next to The restaurant. I would prefer to buy a few steaks and shrimps then throw them on the Bbq next to The playground, then to go in and experience such u welcome atmosphere.

We had a lovely dinner at the boathouse. The views are lovely, service friendly and food was great. We ordered the seafood linguini and the beef ribs, generous size and nice flavors. Seafood was cooked really well. I was also surprised by staff with a “birthday dessert” which was the macadamia praline parfait - delicious. We would love to visit again when back in town.

Such a fantastic spot right on the lake, truly beautiful!! The staff were just the best, so attentive and friendly, offering to take photos for us and finding us the most perfect table right on the edge of the lake!<br/><br/>The food was just spectacular! We had the entree calamari (I didn’t want chips so had the entree but it was still a huge portion, more than enjoyed) and the main mussels with the tastiest crispy bread I’ve had! We couldn’t help but finish off with with the panna cotta which was pretty nice as well!<br/><br/>All around an amazing experience, a must visit when in the area!

A weekend getaway had us traveling to Newlyn and looking for a place to have dinner. A quick search on Zomato had this gem pop up and we drove to the Boathouse. <br/><br/>The restaurant is located on a beautiful lake and the water glistened in the afternoon sun. When we entered, we were warmly welcomed, shown to our seats and given a menu. The range of entrees and mains were not extensive but the quality was amazing! We ordered an entree, seafood linguine, mussels, chicken and confit duck. The food was beautifully presented and delicious, though heavily seasoned with salt for some of us.<br/><br/>Highly recommend this gem.

Beautiful view with amazing food! I’ll recommend this restaurant to all my friends who want to visit Daylesford:) The price is ok, and staff are friendly

I'll be thinking about them miso beef short ribs for a while. Nestled on the lake, the menu holds up well on the surrounds of greatness and does justice to the beautiful backdrop. Will return.

Came here on a busy day but didn't have to wait long for food to be ordered or served and staff were very friendly. Ordered the miso beef short ribs and seafood linguini which were both wonderful, also very happy with the serving size!<br/><br/>I would have loved to sit outside but there was apparently a wasp issue going on. If you are able to the view is wonderful.

We wanted to try their breakfast but there isn’t a breakfast menu anymore so we had to settle for their lunch menu. We ordered the calamari (entree), mussels, and confit duck leg. Food was mediocre, everything was a tad bit too salty. Overall, everything was really expensive and don’t think it’s worth the $. (The calamari cost $22 and you can actually count the number of calamari)

Picturesque location surrounded by the lovely Lake Daylesford, with ample seating both inside and out to suit all weather. Our most recent visit had us welcomed with open arms, a friendly staff member inviting us to take a seat. Previously having been turned away on an earlier location for only wanting a coffee. Understand the challenge, but it wouldn’t be hard to setup a coffee cart or drinks area to avoid alienating customers. It’s also very surprising that they don’t offer almond milk, when this has really become a staple for any decent coffee serving venue. <br/>The menu does cover a range of options, with some basic and more complex dishes, with no clear theme or focus at what is not a budget price point. The menu fails to excite and wet the appetite, and the region now offers some stiff competition when it comes to demonstrating an appreciation and capability in preparing seasonal dishes with fresh local produce. <br/>Our seafood linguine was quite decent, no complaints there, fresh enough with decent flavours. Some good olive or chilli oil would have really finished off the dish.<br/>The general wait staff were ok, but despite not being too busy didn’t clear dishes promptly or spend any time on conversation, really just doing the minimum with not a word spoken when a bottle of water was put on our table, or plates finally taken no question around enjoying our meal was made.<br/>I can see the boathouse may be a bit hit and miss, but the location is fantastic and some of meals would no doubt satisfy. Overall it could do with a menu freshen up and a refocus on providing consistent quality customer service.<br/>

Walked in to suss this beautiful place to have our wedding rehearsal sundowner/welcome drinks at for our upcoming wedding. We were turned away as we were ordering drinks with no food and recommended to the coffee kiosk in the carpark. And that is how you lose an event with a $50k spend budget.

Great place to brunch in a beautiful setting on the lake. Food was incredible and the zucchini and corn waffles an absolute must. Coffee was good although would like to see Almond milk as an option rather than having to settle for soy milk.

Best part of this place is the view and ambiance.<br/>Went brunching on the breakfast menu. Ordered the Waffles, Mushroom Ragout and the Chorizo breakfast.<br/>Waffles was below average. Neither the portion size nor the taste was satisfactory to say the least. Expected more out of it esp when paying quite a bit hence expected somehing more than just a simple waffle with a few strawberries sprinkled in it.<br/>Mushroom Ragout was pretty good and the best of the three.<br/>The chorizo was a bit burned but the eggs were perfectly poached .<br/>Prices are pretty much in the higher side for a cafe and the quality of food. Would like to try out the lunch menu once.

We came for lunch, the food was quick & tasty, maybe a little overpriced. Unfortunately we were told they were too understaffed to make coffees for us and we weren't given any other options or an apology. It was a bit strange... Particularly as the people next to us had all had coffees. The bluntness of their response has turned me off going back again, shame because it is a beautiful location.

I have been here many many times over the years and every time has been exceptional. Great food, great service, great atmosphere (can be a little noisy if there at peak times but it’s apart of the charm) and great views and spot to be.

Had brekkie here today with 3 friends. The food was good but not exceptional. I ordered the salmon bagel with an extra side of mushrooms and the food was tasty enough but nothing beyond what would be expected. The wasps hovering around were a pest. Probably a bit overpriced as well.

A beautiful place for breakfast or lunch, right on Lake Daylesford. Interior was warm and inviting, and the decor was consistent with the boathouse theme. Our starter of duck liver pate was very nice and quite a generous sized portion. Mains were seafood linguine and confit duck leg with a salad of rocket, parsley, dates and mandarin. The duck was cooked well with a crispy skin, although I did find the addition of dates to be a little too sweet. The seafood linguine on the other hand was again a massive serving but lacked flavour. Overall the location and view were fantastic but the food just so so. I would recommend booking on the weekend as we were there for lunch on a Tuesday and they were almost full.

Came here for lunch and the place is so cosy and warm, eating lunch right by the lake is a stunning and relaxing view! The food was yummy I had the open souvlaki and my partner had the calamari. Such a peaceful place!!

Love this restaurant at Daylesford lake. It's a nice place to have food with a view. We had the:<br/>- Main Calamari: fried calamari, lemon, rocket salad, saffron mayo and chips.<br/>- Linguine Pasta.<br/>- moscato and coke.<br/><br/>The food was ok and customer service was ok depending on who serve you. There was one waitress that day that wasn't so friendly to customers. 😀

Weekend get away with my wife down Daylesford, head down the Boathouse for breakfast. Nice and peaceful place to be. Food was cooked to perfection, coffee was good and service was excellent. If anyone is down here for whatever reason should come down here for breakfast.

It’s a shame that the old Boathouse Café was burnt down in 2012, but we were even more curious about how the rebuilt of the 1930s historical café looks like. Sadly, we couldn’t visit the original one but I have to say, the boathouse face is perfectly rebuilt. Its carries on its cosiness and charms from the past and present to all the visitors.

Delicious!! The place looked great and the food was top quality! I do think the service let it down a bit though. Eye contact and a smile goes a long way.

This place was Gregging awesome! <br/>I must be honest, I wasn’t expecting too much on arrival at the Boathouse, but it kind of blew my colourful socks off. Great food, good vibes and in a beautiful position. The staff were spectacular and friendly and it truly made for a lovely dining experience.<br/>Nice one Boathouse ya legends! 👏

Lovely view and service. As the food, the barramundi was great as it got crispy skin and yummy salad,but the calamari was blank with non seasoned salad (tasted like grassssss)

Amazing view of the lake. The seafood pasta was full of flavour. Wait staff were very attentive and friendly. They also offer a kids menu. Cant fault the place.

Was seated on the deck outside in a beautiful and sunny day. My partner and I had incredible meals each, mussels and barramundi, which we both enjoyed. Meals were of decent size and service was good. No qualms about recommending this place.

They were busy today, but the food was well presented and tasted fresh. Good selections and range of dishes. Great setting. Some wait staff were awesome, others working at 104%... and one guy swanning around doing very little!

Gorgeous tranquil location. Delicious breakfast and lovely coffee. Friendly, prompt service and dog friendly too! Great spot for a walk in the sunshine afterwards - couldn't fault it! :)

Arrived for lunch on a Friday (of a public holiday) and was delighted that we were promptly seated inside (with views of the lake) within minutes. We were only stopping in town for a few hours and decided on having just mains each. My partner ordered the Pork Sausages and I ordered the Barramundi with Chimmicurri - both of which were sizeable and delicious. We both really enjoyed our food. If we had more time we would have shared a starter.<br/><br/> I would definitely come back as by the looks of the plates that were coming out of the kitchen - they looked impressive! Even their salads were generous serves and full of color from what I could see! Staff was attentive and friendly, plus the environment inside is cozy, bright and well decorated with modern yet traditional, nautical touches. I love how you can easily walk out onto the deck or be seated close enough to the big windows that you don’t feel like you’re missing out on the view if the weather was perfect!

We came here for our anniversary and it was well worth the 90 minute trip. It helped that the weather was perfect, but the location is so tranquil and the serenity leaves you breathless. View = amazing<br/>Location = amazing<br/>Food= amazing and reasonable value for money<br/><br/>Some staff quite friendly others not as much but still didn't ruin our trip<br/>

Took 20 minutes to be served a coffee which was burnt and bitter and overpriced. Wait staff were rude and blunt. People were constantly turned away as they do not serve coffee to people who aren't eating. Would not reccommend

Average service. Average food. Burnt and very bitter coffee. The view however is stunning. More attention to detail would help a lot. The next time we come to Daylesford we won't be visiting.

Visited The Boathouse as we were in Daylesford for the long weekend. Located right on the lake this cafe offers amazing views while sitting down for a meal. This cafe offers a nice outdoor setting for those with dogs such as myself. It was a nice touch with the water bowls they provided. The food was very nice; the waffles were simple yet delicious. If you're in the area i highly recommend visiting The Boathouse for a great meal.

Not bad menu, great and friendly staff and of course beautiful view of that lake whilst sipping on some wine. would definitely come back to the boathouse.

Excellent location with a varied menu. The mussels we had were amazing and was enough for a couple of small eaters to share. Views and ambience is great as was the service.

Stopped in for some lunch and was not disappointed!<br/><br/>Warm and cosy environment with beautiful views out over Daylesford lake. The staff are very chirpy and happy to have you there.<br/><br/>Had the open lamb souvlaki. That was some of the best slow cooked lamb I have had in a very long time. It felt like it melted in my mouth. Girlfriend had the lemon & garlic chicken, that tasted fantastic as well! <br/><br/>Normally I'm a bit of a snob when it comes to pricey menus but the taste was great and portions sizes were even better. The service and the views over the lake made it worth it too!<br/><br/>Would recommend!<br/><br/>

Fabulous location especially in Autumn and the staff were very friendly and helpful. We were warned before sitting down that there was a wait for meals but decided to stay and take in the view. Good range of options. I had quinoa salad with kale broccolini and spiced nuts and seeds. My wife had the mussels in a tasty spicy broth. So much more relaxing than eating in the town.

Breathtaking views of the calm still Daylesford lake. If you get a chance and don't mind the wasps here and there sit outside to admire the view while tucking into your food. Coffee was average not up to standards of the Cafes in the centre. Had the smash Avo which was so yummy. Came with plenty of spinach and mushrooms and topped of with a egg. The classic smashed Avo done well. Great place for a brunch in the beautiful crisp air with family or without. Dog friendly also!

The restaurant is located near to Daylesford lake which they have such a spectacular view over the lake. <br/>I went there for lunch on 29th March and it everything was amazing even though they run out of couple items on the menu. It was a busy Wednesday but The food was really good as well as the service. We ordered 4 dishes which was <br/>1.HOUSE CURED OCEAN TROUT, horseradish cream, watercress, apple salad ($17); the ocean trout was cured beautifully, the horseradish cream was perfect not to overpowering at all and the apple salad goes so well with the cured ocean trout.<br/>2. Steamed mussels with garlic, chilli, tomato and coriander with crusty bread ($23); the mussels was cooked to perfection and the sauce was to die for. The sauce not to tomatoey with a right amount of chilies. <br/>3. LINGUINE PASTA, Prawns, mussels, fish, garlic, lemon, fresh tomato, white wine and parsley ($27); the seafood was cooked to well and pasta was al dente go so well with white wine sauce and i love the tiny bit of tomatoes dice. It so refreshing.<br/>4. SAFFRON PANACOTTA With blood orange and candied walnuts ($12); the PANACOTTA was wobbly and taste heavenly. Highly recommend!!! <br/><br/>Ps. If the chef gives attention more on mussels, get rid all of them beard out will be more perfect because it not a really nice feeling with them in your mouth. <br/>Ps2. Definitely will be back :) want to try all the items on the menu

The Boat House in Daylesford is a sensational restaurant with spectacular views that delivers excellent food in a very relaxing indulgent environment. After a lengthy day exploring the small country town of Daylesford we found our selves down by the water when The Boat House caught our eye due the lovely decking area on the water with ample seating. Not knowing upon arrival that the vicinity was a restaurant we wondered around the well maintained garden around the venue and decided to give the old fashioned building a closer inspection. <br/><br/>Upon entering this well established restaurant we where greeted by friendly staff who seated us outside on the decking right next to the water. The views are breathtaking out on the decking with umbrellas to ensure one can truly enjoy the scenery without getting heat stroke. We where given menus and left to analyse what would suit our palate for the day.<br/><br/>The menu was large making it a hard decision on what to order. From all day breakfast to delicious locally sourced mains we decided to go for the open lamb souvlaki and poached eggs on sourdough with sides of salmon and avocado along with a refreshing cascade light beer. <br/> <br/>The food arrived very promptly looking magnificent, presented with care and respect to the organically sourced ingredients. The open lamb souvlaki with slow cooked lamb shoulder on grilled flatbread with Greek style salad and tzatziki was exactly what it was imagined to be. Firstly it was huge completely filling the plate. The meat was cooked to utter perfect, moist and full of flavour seeping in to the fresh pita flatbread that was nice and doughy. The tzatziki was a nice refresher to the palate and the generous serving of Greek salad featuring marinated olives, peppers and feta married all aspects of the dish together. <br/> <br/>The poached eggs on sourdough with added sides of Tasmanian smoked salmon and avocado was also a well presented dish with the eggs as well being cooked to perfection, dispersing there yolky inside into the thickly cut sourdough. The smoked salmon was nice and fishy and not to salty and the avocado was creamy yet slightly under ripe making it hard to spread on the toast. The refreshing wedge of lemon complemented the salmon well ensuring the dish was very filling and a pleasure to eat. <br/><br/>The Boathouse serves superb food in a one of a kind environment. This vicinity is perfect to kick back, relax and enjoy the amazing scenery whilst enjoying an excellent meal or cold refresher.

Incredibly disappointed. I've been coming and dining here for years but today was refused service because "they don't do coffee anymore for people that don't eat". Patronage only to people who eat? I couldn't believe it. I mean, it's a cafe. I won't be back. Completely inappropriate, money hungry, crap.<br/>

We walked a kilometre from town with several friends to get a coffee and were pleased to see numerous outdoor tables available. We were greeted by one of the wait staff who swiftly refused us service after learning that we weren't ordering lunch. It's likely that we would have ordered cake with coffee but disappointed by the rude reception we instead walked across the road to the Bookhouse Cafe where we were promptly served with a smile. As a local I will not return to the Boathouse, a cafe that I enjoyed under previous management.

Breakfast three days in a row at the Boathouse gave my vegetarian and I a good sense of the strengths and weaknesses of this picturesque Cafe. A short but well thought out menu contains such staples as smashed avocado, eggs and French toast, but all of the six dishes we tried were lovely, especially the French toasted Brioche, which was the best I have had anywhere. Coffee is drinkable without being exceptional and the views and service were tranquil and relaxed.<br/><br/>Love it.

Advertised as open all day but rarely is. Signs on street and at front suggest they are open but door locked - this at 4 in the afternoon. Doesn't matter if it's summer, autumn or winter it's a chance, it seems, as to whether the drive off the main road will be worthwhile. Has one of the best locations in town, but having only once been able to try their food, it's a gamble. Shame when there are so many other places to go; they must not need the business... Frankly, if it's coffee and cake you want, try the bookshop on the other side of the carpark.

Loved the location, service was excellent. Very friendly staff, food was great. Both indoor and outdoor seating. Walk around the picturesque lake was perfect. Definately recommend.

A fresh start! Yes, the place has just changed management and now run by the friendly ladies who previously managed the iconic Farmers Arms. <br/>Had mushrooms on toast for breakfast. Sounds simple, but simply delicious with the garlic mushrooms stuffed in the middle of the toasted brioche served with spinach and corn salsa. Friend had granola with poached pear and yoghurt which came in a huge serve. Complemented by the lovely view in the middle of Lake Daylesford on a sunny autumn morning, it just felt good.<br/>Still early days starting a new venture, but I'm confident that with their previous experience in running the successful Farmers Arms, this place will slowly but surely become much better than its previous incarnations which seemed to garner mostly underwhelming reviews. Welcome back and best of luck!!

The service here is almost non-existent. You have to order at the counter but they don't make you pay until after you've eaten your meal - which makes you wonder why they don't just offer table service. You have to get your own cutlery, and on the day we attended there were lots of wasps around the outdoor eating area. The view over the lake is nice though.<br/><br/>The food is OK but there is not many vegetarian options on the menu. Also it is quite pricey for what's on offer. And food took a while to come out. <br/><br/>I probably wouldn't recommend this for anything other then getting a coffee or a light desert by the lake.

Had the beef burger. Bun was extremely heavy. Because if this the meal was very filling. A little bit over priced but a nice meal. Other food was quite upmarket. Really felt like a good Caesar salad.

Fabulous view of the lake . Quick service and done with a smile. Yummy lunch. Lovely salad , fresh and crunchy . Generous serving. Just the right kind of lunch, great view, efficient and tasty. The bonus of course is then you can walk it off strolling around the lake afterwards. Will be back.

Lovely setting and atmosphere with 'industrial-chic meets boating-chic' decor. We had a brunch. Good sized servings - lots of bacon!<br/>The service is friendly and fast. Would return.

The food was fairly nice and came out quite promptly after being ordered, and the atmosphere in the restaurant was very warm and accommodating. However this cannot make up for the terrible service. Drinks came out at disjointed times, generally after a long wait, and one of our meals was forgotten. Once confronted, staff told us that we would have to wait even longer for the meal to arrive. Once it had, everybody else at the table had finished. Furthermore for the portion size, the price was too high.

Very disappointing. The view and atmosphere was great. Sadly the food didn't cut the mustard. The prices were astronomical also. Sadly one staff member let the whole team down, and as a result I certainly won't be returning or recommending this establishment.

3.5/5 and the 3 is all about the location and the view. 0.5 for the service, food and price. If you're just going for a sit-down with some coffee or beverage, it is passable. We ordered from the breakfast menu early in the morning and with just 2 other tables occupied in the entire restaurant, it was still a long wait.  Yes the view was spectacular but the restaurant itself is less than average in all aspects.

Continuation of last review. I asked her if t he pay unit accepts paypass as its easier more convenient.<br/>She snootility said it soes but bc I told her I was using credit card she put it through as credit. Does she not know that paypaas can be used for both credit and debit accounts...not such a know it all eh!<br/>We paid and left.<br/>Never again.<br/>Place had such potential but menu was crao, drinks were luke warm, there was a open fire so why not set it up eapecially in winter. Extremely overpriced. But these can all be acceptable if only the STAFF were not RUDE, ARROGANT, JUDGEMENTAL, and NON-CHALENT!<br/>Go somewhere else where you're custom is welcomed!<br/><br/><br/>-----11 Jul, 2015-----<br/><br/>Overpriced, bland and rude arrogant staff. W3ntbthere for late lunch today after our spa treatment. Was looking to spoil my friend for her belated birthday....big mistake!!!<br/>Let's just say my advice is to STAY AWAY!!!<br/>Was shown a seat in the walkway...not great on such a cold day with the draft.<br/>Eventually sat on the big shared table. Once we sat and given our menus, male waiter asked if we wanted anything to drink. I advised l usually decide what to drink once I've reviewed the menu; so can he guve us 5 mins.<br/>We read the menu and was disappointed by the lack of choice and the price (but thought it would be ok if food was good)....like seriously $28 for a burger with a meat pattie no bigger than a mandarin!<br/>We made our decision. We waited for over 10 mins but still no one came to take our order. We were pretty obvious especially wondering eyes across the room.<br/>I made eye contact with the only male waiter and waved. He looked straight through me and went back to the kitchen.<br/>We waited another few mins and tried to get 1 o fb 2 female waitresses attention. Eventually the darker haired with straight hair walked past to clear a table and qe git ger attention.<br/>Wd gave her our orders - 2 overpriced burgers, 2 hot chocs for after our main meal. Not a difficult order!<br/>After 10mins the other female waitress (w lighter curly hair tied up) came with 2 hot chocs. We advised that we wanted them after our main & that we told the other waitress this. She then offered to take it back. I advised that is wasting food. That we'll have it now but not happy and we're starving having waited to even have our order taken! She then said wd can have these now free of charge and she will give us 2 more hot chocs after main. How lovely 5o assume that we would oat fir something we didn't order (4 drinks) and she's obviously assumed that we made this fuss bc we are so poorly. Bc god forbid someibe wpuld want a hot drink AFTER their meal...totally unheard of!!! We also didn't appreciate her rolling her eyes when she thought we didn't see....fyi: we can still see when you turn side ways!<br/>It was another 12 mins b4 our main qas bought to our table.<br/>This was less of a disappointment. The burger waz adequate. Nothing special. Small in size for price. And so what if the fries are handcut...definitely nit worth $28.<br/>We finished our meal, and our table was cleared as if to tell us to go.<br/>None of the wait staff bought our after main hot chocolate!<br/>We went to pay and the initial waitress who failed to note our request to have our hot choc after our main advised its $64. I gave her my Platinum VISA (oops maybe i can afford more than a hot choc!). She asked if its credi, chq or savings.<br/>I said credit.<br/>She handed the machine to me with the card slotted in. The unit was new and had CBA paypass

Wow what an absolute joke. Don't believe the hype or the advertising. Expect rude service, over priced food that we truly believe the chef has never tried in their life. Expect the 'manager' to snarl at you when you ask if you should sit at any free table. Expect staff to ignore you even though you've been sitting there with closed menus for 15mins. And I'm not assuming that. They literally looked us in the eyes and kept walking. We could of left without paying they were that unaware. Imagine a restaurant where it's like all the staff hate each other and want all the customers to leave so they make everything impossible and the food horrible. That's this place.

Went to the Boathouse with sis and law  as  we are locals. What a shambles. Had to wait  for  scones, then had to wait   for  coffee then had to wait  for a small  pot of tea.   No plates to eat the  scones. No  knives  to  cut  them or spread the jam and  cream. No napkins and NO SERVICE.   Dirty plates  still on out  table and  worst still ,the people seated  after us were  served before us. We  complained  that as  locals  this  is the worst service  we have ever experienced and   all they  could say was  "short  staffed and busy".  Well you were  open  for business, taking everyone's   money and the service was ZERO. Lift your  game,  there are   plenty of other places  to eat in  Daylesford.   Also the manager  wasn't  available  conveniently!!!  Don't worry I'll be heading off to  Peppers  to complain to The REAL managers.

Loved sitting on the deck overlooking the beautiful lake. The interior was also very nice. I ordered the baked eggs which were delicious. Serving sizes are small for the price, but the atmosphere and view made it worthwhile.

Horrible experience. Seated outside but was completely disregarded for 15 minutes; multiple attempts to get the attention of the male waiter was ignored. Left soon after with no food, hungry and disappointed. Will not be returning.

I saw the all-day breakfast menu conveniently placed at the front desk when I had checked in at Dayget on Day 1 of our Hepburn Springs/Daylesford getaway, so understandably I immediately approached Hubbie with “we’re breakfast-ing at the Boathouse tomorrow morning.”. Located on the cusp of Lake Daylesford, the location is amazing. The Boathouse is perched on the entry to the parkland and circular track surrounding the lake, with tall trees enclosing the perimeter of the lake. It was looming, but very pretty. Unfortunately the weather was not. It was kind of to be expected, I mean, it was June, in Victoria.

Overpriced and underwhelming. I promised I would never go back to The Boathouse a few years back however based on hearing that the new owners had the place in fine form I decided to give it another go. Mistake. A waiter finally appeared to take our order and treated us with mild disdain which was a great start. Drinks arrived - husbands coffee and juice were ok, my tea was very weak but passable. Meals arrived. My husband ordered the special (Pulled Pork Benedict) which seemed mainly to consist of loads of (very vinegary) Hollandaise sauce, very little pork, an english muffin and small eggs. He said it was pretty ordinary and nothing special about the special. I ordered poached eggs with a side of roasted tomatoes, swiss chard, toast and hot smoked salmon. Toast was covered in way too much butter (I had ordered without butter) so I told the waiter who rather condescendingly told me I hadn't requested no butter (I had - he had been too busy being snooty to take down the order correctly). I said I was happy to pay for more toast without butter which he rolled his eyes at...nice. (Tiny) Tomatoes and swiss chard were cold, eggs were luke warm and the single piece of toast was more dehydrated than toasted. Swiss chard had clearly been pre-cooked and then pan fried again later so it was over-cooked, soggy in places and dried in others. Hot smoked salmon was good but a tiny portion. This pleasant dining experience cost us $64.00! I suppose you're paying for the David Bromley paintings on the wall and a view of the lake. With so many other wonderful, welcoming and delicious options in Daylesford and surrounds why bother with this mediocre at best joint? Looks the goods but looks can be deceiving.

Don't bother. Arriving at the boathouse, we were informed quite rudely that there was a 30 minute wait for coffees. We decided to wait...big mistake! After over an hour we enquired as to where our coffees were at as the table next to us (who had arrived 20 minutes later than us) had received their order. I was abruptly told that they would be still be a while and that she had no control over what orders went first. I asked if our order had been lost - it was still sitting last on the pile! We waited a further 25 minutes and when the drinks finally arrived they had 2 of the drinks wrong (oh gosh, how long did we have to wait now?)! My sister had a chocolate milkshake that was supposed to have ice-cream...it came out in a small glass with what tasted like Quik. Once the correct coffees came out, they were Luke warm. A waste of a morning and will never return.

Service was horrible. Wait staff were rude and unwelcoming and every single one of them looked really angry. Orders were lost and it was a shambles. Food was ok but not great. They advised us that there was a 20 minute wait on coffee as there had been an issue with the machine earlier in the day which we were fine with but they only had 1 person on the coffee machine and they weren't even at it the whole time trying to catch up on coffee orders. Would not recommend. It is clear that this place is not managed properly. Were weren't the only ones who had problems with our order and people were even walking out due to poor service. Wait staff had no idea what food and drinks were for which tables and we had waiters come up to us multiple times with other people's food and coffees. It's a shame really as it is such a really nice setting and environment and just from first visual impressions you would expect this place to be of higher standard.

Really bad service

Felt unwelcome. Our party of 4 had brunch on Sunday 19th April , we felt like we were not welcome, the staff had no warmth and it's as though they could not be bothered , very unhappy environment . Won't be returning

Yummy coffee. My wife and I went here for a coffee and it's so relaxing and peaceful, we loved the coffee and the service was great, definitely return for coffee again

The space between expectation and reality can sometimes be HUGE!! And Boathouse reality really doesn't deliver !! We have tried on 2 occasions since the rebuild but WONT return !! Food overpriced ordinary fare ! The service well below expectations .. Pretentious is not our desire but correct staff service .. Yes please !! Please don't snatch the plates as patrons are spooning the last mouthful into our mouths !' Not good guys !! So hope you can lift yourselves up to match your amazing location .

Worst Service Imaginable. Went to this cafe today and the service received is the worst service in Daylesford. It took over three attempts to get a waiters attention to be seated, only to be told to sit wherever and to take our own menus that were on the table next to the waiter. Water was slammed onto the table without a word and food orders were taken without any acknowledgement to the customer. Food has not arrived but it doesn't change anything, would never come back due to poor service.

Disappointing. Mediocre food, dreadful service and the whole point of being next to the lake is lost when you are advised not to sit outside because of the wasps nest!<br/>To top it all, when I got back I realised they had overcharged me - double!

Slow, strange service and bad coffee.. My friends and I were here a couple of weeks ago. There were only a handful of people there (in the end I actually counted: 9 including us), yet our coffees and the other customers drinks all took ages to come out, and our drinks came out at different times, my friends coffee was brought out almost 15 minutes before mine. There were plenty of staff and they did plenty of chatting. On top of it the latte was half froth. I want to like it here - come on and up your game! It's a beautiful spot, hire a real barista.<br/><br/><br/>-----27 Feb, 2015-----<br/><br/>Glass Of Froth.. Fine, so long as you don't want any<br/> coffee.

Had lunch here today and enjoyed the great food coffee and setting. <br/>Great to have The Boathouse back in action. Definitely Reccommend. <br/>Denis

Faboulous experience. Brunch by the Lake was indeed a special experience. The Granola and fruit yoghurt was delicious; the coffee was excellent; the staff were very friendly and helpful; the interior design was sympathetic to the area included David Bromley paintings and enlarged historical photos of the area for wallpaper. Definitely one of our favourite local cafés.<br/><br/>Only one suggestion:<br/>A covered area for protection of tethered dogs from the rain.

Open again. The boathouse cafe is now open and a lot better than the old operator <br/>Can we just have some umbrellas to shelter the dog owners area please !!!

Oh no!. This great cafe has been rebuilt after a fire. Great fitout. Thanks Hepburn Shire. However early signs on the new operator are a worry. $4 a coffee (not great coffe), no table service and very young and inexperienced staff. New operator decided to close between Christmas and new year. Not acceptable considering it's peak period and rebuilt and owned by the local shire for people to enjoy. Being a holiday local I would much prefer the bookstore across the carpark. Authentic service in unusual bookstore / cafe setting with great views of the lake.