Review Tallwood - Mollymook

We had read about how fantastic Gwylo was so we added this to our list of places to explore on our weekend away. Even before we got there everyone we spoke to said how much they loved it and could not speak more highly of this restaurant and it did not disappoint. The service was really quick. The food sensational. Definitely worth adding to your South Coast itinerary.

Move over Rick Stein because based on our experience, Gwylo is the best restaurant in town. Whilst lacking the magnificent view, Gwylo made up for it with flavour and creativity. I am sorry to see some negative experiences here but I can only talk about mine. We came here on Wednesday night and it was so good we brought four friends back in Thursday night. As Sydneysiders, we are quite spoilt for Asian food, so Gwylo was a delightful surprise. Every dish that came out was sublime - highly recommend the octopus and fish cakes. Plus the baos are the best I have ever had, a big compliment considering I have had many over my lifetime. The staff were very attentive and were able to accomodate our request on the second night to move to an outside table if it became available, making it more covid safe. I haven’t raved about a meal this much since going to Gaku and will definitely make Gwylo a regular visit when I am in Mollymook. Thanks to my friend Jimmy for the recommendation!

(2.5 stars) Gwylo is an adaptation of the Cantonese word “gweilo” or “ghost man”, and was historically a derogatory term for Caucasian foreigners. In Mollymook the term has been “reclaimed” by Caucasian owner, Matt Upson, who is packaging up “Asian street food” for the South Coast palate. Leaving aside the uncomfortable whiteness of this act of erasure, Gwylo is clearly popular and well-liked by the locals, including the anti-coriander brigade at the next table. While I struggle to understand what’s “Asian street food” about beautiful yellowfin tuna sashimi ($26) lost in a lake of ginger oil, too much coarsely grated Tasmanian wasabi, kombu and greens, they scoff it down. I’m also disappointed by the cocktails, the vodka-based Get Lucky ($22) drinks like a coconut-spiked lemon squash, while the tequila-based Howling at the Moon ($22) mostly buries Olmeca Altos Reposado in a swampy blend of guava, watermelon, pandan and lime that I probably would also object to as a non-alcoholic juice. Both drinks lack the balance you’ll find at Ben Blair’s bar (The Ruse) up the road. Sake—the rich and ricey Moriki Shuzu Yamahai ($70/350ml)—is a better bet, though when the restaurant is so far from traditional, it felt pretentious to have floor staff lecture guests about not pouring their own. With a very liberal squeeze of lime, betel leaf prawns ($16/4) ate well. Gwylo fish cakes ($24/4)—made using crab, cuttlefish, prawn and fish–were textural and tasty, but fell down in the condiment department. The ginger mayo. topper needed actual chilli bite to interact with. Grilled on the hibachi, octopus ($24) was taken too far for my liking, with the burnt flavour overpowering the delicate cashew cream and zucchini noodles it was teamed with. A grass-fed beef skewer ($22) treated the good quality protein with more respect, but I struggled to understand the muted sriracha mayo. and sugary syrup accompaniments. The latter did help to improve a snow pea and cabbage salad ($16) that was too sour. As I’m the odd one out here in a sea of positive reviews, my best guess is this chef is balancing dishes to a local palate that I simply don’t share.

I really wanted to like Gwylo, but we had a disappointing experience all around. For a start, the outdoor table we were seated at had rainwater dripping onto the bench seat next to me. When the waiter took our order, he also immediately took the order of the 4 seater table next to us - meaning most of their food came out before ours. A couple dishes were fine - not necessarily the most inventive, interesting it delicious - from the vibe, I expected Chin Chin type food. One dish was overly salty; when we let the staff know - all he said was, I'll let the kitchen know. There was no apology, no offer to replace to the dish or take it off the bill. Overall, a very poor experience from start to end, especially at the price, and for the amount of difficulty in booking. As a courtesy, I tried to ring the restaurant to let them know before posting this - but their phones are usually unmanned so I was unable to get a hold of them. I may be the odd one out, but I'm not sure what the fuss is - sure Gwylo is modern Asian, but it's certainly not the best I've had, nor was the experience worth the detour. And it's expensive to boot.

I held off writing this review, but after speaking with others I noticed a similar experience was shared. The food, I can’t complain. It was mostly nice. And a great aesthetic in the restaurant. But honestly, I found most of the staff were pretty rude. One of the guests we were with was being a bit cheeky, and trying to joke around with the host when we got the bill in a very light hearted manner, she snapped at him and made everyone really uncomfortable. His intentions were to try and crack a joke to relieve the awkwardness as our entire experience had been slightly uncomfortable with the staffs attitude. I understand that not everyone can understand every single persons humour. However, we spent nearly $700- as a previous hospitality worker, it’s really not hard to bite your tongue if you disagree with something a customer has said. Had the guest been inappropriate, or rude and nasty, I would be far more understanding. But I simply couldn’t find any justification in her rude response. When I spend that kind of money on a dinner, I expect to not feel like I’m burdening a waitress or waiter by asking if I could order another drink. I understand it was busy, but if you can’t have even the slightest positive attitude when interacting with customers who pay this sort of money for food, I think it’s extremely unprofessional. Which is a real shame as it really tainted the entire experience. If Gwylo is able to reflect on this and make some adjustments then I think it would be a lovely place to dine. I will make an effort to ask friends and family who go in the future what their experience is like, because if they’re friendlier than when I went, I’d give a second chance.

Second Time and Definitely Not Our Last! The food and service are phenomenal, every dish and cocktail is done with so much care and attention to detail. The staff are exceptional and attentive. Hot tip, book WAY EARLY to avoid disappointment

This was our second visit to Gwylo and we were delighted to find that last night’s dining experience was just as good as the first. The staff are friendly, helpful and attentive, the food is outstanding and the ambience is as hip as any Sydney restaurant, but with none of the pretentiousness. ‘Destination Dining’ at its best!

Dined there last night with my wife. LOVED the experience. Food was magnificent, and the cocktails made by Clancy were world class. Do yourself a favour and make a booking immediately!

I took a couple of friends from the mid north coast to Tallwood last night. We chose the chef’s tasting plate and were extremely impressed with the selection we received, the high quality of the food and the generosity of the servings. The staff we encountered were pleasant and helpful and all in all it was a delightful experience. I would highly recommend Tallwood for an exciting eating experience.

Awesome as always best in town by far Matt is unreal the food is incredible service is always friendly beers chilled and a wine list to die for highly recommended the locals love it

We had a wonderful night with excellent food - we asked the chef to just keep bringing the food out for the 4 of us to share - and very attentive staff. The wine we wanted wasn't available so the owner arranged for a magnificent bottle of French wine to be brought to us instead - a 2013 Josmeyer Alsace Pinot Gris - for the price of the one he couldn't supply. It was delicious. We will definitely return.

Tallwood catered for my 4-day event and I can't speak highly enough of Matt, Luci and the team. Every single dish was WOW and my guests were seriously impressed. Their service was outstanding, nothing was too much bother and most importantly, Matt and Luci were delightful and showed our guests wonderful hospitality. I can't recommend highly enough :)

Food was great, and best coffee in Mollymook. Great choice in menu for whole family, had avo, haloumi with eggs on toast. Tried my daughters potato waffle which was delish.

Monday night is set menu night and the food was excellent with each course complimenting the other. A free wine included was well received. Thought the beer price was rather high for an imported Japanese beer. Lovely evening with great service.

Exceptional! Everything was superb. Clearly fabulous chefs, lovely waiting staff, beautiful wine suggestions and charming owner. I thoroughly enjoyed my birthday dinner here with friends! Thank you so much!

What an amazing place and atmosphere. Fantastic food, lovely staff. A secret gem.

Service 5 stars. Food 5 stars. Couldn't ask for anything better. This place is outstanding. Highly recommend.

Very nice affordable venue, we enjoyed great and different breakfast choices, 4 of us all had something different and unusual and they were devine. Love the seating choices and that it can be in or outside, very attentive staff.

Lovely food though only one of my three children enjoyed their food as there are only two options on the kids menu - pasta and fried fish 😕

Always a great experience for any meal. Waitress are lovely and the menu always offers something different. We come to Mollymook from Sydney for our wedding anniversary and are never disappointed.