Rocksalt

Posted by: freeride | 2 July 2011, 12.02am

We had a late dinner around 8pm after a very hectic week for my wife and I, Rocksalt had the perfect restaurant wind down ambience.

Most of the diners were just finishing up but the levels of noise and the table spacing meant we could talk not yell and we could actually here the nicely mixed music. (a proper acoustic ceiling helped no doubt)

The waiter informed us they had a new menu which began last night, the specials were on a sheet of paper so we could actually look at them as opposed to trying to remember a recited diatribe or performing a contortionist yoga pose to look at a black board - nice.

We started with the Shitake Mushrooms which were a delicious, gooey mess in the middle and crispy golden brown outside. We also shared a delicate duck pie which came with a syrup made of I don't know what but it was a match made in heaven.

A nice sorbet pallette cleanser was a lovely touch afterward.

We both had the seafood grill platter, all perfectly cooked with a lemon sauce which again accompanied the seafood perfectly. The way the salmon was cooked really did it justice a crisp skin and soft moist flesh.

The service was attentive and friendly, Geoff the manager/owner and his staff are unpretentious, interested in serving good food well without the b.s, the clientele seem to also reflect this.

Our new favourite !

Food:			Visit: Fri 1 July 2011 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: GrandStander | 7 February 2011, 10.59am

Meal: Dinner
Food: Duck risotto and Pumpkin Gnocchi

Partner and I went out for a quiet meal on a Friday. We ate quite early in the evening but notwithstanding this the restaurant was quite busy, although not crowded. Service was very friendly, attentive, and our food arrived promptly. Atmosphere was casual without feeling unrefined. This is an unpretentious restaurant. Only issue was that it had been a warm day and a few flies had retreated indoors - nothing anyone experienced with Canberra in summer will have a problem with.

The food was excellent, and the portions were large. The duck risotto was fantastic, the duck was tender and not at all chewy or stringy. The risotto was lovely and smooth, and not gluggy or gluey. Gnocchi was tender and well seasoned, and was well accompanied by the pumpkin and butter sauce. The salad side was very fresh and generous.

For bread, two mains, a desert and moderately priced bottle of Sav Blanc, the bill came to a very reasonable $130.00. Very good value in my view.

Will definitely be back again.

Food:			Visit: Fri 28 January 2011
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Posted by: lisnarick | 12 August 2010, 4.53pm

The missing half star is because of the Yorkshire puddings!They need working on but not to worry, we will return!

Food:			Visit: Sat 31 July 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: jadejewel | 22 February 2010, 12.28pm

We came back to Rocksalt for an anniversary dinner after having had a great meal there a few months ago. This time we ordered the degustation with wine matching.
Rocksalt's greatest asset is its fantastic service. The staff are friendly, helpful, there when you want them and not there when you don't. The staff seem to really enjoy their jobs, and to want you to enjoy your time there too.
The menu was wonderful with some creative flavour combinations that work well without trying too hard. The lamb rack in particular was an incredible dish. Our duck was a tiny tad too dry but not being a fan of duck anyway, I might have judged a little too harshly. The wine/food combinations were good but not fantastic, with the exception of the pinot gris matched to the coconut king prawns - an absolutely perfect combination that. The rest were all complementary but none sung like that one.
We loved our meal there, the relaxed atmosphere, good acoustics, wonderful food and left excited about coming back for more when the menu changes.

Food:			Visit: Sat 20 February 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: The Word | 10 February 2010, 11.59am

Second time we have dined here. First time was great and this time around it was also great. We opted for the degustation menu which of course was beautiful food. We were even able to switch one of the meat entree's with a vegetarian option which proved to be the best dish of the night. Service was excellent and very friendly. The only bad comment we could make was that the speed of delivery started out well, but died off. There was a good gap between two mains of at least 20 mins. It was in the end close to a 3hr dining experience. But hey we were in no rush. One of the best in Canberra

Food:			Visit: Fri 29 January 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: JaneLuck | 13 November 2009, 11.43am

Once again Rock Salt rock! My fiance took me for dinner on my birthday and had the most amazing meal. Even though they were short staffed we were taken care of wonderfully and the food was incredible. I can't wait to go back again.

Food:			Visit: Fri 13 November 2009
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Posted by: M88 | 9 November 2009, 3.02pm

While the food and atmosphere was great, the wine matching to the degustation could do with some attention. This was a repeat visit for us to Rocksalt and similar to our previous visits, the service for the night was spot on early in the evening and tended to lapse as the night progressed. We were intrigued as to why the male waiting staff were the staff informed on the wines and female waiting staff were the reference point for the food - interesting!

Food:			Visit: Fri 6 November 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: raceyrabbit | 9 January 2009, 11.56pm

We have just experienced the most fantabulous meal in Canberra! Having booked last minute (and then calling to say we would be late!), we arrived to be greeted by attentive friendly staff and were seated. We were waited on in reasonable time and all our menu enquiries and drink orders were met within moments.
All the meals were superb!!! The oysters for entree and the eye fillet...to die for!
It was the personal service and little extras that made all the difference!

Food:			Visit: Fri 9 January 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: JoJoa | 31 December 2008, 11.25pm

The mains took 3 hours and the manager refused to apologise. Poor service with worse attitude. Give your hard-earned money to someone else.

Food:			Visit: Fri 19 December 2008 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Danielmc | 12 July 2007, 9.55am

Excellent food, great service in a relaxing atmosphere. If possible, book a table up the back for a more intimate dining experience.

Food:			Visit: Thu 12 July 2007 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Ben Davis | 21 August 2006, 2pm

The food quality is excellent at this restaurant that is hidden in suburbia. Great wine list and the service was impeccable even by my tough standards.

The entrees were well presented and the mains were of an excellent size. The vanilla creme brulee was how creme brulees should be.

Leaves a lot of other Canberra restaurants for dead.

Food:			Visit: Sat 5 August 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Registered user - name withheld | 15 May 2006, 10.13am

Food and service were outstanding.
It was the best night out I've have had since moving from Sydney.

Food:			Visit: Mon 15 May 2006 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Unregistered user | 8 February 2006, 5.24pm

Entrees were $17.50 and mains around $28. Quite nice meals and a good atmosphere, but I wasn't overly impressed considering the prices charged.

Food:			Visit: Wed 7 December 2005 Mealtime: dinner
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