Sala Cafe

The fella and I decided to hit GOMA before the APT10 show ended. We had a quick look around (our second time) and then headed downstairs for lunch. The bistro is right on the river with city views, water dragons and big trees. You can sit outside or enjoy the air con inside. Staff were efficient and prompt, if perhaps not overly warm. As usual these days, ordering was at the counter. We drank sparkling mineral water for moi, and ginger beer for him. He went for the corn croquetas, plus a side of chips and aioli, while I had the poached chicken salad with peanut and coconut dressing. My salad was very generous with lots of tender chicken, and had a tangy dressing. He enjoyed his croquetas which had lots of corn, rather than being a pancake. This was a good thing :=-) They were golden on the outside, with a corny interior, and had a generous grating of smoked cheddar over the top. Chips were fine as was the aioli, but I do wish they were more generous with the garlic in their aioli. (But I am a garlic fiend.) All up, a filling and tasty lunch before heading to pastures new.

This bistro is conveniently accessed by a lift inside GOMA which means you don't have to sign back in and out but can stop for a rest as we did while viewing the APT10. The menu is limited but they have specials on a board. You order at the counter with a table number. I waited a long time, over 15 minutes to have my order taken due to a woman with very rude children that monopolised the counter with their demands. The staff member behind the counter handled the situation with style and humility. As a result there was a line of people that had built up and my order came a long time after my friend who had finished eating. One till taking the orders just doesn't work and you can see the line builds up during lunch service. Coffee is ok not high end and my latte was so frothy it was almost unenjoyable. The corn croquetas and vegetarian mushroom banh mi were lovely. There is a cakes cabinet with some treats, healthy popsicles for hot days and large water coolers to help yourself to chilled water. Service was very good, friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's licenced with good disability access. Perfect for a break when visiting GOMA.

High points: gnocchi with smoked pumpkin and kale was well presented with nice flavours and colour, pastrami bagel with pickles was tasty and indulgent, service was fast despite big crowds. Low points: wrong wine brought out (correct one delivered after long wait), water for two never appeared, bagel dumped on a plate with little care or even a hint of greenery for presentation (as other reviews have mentioned).

Not entirely sure why GOMA bistro is so highly rated. Maybe people are in awe of the view/location but to be honest for the prices charged I expected a lot more. The bagel tasted ok, but for $16 I must admit to thinking it would be something great. Being served up on a plate by it's lonesome makes it look sad. If they only added a small salad to keep it company you might not get the feeling that someone had just pick pocketed you. Add a $4.50 tea from a tea bag and the feeling of being ripped off is completed.

Really underwhelmed by this place. It is overpriced, has extremely limited options, some of which were not available when we were there. The staff don't seem to know much about the menu despite the paucity of choices, nor do they seem to care much about providing service. A group of three were more interested in their jovial conversation than in serving customers. At the prices being charged one would reasonably expect table service. This despite being directed to a table a the far end of the establishment without being told that we needed to order at the till at the other end.

Food was lovely we had the croquettes, bahnmi, and the cheese and cold meat plate. Can't fault the food. The service was quick but I found it very rude to have my plate taken while the other two at my table were still eating and I was interrupted mid sentence as my plate was whisked away. I would give a five star but the episode put a bad taste in my mouth. We felt like we were being pushed out.

Incredible food at GOMA Bistro, really upped its game this past year. Being able to sit so close to the river to quietly enjoy a glass of wine while you can enjoy the scenery of the busy city opposite is so therapeutic. Hats off to Chef Josh, Emma and their whole team for creating such a wonderful atmosphere here. Make sure you try the fresh house made gnocci!