Australian / New Zealand Restaurant Review.

(An Independent Review by The Gourmet Crew)

Mornington Peninsula  
Victoria.
Reviewed by Judy.

Service:
Waiters everywhere and only a look in their direction will bring one....small dish of almonds already on the table and water instantly brought when you are seated plus a fresh hot small loaf of bread with butter

Presentation:
Starched cloth and napkins, hugely interesting glass ware.

Wine List:
BYO and they have an extensive list, but rather pricey.  $9 glass of Sav blanc  Wairau Marlborough

Value for Money:
Reasonable as we went for the $29 per head two course lunch.
My friend had a grilled salmon steak on mash with vegetables, salmon cooked to perfection.
I tried the slow roasted pork belly on curly cabbage with a most delicious XO jeus.
We both went for the apple and rhubarb crumble for our desert, (there was a choice of three, the others being chocolate mouse and tiramisu )  I should have gone for one of the others as the crumble appeared to be crushed biscuits, more powdered than crushed and definitely not crispy crumble.  That was the only thing that let the meal down.  Apart from that no problems at all.  I did comment on that at the end of the meal and handed them my card to let them know I had reviewed them.  They said they would improve their crumble.
The Lobster Cave does have special days for lobster specials but they are always on the menu anyway.  Guess we still don't refer to them as crayfish as that is what it in our waters.
Our total with two glasses of lovely wine each was $94.  If we had taken our own bottle...(they do not charge corkage) it would have been $36 less.. 

Ambiance:
The cave feel is there, in fact I would call it a 'grotto' feel. Once you are inside you wouldn't know if it were day or night. 
Large live very clean illuminated fish tanks used as divider between the two fairly big rooms.  At one end there is also a screen with film of a very colorful large tropical fish tank.  At first glance you don't realise that it is a film. Lights are low but no problem seeing your menu.

The feel good factor:
I have been there before quite a few times but this time the Lobster Cave has been renovated.  I like the new look and feel and for the number of diners there were definitely almost too many waiters, but then I suppose you can never have too many.  The service was amazing without being intrusive.
Left with tummies sated and that was with only a mouthful of the crumble.  Must have been the bread and almonds up front.

4 wine glasses

+
(Highly Recommended )