“We finished the wine with our dirty plates sitting before us. Multiple staff passed by multiple times without paying any attention and nobody popped by while we dined to see how our meals were going or whether we needed anything (more water). We tired of waiting for the bill so got up and went to the cash register ourselves,” writes unhappy dining reviewer WENDY JOHNSON.

THE view can’t be faulted, and the food is just as beautiful. The Walter Café, Regatta Point, has massive windows on all sides so diners, no matter where they sit, feast on scenery capturing the Captain Cook Memorial, National Library, the High Court and more. 

Operated by Grand Pacific (Sydney) hospitality group, the Walter Café is all the National Capital Authority promised with the expensive, major revamp of this special spot. It’s open seven days for breakfast and lunch, and it was lunch we were after. 

The tempura zucchini flowers were a fabulous start (we shared). The batter was light and heavenly, and the flowers stuffed with creamy goat’s cheese. They were served on a rich, luxurious tomato base with a small salad delicately placed on top making the dish look as inviting as it tasted ($21).

For mains, the prawn linguine was superb ($30). Five plump prawns and a combination of crushed chilli, garlic, parsley and dill. The balance was superb and the dish super exciting. 

We applauded the Black Angus sirloin steak ($32) for multiple reasons. It’s just the right size for lunch at 200 grams. It was cooked to perfection, and we remarked at our recent experience at an establishment specialising in steak that didn’t get it right, overcooking three dishes. 

The frites were thin and addicting. The dollop of Maître d’hôtel butter melted lovingly over the meat. The side salad was dry, but the staff happily fixed that in a flash with a silk dressing (and an apology).

Walter Café’s compact lunch menu also features dishes such as a smoked salmon sandwich ($24), healthy salad bowl ($22) and light curried chicken ($30). 

We were warmly received and offered a table on the deck outside, which we appreciated because the café is mightily noisy inside. Ear-splitting loud is the best description. 

Our wine arrived after our starter was delivered, and after we reminded staff we were still waiting. The service went downhill and we left frustrated, so much so we didn’t consider staying for dessert. 

We finished the wine with our dirty plates sitting before us. The table behind us remained uncleared for so long the neighbourhood birds kept swooping in to feed. Multiple staff passed by our table multiple times without paying any attention and nobody popped by while we dined to see how our meals were going or whether we needed anything (we would have loved more water). We got tired of waiting for the bill so got up and went to the cash register ourselves.

We would LOVE to go back for the food and the setting, and may give the Walter Café one more go, keeping our fingers crossed the service has dramatically improved.