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1884 Courthouse Restaurant

Address:
1 Gloucester (Cnr High Street) ave, Berwick VIC    Map    Contact details
Cuisines:
Modern Australian
Mon hours:
Closed    View schedule
View photos (4)   
25 User reviews
1884 Courthouse Restaurant Schedule
Dining Schedule
Tue - Fri
12:00 to 15:00
18:00 to 22:00
Sat
18:00 to 22:00
Contact details - 1884 Courthouse Restaurant
Address:
1 Gloucester (Cnr High Street) ave, Berwick VIC
Phone:
(03) 9707 4459
Fax:
(03) 9707 5697

  • The Courthouse Restaurants Owner and Executive Chef Tim O'Brien and his team, would like to welcome you to the Courthouse Restaurant where we specialize in 'Fun, laughter and good food and drinks.'.

    At the Courthouse Restaurant, your table has been reserved for the duration of the night, so please sit back, loosen off the old belt and enjoy the evening. There are many menu options to try (try... Read more

    The Courthouse Restaurants Owner and Executive Chef Tim O'Brien and his team, would like to welcome you to the Courthouse Restaurant where we specialize in 'Fun, laughter and good food and drinks.'.

    At the Courthouse Restaurant, your table has been reserved for the duration of the night, so please sit back, loosen off the old belt and enjoy the evening. There are many menu options to try (try something a bit different) as well as many varied options of drinks to match your food selection.

    If however, you have another engagement afterwards, please inform your wait staff. If you have any special dietary requirements, please tell our serving staff and we will endeavor to accommodate you. We offer vegetarian and gluten free menus.

    We have on offer, over 100 beers, wines from around the world, cellared wines, a vast array of scotch, and a solid collection of ports, muscats and tokays to enjoy.

  • Latest User Reviews

    Incredibly overpriced food which could only be described as a gastronomic disaster. Both the snapper and barramundi dishes were overcooked, dry and tasteless. The only positives were the service an...

    Have been going to the courthouse now for 2 years well a few times each month. It is just super, - the food, the service and the friendliness. Congratulations to Tim and his staff. Dr. Lydia He...

    More reviews
    Order by: Date, Featured

    • Overall 4.5 - Food 2, Ambience 7, Value 2, Service 7

      Incredibly overpriced food which could only be described as a gastronomic disaster. Both the snapper and barramundi dishes were overcooked, dry and tasteless. The only positives were the service and friendly staff. I will not be dining at this restaurant again.   (December, 2009)

    • Overall 9.8 - Food 10, Ambience 9, Value 10, Service 10

      Have been going to the courthouse now for 2 years well a few times each month. It is just super, - the food, the service and the friendliness. Congratulations to Tim and

      his staff.

      Dr. Lydia Hebestreit   (Lydia - November, 2009)

    • Overall 9.3 - Food 9, Ambience 9, Value 9, Service 10

      The Courthouse has become one of our favourite restaurants. the staff there are friendly and very helpful. I always feel welcome and look forward my next visit.   (sue's - August, 2009)

    • Overall 7.8 - Food 7, Ambience 7, Value 8, Service 9

      Enjoyable night, menu was somewhat "usual", great staff. Agree with others that no dress code makes the evening a little less special.   (michelle - See my reviews (4) - August, 2009)

    • Overall 7 - Food 7, Ambience 7, Value 6, Service 8

      Better than average. Looks a picture from the outside, inside needs a little more attention to detail. Could not fault service apart from the usual lag at end of evening waiting for the bill to arrive. Food was served at temperature and all guests were satisfied with their menu choices. Menu choice was a little too typical of a lot of restaurants these days - same dishes seem to be everywhere. Impressed by wine and particularly the extensive beer menu. (Knowledgeable waiter too!)

      NOT IMPRESSED by the refilling of the Molton Brown handwash and handcream dispensers in the bathrooms with cheap alternatives! TUTT TUTT   (Seb - See my reviews (23) - July, 2009)

    • Overall 5.5 - Food 5, Ambience 5, Value 5, Service 7

      Not thrilled .

      No dress code lets them down.

      Overall not too happy   (See my reviews (2) - June, 2009)

    • Overall 9 - Food 10, Ambience 9, Value 8, Service 9

      Great suburban restaurant. The food was fantastic and the service very professional. Would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a romantic gourmet meal without having to travel to the city.   (Dave - June, 2009)

    • Overall 9.8 - Food 10, Ambience 10, Value 9, Service 10

      I recently went to the Courthouse to celebrate my birthday. I was greeted warmly at the door with a 'happy birthday' and there was a card on the table too. The food was first class, we loved the tapas style entrees. The service was friendly and the atmosphere relaxing. We will definitely go back there. The Courthouse can easily match city dining.   (See my reviews (5) - April, 2009)

    • Overall 10 - Food 10, Ambience 10, Value 10, Service 10

      Have been here before many times, but this was first after recent make over after The Chopping Block crew was there. Don't care what anyone says, I love the new decor! The lime wash treatment focuses the eyes on the tables where afterall is where the action is. Also enhances beautiful timber ceiling and chandaliers, and creates light airy atmosphere. Food excellent as always, our service staff well versed in all aspects of the menu and able to recommed complementary wines. (Note to a previous reviewer - a corked wine is one that is off, not one that has bits of cork in it!) Our wine was NOT corked by any definition. All of my 5 guests plus myself were delighted by our meals which were a visual as well as taste sensation. This place just gets better and better and I reckon you'd be mad to go to the trouble and expense of dining in the city when we have one of Melbourne's best restaurants right here in Berwick. Support local eateries!! Especially this one.   (Esme - See my reviews (7) - October, 2008)

    • Overall 9 - Food 9, Ambience 9, Value 9, Service 9

      A lovely meal & great service. Extra points for the light entertainment next door!   (Kyls - See my reviews (8) - August, 2008)

    • Overall 7 - Food 8, Ambience 7, Value 6, Service 7

      My wife and I visited this restaurant on a Saturday night to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Our first impression was that the place was cheerful and friendly - lively, but not overly loud.

      The service staff were welcoming, and throughout the evening they continued to be attentive without being too pushy.

      The food was of a very good standard and the portion sizes were quite generous. The complimentary appetizer - goat's cheese on a slice of sweet onion - was a nice touch, and the sticky date pudding was a particular highlight, although a little more sauce would have been nice! There was also a good selection of wines by the glass.

      My only complaint would be that although the initial drinks and appetizer were served promptly, we waited more than an hour for the main meal, which seemed a little slow even though we were in no hurry.

      Overall, we had a very enjoyable evening, and we will be likely to visit sometime again in the future.   (July, 2008)

    • Overall 9.5 - Food 10, Ambience 9, Value 10, Service 9

      I had a great time here, the service was personal, the food was excellent and the prices are very reasonable. I really liked the building and the lounge area out the back   (July, 2008)

    • Overall 8.3 - Food 9, Ambience 8, Value 8, Service 8

      We are frequent visitors to this favourite restaurant. The location is fantastic and the old courthouse building is beautiful. I must say though that the recent changes to the decor have done nothing to improve the interior and leaves the walls a little underwhelmed as the new "French bistro" pictures do nothing to enhance the character or blend with the period of the building. Tim what were you thinking??

      The food is high quality with an extensive range. The duck marriage is superb and a must to try. Waiter service can take a while and when questioned on this before, they do this to give you time to relax, chat etc. Although I am one to appreciate an offer of a drink rather quickly, this isn't the way at The Courthouse, so be warned. We also have our Christmas work functions here each year and I have never left the restaurant without hearing our staff rave about the food, so it is appreciated. All in all a special restaurant that is highly recommended. P.S This will sound weird but they have to be the best toilets in any restaurant I have ever been too. Tim keep up the good work.   (Czardas - See my reviews (28) - May, 2008)

    • Overall 8.5 - Food 9, Ambience 9, Value 8, Service 8

      WE AHD A VERY PLEASANT EVENING - STAFF WERE FRIENDLY AND ORGANISED. WAITED A LITTLE LONGER FOR A NON ALCHOLIC DRINK THAN EXPECTED BUT- ON THE WHOLE ONE OF THE NICEST DINING EXPERIENCES IN A LONG WHILE. I RECOMMEND THE COURTHOUSE AND WILL BE TELLING MY FRIENDS TO DINE THERE.   (April, 2008)

    • Overall 6.3 - Food 7, Ambience 8, Value 7, Service 3

      We have been several times and often taken overseas visitors. on the last 2 occasions the food has been average. when i had taken it up with the chef/owner i was effectively told i didn't know what i was talking about and had obviously ordered dishes that we didn't know what we were ordering. On the last visit I took an overseas client there and after a 3-course meal we decided to have a glass of the house wine before we headed off. Two different bottles were brought out and both were corked. We were offered a choice off the winelist and I questioned whether this would be on the house, to which i was told we would have to pay full price for whatever we chose. At no time did the chef/owner bother to come out and apologise, for the inconvenience. Whilst we were not looking for charity I had just spent $300. His arrogance caused my client a little embarrassment. .... All said, the waiting staff are fantastic and really make the evening enjoyable. it is just a shame that the owner can't listen to what is designed to be positive feedback because we like what he has and want it to succeed.   (disappointed local - March, 2008)

    • Overall 10 - Food 10, Ambience 10, Value 10, Service 10

      exellant   (matt - See my reviews (10) - March, 2008)

    • Overall 9.3 - Food 10, Ambience 9, Value 9, Service 9

      The atmosphere was beautifull, food was excellent. Id give a thumbs up for the chef!!!   (March, 2008)

    • Overall 9.5 - Food 10, Ambience 9, Value 9, Service 10

      Grat night for the large group we had. Staff are excellent and friendly as is the food   (January, 2008)

    • Overall 9 - Food 10, Ambience 8, Value 9, Service 9

      A lovely venue with ample character. The food was fabulously presented, there was a great selection of wines, and the service was friendly and unobtrusive. Lighting was a little bright, however, which took something away from the otherwise pleasant ambience of the evening.   (M Hamilton - See my reviews (4) - January, 2008)

    • Overall 8.5 - Food 9, Ambience 8, Value 8, Service 9

      Very good overall, and though it was rather expensive, the food was very good and the service attentive without being intrusive   (Brian - November, 2007)

    • Overall 8.5 - Food 10, Ambience 7, Value 7, Service 10

      the food was excellent..It was a little expensive..We had a wonderful lady who served us all night..On the whole we loved this restuarant and would happily go again   (November, 2007)

    • Overall 9.3 - Food 10, Ambience 9, Value 9, Service 9

      My partner and I stumbled on this gem when in Berwick and were very impressed with the well crafted and absolutely luscious food. Combined with friendly service, luxurious yet relaxing surrounds, and good wine and beer lists, we had a very special and magical night. My favourite dish was the eye fillet in red wine and chocolate sauce - superbly cooked and beatifully presented. You would pay much more in the city for a dining experience like this - lucky Berwickians! We shall be back and make the trip especially to visit the Courthouse again!   (Lisien - November, 2007)

    • Overall 9.8 - Food 10, Ambience 10, Value 9, Service 10

      To find a restaurant that provide such high class food without going into the city was a sheer delight. A recent birthday dinner visit found a birthday card and complentry bottle of sparkling wine on leaving a most refression and personal touch. The food provide a taste tantiling surprise and the presentation was second to none. Great atmosphere and service just at the right time not too long and not too quick. This is one place we will be revisiting.   (Local Surprise - November, 2007)

    • Overall 10 - Food 10, Ambience 10, Value 10, Service 10

      What a find this little place is! The magnificent decor makes it all very posh, but the friendly wait staff make you feel welcome immediately. The food is magnificent, innovative, fresh and creative. Presentation superb, this is a place with the WOW factor! Berwick has nothing to compare with the Courthouse; I can't fault it. Huge wine & beer list at v.good prices. I used to only go here for celebrations but am now a regular because the atmosphere is brilliant. Can't recommend highly enough.   (Esme - See my reviews (7) - November, 2007)

    • Overall 8 - Food 8, Ambience 8, Value 7, Service 9

      Fairly expensive but range quality of meals and service is excellent   (February, 2007)

  • Restaurant Details

    Chefs

    Tim O'Brien - Tim has been cooking for 20 plus years, and has cooked on stage at the Royal Melbourne show for a LIVE Ready, Steady cook show with Janelle Bloom. He loves food from all over the globe and often cooks special dinners showcasing food from other countries. He is also a specialist in matching food with beer, and later this year will demonstrate this at the food and leisure show at Jeffs shed.

    Payment
    Cash, Diners, Eftpos, Mastercard, Visa
    Features
    Dress smart casual, Licensed, Outside dining area, Private dining area, Wheelchair access
    Ambience
    Contemporary, Relaxed, Romantic, Sophisticated, Suitable for business
    Food
    Gluten Free, Vegetarian option
    Styles
    Cocktail, Sit down
    Suitable for
    Birthday/Anniversary, Business lunch/dinner, Christmas party

  • Large Groups Information

    We can cater for large group functions. The judges chamber can hold up to 20 guests, with two tables of 10.

    The main front room can hold up to 45 seated depending on the seating plan.

    We can also cater for stand up finger food functions.

    Group cancellation policy A $20 per person fee applies to cancellations with less than 48 hours notice.

    Minimum patrons classed as a group 10

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