Billabongs Family Restaurant, East Maitland Bowling Club

Overall 5 - Food 5, Ambience 5, Value 5, Service 5

I have been coming to Billabongs for a long time,food and service is way out there,I have celebrated my childrens birthdays and my wedding as well.I will continue as long as i can.Keep up the GREAT service........Value for money...cheers KEL GRICE.   (January, 2013)

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

I love Billabongs, It's an Amazing Restaurant! The People Are Friendly, The Food's Fantastic And It's Affordable :) What More Could you want?   (Cheyenne - April, 2011)

Overall 2.5 - Food 1, Ambience 1, Value 4, Service 4

We went to this eatery as part of a small function (ie: would not have chosen to eaten here otherwise) We found the experience to be awful. Too crowded, too rushed, no atmosphere whatsoever, and the quality of the food was inferior. Sure, there is a huge range of food to choose from, but it is exceptionally bland - akin to hospital food?? You feel like a sheep, going along with all the other sheep. One guest amongst our table commented that it was like "an airport terminal" And that is precisely is what this place feels like. Have not been to an "all you can eat" bistro for about 15 years, now I know why!! They are very "dated" and I don't agree with the concept of "gorge as much as one can in a limited amount of time" I would prefer to go to a nice Italian Restaurant and pay for a meal that is of a high standard, and made with love.   (See my reviews (2) - March, 2011)

Overall 8 - Food 8, Ambience 8, Value 8, Service 8

Could be better   (Renee - December, 2009)

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

Service is insanely fast, whether or not you like that, its up to you...but for me, because I am eating so many plates, the plates on our table build up so thank god the service is quick!.

I agree with the value aspect mentioned by the other person, try getting unlimited fresh oysters and prawns on Saturday anywhere else for $25...I am actually from Sydney, and from where I am from, the oysters are either limited, not so fresh or the price is about $70 per head, so this place is a bargain, unbelievably good value!

The wait is so long even though we booked but it is well worth it...maybe get another EFTPOS terminal ?? or make everyone pay cash...

I'd go here every Saturday if I lived near but I dont unfortunately.   (best buffet in NSW - September, 2009)

Overall 8.5 - Food 9, Ambience 7, Value 9, Service 9

We always go to this restaurant on saturday nights. Even though it gets ridiculously busy, the experience is still fantastic. For the money you pay, you get more food than u can ever eat. Try spending the same amount you paid at Billabongs compared to another restaurant where you can have unlimited oysters, prawns, dessert etc. on a saturday night. The quality of the food is always great there.

And to the comment below, time limits only happen on a saturday night where theres 2 sessions, it does take a while for 400 people to pay at the counter at 7:30 when the restaurants just about empty, we just have to put up with it even though we've booked, its probably only another 10min wait.   (Sharlene - February, 2009)

Overall 1 - Food 1, Ambience 1, Value 1, Service 1

I booked a table for 7.30 PM. When arriving, there was a line back from the front door to the restaraunt door. I am very disgusted and disappointed.

This restaraunt used to be the best family restaurant, I used to visit regularly.

Obviously you guys need to sort your booking system out, or make your restaraunt bigger - it is quite rediculous.

After reading the few other reviews on this site, I agree, you are treated like cattle. There is no service, and it is not very accomodating at all.

and in all honesty, an all-you-can-eat restaraunt should _not_ have time limits - that is simply rediculous.

You guys need to get your act together.

Simply speaking I will not return in the near future.   (Anthony - September, 2008)

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

everything was fantastic could not have asked for better.just one another comment though... the high chair was too small for my two year old boy   (July, 2008)

Overall 4.8 - Food 7, Ambience 3, Value 6, Service 3

The food was quite good considering it is a buffet. I enjoyed the Asian dishes. However we were not informed when booking our table for 6:00pm that we had to leave by 7:30pm! I found the staff to be a little rushed, trying to get us to leave so they could get more customers onto our table. I guess I might go again, but this time eat a whole lot quicker, and definately not go on a Saturday night, as you feel a little bit like cattle as it is so packed.   (July, 2008)

Overall 4.5 - Food 5, Ambience 3, Value 7, Service 3

Food was very bland and average. Felt like cattle when walking into restaurant with Manager rudely asking us how old the kids were. Dessert bar was the only thing I would go for. We expected more from an award winning family restaurant. No service - you just help yourself to the food and bar. We felt very dissapointed.   (June, 2008)