Bistro 289 At The Laurel - Ascot Vale

Booked a table for a Friday afternoon for a few work colleagues. Bistro was dead, probably only a couple of other tables going. Server took forever to serve us, order was taken it took the best part of an hour to arrive, not ideal for a business lunch. Food was fine (cheesy cob good), price was fine.

Fantastic waitress who was outstandingly friendly and fast with orders. Food was good generous sizes.

We went for Christmas Day lunch. It was a very busy and hot day. Unfortunately the air conditioning couldn't cope so the heat in the bistro was stifling. We had a 2pm seating but were called to our table at 2.20pm by which time we were starving. The shared entree plate was tasty(especially the terrine) but not generous especially considering two of our party were unable to make it at the last minute. All but one of us chose the duo of meats for main course. Again it was very tasty and while enough for me the men would have welcomed more meat on their plates. The salmon was served on a salad and was very good. Dessert was a buffet which was quite sparse by the time we got to it but upon asking some more desserts came out. The panna cotta was absolutely delicious and a perfect end for the day.

We had a pre Christmas catch up with family. The food was lovely but the service was poor. There were only 2 other tables albeit large, but we ended up getting forgotten. We got our first drink order quickly. Then never got asked for another drink. Our food order was taken before the large table so arrived fairly quickly. Unfortunately we then sat with our dirty plates for at least 30 minutes. By this stage we were put off ordering dessert or coffees promptly left. We were never really served after our main meal was delivered. I would hate to experience the service when the place was full. Not good enough Bistro 289. We then took our elderly mother elsewhere for coffee cake. We won't return we won't recommend.

A great venue for a quiet lunch. Overall, an enjoyable experience, however settling in nicely to be told they are closing the bistro at 3pm on a Saturday.