Girasoli Italian Ristorante - MONA VALE

My wife and I went along with my 89 year old father who lives in nearby Warriewood. This is the first time I had been inside and the facilities seemed quite good after an apparent refurbishment, although it was very noisy. We were looking forward to trying the place and really hoping that it would be worthwhile, as it would be extremely convenient for my father who is becoming a little more restricted to his local area. We could not have been more disappointed. My father and I had the veal and white wine ravioli, not a cheap club meal at $25 (all the meals were expensive for a club). Frankly, I could have bought a packet ravioli from the local supermarket and enjoyed it more. It was tasteless, very little filling, the ravioli more like rubber. My wife had veal scallopini for $27, and found it very ordinary with a strange presentation. We left feeling ripped off (we would have still felt this if 1/2 price), and determined never to return. I think diners being charged $25-$30 have a right to expect at least a decent meal; this was appalling. We ordered at the counter and were buzzed to pick up our meals from the counter therefore there was no service to comment on; however, the food staff were not engaging. On the other hand, reception and bar staff were good.

This is the first time we had tried the Italian Restaurant within Mona Vale RSL, The club has had a refurbishment recently, and this is a new place. There seemed to be some sort of a bar area, which was extremely loud and overflowed into the table area. The staff was, as always, very helpful, friendly and pleasant.The Bruschetta was gorgeous, although the tomatoes could have been cut more finely.We had 2 pizzas, one veal, and one pasta Napoletana, between 4 of us.The pizzas were unexpectedly huge, had a strange taste with a long aftertaste, I had a couple of pieces, but when offered a taste of the veal, I was keen to try it. The veal had the same taste, although my husband didn't notice it.The pasta was so heavily spiced, with chilli, that none of us could have eaten it. It tasted a little of raw fish, also with the strange aftertaste, that we were struggling to identify.When the waitress came to clear the table, she was told how awful it was , and quickly took it back to the chef. The explanation was that the pasta was spiced, and the sauce which was the tomato base for all their pizzas, was also spiced.That sort of explained the odd taste in the pizzas. As the veal also had the weird taste, though, something else was affecting everything.We were offered and accepted a refund for the pasta.Hopefully, this is just teething problems, and will be sorted out quickly.The main bistro at the club is always very good, so we will just have to stick to that.The only decent coffee is set in an area designed to be like a coffee shop. Although this is a little annoying, at least a good coffee is available. The bistro itself has a self-service coffee machine, of the type found in car dealers showrooms.We have been using this club for a couple of years, and this was the first time that the meal has been disappointing.This was quite expensive, coming to well over $100 with drinks.

This restaurant is ensconced in Pittwater RSL club. Typical RSL surrounds and interior but the dining area was quite pleasant, well lit and pots of artificial flowers. We dined here as part of a group and were served platters of food. There were small servings of calamari and octupus and salad. Arancini was very gluggy and not properly cooked. We ordered pizzas which were supposed to be one of the specialities - it is an Italian restaurant? The seafood pizza was so over-chillied that the seafood taste was destroyed. Actually found a prawn in one of the pizzas. All in all food was just ordinary.Table service was prompt and pleasant.Coffee is obtained at a separate area where you queue up, give your order and then receive a disc which is buzzed when your order is ready. Another woman (no connection) and I must have waited for at least 20 minutes for our coffees. They were not particularly busy but seemed to be putting other orders in front of ours. Seemed a bit disorganised behind the counter. Really quite over it by the time my 2 cups arrived.Wouldn't go back.

Warning! Portions are too large, prices are too low and if you are not a fussy eater a super place to eat. Nicely decorated for Xmas see photos, service is

This place used to be goodI ordered halibut and chips to go When I opened the greasy wrapping I found the fish was thin and over done.