The Stunned Mullet

My partner and I visited for dinner a couple of nights ago. It was a wonderful experience from the atmosphere to delicious food! For entrees we had the carrot sponge and beef with lions mane mushrooms. I love fine dining but it was a first for my partner. He loved the spices and flavours in his carrot sponge and I was blown away by the subtle smokiness and marbling of the beef. For mains, I had the toothfish, and my partner had the wagyu steak. My dish was one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten - the flesh was rich buttery and flaky without being overly fishy. The umami laden brith had a great twang of sweetness and acidity and the inclusion of a deeply cooked daikon radish slice brought it to life. The fish was topped with crispy fried enoki mushrooms and a black rice crisp. Wow! Utterly delicious! My partner loved his steak too - it was served in a sour peruvian chili paste with a quenelle of butter mash atop a field mushroom. He loved his dish and particularly commented on the perfect cooking of the steak combined with the sour chili. For desserts, I had the earl grey sponge and my partner went for the strawberry and pepper dessert. His was outstanding - there was a rich matcha cremeaux served along the cake which was one of the most beautiful things either of us have tasted. My dessert was a cracker too - mild and floral but had an interesting play on textures. The earl grey cake was topped with a mildly honey scented custard creme, and topped with a dish of perfectly short crust. The center had been hollowed out and filled with caramel pear cubes. I enjoyed the sorbet' was a bit wary of an over- scented lavender sorbet however it was very subtle. I struggled to find the lavender notes! The wait staff throught the meal were excellent as well. The female waiter who greeted us was very warm and helpful. We were also served by a male waiter who towncrier-esque called out the recommended dishes. It was fast, energetic and casual, which helped my partner feel more at home in an environment which he was unfamiliar with (and feeling nervous about). All in all, a wonderful night! I recommend the toothfish :)

Had my birthday dinner here last night. There's something nice about service from professional waitstaff for whom ostensibly service is a passion not just a job - it was apparent that our server and the chefs all take great pride in their work and made our dinner a memorable delicious experience. Highly recommend the toothfish - holy moly that's a core memory right there. Have just relocated from 11 years of good eating in NYC and this is hands down the best fine dining experience in Port.

The Stunned Mullet is simply a great dining experience. Everything this place is first class. The space itself is beautifully designed. The tables are well spaced and the lighting strikes the right balance between private and accommodating. The service cannot be faulted. The wine list is extensive and boasts an impressive selection of interesting and rare alternatives, which the knowledgeable staff are happy to discuss. All of the menu items are well explained and food arrives at prompt and appropriate intervals. As for the food---superb. Local ingredients are highlighted and everything is prepared with skilful technique and wonderful nuance of texture and flavour. This is our first time in Port Macquarie, but if we ever return we will definitely enjoy a dinner at the Stunned Mullet.

Wonderful experience. We went as a party of ten for a birthday celebration, just a great, reasonably priced dining experience all round. The guys were kind enough to allow me to have two starters and a main instead of a desert for a small cover charge. The prawns were the show stealer, the wonton works from a texture perspective and the mix of the flavours is incredible. The scallops had a little bit of heat and were cooked to perfection. The linguine had the real heat plus a very generous portion of de shelled Moreton bay bugs. They also have an extensive wine list.

My partner and I were really looking forward to our date night here due to the high ratings. We were told by locals this restaurant was “fine dining”, and coming from Sydney we’ve had experienced amazing finds however this place is definitely NOT one of them. In terms of service - Firstly we arrived 5 minutes before our booking and they made us wait 30 minutes for a table. We had already known what to order as we were starving on arrival. Once seated, we had to wait another gruelling 50 minutes to get the staff’s attention and order. I was already hangry at this point. Food wise - the course was basic and very underwhelming. We requested that the staff recommend wine pairings, instead we were confronted with arrogant and rude responses. My only recommendation from this sad place is the dessert. Written in retrospect.