Charcoal Oven

This would have to be one of the worst dining experiences we have had. We went here on Valentines day and were hoping for a nice romantic dinner. There were only 7 other tables apart from us so it wasn't too busy. Firstly, we weren't advised of the set menu, which mattered because I cant eat seafood and that was the only option for entree. Second, there was a group of men which we presume were friends of the managers/owners which were loud and annoying. Third, the service was slow and so bad that at one point the waitress answered her mobile at our table saying 'what are you calling me for, I'm at work, piss off'. I could go on but I dont have the room. 14/02/2012

We had a very interesting visit to Charcoal Oven for dinner. I dined there with my partner, sister and brother-in-law. From the moment we arrived it was an interesting night. We were the only table that had booked - they didn’t even need to ask our booking name. There were 4 or so other tables of guests throughout the night. We dined outside, the decor is very average (plastic table cloths). The staff were nice and friendly and the food was delicious. We tried the wonton soups, mud crab, duck, char sui pork and pork belly. We had a hilarious night full of laughs; I somehow ended up with the same cocktail 3 times although I ordered 3 different cocktails (the one I had tasted like medicine) the lady that runs the place is very nice and very funny. I ordered a white sangria and was advised it only comes in jugs, which was fine, and was then notified that they had no watermelon, but she even offered to go to Woolworths and get some. I ended up having a red sangria made from a bottle of bought sangria mixed, it was fine though. When it came to desert we were super keen to try the ginger cheesecake but were told the only thing available on the whole desert menu (10 or so things) was the crepes, but that the lady makes her own ice-cream and it's really good! We aren't too fond of crepes but she encouraged us so we gave it a go. The crepes were to be flambéed with cointreau but she had a little trouble igniting it so they ended up swimming in cointreau, we didn’t enjoy them at all and were advised the ice-cream wasn’t actually home-made. We were quite puzzled with the list of beer cocktails (they sound very interesting) and a lot of the normal cocktails weren't available. Overall we had a night full of laughs and we enjoyed the food. They had live entertainment which was nothing great but it was nice and set the mood. If you're up for an interesting night out and some nice food, I recommend a visit. 12/08/2011

When my guests and I arrived at Charcoal we were worried that we would have to rush our dinner order as it was well past 9pm and the main street at the Cullen Bay Marina was very quiet; however upon arrival at the restaurnat we were told that the kitchen would remain open for us until midnight. This was only the first of many pleasent surprises that we would come accross at Charcoal Oven Restaurant that evening. The first thing you notice about Charcoal is the location, my group dined on the outdoor patio and the views to the Marina are second to none, even when the weather turned and it began to rain the deck provided a wonderful wind break and the fairy lights accompanied by the candles on each table created a wonderfully unique setting. The menu at Charcoal is small but don't let that fool you because even with such a compact menu, deciding between each alluring dish is difficult. I chose the Pork Char Sui and was surprised with the quality of the presentation as well as the tenderness of meat used. My companions ordered the duck salad and cream based prawns and both were pleasently surprised with the attention payed to their respective dishes. I am told the desert menu changes regularly as all the items are made fresh in house, after a filling dinner my companions and I shared the Ginger Cheesecake, it was an amazing combination of a soft based cheesecake, with small sweetened ginger and liquer. I would return to Charcoal for this dish alone. My guests and I had an incredible night and the staff were friendly and accommodating in every way. We will definately return next time we are in town. 10/02/2009