The Marquis

Dined with special family members from Sydney. Three weeks we previously booked and requested table by window. It was all confirmed in person - yes no problem. Arrived last night at the appointed time, no table set up, people already occupied our space. Made comment and given a LAME excuse. Very poor beginning to end. Shown to another table, waitress smiley yet unprofessional. Simple question about menu could not answer - another LAME response as she fiddled with the menu to read it and said "it always changes". Rubbish - mixed confusing message about water as we try to order a starting drink. Next sommelier sets us up with wine chosen by way of fancy argon dispensary. Great insight to lesser known wine. A new waitress turns up with French accent and starts to pour wine A on top of unfinished wine B. Heavens to Betsy - you’re a wine specialist venue and we got a rank amateur spoiling the wine experience. We suggest around the table- let’s hope things improve. We like the venue and the sommellier /wine is great, menu seems ok though limited. Food arrives and we are impressed with presentation and flavours. I had the lamb,really good ,spatchcock received rave comments. The place has great potential needs some friendly humorous capable maitre "d" and staff with skills and knowledge.. for the dollars spent, it was amateurish except for the sommelier and the chef. Try poaching some experienced waiters from other establishments or you will fail with your grand plan that offers promise in a great location.  29/10/2011

Nice, capable French food in beautiful surroundings. Great location too - centre of Adelaide and close to the market, always a bonus. The menu and food were nice enough but the Marquis's sommelier is superb - what an asset! He really does know his wine and his professionalism is obvious. The wait staff are delightful - courteous, charming and very attentive without being obtrusive - we would actually return to experience the exceptional service again, it really was that memorable - thank you!  07/10/2011