Olympic Hotel & Bistro Olympic Hotel & Bistro

The Olympic Hotel & Bistro in Preston has been renovated (December 2012) and well worth a return visit, if not for the excellent food, but for families to check out the new kids area.

The Olympic Hotel (built in 1956) features include a bistro, sports and poker bar, bottle shop plus an upstairs function areas.

Review

by Lynda July 2009

Having recently moved to the northern suburbs, finding new places to eat as a family can be a daunting task. Driving past the Olympic Hotel at dusk is enough to entice you in but it was my young son of 7 having studied the Melbourne Olympics first term in Grade 1 who suggested we try it.

Upon arrival we were met with glittering lights and modern decor, along with happy friendly staff who were more than eager to show us to our reserved table by the window. An unusual but impressive part of the dining experience at the Olympic is full table service. No need to go to the bar for drinks, everything is brought to you, including crayons and colouring in books for the children which occupied them for the whole evening, except for when they are eating their delicious meals from an extensive kids menu which includes soft drink and dessert.

There is a huge range of entrees, mains, gourmet wood fired pizzas, pasta, salads and desserts. The menu is very impressive. It was so extensive I had to quickly visit the website and print off the menu so we could study it before we left home!

Our son had spaghetti bolognaise which was quickly devoured. The waitress (and let me say I call her that for want of a better word because she was not your typical waitress. She, along with all others who work there, cater to your every need as if they worked in a top establishment in central CBD). The hotel is extremely kid friendly, no play area but the staff are attentive and friendly to the children.

Drinks are reasonably priced and there is an extensive wine list.

My husband just loves eye fillet steak and the menu at the Olympic offers this cut of meat in several ways. He ordered the Filetto di Manzo Alla Olympic at $34.90 which was tender eye fillet char-grilled cooked to your liking topped with four garlic prawns. It comes with veg or salad and he ordered veg which included delicious twice baked potatoes, baked half tomato and baked zucchini with mixed herbs. He is a very small eater (and quite fussy I might add) but he thoroughly enjoyed his meal, never left a thing and was totally satisfied. The sauce was a hollandaise (I think, I did not taste it) but it was worthy of mopping up with bread! One very satisfied customer.

My mother (visiting from interstate) and I shared the Olympic Seafood Platter (For 2 ppl) at $69.90. The menu says to allow for around 30 minutes so I immediately asked the waitress to let chef know we would be ordering it and while my husband decided on his order the platter was already being prepared. This way all our food came out at the same time, top marks for that! The platter was fabulous, could easily serve 3 people. The menu says it includes a fine selection of fresh hot and cold seafood including cold king prawns, smoked salmon, natural and Kilpatrick oysters, hot king prawn skewers, freshly crumbed calamari rings, beer battered fillet of fish and grilled Morton bay bugs - those were my favourite. Served with hot chips and salad, tartare and sweet chilli sauce. There were also crumbed scallops and small crumbed fish pieces (I think?). As well as a salad on the side. A huge meal and incredibly delicious.

Apparently there is an early bird special from Monday to Wednesday 5.30pm - 6.30pm. Main meal and drink for only $15.90!

The bistro seats 200 and bookings are preferred. It was quite busy the night we went but I think this bistro is a little hidden secret. It is in the middle of Preston, prices are on the high side but the food and service is outstanding, a small price to pay for a special dining experience which we certainly had. They offer a seniors discount upon presentation of your card - 15% which always comes in handy.

We were sad we did not have room for dessert as the cakes looked spectacular! My mother and I are heading off to a Wednesday morning Bingo session next week and we will sample some for morning tea.

This hotel has more to offer than what you first realise including a function room for corporate and private events, all fully catered for in a fabulous space.

There is also a bottle shop, sports bar and gaming area.

Upon our recommendation, please visit this establishment that is located just 15 minutes from the CBD. It was originally built in 1956 for the Olympic Games. Take a look at the memorabilia scattered on the walls.

It is located at 31 Albert Street Preston (near the corner of Bell St),

* * * *
Reviewed by Lynda | July 2009

❊ Address ❊

 ⊜  31 Albert Street, Preston 3072 View Map
 ✆ Telephone: +613 9484 4978

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❊ Web Links ❊

➼ Olympic Hotel & Bistro 

➼ www.theolympichotel.com






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