Last night my family and I had a lovely dinner at our local favourite, Ashscotts in Berwick. It was my shout as we were celebrating my dads’ birthday, and as always it was a great night. The waiters were exceptionally friendly and attentive and the food was great. In a break to our usual traditions (ordering schnitzels or parmas) we decide to try some different things. Most of the family instead opt for salads, except for my little brother who had a parmie, and my dad who ordered the calamari fritti – his favourite dish.

Here is a summary of our meals:

To start off with we order some wedges ($7) and garlic bread ($5) as usual (to share). The wedges are really good. Seemingly home made with a Cajun spice coating, topped with sour cream, sweet chilli and spring onion. Very tasty.


My dish: Lamb salad with walnuts ($22) – One of the best salads I have ever eaten – A huge bowl of garden salad (mixed lettuce, cucumber, tomato, red onion) finished with some lovely pieces of medium rare lamb fillet (so sweet and tender), crushed walnuts, julienne capsicum and the most amazing sweet, spicy Thai flavoured dressing. Not cheap for a salad but its huge and really is a generous meal in itself.


The calamari fritti ($19.90): Lovely fresh calamari rings fried in a light lemon pepper flavoured batter with shoestring fries, garden salad and an excellent tartare sauce. I have had this dish before and it is a great version of calamari.


Crispy chicken salad ($17.90): Another huge salad done much the same way as the lamb salad, but finished with crispy coated pieces of chicken breast, without the walnuts. We also ordered one version of this with grilled chicken.


My little brother had the chicken parma, which is a great version with a good red sauce, ham and generous coating of cheese. I have not photographed this as it has been reviewed in the past.

We skip dessert as we are very full and have a cake waiting at home for the birthday boy.

Ashscotts receives a score of 14/20. It is a great value local restaurant and I always enjoy returning for their fine bistro style meals and hospitality. Highly Recommended!
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I have recently returned to Ashscotts and must report that things have gone down hill. Food quality has dropped. Poor quality pre-crumbed schnitzels being used, less care in presentation and smaller portions. Service isn't as slick either. Now probably warrants about 11/20 making it pretty average.

Labels: Ashscotts, REVIEWS: Casual Dining