Mallard Duck Cafe

I had lunch at the mallard Duck on a Sunday with a family group of 12 people. The setting was lovely and the kids enjoyed checking out the fish pond and the geese down by the lake.
There were several menu items that sounded so appealing that it took us a while to make our choices.
My dish of linguine with tiger prawns was simple but well executed. The prawns were fresh and sweet, and the oil used was good quality. With roasted tomato, rocket, a hint of chilli and some fresh parmesan, I really enjoyed this dish but couldn’t finish it. It’s great having sons around who are always happy to help finish off food I can’t finish!
The dish of lamb kebabs was a big hit with my daughter-​in-​law. Tender chunks of lamb marinated in rosemary and mint sat on a bed of rocket, cherry tomatoes and risoni salad.
One of my sons chose the lamb rack which he proclaimed was mouth-​meltingly tender and juicy, and a little pink inside, just as he likes it.
One of our group ordered the roasted vegetable salad and this was the only disappointment of the day. This was presented as huge slices of veggies on a plate — the presentation was poor and it certainly didn’t look appetising. You would normally expect small pieces of veggies presented in an appealing way, but these were massive pieces — the size of a small piece of bread and thick to boot. It all just looked wrong, and some of the veggies were too firm to be enjoyable. Semi-​hard potatoes are not enjoyable, no matter which way they are cooked.
I indulged in a passionfruit mojito which was zingy and refreshing and good value at $ 12.
Our service was attentive and on point. It was a busy day with weekends obviously being pretty full on. This was a good family experience with everyone (with one exception) enjoying their meals and the atmosphere.

I drove past this place and always thought it would be a fancy place coz of its name and logo and beautiful pond setting. Alas — when we finally went for dinner six months ago, disappointment was the only word to describe our experience. The décor reminded me of an RSL, the service was a man who apparently was also eating his dinner at the same time we were a few tables down and the food was mostly appalling. My crumbed cheese consisted of a quartered Brie crumbed and fried, a dollop of strawberry jam and some sliced strawberries! It is very old fashioned and outdated and needs a huge injection of modern cooking, great service and a professional interior designer.

This place is great to take a small group to for lunch. The location is fantastic, in amongst the heart of the swan valley, overlooking a pond/​dam and some gardens. There is even a spot here where wedding receptions are held.
If you can, get a table outside if the weather is good, the atmosphere is very nice overlooking the water.
The service here is great and their share plates are a nice combo for the valley.