FAQs
What to Expect/ Service Ethos
We understand fine-dining is often for special occasions and a commitment of time and money, which may come with expectations or stereotypes too.
We pride ourselves on excellence in hospitality and reflecting our region. We are not white-tablecloth kind of formal, but offer excellence in service with a relaxed Northern-Rivers-ness. This means we are open, friendly and inclusive in personality. There is no dress code, we do play pop/ rock music and chefs will serve you dishes. You can view directly into our calm yet busy kitchen.
Thurs, Fri, Sat dinners is set menu only. Degustation menus are how we best express our local place, and create a purposeful sequence of flavours, textures and ideas. We understand set menus comes with trust to the kitchen, and we see the menus as a chance to surprise, delight and perhaps even taste things you might not have otherwise had. [*book lunch or Monday dinner if you prefer the choice of a la carte menus]
To make the most of the guest experience and express the detail and care in our food, our set menu is paced and you should allow 3+ hours for set menus. [*book lunch or Monday dinner if you want quicker eats]
We find luxury and excellence in elevating the best local finds and produce. Our prices are not about importing expensive ingredients rather reflect our talented people. 40%+ of our business is staff costs and pricing reflects the time, value and skill of our team delivering on detailed food and attentive service.
Our dining room may not have iconic views, but we aim to offer an escape and exploration into the subtropical Northern Rivers landscapes though our food, drinks and creativity.
See more of our Food Ethos> HERE
Seat Types (Tables & Counters)
Seats are allocated in the best available area. See the seating plan > HERE
Groups of 2 are prioritised to counters. All our counter seats are higher stools that are padded and have backs.
Groups of 3+ are prioritised to tables
Groups of 6+ are prioritised to our large outdoor table
If you have a specific seating preference (counter or table), please note at the time of booking. We always try to accommodate all requests when we can.
There is no guarantees on outdoor seating. The courtyard is generally prioritised only for large groups in summer.
Sitting Times
LUNCH - Last sitting time is 1pm
DINNER - Last sitting time is 7:30pm
(1) SET MENU (Thurs, Fri, Sat dinner only) (1) SET MENUS (Thurs, Fri, Sat dinner).
Our set menus are a relaxed pace with multiple courses.
Allow minimum 3 hrs for your travel planning purposes.
The menu can take 3.5+hrs if additional courses are selected.
(2) SET MENU OR SELECTIONS MENU (Fri, Sat, Sun lunch + Mon dinner only)
The lunch set menu can be enjoyed in 2 ways (full or selected plates)
Allow approximately 2 hours for the full menu (6 courses)
Kitchen orders close to full meals at 1:30pm
Walk-ins for just drinks, desserts and cheese is available until 2pm
Dietary Variations - Vegan, GF etc
We cater for all dietaries all individual allergies and dietary preferences, if we have advance notice. Please let us know at the time of booking
A sample vegan set menu can also be found > HERE
Cancellation Fees ($70pp)
We are a small business and late cancellations impact us.
No shows or late cancellations (within 24hr of arrival times) will be charged a cancellation fee of $70pp.
Credit card details are now required at the time of booking but nothing is charged unless the no show/ late cancellation occurs.
An automated booking reminder is sent by email/sms (72 hr ahead), as your opportunity to change bookings and avoid this fee. You can cancel and change bookings anytime using the link found here or by contacting hello@pipitrestaurant.com
Group Bookings
Menus
There are different group options available at different menu times:
(1) SET MENU sessions - 7 course set menu for all group sizes
(2) A LA CARTE sessions - Pre-select a 3 OR 4 course menu. See sample >> HERE
Groups 6 - book online
We are a small venue and can only take 1 large table at a time.
Groups of 6 are prioritised to our large outdoor table. The courtyard offers groups extra privacy and space. It is covered, weatherproof (vertical blinds) and has heaters in winter.
Large Groups (9-20 people) - bookings by email
Groups over 12 pax suit booking the whole venue due to the size of our space and systems
Please send a direct enquiry to hello@pipitrestaurant.com
Groups Service Charge
A 10% discretionary service charge is applied to all tables of 6+ as a gratuity/tips paid directly to our staff
Service Fees/ Surcharges
Some menu prices may be adjusted for special events, pop-ups, and public holidays
10% surcharge applies on Sundays
15% surcharge applies on all public holidays
10% discretionary service charge applies to large groups (tables of 6+) as a gratuity/tips paid directly to our staff
EFTPOS and credit card processing fees applies. 2.75% AMEX cards, 1.35% all other cards
Late Arrivals & Daylight Savings
Late and early arrivals can impact our sittings.
If you are running late on the day, please text us on 0490 380 117.
Tables after 1:30pm or 7:30pm are not held and may be cancelled if you are more than 30minutes late.
Early arrivals can have drinks at available tables but we might not commence food menus until your booked times
A special reminder to QLDers, that we run on NSW daylight times (Oct to April). Please factor in the 1 hour-ahead difference to your travel plans as to not arrive late.
Kids
KIDS
We do not offer a kids menu. Kids of all ages are always welcome but are required to have an adult set menu on Thurs, Fri, Sat dinners
BABIES (under 3 years old)
We have 1 x highchairs for babies, and can accommodate prams.
Unfortunately, our building does not have a nappy change table in the toilets
Meals are not provided for toddlers or babies.
A LA CARTE OPTION
A la carte menus may are better suited for families with younger kids (it has shorter sittings and a la carte snacks menu).
Available Fri, Sat, Sun lunch and Mon dinner
Birthday Cakes
The kitchen can make a celebration cake for $20 per person (minimum 4 guests), where given 72 hours notice. This is an additional plate to the dessert inclusive in set menus.
Our cakes are typically a layered cake of white chocolate, strawberry gum and citrus. (Sample image > HERE)
We can also discuss gluten free options and special request flavours (eg we’ve made apple pie, cheesecake and tiramisu for guest requests)
Other birthday options we offer includes:
pre-arrange drinks (eg glass of sparkling on arrival)
personalised hand written Pipit cards
Accessibility & Toilets
We have fully accessible tables for wheelchairs
Our toilets are shared with the building (Level 2) and there is both lift and stairs for all guests
Our toilets require a short walk outside to a shared foyer, and require a key
No Dogs
Due to building policies we can not accomodate dogs in our courtyard and we do not have outdoor footpath seating. Please contact us directly on occasions of an Assistance/ Service dog
There are also local pet-sitting services available to help you dine. Example > HERE
Vouchers
BUYING VOUCHERS
Personalised vouchers can be bought online > HERE and sent via email as printable PDF
Bulk gift vouchers are available via email /invoice (if buying over 3 vouchers)
REDEEMING VOUCHERS
Just bring with you at dining
If you have the reference code, you can enter it at time of booking too
OTHER CARDS
We accept Good Food gift cards