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) A LA CARTE MENU (Fri, Sat, Sun lunch + Mon dinner only)

  • Shorter sitting times for a la carte.

  • Allow 2 hours for the “tasting menu” (5 course)

  • 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 dietaries differently at different menu times to help our kitchen systems
For complex dietaries we recommend you book in for SET MENU sessions where we can best tailor your menus

(1) SET MENU (Thurs, Fri, Sat dinner only)

  • Set menu, we can personalise for all individual allergies and dietary preferences

  • A sample vegan set menu can also be found > HERE

  • Please note any allergies / dietaries at the time of booking

(2) A LA CARTE MENU (Fri, Sat, Sun lunch + Mon dinner only)

  • A la carte, we only cater for common dietaries (gluten free, vegan, vego, pesco). There is a snack, starter, main, dessert designed for these.

  • Dietary substitutions are not available on the “Tasting Menu” (this does contains seafood, meat, diary)

  • Please note any allergies / dietaries at the time of booking

Cancellation Fees ($50pp)

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 $50pp.

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 - 5 course set menu for all group sizes

  • (2) A LA CARTE sessions - Pre-select a 3 OR 5 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 (8-20 people) - bookings by email

  • Groups over 12 pax are required to book 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

  • 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