We had high hopes for The Old Teahouse Gallery; the location is fantastic, but this alone was the highlight. The food quality was below par, an example being the chocolate caramel cup - lumpy caramel and strange tasting chocolate was not good. There really weren't any highlights to speak of unfortunately, but as said, the surroundings were very pleasant and the service was acceptable. Would certainly go back, but only if the menu significantly improved. Finally, the cost of $42 per head represented poor value.

Approximate cost: $42

As good as the view of Brisbane city is, unfortunately, Cove Bar Dining fell well short of expectations. In fact, it was more like its movie namesake, The Cove. It all started with an inability to have our group seated and for a small pram to be located near the new parents - the suggestion to just leave the pram 'over there' (a few metres away) was interesting to say the least and we came up with our own solution. The food - so much of it was cold... admittedly, more careful reading of the menu would have assisted us, but the staff could have explained the menu for us all before - just to let us know what was on offer. Anyway, when ordering the food, it seemed all too hard for us to order larger portions of entrees (easier to just provide two entrees). The food itself was obviously professionally done, but the amount of cold produce was alarming. I had the John Dee Rib Fillet, which was probably the best meal to come out - it was simple though. The orange foam that came with one of the guest's whiting was obscure to say the least. For the price, I think that we all felt a underwhelmed. Won't be coming back here unless there is a significant change to the menu - beautiful surrounds, but poor quality and value.

Approximate cost: $34

You can't miss The Glen when driving on Logan Road - it is an icon of the local area and our family have had many a great time here - there have been weddings, farewells and many family get togethers. There is ample parking and the place doesn't go too bad on a Friday or Saturday night, despite its location. The meals from the bistro are generally very good (not bad value at all), and the beer is always very cold. Staff are always very accommodating.

Approximate cost: $20

After the Runcorn Tavern was revamped a few years back, we've been there on a number of occasions. The serving sizes are large and the steak is great quality. Always a good atmosphere and very family-friendly. Attractive place to have a night out.

Fantastic quality and range of sausages and meats at this South African-inspired butcher. We had four types of sausages for a BBQ and each type was outstanding. The sundried tomato sausages were recommended by the butcher as his favourite and we could see why - we'll be back for more of these. The stock pork and beef sausages were also very good - much better than what you get from one of the big two supermarket butchers.

The 'Y' is a handy place to go on a Friday night or even for a counter meal at lunch. Food is always honest and the service has been above average. The beers are always fresh and really, what more could you expect from a local tavern. I don't hesitate to recommend the Yamanto Tavern to my work mates.

While everything was in working order, this wasn't the greatest play centre. It shut at 2pm - even on school holidays - paying $12.90 per child seemed a little over the top. The centre itself was not overly big and there was no option to bring in your own food - which was of an okay quality. Coffee was okay. Might go back there begrudgingly - but only after checking out the region's other play centres.

Unfortunately, we went to Stellarossa Graceville after the hot lunch service had ceased, but the range of gourmet sandwiches and cold options was enough to quell my hunger - it seemed fresh and was tasty enough, well priced. The coffee was very well done - no dramas here with a flat white and they are consistent (been there just for coffee on numerous occasions now).

Three Junction Thai is a restaurant that can't be judged on appearances - it is tacky to even the smallest of details. But the $10 lunches are wonderful value - the curries are fragrant - they have all of the usual suspects on offer for the menu, but the execution by the chef is consistently good. The service is not bad. The eating area out the back is classic - you could be in downtown Bangkok, but for the lack of tuk-tuks and mopeds in Penrith. We started a rumour at work that this place had closed down - my Boss' reaction was one of astonishment, disbelief and shock.... but what it meant was we had to confirm it for him, which allowed us to go back for lunch, just one more time!!!

Approximate cost: $12

Good vibe here at Sushi Bay - the endless conveyor belt of delicious food means that for the successive nights that I ate here, there was always a strong crowd, milling around and enjoying the food and atmosphere. Chilli prawns were extremely good - as was the quality of sashimi and the endless variety of maki rolls. This place is a bit of a standout.

Approximate cost: $5