Before I begin, I must say that the wait staff (especially Pepper, Theresa and Bhasky) at this establishment were excellent. Top marks to all 3 of them for making the evening exceedingly enjoyable.

Arrived for dinner at about 7pm. Weather looked good so decided to sit outside. Quite apart from an outdoor company function about 100 metres away from where we were seated (and the rather irritating emcee), the sitting area outside was beautiful. Great view of the sea and the lights from the refineries on the neighbouring islands actually looked rather romantic.

The complimentary bread basket was excellent. It came with an avocado dip and a sauce which they use for their chilli crabs. I'm a huge fan of this magic sauce. Almost asked for seconds but got distracted the avocado dip. Combination of the two were divine.

Didn't quite know what to order so we went for the safe option and ordered the seafood platter (which came with a bowl of white rice for each of us). It did not disappoint. It came with 2 tiers. On the upper tier, the lobster were nicely cut into 2 and they provided all the requisite paraphernalia for us to tuck in and get "dirty". The assortment of seafood which were on the lower tier were also delicious.

If I had to scrape the bottom of the barrel and make a teenie weenie complaint, it would have to be the price of the platter. For $128 (I think), I would have expected more stuff. I mean after consuming the platter at Greenwood Fish Market Bistro, I would hardly be able to walk to the car. But of course, the ambience is poles apart.

The recommended chocolate platter is alright. Came with the chocolate cake, a scoop of ice-cream and something else which I cannot remember. Nothing to shout about but it was nice.

WARNING: The toilet signs at the establishment is a little confusing. Try going and let me know how you manage :-)

Took my girlfriend for a birthday dinner. Had the basic seafood platter & ordered 6 extra oysters, 2 glasses of champagne. Food very well presented & fresh. Thought the "glass" of champagne was on the small side. Location fantastic, service above average.

One of my worst experiences at a restaurant of its class. Moreover, I was celebrating my wife's birthday, which ended up with us feeling very unhappy.

1) The waitresses were paying MORE attention (too obviously) to the 'Ang Mohs', rather than me and my wife. We almost had to use shouting to get their attention when we needed something.

2) I had ordered a Seafood Platter on Ice for 1 and a chef's mixed grill for me and my wife. First dish to be served was the Oysters, and they came in a dozen, so I starting eating (I didn't notice that it was supposed to be 6 for Platter for 1 and 12 for Platter for 2). Next came my wife's Mixed grill. Following that, a waiter came beside me with a HUGE tier of Seafood on ice, and I mean HUGE... So I confirmed with the waiter whether it was Platter for 1, and he replied that it was Platter for 2, and that he was also a bit shocked that I had made that order. He then took back that HUGE tier of seafood and told me that he'll get it changed. He took a look at the plate of oysters that I had started eating and suggested that I will be charged for an extra half dozen of oysters since I have already started. I was pissed, but I chose not to show it and said ok. By the way, during the initial order taking, the waitress did not repeat my orders (something which even MacDonalds staff knows that he/she should do it). Another waitress, who asked me whether I wanted Maine or Australian Rock Lobster, when being asked what's the difference between those 2, was dumbfounded and could only say "er...".

3) After all this episode, we finished our meal and called for the bill. The bill came, and it was an astounding $500+!!! I had already told myself that I must scrutinise the bill when it comes, and true enough, I was charged for Seafood Platter for 1 and Seafood Platter for 2 as well!!! Amazing, isn't it. At this point, I took the bill from the waitress, and approached the counter where the outlet manager was, and told her all the mistakes that her staff made. She was professional abt it, apologised profusely and gave us a 15% disc, and took away the extra half dozen of oysters as well. Well, at least something was being done to appease the customer, and this was the only good part that came out of the whole episode, which was meant to be an enjoyable one.

I hope that the manager takes a look at the reviews here, and do something about the level of service, especially when serving Singaporeans. When it comes to food and service, we are as big, if not, bigger spenders than the "Ang Mohs"!

Based on the excellent reviews, I've decided to choose Barnacles to celebrate the anniversary with my girlfriend.

Few things that didn't go well:

1) The staff made us feel left out, as they talked to the other guests around us (happened to be almost all Caucasians), asked them about their food, made recommendations and kept refilling their water. None of these was done for us. Maybe it was not the staff's intention but when it comes to subjective matters like service, how your guest feel and the impressions left are what counts!

2) I was looking forward to my ostrich steak (which I ordered medium rare) but it came out as hard as stone. One of the staff's reaction was pretty good though. She found out from the kitchen that the current batch of ostrich meat was not up to standard and suggested that I changed my order instead. My second order came quickly. I ordered a steak and it was just so-so. It just didn't help that Barnacles failed me on the first attempt, esp when I was really craving for ostrich steak and thus added to the bad impression.

3) The primary staff that was serving our area was not very knowlegeable about the menu. When asked for recommendations, she couldn't even point out the ingredients used or explained some of the dishes. A shame on a restaurant like Barnacles.

Not sure if I would go back again. I must admit the view and ambience is indeed romantic, as it faces the sea. However, given the quality of its staff, which made me feel "inferior" compared to other customers, and a risk that I would get bad food again on my first attempt, shall I not give so many other restaurants that are equally good a try instead?

This review is a bit outdated. Went there in Q4 2007.

However, would like to share with all the experience I had.

It was my bf bday and I decided to give him a surprise on the location for dinner. Called Barnacles on that day at 4pm to book at table for 7pm. Told the manager to arrange a cake (any cake from the Menu will do) as is for a bday celebration. Knowing that it is a bday celebration, the Manager gladly offer to help to give my bf a bday surprise. He said:" Leave it to us, we will settle everything, just bring him here."

Hearing that, I was quite excited as well. (Cos it will be a surprise to me as well)

I took my bf there at 6.30 and the staff inform us that the restuarant is not open yet. However, he suggested that we can take a seat at the lawn and have some drink first.

He brought us to a table on the lawn, facing the sea and with the beatiful sunset, the setting is just right. We order a bottle of Moet' and was enjoying the beautiful sunset and breeze. A 4 piece band come over, offer to sing us a song. (Expected that, cos I been there a few time and they are always there to provide customer with some light entertainment.) However, my bf, beening shy, was quite taken aback. They sing us a few beautiful songs and we had a pleasant chat with them as well. While chatting, they spotted the chef walking by and invite her to sing along. COOL..... the chef gladly accepted the invite and sing us a song too. (wonder if it was in the arrangement)

We proceed shortly to the dinning area and order a seafood platter to share. The 2 tier seafood platter was served nicely and taste quite good.

After having the food, we were quite full and we seat down continue to have our drinks. The manager then sneak behind my bf back with a nice chocolate cake with all the staff following behind him. (I can see from my angle.) They sing the birthday song... and my bf had a shock when he turned his back. The cake was complementary from the restuarant, and I must say, it was a generous serving. We can hardly finish it.

The manager then came by and chat with us and even to offer us some wine on the house. However, we rejected the offer as we had been drinking since the afternoon.. (hee...hee...) and was headly down to a club after that for some more alcohol...

The best part is, my bf gave me the excuse that he want to go to the toilet. And knowing my bf's behavior of footing the bill before me, I quickly informed the manager not to accept payment from my bf. True enough, the instruction spread so fast that, after going to the gent, my bf went around and try to make "secret" payment. NONE of them willing to accept his payment. He had no choice but to let me buy him his bday dinner. :)

Cool and efficient arrangement I should say. Like what the manager say :"leave everything to us." I am sure we are in good hand...