Fresh User Reviews for Good For Groups in Canberra

5.5 Average

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  2      Value  7     

Forgot our order, ran out of clean spoons and my glass had food in it, generally needs a good clean, it was great in the past but is now missing the mark in the area of service, food is still Ok if it arrives, would not go back.

May 27, 2012

3 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  5      Service  2      Value  1     

This was a business lunch. Sad food, no service. I don't know why they don't switch over to a fast food franchise. Not Recommended.

May 19, 2012

2.5 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  3      Service  1      Value  4     

Given how many staff they have you'd think someone would be interested in the customers. That's pure statistics. We ended up helping ourselves to menus pinched from another table.

When everything tastes of salt, coriander and chilli you wonder what they are covering up? Lack of skills or frozen ingredients?

May 14, 2012

4.8 Average

Food  6      Ambience  5      Service  5      Value  3     

On your first time at this restaurant no one explains the way things work and it can be confusing for those that haven't travelled.

The food at 1300 Hot Pot is Ok (mainly because of its different concept to other restaurants) although you don't always get what you ask for. Once you get served it's hard to get anyone's attention to ask for anything else.

The biggest issue is they charge $10 per bottle for corkage even though they don't open the bottle, pour your wine or even give you a cooler to keep it cold. What's the reasoning behind paying for this if they do nothing re: your BYO drinks. Who decided on this exorbitant price? $3-$5 per bottle for doing nothing would be a more ethical price.

We need to voice our disgust for charges that are unreasonable by refusing to go back until they rethink this charge.

May 10, 2012

8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  9      Drinks  9     

Just opened last Sunday at Garema Place Canberra City. Located at the other end of the Garema Arcade from Gus's Cafe facing the large screen and fountain. Like its name, the signature dish is Pho. The noodle staple of Vietnam. Small menu of delicious entrees and a range of noodle dishes. However, you cannot go past the soupy noodles. The soup base is as I tasted it in Vietnam and the noodles so soft and tender. I really evokes memories of the country.

There are two soup base used, beef and pork. Both are hearty and the servings generous. Add the crunch of the fresh bean sprouts and the thinly sliced beef you have the making of a wonderful meal in a bowl of contrasting texture and taste.

I've been back twice since it opened and tried the pho and hutieu (pronounced her tieu). The beef pho is my favorite but the hutieu was also very good. The later is lighter soup and has a hint of chicken. For someone who prefers a less complex and depth of flavor this would be the one to go for. For all the noodle dishes you can get a choice of noodles but traditionally its the thinly sliced rice noodles which goes best

My favorite entree is the BBQ pork patties which they call nem noung. The flavor can only be described as awesome. The taste is not spicy and there is a sweet aftertaste but its the texture and feel in the mouth that makes this a great morsel to bite into. Most patties just fall apart but this one holds together and has good body.

I'll be returning to try some more of the meals on offer. Hard to believe there is a real noodle shop in town! and such value for money

Opening hour unstated but from lunch to supper at 10pm, Monday to Sunday. Average entree cost $4.50 and bowl of noodle $12. Serving size generous.

May 05, 2012

7.2 Recommended

Food  7      Drinks  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  5     

My partner and I go to Siren for lunch on weekends. We love spending time on their outside area reading newspaper, whilst having some white wine. We love their lunch menu as well. This place is highly recommended!

Apr 21, 2012

5.5 Average

Food  5      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  5     

This was the second "seafood" place that I visited in the last two weeks. It was at the behest of my good friend, and I went along quietly despite my preference for about any kind of food other than seafood.

We started with garlic bread. It was covered with a drool of buttery garlic mess. We did not finish it, despite being hungry. My friend had a fishy entre and I skipped. I voted for steak as my main course. Wherever they buy their meat, they should try a new supplier. The steak was tough, veiny, and clearly cow meat. It was, however, cooked to order and nicely placed on the plate.

The overall effect of the restaurant was that it was a commercial venture without any soul. The prices were too high for the class of food and service. I would not want to repeat my visit in the near future.

Apr 16, 2012

6.6 Recommended

Food  8      Drinks  8      Ambience  3      Service  7      Value  7     

I have eaten at Siren a couple of times and it has always been quite nice! The first time I had pork belly, and it was the best pork belly I've ever had. My main came overcooked, but I sent it back and they had a new one prepared for me in no time.

The second time I went there I had the lamb salad and it was lovely! The only thing I don't like is that it's way too loud. Especially for dinner. You can barely hear yourselves talk. However, it's a great new place with good food to go in Gungahlin and I'd highly recommend it.

Apr 16, 2012

7.2 Recommended

Food  5      Drinks  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  5     

The establishment is really nice, warm and inviting. The fittings and decor are modern and on trend.

The service was super friendly and prompt. Unfortunately, though, the food left more to be desired. For the price I expected more, both in taste and quantity. Our entrees were ribs and pork belly. The ribs were really nicely done and I would order again, however, the pork belly was served almost cold and the meat wasn't tender.

The chicken breast main was overcooked, the sauce was totally bland (albeit being named zesty breast) and my seafood salad was drenched with sauce to the point where it was swimming, and the seafood was overcooked and tough. My partner and I felt a bit disappointed all in all.

I might go back and try it again but not in a hurry. Great place to meet for drinks with friends though.

Apr 15, 2012

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  7     

Food overall was great! Service was knowledgable, and trying to be attentive, although they were simply understaffed.

Read the full review on my blog

Apr 05, 2012

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  8     

Food was terrific, service was prompt and attentive. Was able to enjoy a good meal with drinks and make it out within lunch hour. Prices are a bit exxy but it is matched by the quality of the food.

Mar 05, 2012

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  7      Service  10      Value  10      Drinks  10     

Nibblez always does yummy food! Every Monday Night they have a Theme Night of a different nationality!

Feb 14, 2012

7.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  9      Value  8     

Friendly staff who go the extra distance in terms of service. Reliably good coffee. Great variety of pastries. Cooked breakfasts on Friday and Saturday mornings.

Feb 11, 2012

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

I found this place purely by chance and I've never been happier to find a restaurant by accident! I've found the food to be always fresh and consistent every time (I've eaten here and had take out at least a dozen times). The prices are similar to other places in Canberra but the taste is much better than most.

I am going to the Hungry Buddha regularly now and I hope that it will still be as good as ever when it becomes even more popluar. The only reason I haven't given it 10/10 is that I feel nothing is perfect but as far as food goes, they are pretty close.

Feb 08, 2012

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  6     

We went here on a Tuesday early evening with our 5yr old twins. There were not many diners, but plenty of dirty tables, it looked pretty unpleasant. We found a clean table and ordered 2 pizzas and a selection of tapas. The tapas were pretty yummy, and good portion sizes (we tried the Chorizo, Calamari, Onion Fritters and Scallops) but I would give the pizzas a miss, they had very thick bases and were very doughy and not much flavour. (but if you like your pizzas that way, then go for your life!).

There was a guy playing the guitar upstairs and he was great, it created a good atmosphere. We were also here on a Sunday arvo a few weeks ago, and there was a funky band playing upstairs, the place had a very cool feel to it.

I will go back for a few wines and tapas on a Sunday arvo sit outside for a great view of Lake Ginnenderra, and watch the (Canberra) world go by.

Feb 06, 2012

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

Loved the food. We had a few entrees and the pork hock was to die for, passed on dessert and ordered another plate. The lamb massaman curry was superb! The waitresses and waiters didn't miss a beat! Really couldn't find fault with anything.

Jan 29, 2012

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  8     

The stand-outs here were the friendly service and inventive menu. Given the surliness of the staff at most Canberra restaurants and cafes, Digress was a breath of fresh air. The food was fabulous too, and there were plenty of vegetarian options on the menu. The decor is also interesting and the ambience comfortable and stylish. The drinks menu features cocktails and mocktails, which is also a plus for someone who doesn't drink alcohol. We'll be back!

Jan 17, 2012

4.3 Below Average

Food  6      Ambience  5      Service  1      Value  5     

Not a pleasant experience! Service very poor! Waiter gave rude attitude all night. Should have walked out 2 minutes after being seated. 'Special "crying duck"' not so special. Like salt and pepper squid although not enough to go back.

Jan 05, 2012

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  8      Value  9     

Overall it was quite a good experience. A few minor glitches along the way. The service was good, took a few minutes to catch the waitresses attention but after that she was particularly attentive and apologetic.

The food was impressive and a good sized portion for the pricing. The weekend was very busy so I would recommend booking but have since been back on a weekday and it is very quiet and peaceful. Perfect for a mid week coffee on the deck in the sunshine.

Jan 05, 2012

1.5 Not Recommended

Drinks  3      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

Noisy venue with ordinary decor, rude staff with a poor service attitude, uninspiring food with optimistic prices, ok drinks at anything but ok prices just about sums up the Kennedy Bar for us.

Dec 31, 2011