Vlado's Charcoal Grill Steakhouse Restaurant

7.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  7     

As others have mentioned it is a set menu. The steak was cooked to perfection! However, it is a little overpriced but it is a unique experience. I would recommend it if you love your steaks and want to dine in a cosy environment.

Dec 20, 2011 

3.8 Below Average

Food  6      Ambience  3      Service  4      Value  2     

Didn't enjoy at all, small stuffy room and didn't realise it was a set menu at overpriced $85.00. Sausage was plonked on our plates after being seated for less than 5 minutes with no explanation of what was being served. Only side was some coleslaw with tomatoes on top. Whilst Steak was good could think of many restaurants I would rather go to where steak is just as good but almost half the price. Had heard so much about Vlado's but was extremely disappointed and wanted to leave and go elsewhere as soon as I sat down and wished I had of.

May 27, 2011 

4.3 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  3      Service  7      Value  2     

Nothing has changed in 40 years. But strangely, I get the feeling that it must have been better years ago than it is now. The mixed grill entree was pretty bland and the steak was thick, big and well cooked, but not really tender and flavoursome. The side dishes and condiments are dated and crappy, and the crepes for dessert are rather pathetic. Been there twice and while it may have got a reputation with Japanese tourists in the 1980s who had never seen a steak that big, there are much better steaks around now, even from standard mid-range restaurants. Overpriced for what it is and disappointing overall. Not one I intend to go back to.

Oct 30, 2010 

5.3 Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  3     

Interesting dining experience to say the least! Probably the best steak I've eaten, cooked perfectly as ordered, however, thats where the compliments stop. Way too expensive for what it is, sure its a steakhouse, but in todays modern age, people enjoy a bit more than a bowl of shredded iceberg lettuce, and a breadroll, to accompany their steak.

Mediocre service from the staff, they were always available once you grabbed their attention, but never went above and beyond in the pursuit to please. Some commentary and recommendation regarding the various cuts of meat, and wine selection wouldn't have gone astray. For $80 per head, its the least I'd expect, rather than a plate of meat being dumped on the table and the waiter walking away.

I think they're quite proud of the plaques on the wall quoting "40 years and no change", and it certainly rings true with the decor being very dated, though it has a quaint, traditional feel to it.

I'd recommend experiencing Vlados once, to say you've tried it, and eaten a beautiful cut of meat, but these days, you expect alot more from a dining experience, especially at this price. There is nothing that makes me want to go back.

Jul 24, 2010 

3.3 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  4      Service  5      Value  1     

Very strange restaurant, all there is to say, they have a nice wine list, the rest is ordinary, the food is expensive, the setting is terrible and fit out is bad, the steaks are big but tasteless, "they need lessons in plating food", please do your self a favour. Go somewhere else.

Apr 30, 2010 

1.5 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  3      Value  1     

Wow. I have never been so disappointed. I did not know that it is set menu not ala carte. At the very begginning you get shredded cabbage salad in the middle with 4 quarter tomatoes then 1 sausage (plain on the plate) then mixed meat plate (plain again no salt no pepper no seasoning) then your steak. (yes you guessed its plain). There is 2 home made condiments on the table, french mustard + horseradish (in masterfoods containers).

For dessert you get slapped together ice cream or cold crepes and the offee is percolated. You want the bill? 90 dollars a head! How do these places survive?
We have coined a phrase now, if you feel like you have been fooled or have tricked "You've been Vlado'd". If I dislike you intensely I would recommend Vlados.

Apr 26, 2010 

7.5 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  6     

The steak is magnificient here. The wine list complements the steaks. If you are looking for a good steak then this is the place!

Jan 25, 2010 

5.5 Average

Food  7      Ambience  4      Service  6      Value  5     

Down from FNQ for the cup with a "to do" list for a few dining icons. This place is all a bit "faulty towers" but its quirkiness is almost its attraction. If it was actually all a bit better, it would probably be average but its unique service style, menu and strangeness, right down to the owner with his white gloves manning the grill is what makes it, to me, a memorable night out.

Steaks were very, very good but the rest of it was really pretty average, yet on the way home, after doing Vlados, Donavans, Rockpool, Flower Drum and Scuami this was one we talked about. Second time in 5 years, would go back but only with visitors to experience the "show".

Overall a strange yet talked about experience and worth doing, but would never become a regular.

Nov 06, 2009 

2.5 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  2      Service  5      Value  1     

Food: The worst steak I ever had in my life. The steak is terribly dry and moistless, so does the sausages. The main, which is the steak, is so plain, just a steak on the plate on its own. Although it has a very good smell of charcoal, but I guess it overcooked. My home cook steak is much better than Valdo.

Service: Their service is okay, all waiters are giving pretty standard service, but I wouldn't say they are friendly (no smile on their face).

Atmosphere: The dining area is very small, and table and chair are so close together, its like everyone is sitting next to each other.

I heard some very good reviews and recommended from my friend, and I make a visit to Voldo in April 2009, but was highly disappointed. Normally I don't often write reviews but I wrote this because for the price you pay ($90), you should deserve better.

Sep 30, 2009 

9.8 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  9      Value  10     

I have been to Vlados about 8 times and every time its just gets better, if you like meat, you will like Vlados, enough said.

Sep 08, 2009