Fresh User Reviews in Pyrmont

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  7     

We went to Sugaroom on a Ouffer voucher. Despite being rather difficult to find (around the corner once you get to bottom of Harris st) we were warmly welcomed on a rather miserable night.

The set menu had a tea smoked salmon starter but they also offered an (off menu) onion tart as an option, which was delicious! The salmon starter was light and fresh.

Mains gave the option between a fillet of beef and gnocchi dish and a fish (breem) dish. Both were superb. We weren't expecting much from the fish but it was a rather pleasant surprise.

Desserts were a chocolate creme brulee with marshmallows and raspberries. And a passionfruit pavlova of sorts. Both again were real tasty! On the vouchers were a bottle of wine between 2 too.

Overall, an absolutely delicious meal, in a great and beautiful location right on the water (despite it being a rather miserable night we went on), with excellent and very attentive service. My only concern would be the prices of their full price/a la carte menu (based on their prices on their website). The portions were generous and really scrumptious but did seem a little overpriced.

All up though, Highly Recommended!

May 26, 2012

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Drinks  9      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  9     

Had lunch here the other day, also on a travel zoo voucher, just loved it, great food and very good service. The duck egg with asparagus was a standout, the egg yolk flavour was sublime and the chargrilled asparagus was perfect with it, lovely to dip the spears into the yolk. Also had the smoked chicken croquettes which were lovely and the soft shell crab past muster also.

The leatherjackets fillets were cooked beautifully and the flavours of the white bean and pea gave the dish a lovely delicate flavour, also had a pumpkin gnocchi which was good but the mushroom puree that came with the dish was the standout flavour wise of this dish. The eton mess which had fresh fig in it was the perfect way to finish [along with a nice cheese plate], even the wine that came with the voucher was a very nice sav blanc.

Will very happily return to Graze again, excellent food, good service and just a very pleasant experience overall.

May 24, 2012

7.3 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  7     

I organised a 21st birthday party for my friend and I was amazed at the quality of the food and the service the Little Snail provided. We had the 3 course menu at a great value of $36 each and the restaurant provided a complimentary cake for my friend. it was definitely worth it and I would definitely return in the near future.

May 21, 2012

2.5 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  4      Service  3      Value  2     

We ordered the share platter to start with that compiled of: 3 crostini sticks, pickled vegetables and salami. Not really what you'd call a share platter.

My dining partner ordered the fish of the day (swordfish) it looked lovely. I ordered the porterhouse steak. To say that I was disappointed was an understatement. Firstly the dish looked less than appealing. A round steak on a small rectangle dish with the gravy pooled inside the steak, not around the steak or in a jug, but on top of the steak..why do restaurants generally do that, because they generally tried to hide a poor cut of meat with the gravy. It came with 3 very small potatoes (about the size of 50 cent pieces) and some creamed spinach.

The steak was inedible. It was riddled with thick seams of fat and I would also go so far as to challenge whether it was a porterhouse cut.

We then ordered the cheese platter. It was placed in front of us with no description of what the cheeses were, we had to guess. Again small portions and I'd question the quality. The only reedeeming feature was the wine waiter, who was helpful and attentive.

I won't be going back. In fact I should have asked for my money back.

May 21, 2012

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  9     

Pyrama has a loyal following from the local community who are always personally welcomed by Karen and the staff making it a sometimes intimidating place for newcomers to the area or for first-timers who might feel that they have just gate-crashed a private function. Such initial perceptions quickly dissolve, however, when the friendliness is extended to all and the excellent and flawless service emerges as the secret of such addictive familiarity.

Pyrama gives us what we want: simple and yet beautifully presented food using fresh ingredients underscored by clean tastes and fragrant additions that do not overwhelm the quality of the produce. Everyone wants to eat in a relaxed, friendly and unobtrusive environment where you feel welcomed and acknowledged. This is what Pyrama is good at.

We have sampled breakfast, lunch and dinner over the past six months and both the food and service has never failed to impress. Even on busy weekends, you won't wait long. Like the interior design of the restaurant, the food is all clean lines with an emphasis on good lighting. Going against current trends in the opposite direction, dishes here are uncomplicated and they get back to basics without descending into 90s gastropub pretension.

Jim Larcan is the brains behind this philosophy and there are options outside the normal 'a la carte' menu where you can sample his cuisine without forking out too much cash. There is an express lunch for $20 in the week (including a glass of wine) and the dinner menu at $40 per head for 2 courses or $52 per head for 3 courses is a relative bargain.

My confit duck maryland with parsnip puree and a hazelnut, orange and watercress salad was perfection. The parmesan-crusted junee lamb cutlets were beautifully presented if not a little dry but don't leave without sampling the white chocolate and passionfruit creme brulee. The wine list is affordable and appropriate.

Breakfast is something of a local hero largely due to those awesome organic free-range eggs and special treats like crispy potato hash and the heavenly french omelette not to mention the ricotta pancakes with fresh berries and maple syrup. Coffee is first-class as seen by the number of drop-ins who pop in to pick up their preferred take-away.

No attitude here, just high quality food and attentive service with a friendly and pleasant ambience which in some parts of Sydney now seems like a distant memory. You get the distinct impression that Jim and Karen are serious about pleasing their customers in the food and service stakes while giving you real value for money.

Oh, and just walk in with an air of familiarity and act like you're a member of the Pyrmont family. You will just keep coming back.

May 20, 2012

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  10     

Dined here recently and was delighted with the staff, the menu selection and the wonderful food. This time we used a voucher but next time we will be happy to pay full price!

May 20, 2012

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  8     

Good coffee, good food, friendly staff, good value. The thing that lets it down is that it's in the shade in the morning.

May 19, 2012

9.3 Highly Recommended

Quality  9      Service  9      Value  10     

I placed and order for a split system, it was the cheapeast price I found. I paid by direct deposit and my Air conditioning arrived the next day. Very happy with them.

May 18, 2012

6.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  7     

Went here without a booking on a Friday night with a group of 12. Unfortunately, they weren't able to give us a table outside even though there was a few tables which they could've put together apart from that they were able to cater for our group inside. I had been putting off coming here although I walk past this place for years due to the mixed reviews.

The service was great and the tapas dishes we ordered were great and tasted fresh. The standouts were the calamari, chorizo, mushrooms and the potatoes. The side of the garlic bread was great and the paella was nice (not the best I've had but decent). We also ordered the sangria (who doesn't order sangria when having tapas?) and it was good but would've liked it to have a bit of bubbles in it. Overall this could potentially be my new local tapas place if it continues to be good!

May 14, 2012

5.5 Average

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  1      Value  5     

Had brunch here on Mothers Day. The food was excellent, when it finally arrived. The service was terrible. More than 10 minutes to order drinks, then another 40 minutes for our food to come, another 10 minute wait after asking for the bill. And no acknowledgement or apology. We won't be back. Shame, because the quality of the food is really great.

May 13, 2012

3 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  3      Service  1      Value  3     

I came here and dined for a work party along with 20 other colleagues. The cocktails and drinks were quite nice to drink although the bar staff were quite rude. We had asked for shots and were quickly turned down due to policy of no shots at the bar but then the comment from the bar staff was not needed as he said "if I see you shot that drink on the rocks you will be sent out of here!" Also at the table when we ordered drinks and cocktails they came out literally 30 - 40 minutes later each glass.

I had the smoked salmon carpaccio, it was nothing special basically just a few pieces of salmon presented nicely on a dish, you could have done at home. For the lamb I had it was quite juicy and nice but nothing spectacular.

The food wasn't that great but what fumed me from Bistro 80 was the waiters, the man poured a cocktail down my dress and did not even offer to help me then a fellow waitress had to run in. When we arrived as you would, we took photos and asked politely to the same waiter that poured a drink on me to take it, he rudely said no I'm busy and he was standing around doing nothing.

Bistro 80 for me was a horrible experience. I don't recommend it to anyone unless the staff get trained for manners and common courtesy.

May 13, 2012

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  9     

Our party of 7 went to The Little Snail last night for a 50th birthday. From the moment we arrived we were greeted with such hospitality, which is incredibly important for special occasions such as this.

The two grannies were not up to facing the climb upstairs so we were re-located downstairs without any issues. Mum then wanted to sit near a window, so they moved the tables down without any complaint either.

The meals were fantastic, in both presentation and taste. I had the seafood platter, but also tried the chilli prawn linguine and vege risotto. The seafood platter had such a good variety. I heard from the others that the lamb was great too. I think we were all very hungry, so we found that having the mains alone was not very filling.

I would recommend the three-course, or of course getting a few sides. So we orders a few sides of garlic bread and fries, and we were full in no time.

The atmosphere of the place is really relaxed, for being a 'fine dining' restaurant. I got to practise some of my beginner french with the waiter (who also recommended a to-die-for bottle of wine!).

The birthday cake came out with no hassles. Everyone had such a great time, and had many good things to say about The Little Snail. I cannot fault this place. (Plus, there's plenty of parking on that street with two massive car parks).

Will definitely be going back.

May 13, 2012

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

Sort of gave up trying to book for a table after trying four times, and waiting for the hope to die down so can make it here. In the meantime, we opted to go to their walk in bar which is open on sat lunch from 12pm. No one must yet know about this place (the bar I mean), as we were the only two at their 5 seater bar! Its a very short menu, of about 5 items and absolutely no description or prices next to the single word item i.e "wings" etc. For the both of us, we just decided to get one of everything.

The vibe is cool and modern, so I would definitely get a seat at the chefs bar as thats where all the action happens when I eventually come here for the degustation. Service is great, very friendly and casual, music is fun and a bit of rock.

Pickles was interesting, just an assortment of vegetables pickled, a generous portion but probably a bit much for the two of us. The egg was similar to what you'd get with a ramen, really great texture. Wings were super tasty, pork bun was everything I'd hope for, soft steamed buns w an unctuous piece of pork belly, rice cakes, however, was amazing.

The texture so crunchy on the outside yet chewy at the same time, and to finish off we had the crab roll which was so damn good, generous crab mixed with a mayo sort of sauce in between a hybrid brioche hotdog bun, which was amazing I could eat it on its own. Dense and yet crunchy.

Now theres no doubt abt it, I'm going to have to try again at that booking system.

May 12, 2012

2.3 Not Recommended

Food  4      Ambience  2      Service  1      Value  2     

Food was Ok but very very disappointing service at Ripples. The day was unseasonably hot and my daughter, granddaughter and I (over 70 yrs) were very uncomfortable seated next to the plastic sheeting in the full glare of the midday sun. We asked the waiter to move and he said all other tables were booked.

Finally, after being so hot we did not enjoy our meals I asked the senior staff to be moved. He again said no, everything was booked. We left as it was so unpleasant. There were at least 12 empty seats out of the sun in the restaurant all the time we were there. When I said this to the senior staff on the way out he lost it and said that was because I was late! I was late (my daughter and granddaughter were not), I had difficulty finding the restaurant as it was my first time there and my last.

May 12, 2012

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  10     

Gosh. The food was awesome! the signature dishes are spectacular especially the Miso Cod, Warmed Truffled Tai, Korobuta Pork Sashimi, Spicy Tuna Rice Cakes (just to name a few).

Every morsel was delightful, so much detail goes into the tasting experience, make sure you combine all the elements on the dish to get the maximum flavor as the chef would want you to even if you believe the combination may be unconventional.

The Customer Service at Sokyo was delightful! Everyone was warm and courteous. Special thanks to Roum who was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. My only disappointment was that I could not fit everything that I wanted to eat! I am looking forward to my next trip there again, I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoy Japanese cuisine with a twist. Congratulations to Chef Kojima and his wonderful team!

May 11, 2012

9 Highly Recommended

Drinks  8      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

I booked dinner here as a last minute plan and didn't know what to expect. I absolutely loved it! The service was 1 to none, the waiters were very friendly and hospitable.

The food was delish! I ordered the spaghetti with zucchini as an entree and had the slow roasted baby octopus for my main. The portions are small "fancy" sizes, but I found that I left feeling very full and satisfied. I was very impressed when I was handed the wine list on an Ipad, very professional. For 2 people, including entree, main and drinks, our bill at the end wasn't much different to eating at a less "fancier" place.

I would definitely eat here again and recommend it to my friends.

May 10, 2012

7.3 Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  5     

Firstly, you must go there for dessert (see later). Agree that ambience a bit middling and Maryam the owner and waiter, a little too intrusive (though nice to know how food prepared, authenticity etc) - but at least she cares, unlike most waiters. Food is good and fresh but too expensive for budget conscious families of four like us (had a coupon, which made it affordable).

Portions small but having 3 courses (which we wouldn't normally do) filled us. Really only wanted to mention the desserts! We had the dessert platter for 2 ($25) and the home made ice cream (fig, walnut & more) and fairy floss ($15). The dessert platter ($25) was served warm: various coloured and flavoured Turkish delights, stretchy, gelatinous, sticky, fragrant and divinely sweet like we'd never had before; thin nutty biscuit slices, layered biscuit cake, locks of soft hair-like fairy floss ( kids said they felt they were eating the tops of truffula trees from Dr Seuss' The Lorax!); scattered pistachios, rose petals, dried fruits and nuts; whole warm dried figs that explode and roll in your taste buds.

Ice cream as pure translation of it's ingredients into creamy magic.
Overall it was the kind of Persian fairy tale dessert I've imagined since I was a child. The surprise of the warmth, textures and tastes was delightful! Truly transporting - just wish I'd been in an intimate cushion room with ceiling to floor tapestries, miniature paintings, and bejeweled mosaics to match the culinary experience.

May 10, 2012

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  8     

Food was great for the vicinity. Ambience was alive and buzzing. Service was friendly and efficient, we were taken care of.

May 10, 2012

9.8 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  10     

Absolutely love this place! Probably one of the best dining experiences that you can find in Darling Harbour. Have been here on several occasions and not one been disappointed at all. $58 for a three course meal is fantastic value for money especially for city dining.

The Boulette de Fruits de Mer for entree is so yummy if you're into seafood. Had the Churned Hazelnut and Praline Ice Cream for dessert and can honestly say it is probably my all time favourite dessert. Would recommend this place to anyone! Can’t wait for my next return!

May 09, 2012

4.5 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  7      Service  3      Value  5     

Came here for a birthday dinner after reading fantastic reviews and was very excited but left let down. The interior is beautifully decorated with dim lighting. However, that’s where it ended for me. We ordered a few pizzas for the table which were quite nice expect that there was a hair found in one of them. When we informed the waiter he said that he would ensure that he would inform the pizza maker as well as the manager and would come clear the plate with the hair on it.

None of this happened, considering the amount of money one pays this restaurant some sort of apology/concern should have been shown. Not even the slightest apology was made which was rather rude I think. I ordered the squid ink gnocchi for my main and found them quite inedible, they were flavourless and were served in a weird broth which I have never seen before. Everyone else’s main seemed ok.

For dessert we ordered a dessert pizza and as we were there for a birthday they presented nicely on a plate and even wrote happy birthday on it, which was a very nice gesture!

May 09, 2012