A La Facon de Shimizu

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  10      Value  10     

This is an absolute hidden gem. If the total bill last night was double what it actually was, it would have still been great value.

The "set" menu is an absolute steal at $34 and has more than enough options. We went with that because everything on the menu seemed so good we couldn't pick. The service was more than attentive, the only difference between here and a bistro in Japan is this place is more spacious (oh and about a quarter of the price).

Yes there is a bit of waiting time while the meals are freshly prepared, not somewhere you want to go for a rushed meal. (Why would anyone want to go out to a restaurant for a rushed meal anyway?).

Just loved it, when can I go back.

Mar 17, 2012 

7.3 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  7     

"Muscargots" were delicious, salmon risotto was more than I could eat and I should have chosen two entrees instead. My companions had won ton, sake marinated salmon, saltimbocca and lamb cutlets and no one had any complaints.

Service was a bit slow but very pleasant. Highlight for the sake drinkers was a "Tasting plate" of about 4 different types. Green tea was only Ok. Vanilla Icecream sundae was basic only but suitable for the 13 year old who ate it with apparent pleasure.

Dec 10, 2011 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  10     

Lovely place, excellent food (the eel was divine!) and such courteous service. Definitely going back. Also liked their prices for wine.. $20 for a good red.

Dec 09, 2011 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  10     

Love, love, love this restaurant. I've been dining there constantly even before my 2 yrs old daughter was born! Food is good value (nice taste of course), friendly service. Great sales point: BYO free. Yes, it might be bit slow service as the others already mention, but guys, enjoy and relax your meal time with your wine! shouldn't be in hurry at those kind of restaurant.

Aug 24, 2011 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  6      Service  9      Value  10     

One of my fave lunch hang out place. My family and I always order Teriyaki Chicken Egg Benedict, steak, Prawn & Calamari Spaghetti (all $10 and under) then finish it off with a french toast (under $8)-this is no ordinary french toast, it's made from real french stick-the baguette, the bread is soaked in egg, cream, milk and sugar mixture then lightly grilled leaving a soft spongy center. It is then served with sliced bananas- yes real bananas then lightly dressed with maple syrup and icing sugar-just perfect! My family always leave feeling more then satisfied. We go there weekly in fact!

Jul 24, 2011 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  6     

Entering into the restaurant, you wouldn't even know that it was on a well-used main street. There is the calm quietness typical to the Japanese. I would say the food was Japanese with an interesting French/European twist. It is unique and refreshing, to me. It tasted very fine!

Apr 21, 2011 

5.8 Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  4      Value  7     

Food is Ok, but nothing exciting. The muscargot and salmon tartare entrees were passable, the wagyu steak tartare main was partly cooked and was just like eating a large hamburger mince pattie.

The staff are young and pleasant, but the service was very slow and confused in a half full restaurant on a Friday evening. Its relatively cheap, which appears to be the drawcard.

Feb 07, 2011 

6.8 Recommended

Food  5      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  8     

Tried the muscargot, nothing special. The tuna tartare, big entree thats hard to finish cause I got sick of it quick. Confit duck - ok. Steak - some special bashed style. Sauce was way too salty and garlicky. Had to scrap most of it off. Tender, thin meat that wasn't anything special at all, much rather like veal. Would've loved to give it a good review, but can't.

Sep 05, 2010 

7.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  8     

We booked out almost the entire restaurant for a work party of 25 people. Despite some delays in taking orders which were really due to the size of our group, the food was fabulous and the service lovely. I had the pork saltimbocca. Everything was presented delicately but was full of flavour and the combinations got the best of the richness of French food and the freshness of Japanese. We stayed for hours and everyone tucked into three courses. The only thing I would like to see changed is the decor. It's quite bland and could really be livened up but as long as it maintains the warmth.

Feb 11, 2010 

5.3 Average

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  2      Value  6     

I dine out weekly with my family and try new restaurants based on reviews from this site. bitterly disappointed here as reviews suggested it was good incl SMH review.

We arrived and the place was empty placed our orders placed before any other diners arrived. Entree's arrived promptly, 2 out of 5 were good. Waited 40 minutes for 3 of the mains to arrive. Then 20 minutes for next two mains to arrive. I had the pork belly which was nice but everything else was a bit of a let down. All dishes came with exactly the same sides so fairly boring there.

Whilst its cheep with no corkage, byo only its a small menu that under delivers. Great for uni students but price is its only the only good point. Servings were not massive as other reviews indicate.

Jan 05, 2010