Billy Kwong

5 Average

Food  6      Ambience  5      Service  8      Value  1     

Never mind the Carbon-neutral and biodynamic and organic slogans. This place is just an utter rip-off for everything it serves.

Although I have no problems with eating 'variations' of a cuisine thought up by the chef, I have to say this is not really Chinese food in my honest opinion. It had way too much Malaysian influence in its execution of the so called Chinese food, with its liberal use of bold sauces, chillies, ginger, etc. There is not even 1 single region in China which serves food like this, so I have to assume it has a lot of Singaporean or Malaysian roots especially for their dumplings and poultry dishes.

The Duck with Orange sauce was a disaster for me. Was the duck deep fried? The meat was dry and the skin was not roast crispy but dry, fried crispy.

The numerous cinnamon and star anise on the dish were funny. I've never seen any 'Chinese' dish served like that. Funny thing is there was no cinnamon taste in the duck and barely traces of star anise taste, so I imagine these were just after thoughts for decoration. They didn't even create any aroma.

The Orange sauce wasn't very orangey in taste at all except in colour, and did not tasted like the fresh orange slices placed on top afterwards (much like the cinnamons and star anise were put on top later). The sauce has completely lost its orange origin but replaced by the saltiness of fishsauce (fishsauce is mostly used for Vietnamese and Thai food, but sometimes for Chiu Chow food in China). I must say if this dish wasn't $47.00 I would have been more lenient. As it is, the flavours didn't complement each other, it was mainly fish sauce and the duck wasn't cooked very well.

Had some other dishes that were ok. Fried rice was too soft in my opinion, too much Chinese sausage and thus too sweet and oily. Great taste however.

This restaurant is ridiculously priced for the quality and quantity of food. The seats are also terrible. The taste was pretty good but too strong for my personal preference. I will eat there if it was on average $15 cheaper. I wished they stop called it Chinese food though. It's more like Asian food.

Oct 14, 2008 

7.8 Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  5     

Food is absolutely delicious!! The Prawn wontons are a dream, I've never ever tasted Asian quite like this place!! The calamari and rocket salad was nice too but not as flavoursome as the wontons. We ordered the crispy skin duck for main - Oh My God!!!! Yum!!!! I am still dreaming of it, absolutely divine!! Do not go without ordering the duck. It had an orange sauce with sinimon stocks I can't explain it but it's all I can think of. It isn't cheap at $46 however it is enough for two if you order rice for main.

Kylie was dining the night we went and it made it a little special. The place is tiny and I could only fit between two tables to get to ours, and I'm rather a small person. I'd hate to think what someone larger would do. Wine list was boring. Anyway I'd love to keep going back for the duck but the prices may prevent me. But definitely will be a special event place.

Oct 10, 2008 

7.3 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  4     

Food was fantastic! The flavours were amazing, certainly worth some $$, but $48 for some mains and almost $30 for a rocket and squid salad with about 150g of squid was a bit much. Wine list is very "new age save the earth". Tired the Vanya Cullen house white which was apparently a mix of every grape there is. OK for $38 but far too much chardonnay (oak). Kylie was dining this night so service very good after we had to wait over an hour for a table. Will be back but not as often due to prices.

Oct 08, 2008 

4.5 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  1      Service  10      Value  2     

Mmmmm, I was so looking forward to the whole experience but was bitterly disappointed. Close to $50.00 for the mains of chicken and beef - I felt that was a bit rich considering there is no view and you are basically sitting on tiny tables and stools hellish close to others.

I will say the service was excellent but the food was so oily and complete with no flavour. I won't be back again.

Oct 07, 2008 

6.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  5      Service  7      Value  7     

This place is tiny inside. I am 5 foot and when I walked to the restroom, I had to squeeze sideways past people sat down. I found this place too small and noisy. I went with a friend who had read a lot about Kylie Kwong so she was already impressed but I went knowing nothing about her reputation but knowing a lot about authentic Chinese food. We had mussels and fish dishes, they were standard quality and taste, nothing beyond cooking at home.

Oct 06, 2008 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

How good is this place? A bit pricey but worth every cent and I have no issues paying for quality.

Sep 15, 2008 

9.5 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  10     

Fantastic ... I had of BK's for many years and was a bit apprehensive. However, the experience exceeded my expectations. There were six of us, four adults and two strapping 17 year old boys. The food was delicious and abundant, and the price with plenty of drinks very reasonable.

Sep 10, 2008 

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  5     

I have dined at Billy Kwong many times over the past couple of years and enjoy the great tasting fresh flavours. Unfortunately, since opening, the banquet price has doubled. After all, this restaurant really is just a stylish cafe - there are no great views and it's pokey. I think that if the restaurant wants to fit the bill of having great food it should have a great dessert menu - for some it's the highlight of a meal. All they offer is fruit and chocolate.

Sep 05, 2008 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  7     

Have eaten dinner here twice in the past few months, the first time off the a la carte menu and the second time the banquet. Both times we experienced wonderful food and very friendly, chatty staff. Yes, the chairs are not the most comfortable however, the closeness of the tables add to the ambience. We arrived early both times (before 6.30pm on a Tues & a Wed) and had no trouble getting a table. Highly recommended.

Aug 26, 2008 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

I keep coming back here for the deep fried eggs, micro salad, and the mandarin duck. The pork is also very good. I have never had a bad meal here. Service is always on the ball and friendly. The only downside are the small space, seats are not too comfortable and it does get noisy. But the food is truly wonderful and deserves to be the best Chinese in Sydney.

Jul 19, 2008