Bodhi In The Park

3.8 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  3      Service  2      Value  5     

I'd read the reviews about the waitstaff/management being rather rotten, and attributed it towards white patrons not understanding the asian way, but having witnessed it for myself, I shant be going back.

Waitstaff were extremely stingy with water, soysauce and menus. We rang ahead to make sure Yum Cha was still on at 2pm, and they said it was going until 5pm, but when we rocked up, they said we'd have to order from the menu as they were winding down their yum cha. We ordered some things, which were alright, and then there was an influx of dishes, which we quickly scarfed down, being healthy young people, and then there was nothing much on offer for about 20 minutes, other than a plate of asian greens.

I like to think of myself as a bit of a Yum Cha expert, but this was nothing special. I had been to bodhi several years ago when it was in capitol square and it was amazing, here, not so good.

I shant be going back, unfortunately.

Nov 01, 2006 

7.3 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  6     

We'd read all your comments so we felt warned- look out for a mean lady, be prepared for stacked up steamers and to not receive drinks until half way through the meal. On this particular Friday at 1pm, our table of 3 really enjoyed our dining experience here! Our fears were completely alleviated by nice staff, prompt service, yummy food, a great selection of different dishes with awesome flavours. Being Chinese, and therefore a regular yum- cha diner, I was surprised at how inventively they made use of different vegetables- try counting the number of different types of mushrooms they use! It is expensive food though. But if you work in the city and are used to city dining, prices aren't so astronomical for this gastronomical experience!

Oct 31, 2006 

6.3 Average

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  3      Value  7     

If you could get some proper service this place could not be faulted.

The food is fresh and constantly changing. I like the different offerings - not all fried food like some yum cha places, and the interesting combinations that you don't find elsewhere keep you coming back

I managed to take my partner there without telling him it was vegetarian, that is how creative they are with the dishes.

The outdoor dining is lovely, with St Mary's cathedral in the background and lovely leafy trees.

The only problem i have when dining there is the service. Many of the waiters can not speak English making it hard to work out what it is you are eating (especially if you have any allergies). Also, the distrubution of the food is poor; if you are seated at the the bottom of the courtyard, you are usually forgotten about.

All in all, if you can get a seat near the door and can understand broken english, i highly recommend it.

Oct 24, 2006 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  10      Service  8      Value  6     

We took our vegie Melbourne friends here and they were in love. The food was yummy and filled us up for lunch! It was a hot afternoon and we got our water straight away so I didn't mind the service! I'll have to go back for a dinner experience!

Oct 19, 2006 

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  5     

Food was great, just a little pricey but wonderful place!

Oct 04, 2006 

5.3 Average

Food  5      Ambience  6      Service  5      Value  5     

If you are after a light bite or are vegetarian you'll enjoy yourself. If you're hungry and like some meat, go somewhere else.

Aug 28, 2006 

4.8 Average

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  2      Value  4     

Vegetarian Yum Cha. It's quite mainstream for Yum Cha and the dishes are mostly unchallenging. The location is also marvellous and brunch under the umbrellas or in the sun is very pleasant. The food is surprisingly good and the staff speak the best English of any such restaurant that I've ever been in but the drinks service is unbelievable - far and away the worst I've ever had. Bring a hipflask, your own supplies or just don't come thirsty because you're likely to expire before your drink order arrives. On more than one occasion we have finished our meals and left before the water or coffees that we ordered on arrival were served. Unfortunately they're virtually on our front door step and the food really "is" good so we keep going back.

Aug 13, 2006 

7.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  7      Value  6     

Amazing food always at this restaurant. Great variety and not too pushy with the Yum Cha. Not a lot of smiles from the staff but the food is worth it.

Aug 07, 2006 

2.3 Not Recommended

Food  5      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  2     

A truly awful dining experience. We had a booking for a party of 20 and when we arrived were told we had to be out by nine pm (on a Saturday night!). The service was terrible. It was a cold winter's night and the restaurant was freezing. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Aug 05, 2006 

7.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  8     

This is a very good restaurant. The food is exquisite and very reasonably priced. The kumara patties were especially delicious - do try them! Service was quick and constant (they are offering you food all the time!) but not too pushy. It's a bit dark indoors and not very big but quite pleasant outside. Great for everyone - families, friends or business. Recommend to all!

May 18, 2006