Commons Local Eating House, The

5.3 Average

Food  6      Ambience  9      Service  1      Value  5     

Came here for dinner and drinks with a group of 8. The building is gorgeous and the atmosphere of the place is just right, whether you're downstairs, in the restaurant or in the courtyard at the front. But the food was only average (and I'm not a fussy person), the cocktails lacked spark and the service was just abysmal.

We were told we couldn't book before 8 but when we arrived there were tables already free. We waited for ages to be seated and then another age before we were served drinks. The food then took 1.5 hours to arrive even though half our group ordered the same thing (by then we were really hungry), and then they mixed up one of the orders and gave my friend a bowl of veggies instead of his fish (the fish later turned out to taste like it wasn't fresh).

I’d ordered a starter earlier because we were hungry, but then it came, *after* my main. The waitress also took my cocktail before I finished, which just made me sad.

All in all, I'd definitely come here again for the atmosphere and downstairs jazz but I would avoid the food and cocktails and just come for a few simple drinks.

Dec 09, 2011 

6.3 Average

Food  5      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  6     

We came here for breakfast and the food was not great, unfortunately. Is a charming spot, maybe lunch/dinner is better. Read more on our blog.

Read more on my blog

Nov 06, 2011 

7.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

Came here late one Friday for just a couple of drinks and their duck liver pate to share. This place has a great fitout wherever you choose to sit. There's a lively coutyard section at the front that I definitely plan to revisit on a sunny morning, there's the ambient lighting and wooden rectangular tables on the inside or else there's the retro looking cosy bar downstairs that just oozes charm. What makes this place though is the great service, in particular the French curly haired waiter that took his time to explain the dishes as well as skillfully recommend others. I plan to be back.

Jul 12, 2011 

4 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  9      Service  1      Value  1     

Great space and lovely food, but the service! Wow, I've lived in Darlo for 20 years and eat out a lot and it's the worst I have Ever come across. Rude, arrogant, and self absorbed are some of the nicer terms I can think of. Not only are they not at all interested in serving anything, but they quickly become outright hostile if you dare to ask them anything! I would not go back, and can only hope a more professional team to take over this great space.

Jun 21, 2011 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

I've been to the Commons a couple of times now, and each time I thought it was fantastic! Definitely one of those places you keep in your back pocket for a nice dinner with friends.

Our recent trip was no different, the food was great and had everyone sharing from each other's plates (I'm still thinking about the ravioli with sage and butter!) and the atmosphere is buzzing. Our waiter was very friendly and seemed quite passionate about the food in the way he explained the dishes on offer which was nice.

The wine bar downstairs is an absolute gem, cosy and low ceilings, it has a very inviting feeling about it and not something you find regularly in Sydney.
I noticed they've started doing Sunday roasts in Winter, a sweet idea and they sound Yum, appropriate for the cosy, "good friends, good wine, good times" feeling that you get about the place.

Would definitely recommend and will go back again.

Jun 15, 2011 

3.5 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  5      Service  1      Value  4     

The space here is lovely with an outdoor courtyard for summer and a great cosy bar downstairs for winter. However, the service here is the worst I have ever experienced (and I eat out 5-7 nights/week). The staff seem to have forgotten they work in the hospitality industry. The owner would be horrified if he saw how dismissive the staff are of customers. I won't come back despite the lovely environment.

Jun 14, 2011 

6.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  4      Value  6     

We went to "The Commons" for a friend's birthday dinner. Walking into the beautiful building - I was at first, quite amazed at the quaint interiors (especially the downstairs bar). Wine list was simple, but enough. There was about a group of 10 of us and we had the set menu. The pate was very rich (a bit too rich for me!!) and the osso bucco and homemade donuts were absolutely divine! Would recommend the homestyle and heartiness of the meals. I was disappointed with the service which was abrupt.

Jun 02, 2011 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  9     

I visited on a Sunday night and was pleasantly surprised. We had 3 mains, 2 glasses of wine and 1 dessert for $80 which I thought was outstanding value, however, I think this was a Sunday night promo. Meal size was generous and service was just right. My only complaint was the dining room is very loud. The doughnut for dessert were nicely flavoured with rosemary sugar, but a little doughy for me. All in all a good time was had by all!

May 24, 2011 

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  6     

Great food with a focus on interesting flavour combinations and fresh ingredients. The service is quite laid back so I wouldn't want to be in a rush when I'm eating here. A good place for a lazy brunch when you want a proper meal and have all the time in the world to enjoy it.

Mar 08, 2011 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  9     

I ate at Commons last night with my partner. I wasn't expecting much from past reviews but it was close to a bar I wanted to have cocktails at (Pocket Bar) so I thought I'd give it a try.

Some of the food was pretty delicious. We started with a plate of cured meats (how could you go wrong) served with bread. Great selection and not too salty. The salami had a little bite to it. I would have liked to see some olives or something else on the board though.

I had the lamb and my partner had the chicken parma. Both servings were quite big, we were stuffed. The lamb was bar far the better dish, delicious but the chicken parma was good too, made with read cherry tomatoes and served with salad not chips.

The service was really friendly and attentive. Our waiter even comped our dessert. Speaking of get the donuts they're yummy! My only gripe is they could have a better wine selection. Although the wine was reasonably priced everything was very tart and try. Maybe something lighter and more fruity would be a good addition, especially in the reisling section.

I recommend this place. Duck down to Pocket after for a cocktail, the watermelon martini is amazing.

Feb 20, 2011