Hickson Road Bistro

6.3 Average

Food  5      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  6     

The meals we ordered for a late lunch were average at best although the service and ambience were quite good. Its the sort of place you stop over at if hungry while visiting walsh bay for the theatre or someting else. You wouldn't come to walsh bay just to eat here. They did offer complimentary wine with our meals which was graciously accepted.

May 23, 2011 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

Went here pre theatre and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, particularly as most restaurants in walsh Bay are either overpriced "foodie" joints or fairly average pizza type places. The menu is quite small but varied in a Mod-Oz way. The staff are well versed in getting customers through in plenty of time to get to a show in the theatre next door. We took up the suggestion of pre ordered desserts and a glass of wine at interval, perfect to get us through the second act. Definitely coming back! Mark

Sep 27, 2010 

5 Average

Food  4      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  3     

I went here for dinner and was shocked at the food. While sounding interesting on the menu in a bit of a mish mash mod Oz way, I soon found out that much of the food was pre-cooked. The beef on the menu had "medium rare" in brackets next to it and when I asked the waiter whether I could get the beef cooked differently he replied that I could only get the beef cooked more (i.e. medium, well done etc) as the beef had already been pre-cooked. Instead of the beef I ordered mushroom and quail ravioli and my companion ordered smoked salmon lasagne.

The mushroom and quail ravioli had to be sent back because it was luke warm and clearly had been re-warmed rather than cooked freshly (the pasta was luke warm while the sauce was closer to cold), while the smoked salmon lasagne tasted like it had been just taken out of the fridge where it had been sitting in for the past few hours! When you're paying $30 for a main you expect more than pre-cooked food which is poorly re-warmed.

I know its Walsh Bay and theatre goers don't have very many options, but really this was quite poor. The pity was the food was actually ok, but would have been so much better if simply cooked fresh. When a waiter was told that our ravioli was cold she was neither surprised or apologetic. We won't be back.

Jan 22, 2010 

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  7     

I've been here twice, once for dinner pre show and another time just for dessert. The staff are friendly, the restaurant has a nice vibe and they are so efficient. The food isn't exciting, but they deliver with freshness and quality. It's perfect for the diverse range of patrons that attend the theatre yet it sets itself a high standard. Was very touched when we just went in for dessert. The waiter gave us some bread rolls anyway, just because! They were busy and it was a nice touch.

Jun 13, 2008 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  7     

My dining companion and I were absolutely bowled over by the speed and efficiency of the staff here. We were seated and fed within fifteen minutes of arrival! Great for a pre-theatre dinner - it gave us plenty of time to contemplate dessert and the bookshop next door.

I enjoyed an excellent wild mushroom risotto which had a superb texture, boasting just the right amount of nuttiness, beautifully complemented by the fresh parmesan.

It was just a simple meal but well done, and the staff are to be complimented in not making diners feel like poor relations if they opt not to order side dishes and the like. We opted for the bookshop over dessert in the end, but next time it will be on the list.

As Sydney Theatre subscribers we'll definitely be back. Dinner at Hickson Road rounds off the whole experience beautifully.

May 03, 2008 

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

Hi there, the Four Season's hotel recommended I try the Hickson Road Bistro, when down on a recent work trip from London where I live, and I'm so glad I did. The staff could not have been more helpful, the food fresh and interesting as was the locale. I would highly recommend any one eating at this little hidden gem.

Apr 23, 2008 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  10     

This restaurant caterers well for pre-theatre patrons going to the theatre next door. The menu is small but varied, the portion sizes generous, but particularly the service swift, so you have plenty of time to get to the theatre. On the couple of occasions we have been there, it has been full so recommend booking in advance.

Apr 23, 2008 

1.3 Not Recommended

Food  2      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

We have a subscription to the Sydney Theatre Company and often eat at the Wharf (which I highly recommend for food service and ambience. Recently decided to try Hickson Rd ....will not make this mistake again. The food was completely unremarkable and the portions were not generous. The waiter could only be described as rude and as a matter of fact his behaviour spoilt our evening. Take my advice go to one of the many better restaurants and give Hickson Rd a miss.

Apr 14, 2008 

4.3 Below Average

Food  7      Ambience  3      Service  2      Value  5     

Had a weird encounter with a 'Basil Fawlty' head waiter who accused us of having booked two tables under different names. He returned twice and in the face of our confusion stormed off. Once they had worked out the mistake (a waiter had seated us at the wrong table). Basil sent another waiter to apologise. All other waiting staff were great so I have graded service at 2. Food was good but not great (a measly portion of risotto was especially ordinary). Seating just inside the open area was also a litte sweaty (Basils antics didn't help).

Mar 17, 2008 

7.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

Ate here pre-theatre and we were not rushed in having dinner in time for the play. Food was good without being spectacular. Service good. Likely to revisit pre-show.

Feb 13, 2008