Seven Lanterns

9.4 Highly Recommended

Quality  10      Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  10      Value  8     

Our 5th time here now and we absolutely love this place! David is always so friendly, talkative and generous (thank you for our sample Sake :)

The beef ribs are to die for and for the first time in my life, I ate crab and caviar which was so so delicious! Oh and did I mention the Sake Sangria! Yummmm

We only come every few months as it is on the pricey side but we think its definately worth it! Thanks again David.

May 16, 2013 

9.2 Highly Recommended

Quality  10      Food  10      Ambience  7      Service  10      Value  9     

We attended Seven Lanterns two months ago based on the numerous positive reviews on Eatability. After calling up to book for a Saturday night and enquire about gluten free options (for one member of our group), we were very happy to hear that this was no issue and that the degustation menu could be offered GF. From here the anticipation began.

Upon arrival, we were greeted warmly by David (the owner) and seated without delay. The restaurant itself is intimate and cozy, whilst the steady bustle of conversation eluded to a casual dining atmosphere. Waiting staff were attentive and ensured that we were comfortable and water available. Our party of three all elected to try the signature Lanterns degustation menu ($70pp) with a mixture of the Marble Beef Steak and Imperial Beef Rib choices for the main course.

The food, when it came, was presented beautifully and spoke volumes about the chef’s attention to detail. Each of the initial courses offered a unique and mouth-watering flavour. The servings were noticeably small, however the sheer taste encapsulated in each portion was delectable! Whilst it was not an easy task to pick out one dish as a clear favourite, the tataki beef and pork belly were exquisite – the latter managing to balance the complexity of a spicy sour sauce with the fresh taste of pickled cucumber. The timing of the dishes was faultless with enough time to let the taste of the previous dish linger before the next was presented. Overall the food was a mix of Korean and Japanese (or what is now being called ‘fusion’) with a slight emphasis on a Korean influence.

The other major highlight of our night (aside from the food), was the witty and interesting conversation with David. David was extremely affable and took the time to get to know each of his guests, stopping by every table throughout the night. We were also impressed by David’s willingness to talk about the food creations, describing in detail how specific flavours were achieved – definitely interesting to hear the thought that goes into each dish! Whilst not cheap, the value was apparent as the night progressed both through the quality of the dishes presented and the friendly banter with staff.

In summary, our recent trip to Seven Lanterns ranks as one of the most enjoyable and memorable Sydney dining experiences we’ve had to date. Thank you to David and the team for a wonderful evening!

Apr 11, 2013 

6.6 Recommended

Quality  6      Food  5      Ambience  5      Service  9      Value  8     

Went there on the basis of good reviews. Booked and on arrival were escorted past many nice tables to an inconspicuous table in a far corner with no reservation sign on it. Makes you think they are embarrassed by your presence. The degustation were one the $70.00 seafood and the other meat based. All had a strong soy sauce base, which seemed too repetitive. By the 5th plate, I was still agonisingly hungry but the penultimate plate was enough to make a trip to the hamburger shop next door. The meal did leave food cravings unsatisfied in some strange way. Staff were friendly and service caused no complaints. Would we return? Probably not soon if ever. Total bill for two $160.00

Response from Management:
You must been really upset, lobster! but NO! NO! NO! how could we ever be embarrassed by your presence! No diners = No restaurant. We accept that everyone's opinion of a "good table" and "right portion" differs so we do our best to re-adjust but I have to admit, universally satisfying table allocation is harder than cooking!!! Sincere apologies lobster....
David

Mar 31, 2013 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Quality  9      Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  10      Value  9     

We went there on Friday night with my wife. We ordered those two degustation sets. They were very nice. All dishes were good looking and taste good.

If you want to have a big dinner, that's not the place you should go. If you hunger for tasting something good, that's the right place.

I love the service. The chef (David) actually visited all tables and asked about the foods and have casual talk with us. When he was talking to us, he squatted and face to us. That makes us impressive.

The only mistake that night was we were sitting under the air-conditioner which made hot foods cold.

Response from Management:
I have bad memory problem jkalex so squat down to face my diners to remember them. Besides, often best way to find out if all is OK is just to have a casual chat, although I obviously failed miserably to catch your predicament.... Well, we'll have to do better!

Mar 16, 2013 

9 Highly Recommended

Quality  9      Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Drinks  1     

Visited for my birthday on a Saturday night. We had a wonderful time. From the decor to the drinks and the amazing food, nothing was missed.
I would highly recommend it to anyone and cannot wait to go back.

Response from Management:
I cannot wait for you to come back either, Caragh87!

Feb 17, 2013 

8.6 Highly Recommended

Quality  9      Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  9     

Was in the vincinity for another restaurant but decided last minute to try seven lanterns instead. Ordered 2 $70 degustation set, 1 $60 degustation set, teriyaki chicken, salmon roll and cuttlefish. The food was amazing especially the cuttlefish (super tender and tasty, definitely one of the best I have had), the salmon roll (very tasty), the steak (very tender n nicely cook, a lot better than steaks in the famous rockpool bar n grill we visited last Monday), and the beef rib (full of flavours). As for desserts, the sticky date pudding is to die for. Really happy with the meal n the service even though the portion could be a little bigger. Can someone pls give them a hat? This food is as good if not better than some of the 1 hat n 2 hat restaurants I have been to.

Response from Management:
No doubt being awarded by your peers and critics would be an honour. But then... for me at least, even greater joy comes from watching the familiar faces one by one filling up my restaurant and as they leave promising me that they''ll come back soon.... Besides, no hats big enough to fit my head with comments like yours, Ddayhhr!
Man, I'm lucky....

Jan 26, 2013 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  9     

Went there after reading the reviews on eatability. Food was great, service good and atmosphere was ok (a bit smokey from the bbq grill - maybe need to fix the ventilation). Will definitely go back though.

Response from Management:
During December we got smashed (industry expression for being crazily busy) so many nights we really do need to recondition the filters soon! Hopefully less smokey on your next visit, Ibarking. Glad you enjoyed the meal though.

Jan 04, 2013 

10 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  10      Value  10     

Found Seven Lanterns through this site - Thank you. Booked for 4 and checked if gluten free was available. Yes! I was thanked for the early notice. I hoped to navigate a small selection, for which I am always grateful, yet I was able to enjoy the full Grande Degustation. Absolutely awesome. Full marks.

We sat downstairs. It was joy to watch the meticulous preparation. Graceful, welcoming service in a very pleasing setting made for a special shared food adventure.

There was a diverse age mix of fellow diners, including very young children. All were obviously delighted by their feasts, the food's preparation and wonderful staff. This is well timed, labour intensive skilled service and why I rate - the value top marks.

Exceptional beef, melting cuttlefish and perfect pork with crisp wafer crackling. Every course balanced with vegetable flavours and thoughtful sauces. Loved the heart shaped potato cake.

We thoroughly enjoyed. Since the gluten diagnosis I have missed beautifully prepared Japanese food for 12 years. Not now. If you are or have a gluten free friend or family member - let 7 Lanterns know in advance and enjoy a great feast.

Response from Management:
Heck, 12 years!!! I don’t know whether I should cry with joy of being the one to finally satisfy you or cry with sympathy for you enduring 12 long years of far eastern culinary abstinence. Anyway I will cry for you, Deb B.............wait.......... wait............ I'm now crying!!!

Dec 31, 2012 

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  7     

Just recently visited this place for a Christmas function and it was such a success. The food was delicious and very generous in size. The staff were attentive for the entire night!

Response from Management:
We love functions Mikelamb. I think it's the best way to promote our restaurant, better than any advertisement!

Thank you.

Dec 17, 2012 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  10      Service  8      Value  9     

Went to 7 lanterns for the first time last night for a staff dinner with our boss, George. We had the 7 course degustation and it was absolutely wonderful. I am usually picky with my food but I cleaned every plate.

David, the host, was wonderful and chatted with the table and introduced us to Asahi beer! (: the service was wonderful and friendly but if I were to point out any negative was that our water quickly ran out and was not refilled for the entire night.

The sticky date is heaven.

Thinking of bringing my family here for my 19th birthday later this month! Introduce them to this delicious food (:

Response from Management:
I'm so grateful we didn't have to clean your plates, Joyce T and on your birthday I will personally make sure that your glass never run out of Asahi... err, I mean water of course...

Dec 02, 2012