Spago

5.5 Average

Food  5      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  4     

Went with a Cudo voucher. Service was acceptable, and decor was splendid. They even had two chefs outside making spinach raviolis (which was a tad strange as there was no ravioli on the menu).

We were also unable to order the oysters as an entree, which was disappointing and misleading as when the deal was on offer, there was no mention of such an exclusion. It clearly stated 'any entree and main'. First disappointment of the night.

Second disappointment, when our entrees and mains were served, it was clear that we were being differentiated from the full paying customers. Entrees were ok, but the mains were definitely different to the ones being served to the full paying diners. I spotted them getting served a differently plated and obviously bigger portion of the "same menu item".

Being differentiated was a major disappointment. I suspected they went as far as sitting all the 'voucher' diners on the one side of the restaurant. Also, there appears to be a change in management although the "senior staff" refused to admit it. It seemed to be now run by new owners with two oddly hired ravioli making kitchen staffs at the front window.

Third disappointment, the squid ink spaghetti we had was definitely not freshly made. It may have been freshly made a week or so ago, but it was not fresh on the plate.

All in all, I would not have paid more than the price of that voucher ($49) and did not think it was worth more than that. In fact, I don't think its really worth $49. Revisit? I think not.

May 23, 2012 

4.5 Below Average

Food  6      Ambience  8      Service  1      Value  3     

I visited Spago on Thursday night with my fiance with a Cudo voucher. The waitress that showed us to our table was lovely and proceeded to tell us that we can order whatever we like off the main and entree menus with our voucher.

My fiance asked for the oyster entree and she then replied by saying 'sorry no more oysters'. That was fine so he ordered something else. To our surprise the lady behind us ordered oysters just after us and received it!

We then questioned the owner as to why we had been told there were no oysters when there actually was? he responded by saying "you are getting very good value with your voucher, if we give you oysters we will be losing money". So we were lied to, very bad move for your business buddy!

We would have been happy if the waitress told us this before we ordered but instead got lied to. Apart from this the restaurant itself was lovely and the food was Ok but would have been much better if the night didn't start on such a negative. No need to say I won't be coming here again and making sure no one else I know does either.

May 12, 2012 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

Delicious food. Entree, main and dessert were delicious. The service was friendly, quick and professional. A must-do restaurant for anyone with fine taste that likes impeccable service. Highly recommended.

Mar 30, 2012 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

Went for dinner here last night with a friend. We love trying new places and thought this place sounded promising. Best decision! Service was impeccable and the food was beyond impeccable. I struggled picking what I wanted all the food just sounded amazing and I can't wait to come back and try something else! I highly recommend this restaurant! Thankyou for a great night.

Mar 21, 2012 

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  8     

Went to Spagos last night with a friend. We didn't have a reservation and the previously described "fight club senior staff" (what a mean comment) could not have been more helpful or polite. After a wait of 10 minutes he beckoned us in and the staff ensured we were attended to very promptly. A good sign to see no vacant tables and people waiting for the turn around!

We had the mushroom risotto as well as the grilled mushrooms and haloumi for an entree and both were delicious. For my main, I had the spinach agnolotti stuffed with ricotta in a butter and sage sauce - Yum! My friend has the spaghetti with barramundi, scampi and cherry tomatoes. We both had coffee, a bottle of wine we brought with us and left a tip. $50/head - We're happy! Glad to see a suburban restaurant not taking themselves too seriously and caring about the patrons.

Could hear some laughing from the bar and chefs, a great sign, if the staff are happy, chances are the patrons will be too. Well done Spago, particularly our charming gentleman.

Jan 28, 2012 

3 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  5      Service  1      Value  1     

We had the Cudo deal. Before we confirmed reservations I wanted to confirm we can use the deal on a table of 6 with two coupons as per the T&Cs. The reply I received shocked me. "we will honour the 6 people but the other 2 people can not share or eat or drink any of dishes from the other people otherwise we will charge the full total bill and not honour the vouchers".

Now I know its a business but seriously there is a better way of saying this. Then when we arrived we were received by a really rude head waitress who repeated the same thing again. Then she struggled to control her own staff eg who gets the wine according to the deal. Kinda funny to see her struggle with her own rules. I say why have these vouchers when you find it hard to monitor who eats what.

When my 2 year olds fish arrived, luckily my hubby started cutting it in tiny pieces for her to eat. The fish was frozen. How can a kitchen staff stuff up frozen fish? The other ladies that also serviced us were really polite. Just the head waitress and her rudeness totally spoilt our mood.

Jan 13, 2012 

7.5 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  7     

Went to Spago early in the week. Our booking had been lost and it semmed to wrongfoot the large fight club like manager. Behavior would intimidate some, but he settled down and was quite helpful through the rest of the night even if still stern. Three or four course weekday special. The girls opted for the three whilst the boys were ready for four courses. We were then told that the whole table had to have the same number of courses.

So, it became a three course deal. Who lost out, Spago I think. Food was excellent pasta specialities were full of flavour and perfectly al dente. Minutes were well done the rare lamb cutlets were just that and the duck maryland succulent and fresh. Good wine list too although not knowing this byo. Corkage $4 a person per bottle. We will be back.

Dec 21, 2011 

5.5 Average

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  1      Value  6     

We had dinner here with a group of 11. When I made the booking I initially wanted to book for 7pm but was informed to book at an earlier time of 6:30pm, or else book at a later time which was no dramas and I happily accepted the earlier time. I also let them know that 2 people may not make it just so they are aware and they can arrange their tables accordingly, I was told that this was fine.

We arrived on the night about 10-15 minutes late at approximately 6:40pm and quickly let them know that 2 people cannot make it. One of the staff (who appears to be the senior staff) who served us was extremely displeased and unfriendly and almost demanded for us to place our orders straight away, saying words to the effects of 'I can't let one table ruin the rest of the night'. We asked him what time would he like us to finish, just so we can plan our pace accordingly, his reply was 'finish as soon as possible'.

He continued to be arrogant and spoke in an derogative manner. Luckily we were served by the other staff for the rest of the night. I understand he wants to maximise the number of turn-arounds of tables on a busy Saturday night and that our table did turn up at a time later than the booked in time, but the staff member really needs to learn some customer service skills, especially when Spago is trying to present a fine dining experience to its customers.

The food was of a good standard and the portions were larger than expected. Our group wanted to order wine and desserts, however, did not do so as we were made to feel we had to rush to finish our meal. The other staff were friendly and attentive. It was a shame that our dining experience was let down by one staff.

Overall, the food was good, however, I would not recommend dining here if you have a large group on a weekend and are after a relaxed night over dinner with family and friends.

Dec 18, 2011 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  9     

Thank goodness! A local restaurant serving fantastic food in a nice environment with great service. We were so pleasantly surprised with the beautiful meal (we had squid ink spaghetti with crab, lime and chilli and the mushrooms with haloumi for entree, then the perfectly cooked steak and melt-in-the-mouth duck maryland for mains).

We have been back twice in two weeks! Yes, the BYO corkage at $4 p/p is steep, but in the grand scheme of things it is a small price to pay for great food you would expect to see at a much higher price in the city. We will be back again and again.

Nov 07, 2011 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  10      Service  9      Value  8     

Spago always give you a fresh image as I have been there a few times. Today, I have tried the new dishes I ever had before which surprise me.
First I start with "Char-grilled king oyster mushrooms" which is new on the menu and "Antipasto" with my friend. And then we also have "Spinach Agnolotti" in an entree size which has a fabulous texture of filling and it didn't make me feel too heavy. I also tried the "Squid Ink Spaghetti" and Campanelle with beef cheek" both I highly recommended.

Hint: If you want to try more different dishes, order the pasta in entree size.

Oct 15, 2011