Zest Restaurant

7 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  5      Value  6     

I had lunch here today with friends. We couldn't fault the food but the service let them down. We asked for our coffee to come after our desserts. They arrived way beforehand and we'd already finished them before the desserts arrived. We also ordered a cheese platter to come after the desserts. This failed to arrive so we just paid the bill and left. I'd probably go there again for the food and hope that the staff had got their act together a bit better.

Dec 07, 2011 

5.8 Average

Food  7      Ambience  5      Service  4      Value  7     

Dined here on a monday night after being told Esperanto was closed Mondays. The food at Zest was generally of a good standard but the service was appalling (dishes came out late and orders were incorrectly taken). Atmosphere was also lacking as decor looked a bit cheap and the place was very brightly lit.
Represented decent value but I would not return.

Apr 20, 2011 

5.5 Average

Food  4      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  5     

The entry disappointed me, oyster is so small and not fresh, the prawn dish has too many flours, taste like fast food. Main is fine, T-bone steak is cooked to perfection, just the chips to go with is very weird, my ocean trout is good too. Then, I had the worst dessert ever, spiced pear with crumbles, tasted like those frozen ones been reheated, caramel creme was in a sauce container, very running, I asked the staff what's that, the stuff looked at it confusing then said "custard".

Considering I was using the voucher, so it's not bad value, but I wouldn't be going back to pay the full price for their food.

Apr 18, 2011 

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  7     

Considering this is a 'club', the surrounds and what they are attempting to do with their food is quite impressive and ambitious. Our only real gripe on the night was the tardy service. Once seated, we were left for a good deal of time before we were approached for a drink order, whilst during that time waiters walked back and forth avoiding eye contact.

We started off with entrees of prawn arancini and the salt and pepper squid. Both were enjoyable. For mains the trout served with skordalia was excellent, whilst the pork belly was over cooked, turning it stringy and dry. All dishes were presented beautifully, the wine list is extensive, and there's a nice feel to the place.

However, as I've mentioned the service was tardy. Our glasses of water were forgotten, our bread starter was delivered before our wine. The wine was delivered, then not poured. Halfway through our entrees was the first approach to do so, which by then was pointless as we'd looked after ourselves. Given the attempt to deliver 'serious dining', unfortunately, the service was below par.

Mar 27, 2011 

7.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  10      Service  4      Value  8     

For a Licensed Club, Zest Restaurant is definitely in the top of its class. The average main meal price of $26.00 is relatively conservative for the Sydney CBD area. I always take my out-of-town and interstate visitors there for a reliable dining experience.

The excellence of the kitchen (usually very high and most reliable) is not, unfortunately, matched by the very fluctuating floor service standards. Sometimes table service is nearly beyond fault, but at other times you feel like you are imposing on the staff's free time and infringing upon their privacy by expecting them to provide any service at all.

Pre-dinner and post dinner drinks in the Lower Bar, (and far away from the poker machines), however, with its truly fabulous 1930's decor and ambience and its always very friendly but professional staff under the effervescent Trevor's guidance, is a delightful start and ending to any dining experience. To me, it is a must on every visit!

Jun 03, 2010 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

Stumbled on this one on the way to the State Theatre. Staff were happy to accommodate our group of eight and served us promptly. We ordered a variety of dishes and enjoyed them all immensely, with a bottle of wine and a couple of beers the whole experience was very enjoyable, and the bill coming in at $35 per head made it even more so!

Jun 24, 2009 

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  7     

When we first arrived, the wait staff seemed a bit put out as it was after 8 pm and I suspect that they are generally quiet. However, once we settled in and a friendly chat with them, they relaxed and were friendly. Food was really good and enjoyed by all. Will return.

Jan 26, 2009 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  8     

We had a group (11) christmas lunch here and had an excellent time, we have also had very positive comments back from members of the group about the lunch. It was a set menu, however, they did cope very well with the vegetarian and the non fish person.

Dec 24, 2008 

4.5 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  8      Service  1      Value  4     

As a member of City Tatts for over 15yrs I was excited to try this restaurant for the first time with family from overseas who were staying at the Hilton. Food ok, service was horrid and made us feel like we were not welcome there. Lovely dining area which is let down by abrupt miserable staff. Wrong choice for this dinner. I have written to the club to voice my feedback from our experience.

Sep 08, 2008 

1 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

Had the worst dining experience ever at this restaurant. The food was cold and terrible (with items on the menu not even available) but the staff were the worst I have ever seen in my life, extremely rude, unfriendly and unhelpful. We attended for a family birthday dinner and were treated appallingly. We will never return.

Jun 13, 2008