GrantT

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  8     

This fantastic new place is just around the corner from my apartment, and gee am I happy about that. I think I've been roughly once a week, every week, since first giving it a try. I know others in my block feel the same because we're even holding our annual general meeting there! A couple of months ago I held a large birthday event there and although it was a little slow to get started, I thought it was all handled well once under-way. Without exception, all the food I've had has been great and you get a genuinely appreciative feel from the staff.

I completely agree with the other reviewers, Cocco's is a real gem and I look forward to many years of future patronage at this standard.

Aug 27, 2011

5 Average

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  1      Value  5     

Satisfactory burgers but that's where it ends. Service was so bad on Sunday we almost asked for the manager but figured it wouldn't make a difference, so opted to vent online instead.

Cashier girl was stand-off'ish but that was nothing compared to the surly waiter who was serving the floor. He didn't announce that there was more to come for my order, and looked super dirty when I asked. Then when the order was still incomplete he threw the tomato sauce onto our table, stormed off and then had a little giggle and complaining with the cashier girl.

Incredibly poor form, don't bother. Head 30 metres down the road and go somewhere else. Their service is superb, the burgers are *much* better. I *definitely* will not be back to Grill'd.

Upon reviewing the NSW Food Authority government website foodauthority.nsw.gov.au it looks as if Grill'd has already been served four penalites for cleanliness violations in 2010. On that basis I'd be a bit sceptical about their own website claims as being the "healthy burger fix" option.

Jul 18, 2010

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  8     

Went here for the first time on the hunt for high quality Mexican in Sydney - a challenge at best! This place delivered with some more authentic Mexican flavours and not so much "tex mex" (which is a positive) and obviously using fresh ingredients. The guac was lovely, as were the tamales and quesadillas appetizers with a mole poblano main being okay.

Once mains were out we were basically ignored by staff - no drinks, coffee, dessert, bill offers etc - but the service we did get was courteous, accurate and prompt. Shame it's BYO only, because I'm sure they'd mix a mean margarita too! ;-)

I'll be back; though it could be elevated from "quite good" to "great" with a few touches.

Jul 25, 2009

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  5      Value  8     

This is my new local after a recent house move, and I'm pleased it is. My household has been there probably 10 times now for various take-away items, and a couple of eat-in meals as well. My only gripe would be the service hovers between satisfactory and poor lacking any obvious sense of urgency or efficiency, even when there's plenty of folks milling about. Worth a look-in, but not if you're working to any particular deadlines!

Mar 02, 2009

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  7      Value  9     

Our group had been to Waqu a few times prior to the move to the current location and thought we'd try out the new, much more visible venue and menu and we were pleasantly surprised.

Waqu has always been good value, but now it's excellent and I think they've hit the sweet spot between cuisinie, location and price beautifully. With the exception of a disappointing chocolate dessert (3/10) and duck (6/10) everything else for our group was delicious and well presented. We also had some cocktails to kick off with and they were A-grade yummy!

Service was very friendly without being over-bearing, though we did notice some courses came out almost on top of each other and we were pouring out our own BYO wine a few times. Certainly nothing dramatic, but noted.

Waqu is a versatile offering, suitable for romance, for business, for a celebration or just for a regular night out. Highly recommended and very happy to have this nearly on our doorstep!

Jan 13, 2009

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  9      Value  8     

This fantastic new place is just around the corner from my apartment, and gee am I happy about that. I think I've been roughly once a week, every week, since first giving it a try. I know others in my block feel the same because we're even holding our annual general meeting there! A couple of months ago I held a large birthday event there and although it was a little slow to get started, I thought it was all handled well once under-way. Without exception, all the food I've had has been great and you get a genuinely appreciative feel from the staff.

I completely agree with the other reviewers, Cocco's is a real gem and I look forward to many years of future patronage at this standard.

Aug 27, 2011

5 Average

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  1      Value  5     

Satisfactory burgers but that's where it ends. Service was so bad on Sunday we almost asked for the manager but figured it wouldn't make a difference, so opted to vent online instead.

Cashier girl was stand-off'ish but that was nothing compared to the surly waiter who was serving the floor. He didn't announce that there was more to come for my order, and looked super dirty when I asked. Then when the order was still incomplete he threw the tomato sauce onto our table, stormed off and then had a little giggle and complaining with the cashier girl.

Incredibly poor form, don't bother. Head 30 metres down the road and go somewhere else. Their service is superb, the burgers are *much* better. I *definitely* will not be back to Grill'd.

Upon reviewing the NSW Food Authority government website foodauthority.nsw.gov.au it looks as if Grill'd has already been served four penalites for cleanliness violations in 2010. On that basis I'd be a bit sceptical about their own website claims as being the "healthy burger fix" option.

Jul 18, 2010

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  8     

Went here for the first time on the hunt for high quality Mexican in Sydney - a challenge at best! This place delivered with some more authentic Mexican flavours and not so much "tex mex" (which is a positive) and obviously using fresh ingredients. The guac was lovely, as were the tamales and quesadillas appetizers with a mole poblano main being okay.

Once mains were out we were basically ignored by staff - no drinks, coffee, dessert, bill offers etc - but the service we did get was courteous, accurate and prompt. Shame it's BYO only, because I'm sure they'd mix a mean margarita too! ;-)

I'll be back; though it could be elevated from "quite good" to "great" with a few touches.

Jul 25, 2009

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  5      Value  8     

This is my new local after a recent house move, and I'm pleased it is. My household has been there probably 10 times now for various take-away items, and a couple of eat-in meals as well. My only gripe would be the service hovers between satisfactory and poor lacking any obvious sense of urgency or efficiency, even when there's plenty of folks milling about. Worth a look-in, but not if you're working to any particular deadlines!

Mar 02, 2009

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  7      Value  9     

Our group had been to Waqu a few times prior to the move to the current location and thought we'd try out the new, much more visible venue and menu and we were pleasantly surprised.

Waqu has always been good value, but now it's excellent and I think they've hit the sweet spot between cuisinie, location and price beautifully. With the exception of a disappointing chocolate dessert (3/10) and duck (6/10) everything else for our group was delicious and well presented. We also had some cocktails to kick off with and they were A-grade yummy!

Service was very friendly without being over-bearing, though we did notice some courses came out almost on top of each other and we were pouring out our own BYO wine a few times. Certainly nothing dramatic, but noted.

Waqu is a versatile offering, suitable for romance, for business, for a celebration or just for a regular night out. Highly recommended and very happy to have this nearly on our doorstep!

Jan 13, 2009

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  10      Value  9     

The trip to Japaz for our small group of self-professed foodies was a rip-roaring success on all fronts. The service in particular, was consistent and strong from the moment I made the booking on the phone to us leaving at near-closing. Attentive yet not over-bearing, the team at Japaz were clearly enjoying their jobs and enjoying being part of something new. And why not? They have quite a lot to be happy about!

Food-wise we had a Hiro-led journey into about 11 different plates of delectable yummies. Each person came away with a different favourite - for me it was the supremely tender beef tongue or plump scallops, while for others it was a simpler pork pate on bread, or the pan-fried cuttlefish & rocket salad with the wagyu beef cheeks being a worthwhile signature. There was a superb finale to be found in the ice-cream, walnut & manchego dessert. Every dish was absolutely delicious and packed with flavour; with even the cumquat & saffron honey palate cleanser being innovative and totally appropriate. Yum x 10!

We were left a little surprised that there wasn't more of a Japanese vibe carried from the open kitchen to our dinner plates but what we did get was outstanding so "nobody" was ultimately disappointed.

Drinks-wise there were a couple of price leaps at the mid/high end of their wine offerings but nothing to be too concerned about. Price-wise, since we went for the tasting menu, we each spent $70 on food which everyone certainly thought was great value for the quantity and quality of food we ate. PS: There's excellent coffee to boot.

Like the rest of our group, I certainly can't wait to go back and do another tasting menu to try the rest of Hiro's morsels. Deeeeeeelicious!

Aug 10, 2008

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  8     

Very close to home and somewhere I get food from at least once a week. I'm a little surprised at some of the scores from others because my experience is a consistently good one.

The takeaway is good value for money, and the alfresco dine-in is a good cafe experience. Coffee can be a little hit and miss (midweek vs. weekend) but I have to say the savoury muffins available on weekdays are supreme! A real treat.
Service can be a little choppy sometimes, but nothing too much to worry about.
I'm very pleased to have Not Bread Alone basically on my doorstep!

Jul 20, 2008

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

To have a place this good right around the corner from home is downright dangerous for my wasteline! I typically get takeaway but basically everything I've ever had has been great and obviously others think so too because it's always busy. It's a little pricey for takeaway but if the quality is good then I don't mind a small amount extra on the bill. Lamb chilli chops are excellent, chicken tikka is great, the dosai are all outstanding and the flavour balances refined ... you really can't go wrong!

Jul 20, 2008

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5 Average

Food  5      Ambience  6      Service  5      Value  4     

I was quite disappointed with Xenos. I'd heard good things and seen the reviews so thought I'd try it out for lunch since it's close to home. Basic service was lacking (no offers of coffee, no offers of water refill, cutlery came out after meal) and generally a disinterested vibe.

Food was definitely sub-standard for the price, with one friend's fish and chips being seriously overcooked and my moussaka woefully under-seasoned and not hot enough. Although I saw plenty of great looking breakfasts being served to others, I'm afraid I won't be back to try them.

Jul 20, 2008

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  9     

Went recently for a business lunch and all of us were very impressed, with one colleague saying it was the nicest Thai he'd ever had. Will certainly be back!

Jul 20, 2008