Phant

Reviews

Restaurants, Steak House, Licensed, Serves Dinner, Serves Lunch

Overall 8.1 7

7.8 Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 6 Service 9 Value 7

Great steaks! The bottom level wasn't open Friday night so we were at the bar level which was more of a bistro feel, however, still classy enough.

400gm rib eye was perfectly cooked (MR) and the chips as others have noted divine. Onion rings were not as expected, thin red onion pieces lightly fried a la tempura style and very moorish. Value for money wine list and great staff so we shall be back.

Jan 16, 2012

Provincial Hotel, Fitzroy

Restaurants, Pubs, European, French, Italian

Overall 5.8 4

5.6 Average

Food 3 Drinks 5 Ambience 7 Service 8 Value 5

We've been going to the Provincial on and off for around 20 years. Unfortunately, it is going downhill in some aspects (cashing in perhaps)?

Early dinner last week and firstly, service was pretty good. Interactive and friendly staff (without being intrusive), though some lack of menu knowledge. The food was very disappointing however. Their Garlic pizza/focaccia has changed so much in the last 15 years. You used to get hand pressed flat bread loaded with full garlic cloves and loads of olive oil. Now, you get a basic, dry round pizza base with a handful of half garlic cloves.

Sorry guys, not got enough as like a good Tom Yum, this is your yardstick in my opinion. Pork main cutlet was tough and overcooked for the price so overall a disappointing experience and we won’t be back.

Jan 09, 2012

Snow Pony, Balwyn

Cafes, Modern Australian, Outdoor Dining, Serves Breakfast, Serves Lunch

Overall 6.5 10

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 8 Service 8 Value 8

Love it! Best bacon in town and the smashed avocado irresistable! Can get packed after 9.01 with the nattering mums after they've dropped the kids off so if you want to join them all the best with getting a seat or a coffee in a rush.

Apr 05, 2011

Magic City, Camberwell

Restaurants, Asian, Modern Australian, Vegetarian, Has Bar

Overall 7 9

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 8 Service 8 Value 8

I've been to Magic City probably eight times in the last four years through various owners. Four years ago it was great with a distinct modern asian flavor under James Tan. A couple of years ago new team and the standard dropped, and things still average last year.

A group of five for lunch and we enjoyed the set lunch menu which was of course sound value for money. The senior staff was our waiter and whilst he was knowledgeable and atentive, he ws a tad too friendly and kept the conversation going a little too long especially as he'd poured our drinks (now go away please). Having said that, better attention than none! He was also happy to switch two courses between entrees and desserts, and offered a beer instead of a wine which was appreciated. Warm bread and water topped up without a fuss or asking.

Salmon was absolutely fantastic. We were expecting smoked salmon slices, however, received an inch wide side of salmon slice with 5 spice chinese spices that had some kick! The salmon was smoked locally and beautiful color. Top effort that! Unfortunately, the crab and lemongrass soup wasn't ready as the fresh crab hadn't arrived...ok.

Mains and four fish curries and a asian chicken salad and thumbs up. Perfect portions for lunch with three or so fish pieces and similar number of tofu that soaked up the coconut and fresh herbs.

The dessert selections were quite numerous so two guests chose two petit fours each and we shared them. Ample size, probably small muffin size. Fresh mini cheesecake and chocolate numbers.

Overall as local business people we were glad Magic City of old is back. Classier and more relaxed than Georgios, lighter food than the Italian places and a bright, relaxed style. We'll be back.

Apr 05, 2011

Healesville Hotel, Healesville

Pubs, Modern Australian, Vegetarian, Has Bar, Licensed

Overall 6.4 13

7.4 Recommended

Food 8 Drinks 7 Ambience 7 Service 8 Value 7

We've dined and stayed upstairs a handful of times over the last five years and have always enjoyed the experience.

If you're looking for a no-noise wake to the sounds of birds chirping B&B then this isn't the place, however, if you enjoy a stroll around town during the afternoon, upstairs to refresh, downstairs to dinner and a stroll afterwards then this is wonderful venue.

Food is always fresh and local both in the restaurant and at Harvest. We've always found smiling helps to get a smile back especially when ordering at breakfast from Harvest. We choose to stay in one of the back rooms to get away from the street noise which can get a little noisy in the morning (I think Room 3 is the quietest). Once again, if you want a long sleep in, go stay 5 k's out of town but you'll have to ride/drive. If you want to be self contained with some variety, stay at the HH.

Mar 29, 2011

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Member since 2011

Last updated on 1st Jun 2012

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Displaying: 1 - 6 of 6 reviews

City Grill Room, Melbourne

Restaurants, Steak House, Licensed, Serves Dinner, Serves Lunch

Overall 8.1 7

7.8 Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 6 Service 9 Value 7

Jan 16, 2012

Provincial Hotel, Fitzroy

Restaurants, Pubs, European, French, Italian

Overall 5.8 4

5.6 Average

Food 3 Drinks 5 Ambience 7 Service 8 Value 5

Jan 09, 2012

Snow Pony, Balwyn

Cafes, Modern Australian, Outdoor Dining, Serves Breakfast, Serves Lunch

Overall 6.5 10

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 8 Service 8 Value 8

Apr 05, 2011

Magic City, Camberwell

Restaurants, Asian, Modern Australian, Vegetarian, Has Bar

Overall 7 9

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 8 Service 8 Value 8

Apr 05, 2011

Healesville Hotel, Healesville

Pubs, Modern Australian, Vegetarian, Has Bar, Licensed

Overall 6.4 13

7.4 Recommended

Food 8 Drinks 7 Ambience 7 Service 8 Value 7

Mar 29, 2011

Everest Indian Restaurant, Fairfield

Restaurants, Indian, Vegetarian, BYO, Licensed

Overall 6 10

4 Below Average

Food 6 Ambience 5 Service 2 Value 3

Was looking forward to dinner with friends Saturday night, however, left with mixed feelings mainly due to the service. Having read others reviews regarding the 'on-selling' staff practice, maybe I was a little wary, so happy to order a round of beers as well as a jug of tap water. Beers came 10 minutes later and asked for water again. Five minutes later we asked a third waiter for water to be told they don't have any jugs left so were waiting for one for us. We grabbed one from the table next to us as a couple had left 10 minutes ago and said 'here you go, use this'.

We ordered some naan, papadams and dips for entrees and five mains, rice, and more naan for mains. Problem everything came out at ones so defeated the purpose of entree. Food was Ok though tastes blended together too much (which may have been our faults). Needed to order more rice, naan and another two mains to satisfy our hunger and two guys ordered desserts despite the owner/manager encouraging us all to all order.

Having worked in hospitality in the past I believe the ethos of waiting staff should never return to the table empty handed. Luckily we had a spare place at our table as this allowed us to stack plates, baskets, empty bottles etc for the staff to collect a long time later than they should have!

Overall a mixed experience so with plenty of restaurant options around won't be coming back. If good service happy to leave a tip, asked for the change this night and given some pretty strange looks when they complied.

Mar 28, 2011