Venesia

Reviews

Overall 4.1 18

7.8 Recommended

Food 7 Ambience 9 Service 8 Value 7

As a large group we found ourselves upstairs being tickled with the summer breeze through the balcony's open doors and gazing into the tree tops. I'm no fan of pasta and pizza offerings at an Italian restaurant, it was the specials of the day that got my attention. The waiter explained the extensive choices with the admirable memory of a savant and a thespian delivery.

All meals arrived after a fair interval so service was good. My salmon fillet was chargrilled with a lovely crisp surface and tender flesh, it was a satisfying dining experience. The specials were the winning poker hand.

Jan 29, 2012

Glenferrie Hotel, Hawthorn

Pubs

Overall 7.6 2

6.4 Recommended

Food 5 Drinks 8 Ambience 6 Service 7 Value 6

We booked two tables for a group and were placed at the front of the hotel's dining area. It felt like sitting in a large barn, despite the fresh paint and scrubbed up decor. Searched the menu and did not feel inspired. Settled on a salad with a Dory fillet. Sadly it tasted like food I could throw together at home. Few diners talked about how good their meals were as their plates were emptying.

With the rave about the glam makeover I was looking for more than 'fuel', I wanted my taste buds tickled. We are very fortunate in Melbourne, it's too easy to turn your back and put your money onto someone else's bottomline. That's what I will be doing: "walk on by...."

Jan 29, 2012

Yorkshire Hotel, The, Abbotsford

Restaurants, Pubs

Overall 8.1 18

8.4 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Drinks 8 Ambience 8 Service 9 Value 8

We had a group booking for 20-plus (two tables) and as organiser I checked my urbanspoon bible to read: 90% approval! Wow. It's now gone up to 91% and I too added a 'Like' on behalf of our diners. The kitchen managed to get all meals out so that no one suffered the empty-plate-torture.

Eye-candy presentation, quality not quantity, and resounding approval for the complete range of menu choices. Acoustics were fabulous - we savoured the complementary conversation, no competition from AFL cheersquad sound effects! We then adjourned to the ambient beer garden to bask in the great outdoors without sizzling like a barbeque sausage.

Jan 29, 2012

Saffron House, The, Blackburn South

Restaurants, Indian, Fine Dining, BYO, Licensed

Overall 8 3

7.3 Recommended

Food 8 Ambience 7 Service 7 Value 7

I shared a banquet ($29.50) with six others. Each dish offered a small sampling of rich flavours and textures, vegies and tenderised meat dishes. Delightfully satiated at the end of our dining experience. The restaurant was largely full on a Tuesday night, a good sign of satisfied diners. This was my second visit: the first was a pleasing dinner for two and, hence, my return.

An unpretentious venue that represents what's good in local dining delivered by those who care about the quality of their service and your experience within the ambit of their hospitality.

Jan 19, 2012

Sawasdee Thai Cafe, Blackburn

Restaurants, Thai, Has Cafe, Serves Dinner, Serves Takeaway

Overall 6.2 5

7 Recommended

Food 7 Ambience 6 Service 8 Value 7

A charming local restaurant with homespun Thai decor, large menu with traditional options, good value. Perfect for a weekday bite. It was a quiet mid-week but definitely deserving more patronage.

We chose the mixed entree platter with four pieces, delicious light pastry, vegetable packages and a fish patty with a chilli kick. We shared the Red Thai Curry chicken (with rice) and Pad Thai with prawns (and noodles). Good taste contrasts and fair sized serves. The serves had these two ladies feeling well fed and content. The $4 a bottle (wine) corkage was a bargain. But the venue is licensed.

Jan 19, 2012