ckennedy

Reviews

Imperial Peking Harbourside, The Rocks

Restaurants, Chinese, Restaurant Bookings, American Express

Overall 3.1 40

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

2.5 Not Recommended

Food 3 Ambience 5 Service 1 Value 1

We only came here because we had a voucher for a discounted meal, supposedly $200+ value for $89, as per the previous review. We'll certainly never be back. In fact even at $89 I'd like my money back.

Literally the only redeeming feature of this place is the view of the Opera House. The service was almost non-existent, in fact it seemed strongly like they'd prefer we weren't there. I'll be happy to oblige in future. Maybe it's because we were the "voucher customers" but if you're going to treat customers like they have the plague then don't offer discount vouchers.

On the other hand maybe that's how they treat all their customers. Along with the disgracefully overpriced food it's no wonder the place was almost empty at 8pm on a Saturday when the rest of the strip was buzzing.

This place is pricier than Golden Century in Chinatown but doesn't come anywhere close in terms of quality. If I'd paid full rack for the $50 baby duck main for a couple of overcooked bony morsels I'd be asking for a refund.

Avoid, avoid, avoid...

Feb 07, 2012

Sepia Restaurant, Sydney

Restaurants, Modern Australian, Citibank Dining Program, Degustation Menu, Has Bar

Overall 8 87

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 8 Service 8 Value 8

Came here recently for a work lunch with a large group and were selecting from a reduced menu to cater for the large booking but the food we got was absolutely exquisite.

I had the yellowfin tuna as an entree, which was immaculately presented and delicately flavoured and textured, but in spite of how good it was I was still left wishing I had the crab risotto, with everyone who tried it left gushing about how great it was.

I had the tenderloin as a main and it was as tender as any beef main I've tried. The beef rib accompaniment was not what I was expecting but complemented the tenderloin perfectly and was packed with flavour.

A few of our party went for the duck and again it looked brilliant, I'll have to go back to try the duck and the crab risotto. The service was on a par with what you'd expect from a restaurant of this price range and reputation, and overall the presentation and combinations of the food were simply outstanding. I wouldn't be surprised to see Sepia become a three hat restaurant in the near future.

Nov 25, 2010

Bar Italia, Leichhardt

Cafes, Italian, BYO, Outdoor Dining, Serves Breakfast

Overall 5.8 150

2.8 Not Recommended

Food 5 Ambience 2 Service 1 Value 3

Came here recently on a friend's recommendation, and despite having read the reviews on this site.

The service really is an absolute disgrace. Despite them not being vaguely busy my friend and I were roundly ignored for a few minutes so that the staff could carry on chit chatting, and when we were finally acknowledged it was with a raised eyebrow that seemed to say "and what do You want? I'm busy."

After seating ourselves my pasta hit the table almost immediately, but was getting cold by the time my friend's pasta came out 10-15 minutes later, shortly followed by our entree. The one saving grace of the evening was that the food tasted pretty good, and was reasonably priced.

We got the same rough treatment from the staff when attempting to order coffee and gelato, both of which I would describe as "ok" - certainly not worth heading out of your way for. I got the impression from earlier reviews that the ambience may be "rustic" but it's closer to cheap and tacky. Some wooden furniture rather than white plastic would help here.

In short there is nothing about the food, coffee or gelato that justifies heading back to experience the abysmal service. Steer clear I say.

Nov 25, 2010

Cafe Sydney, Circular Quay

Restaurants, Modern Australian, Seafood, Hip and Trendy, Child Friendly

Overall 7.7 421

9 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 9 Service 9 Value 9

I've been lucky enough to come here a few times for work lunches, and I've got to say the food is as good as anything you'll get down at Woolloomooloo wharf. I wasn't expecting all that much given the rather bland name, but this is certainly not a "cafe" in the traditional sense of the word.

The view is absolutely gorgeous, the service was first class and the food was stunning. Given that it's possible to pay plenty more at other restaurants around Sydney it's not even all that pricey, and I would say represents fantastic value.

I think the highlight for me was a wagyu carpaccio entree, with the most amazing combination of flavours that just complemented each other perfectly. The pork belly main was incredibly tender and again a great combination of flavours. Even the presentation of the food was fantastic, you almost don't want to take that first bite because it looks so perfect.

If it's within your price range this is a place you absolutely have to try.

Oct 08, 2010

Thai Face (Crows Nest), Crows Nest

Restaurants, Thai, BYO, Food Delivery, Licensed

Overall 7 85

6.8 Recommended

Food 8 Ambience 8 Service 5 Value 6

We came on a Thursday night with a group of six and had no trouble getting a table, although it's a pretty big area. It's good for big groups if you all want to have a chat, although not very intimate, I don't think I'd come here on a date.

The waitstaff seemed very attentive for most of the night in terms of keeping water glasses topped up but when we were trying to order there was a congregation of about six of them all at the bar all having a good old chat and ignoring the customers, and it was actually quite hard to attract anyone's attention.

Once we'd ordered the food came out extremely quickly and for the most part the quality was pretty good. Massaman Beef was about as good as any I've tried in Sydney, as was the chili and cashew stir fry. A vegetarian pumpkin stir fry left a little to be desired, the pumpkin came in huge chunks that were also quite hard, and there wasn't a huge amount of flavour. The green curry was standard but good, and a more exotic duck dish with lychee and pineapple was interesting.

It's probably a little pricey for what you get but we had a good night and everyone liked the food, even though the service was a bit hit and miss.

Oct 08, 2010

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Last updated on 1st Jun 2012

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Displaying: 1 - 10 of 12 reviews

Imperial Peking Harbourside, The Rocks

Restaurants, Chinese, Restaurant Bookings, American Express

Overall 3.1 40

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

2.5 Not Recommended

Food 3 Ambience 5 Service 1 Value 1

Feb 07, 2012

Sepia Restaurant, Sydney

Restaurants, Modern Australian, Citibank Dining Program, Degustation Menu, Has Bar

Overall 8 87

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 8 Service 8 Value 8

Nov 25, 2010

Bar Italia, Leichhardt

Cafes, Italian, BYO, Outdoor Dining, Serves Breakfast

Overall 5.8 150

2.8 Not Recommended

Food 5 Ambience 2 Service 1 Value 3

Nov 25, 2010

Cafe Sydney, Circular Quay

Restaurants, Modern Australian, Seafood, Hip and Trendy, Child Friendly

Overall 7.7 421

9 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 9 Service 9 Value 9

Oct 08, 2010

Thai Face (Crows Nest), Crows Nest

Restaurants, Thai, BYO, Food Delivery, Licensed

Overall 7 85

6.8 Recommended

Food 8 Ambience 8 Service 5 Value 6

Oct 08, 2010

Happy Bull, The, Lane Cove

Restaurants, Tapas, BYO, Serves Dinner, Serves Lunch

Overall 6.7 22

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

9 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 9 Service 9 Value 9

We came here on a Monday and Will was running the show on his own as the maitre d', chef and waiter. Although the place was fairly busy he was still engaging and made time to talk us through the menu.

The atmosphere was warm and cozy and having had tapas in Spain I would say quite authentic too. The food was amazing, everything was really fresh and flavoursome. The only hard part was narrowing down which dishes to try.

Will informed us the food is bought fresh each day and once ingredients run out that's it for that item for the day, and it really comes through in the quality of the food.

It was fantastic finding such a great tapas place so close to home, I'll definitely be coming back on a weekend night with a bigger group and wouldn't hesitate in recommending The Happy Bull to anyone.

Sep 14, 2010

Belmonte's, Baulkham Hills

Restaurants, Pizza

Overall 7.3 39

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 7 Service 9 Value 9

I love this place. It's always bustling and the staff are really friendly. Really good pizza and pasta, and great for take away. Pretty cramped inside but I think that adds to the vibe if you ever want to eat in. The guy who runs it is really nice and I've had the odd free garlic bread or bottle of soft drink when I go there regularly, which really makes you feel like a valued customer. Love the supreme pizza, end up getting it almost every time. Definitely the best value Italian food I've found in the area.

Jan 17, 2010

Baulkham Palace, Baulkham Hills

Restaurants, Chinese, American Express

Overall 8 35

8 Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 6 Service 8 Value 9

Possibly a little on the pricey side for Chinese food but it's worth it. This is definitely the best Chinese food I've found in the Hills, and better than a lot of places I've been in Chinatown. The ambience isn't amazing but in my opinion the food makes up for it, and it's also a fantastic option for take away. If you live anywhere nearby I would say definitely give it a try.

Jan 17, 2010

Chelsea Hotel Chatswood, Chatswood

Pubs, Bistro/Brasserie

Overall 7.3 31

5.2 Average

Food 5 Drinks 5 Ambience 6 Service 4 Value 6

Pretty average pub fare, the $8 lunch special, you can get a steak or schnitzel or whatever, is about what you'd expect for $8. Generally the food is very middle of the road pub grub.

Generally the service seems pretty vacant, I come here quite a lot as I work very close by and you always get the feeling the staff would rather be somewhere else and all these bothersome people buying food and drinks are getting in the way of their social lives.

In general a pretty good spot for Friday afternoon office drinks with a good crowd and afternoon happy hour but I wouldn't come back for a meal.

Jan 17, 2010

Splash Seafoods, Newtown

Cafes, Seafood

Overall 7 161

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food 9 Ambience 6 Service 8 Value 10

We wandered in here on a quiet Monday, enticed by a sign for a $25 3-course special, and were very pleasantly surprised.

The grilled barramundi main was an extremely generous size and extremely tasty, but the highlight was the entree. I've simply never had baby octopus that was this tender, flavoursome and enjoyable and I'll be coming back just to get this again.

The service was very attentive, as you'd probably expect on a quiet night, and for a 3 course meal (dessert was good too) of this quality, $25 represented exceptional value. I hope they still have this special going next time I eat here.

Jan 17, 2010