hapydiner

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  7      Value  10     

Wow and wow. Went this evening and I am still stuffed from the way oversized portions, and the doggy bag trick came into play again. The menu list is incredibly huge, and this may account for some dishes that are obviously pre-prepared (microwave bound) and probably prevented this small eatery from soaring to new heights. There are some specialities, I am sure, but it will take me too many visits to find out. The "marmite chicken" and Tofu was excellent. The Kuching Laksa was a good attempt being laced with all the right ingrediants and an excellent soup, but let down by carbonised prawns and chicken pieces that were carelessly chunky. This is probably the best Malaysian eatery in Sydney, and definitely the best valued one. I find it hard to rate this place given the rigid constraint of the stars system. To be fair to this marvellous joint, I have added 2 stars to the service, and 4 stars to the ambience, as the value should be 17 out of 10. Other Malaysian restaurants should take heed. All those eating there tonight appeared happy and well fed.

Apr 27, 2012

3.5 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  4      Service  5      Value  2     

Twice bitten, forever shy. There will be mysteries in life, and this is one of them. Often packed to the outside pavement, which is normally a promising sign for a cracker of a restaurant, I have been disappointed by the slackness and poor quality of seafood served.

Sometimes I still wonder if I have been had, but will never be game enough to return to risk it again. Ah well, they must have gotten something right, but I suspect it is the use of media advertising with the local Chinese press that presses all the right buttons.

Mar 06, 2012

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  8     

A wonderfully original set up for this part of the world, backed up by interesting choices of dishes that were presented with flair. I would hazard a guess that this is the so called new wave Modern Korean food trend. If so, I shall be a very "contented Vegemite". Love the bold choice of wines by the glass. The outstanding dish had to be the stewed beef in cast pot, sublime in its texture and perfectly flavoured with soy and condiments. I can eat this for lunch and dinner all winter.

If there is one thing different I can wish for, it is for a wider and more adventurous choice of sauce other than the classic sweet soy/mayonnaise (ubiquitous in American modern Japanese cuisine) accompanying the salmon, prawn etc. Perhaps, some vinegar/lime/fruity flavour to add more zest and intrigue.

In summary, a terrific choice for a fun night out. Service was warm and relaxed, and should easily be 9, except when we were there, the place was packed and so the response time to receiving our dishes, drinks and bill was compromised accordingly. So the service score for that visit was 7 stars for 7 Lanterns.

Response from Management:
You must be a foodie magazine editor! I'm drooling reading your review on my own dish. And yes, we're trying to re-intepret Korean cuisine and hope to try some new and adventurous dishes soon. I'm glad you approved of our wine list, hapydiner. Your 7.8 is like 9 stars to me.

Mar 03, 2012

4.8 Average

Food  6      Ambience  4      Service  3      Value  6     

Yes, it is busy. Yes, it is an icon. but from my last experience there, I cannot say that it has the best Hainan Chicken rice, or the best Laksa in Sydney anymore. Couple that with a somewhat sour/severe attitude from the waitress and an unsmiling proprietor, I think I can safely say that I am happy to move on.

Oct 03, 2011

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

I have heard about this place and have been dismissive about the praises that have been heaped upon it for the Yam Cha or Dim Sums. Really? A worthy Chinese reataurant in the heart of a near wooden spooner club. Gag right?

Well, I ate my sceptic hat along with much more of the usual goodies that came in the Dim Sum trolleys. And no, I did not regret the overeating again this time as the food, service and ambience surpassed my expectation. The food was good enough for my stomach to decide to retain it despite the woeful decisions dished out to our Trans Tasman cousins (Warriors)by our visually challeged NRL referees today during GF.

Whilst not all dishes hit their marks, the generalstandard is high and on reflection is probably the best Yam Cha experience outside Metropolitan Sydney. Would love to return to try their dinner.

Oct 03, 2011

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  7      Value  10     

Wow and wow. Went this evening and I am still stuffed from the way oversized portions, and the doggy bag trick came into play again. The menu list is incredibly huge, and this may account for some dishes that are obviously pre-prepared (microwave bound) and probably prevented this small eatery from soaring to new heights. There are some specialities, I am sure, but it will take me too many visits to find out. The "marmite chicken" and Tofu was excellent. The Kuching Laksa was a good attempt being laced with all the right ingrediants and an excellent soup, but let down by carbonised prawns and chicken pieces that were carelessly chunky. This is probably the best Malaysian eatery in Sydney, and definitely the best valued one. I find it hard to rate this place given the rigid constraint of the stars system. To be fair to this marvellous joint, I have added 2 stars to the service, and 4 stars to the ambience, as the value should be 17 out of 10. Other Malaysian restaurants should take heed. All those eating there tonight appeared happy and well fed.

Apr 27, 2012

3.5 Below Average

Food  3      Ambience  4      Service  5      Value  2     

Twice bitten, forever shy. There will be mysteries in life, and this is one of them. Often packed to the outside pavement, which is normally a promising sign for a cracker of a restaurant, I have been disappointed by the slackness and poor quality of seafood served.

Sometimes I still wonder if I have been had, but will never be game enough to return to risk it again. Ah well, they must have gotten something right, but I suspect it is the use of media advertising with the local Chinese press that presses all the right buttons.

Mar 06, 2012

7.8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  8     

A wonderfully original set up for this part of the world, backed up by interesting choices of dishes that were presented with flair. I would hazard a guess that this is the so called new wave Modern Korean food trend. If so, I shall be a very "contented Vegemite". Love the bold choice of wines by the glass. The outstanding dish had to be the stewed beef in cast pot, sublime in its texture and perfectly flavoured with soy and condiments. I can eat this for lunch and dinner all winter.

If there is one thing different I can wish for, it is for a wider and more adventurous choice of sauce other than the classic sweet soy/mayonnaise (ubiquitous in American modern Japanese cuisine) accompanying the salmon, prawn etc. Perhaps, some vinegar/lime/fruity flavour to add more zest and intrigue.

In summary, a terrific choice for a fun night out. Service was warm and relaxed, and should easily be 9, except when we were there, the place was packed and so the response time to receiving our dishes, drinks and bill was compromised accordingly. So the service score for that visit was 7 stars for 7 Lanterns.

Response from Management:
You must be a foodie magazine editor! I'm drooling reading your review on my own dish. And yes, we're trying to re-intepret Korean cuisine and hope to try some new and adventurous dishes soon. I'm glad you approved of our wine list, hapydiner. Your 7.8 is like 9 stars to me.

Mar 03, 2012

4.8 Average

Food  6      Ambience  4      Service  3      Value  6     

Yes, it is busy. Yes, it is an icon. but from my last experience there, I cannot say that it has the best Hainan Chicken rice, or the best Laksa in Sydney anymore. Couple that with a somewhat sour/severe attitude from the waitress and an unsmiling proprietor, I think I can safely say that I am happy to move on.

Oct 03, 2011

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

I have heard about this place and have been dismissive about the praises that have been heaped upon it for the Yam Cha or Dim Sums. Really? A worthy Chinese reataurant in the heart of a near wooden spooner club. Gag right?

Well, I ate my sceptic hat along with much more of the usual goodies that came in the Dim Sum trolleys. And no, I did not regret the overeating again this time as the food, service and ambience surpassed my expectation. The food was good enough for my stomach to decide to retain it despite the woeful decisions dished out to our Trans Tasman cousins (Warriors)by our visually challeged NRL referees today during GF.

Whilst not all dishes hit their marks, the generalstandard is high and on reflection is probably the best Yam Cha experience outside Metropolitan Sydney. Would love to return to try their dinner.

Oct 03, 2011

5.5 Average

Food  5      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  4     

Ok, I shall keep this short and sweet. Fell way short of expectations as heard good things about it , and I will not be returning. Too dark, noisy and chaotic.
Sweet, as all the food ordered were overtly geared towards the western (perceived or otherwise) palate. The heavy sweet hand results in same of sameness. Sorry.

Sep 25, 2011

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

7.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  7     

Can Spago do what so many higher priced restaurants failed to do and still be around in 5 years? Well, time will again tell but it is sure having a crack at this predominantly cheap eating strip (Mind you a good Chinese seafood meal will easily dispel that assumption!) where the diners are price sensitive.

Food is good and honest without the "wow" factor, but I have enjoyed the pasta dishes in particular. The steak on my last visit was cooked beautifully to order and absolutely delicious. The portions are generous and good value. But I wonder if it would not be better to downsize the portions with corresponding adjustments to the prices to cater for the current economic concerns.

The service is genuinely friendly and eager, but sometimes without the polish of the well heeled city establishments, but really who cares, for this is appropriate for a good local eatery.

The wall painting is magnificent, in sync with the theme of the food. If there is one small criticism, it will be about the complimentary bread which does not do justice to the lovely olive oil supplied with it. Too dry and bland, Coles brand bread.

In summary, a welcomed addition to the local food scene and hopefully for a long stay as it has managed to tick many of the good boxes. Prego!

Sep 07, 2011

6.5 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  4      Service  7      Value  8     

This addition to the Husrtville food scene is much welcomed. Food is hit and miss. Laksa and char kway teow (Fried flat rice noodle) probably the better dishes. But freezing cold in winter as no heater and steaming hot in summer as no airconditioning. On 1 occasion, told no washroom or toilet available. Not sure if this breaches council planning rules, but I was not hanging around in the hot room and made my way elsewhere for water therapy.

Jun 09, 2011

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

7.8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  8     

Shinji-san delights me with his fabulous offerings of Japanese food in an obscure part of the "Shire". It is my good fortune to experience his excellent sashimi and sushi, and his yakitori must be amongst the best in Sydney. The Tempura was a highlight, as was the UnagiMaki. A reflection of a chef who undoubtedly has talent and years of training at high class establishments.

Feb 2011 - I have been visiting Masa whenever I feel the need for a good genuine Japanese food experience, and I must say Shinji-san has maintained his very own high standards. It must not be easy with his relatively low turnover, and the price of decent seafood is astronomical nowadays, let alone over the silly season! Unfortunately, Japanese food at the quality end has and always will remain costly.

I appreciate his knife skills which captures the essence of Japanese cuisine, where purity and delicacy remains paramount. Size will never be a priority. His food is often on par with the higher end of town and overseas at a relatively cheap price. I guess if you prefer good value and reasonable quality venues, I can suggest Ken's in Bexley.

Feb 22, 2011

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  9     

We came here as the saturday financial/city crowd had overfilled the Rockpool Bar and Grill joint again. And good luck to them!

The ambience was great, but being a couple, we were seated in the area where you could hear/see clearly the interactions of other nearby couples. Noted that the bigger tables provide excellent privacy and space and as mentioned by others, should make a great dinner venue for business.

The food was good without being particularly memorable, but for the price, certainly a winner. The degustation menu and wine is recommended, although I am not so sure if some of the combinations are ideal. The Chilean chardonnay (Bills - I think) was a standout.

Service was excellent, relaxed and helpful, and the Mrs commented on how tall, slim and model-like all our waiters look. I told her it might have something to do with how hard they work by zipping all over this beautiful establishment.

Feb 20, 2011