kwatrina

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

I went here on the weekend for the 'Mahjong Playlunch' they hold on the last Saturday of each month. You get 3 hours of Mahjong play with a light lunch of dim sims for $36pp. The place was set up for play when we got there and we were taught the basic rules and a brief history of the game.

The staff are friendly, attentive and very inclusive, which is always fun. They made an effort to learn our names and our teacups were never empty. One of the tables were short a member so one of the staff jumped in to play with them.

The food was a selection of dim sims and lettuce bowls. The ingredients were very fresh and not laden with msg. It was also beautifully presented. It was only a small serving so you don't get full, but we were warned of that before the day so we were prepared.

If you're looking for a fun way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon with 3 of your best mates, while learning something new, you can't go past this.

Feb 28, 2011

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  7     

I wanted to like this place more than I could. We came here for dinner on a school night, so we got seated straight away. First off, in a restaurant that was 2/3 empty, the waitress tried to seat us next to the door on a windy night.

We had the Karage Squid, Teriyaki Duck and The Pork Belly. The Duck was extremely tasty and very well cooked. The Pork Belly dish, though it looked like a small serving, was very rich and filling and very well prepared. The broth tasted like it had been cooked for hours so it had a beautiful gelatinous quality about it.

We also ordered the Chicken Karage, but the waitress had written it down as Chicken Teriyaki. That was a disappointment. Not only because it was the wrong thing and we were really looking forward to the Karaage, but that it didn't occur to the waitress that we were ordering two dishes of the same sauce. She completely froze when we told her, it looked like she'd been slapped, so we just decided to keep it to save her further embarassment. Unfortunately, it was way below the standards of the other two dishes. I've had better Teriyaki Chicken at the food court.

Not counting the mishap, this is a restaurant that has some very surprising dishes, especially non-standard ones. I'm not sure I'd return, for the price you pay, the service is just really
sub par. But maybe it was just the one waitress.

Jul 26, 2010

7.3 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  7     

We ordered a varied range of meals and shared around so I got to taste things I wouldn't normally have ordered. My Veal and Pistachio snags were a bit on the bland side, but the Pork Schnitzel was very tasty, well seasoned and surprisingly juicy. The pork belly was also quite tender and the crackling crisp and deep and rich in flavour.

I've been here numerous other times (usually for the Blue Cheese Mussels) but was glad to have tried something new. Contrary to other diners, I don't feel the prices are too high compared to some of the other places out there. I've paid over $34 for Pork Belly that whilst fancy looking, was dry as a nun's.... bread roll.

Sundays are also good for the ample parking outside, and fewer patrons meant our meals were served within 15-20 mins of ordering. Service was efficient and friendly. At one point another patron had erroneously ordered a Seafood Chowder, so the waitress asked if we wanted it. Aware of starving people in the world we decided not to let good food go to waste so took it in and gave it a nice home. Thick, tasty and creamy, the favour was returned.

On a Sunday night, a 4-dollar surcharge per person is a bit steep, but getting a heads up from this site lessened the blow... somewhat. It actually works against the staff, as the surcharge affects the level of tips which would normally go to staff, and goes to management to help pay for wage loading. After 5 previous visits I would definitely return.

Sep 22, 2008

7.3 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  8     

Before I went here I had read the reviews. Whilst slightly put off I decided to soldier on. Luckily, fate intervened and my friends and I all had a marvelous time.

Interior decorating aside (at least it's clean and spacious which is something to be said for Northern Chinese joints, been to Ashfield lately?) and the lighting, which is quite bright, so not for your romantic trysts, this place had some pretty intense flavours at reasonable prices.

The standout was the Eggplant 'cold dish' which sent the lazy susan spinning off it's rails, and the lamb (which may be a bit gamey for some). Dessert of black sesame balls with peanut coating were delicious! (I haven't had these in about 5 years so I was stoked!).

Service whilst not overly friendly, was attentive and very efficient. The main waitress even came around towards the end of the meal to have a chat with us and to make sure we were happy with everything (we were). Maybe they've read the reviews, but they were anything but rushing us out the door.

Would definitely come back, hmm maybe even this week?!

Jul 22, 2008

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

I must say I was quite apprehensive about coming here after reading the reviews. Maybe other diners went on off nights or were extremely attentive to every detail (as being an eatability reviewer will to you!). But my experience at Manta last night was pretty damn good.

Yes the staff aren't overly friendly to the point of being fake, but they are efficient and don't interrupt with too many 'how are you goings?'. We arrived 1/2 hour late for our reservation, but were seated promptly and graciously and served our starter drinks quickly. The menu was explained well and we were given recommendations which was nice.

The food came out relatively quickly, nice and hot too. The Kangaroo Island Marron (like a large scampi) with Ravioli was beautiful. The entree sizes are enough to keep you going until the mains. For mains we had the Steamed Cod (steamed to perfection and very well seasoned) and the $65 steak. "65 bucks for a steak?!" I hear you scream, yes, a little above normal but if you saw this steak (and tasted it) you would see why - it's freakin' HUGE - and oh so tender. They even prepare the marrow for you, which is an acquired taste but interesting nonetheless.

Have to agree with other diners, the fondant is the standout. The Lemon tart is a good counter for that dish if you're ordering 2 desserts, as its sourness and interesting fruit accompaniment provide a vivd journey for the tastebuds.

It is a bit on the pricey side, but you're paying for the location and also the beautiful decorating (large imposing murals of Manta rays, and the floating candle chandeliers like something out of Harry Potter).

I would come back, and make sure I have plenty of time to soak up the surroundings and lovely food.

Apr 25, 2008

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

I went here on the weekend for the 'Mahjong Playlunch' they hold on the last Saturday of each month. You get 3 hours of Mahjong play with a light lunch of dim sims for $36pp. The place was set up for play when we got there and we were taught the basic rules and a brief history of the game.

The staff are friendly, attentive and very inclusive, which is always fun. They made an effort to learn our names and our teacups were never empty. One of the tables were short a member so one of the staff jumped in to play with them.

The food was a selection of dim sims and lettuce bowls. The ingredients were very fresh and not laden with msg. It was also beautifully presented. It was only a small serving so you don't get full, but we were warned of that before the day so we were prepared.

If you're looking for a fun way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon with 3 of your best mates, while learning something new, you can't go past this.

Feb 28, 2011

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  7     

I wanted to like this place more than I could. We came here for dinner on a school night, so we got seated straight away. First off, in a restaurant that was 2/3 empty, the waitress tried to seat us next to the door on a windy night.

We had the Karage Squid, Teriyaki Duck and The Pork Belly. The Duck was extremely tasty and very well cooked. The Pork Belly dish, though it looked like a small serving, was very rich and filling and very well prepared. The broth tasted like it had been cooked for hours so it had a beautiful gelatinous quality about it.

We also ordered the Chicken Karage, but the waitress had written it down as Chicken Teriyaki. That was a disappointment. Not only because it was the wrong thing and we were really looking forward to the Karaage, but that it didn't occur to the waitress that we were ordering two dishes of the same sauce. She completely froze when we told her, it looked like she'd been slapped, so we just decided to keep it to save her further embarassment. Unfortunately, it was way below the standards of the other two dishes. I've had better Teriyaki Chicken at the food court.

Not counting the mishap, this is a restaurant that has some very surprising dishes, especially non-standard ones. I'm not sure I'd return, for the price you pay, the service is just really
sub par. But maybe it was just the one waitress.

Jul 26, 2010

7.3 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  7     

We ordered a varied range of meals and shared around so I got to taste things I wouldn't normally have ordered. My Veal and Pistachio snags were a bit on the bland side, but the Pork Schnitzel was very tasty, well seasoned and surprisingly juicy. The pork belly was also quite tender and the crackling crisp and deep and rich in flavour.

I've been here numerous other times (usually for the Blue Cheese Mussels) but was glad to have tried something new. Contrary to other diners, I don't feel the prices are too high compared to some of the other places out there. I've paid over $34 for Pork Belly that whilst fancy looking, was dry as a nun's.... bread roll.

Sundays are also good for the ample parking outside, and fewer patrons meant our meals were served within 15-20 mins of ordering. Service was efficient and friendly. At one point another patron had erroneously ordered a Seafood Chowder, so the waitress asked if we wanted it. Aware of starving people in the world we decided not to let good food go to waste so took it in and gave it a nice home. Thick, tasty and creamy, the favour was returned.

On a Sunday night, a 4-dollar surcharge per person is a bit steep, but getting a heads up from this site lessened the blow... somewhat. It actually works against the staff, as the surcharge affects the level of tips which would normally go to staff, and goes to management to help pay for wage loading. After 5 previous visits I would definitely return.

Sep 22, 2008

7.3 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  6      Service  7      Value  8     

Before I went here I had read the reviews. Whilst slightly put off I decided to soldier on. Luckily, fate intervened and my friends and I all had a marvelous time.

Interior decorating aside (at least it's clean and spacious which is something to be said for Northern Chinese joints, been to Ashfield lately?) and the lighting, which is quite bright, so not for your romantic trysts, this place had some pretty intense flavours at reasonable prices.

The standout was the Eggplant 'cold dish' which sent the lazy susan spinning off it's rails, and the lamb (which may be a bit gamey for some). Dessert of black sesame balls with peanut coating were delicious! (I haven't had these in about 5 years so I was stoked!).

Service whilst not overly friendly, was attentive and very efficient. The main waitress even came around towards the end of the meal to have a chat with us and to make sure we were happy with everything (we were). Maybe they've read the reviews, but they were anything but rushing us out the door.

Would definitely come back, hmm maybe even this week?!

Jul 22, 2008

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

I must say I was quite apprehensive about coming here after reading the reviews. Maybe other diners went on off nights or were extremely attentive to every detail (as being an eatability reviewer will to you!). But my experience at Manta last night was pretty damn good.

Yes the staff aren't overly friendly to the point of being fake, but they are efficient and don't interrupt with too many 'how are you goings?'. We arrived 1/2 hour late for our reservation, but were seated promptly and graciously and served our starter drinks quickly. The menu was explained well and we were given recommendations which was nice.

The food came out relatively quickly, nice and hot too. The Kangaroo Island Marron (like a large scampi) with Ravioli was beautiful. The entree sizes are enough to keep you going until the mains. For mains we had the Steamed Cod (steamed to perfection and very well seasoned) and the $65 steak. "65 bucks for a steak?!" I hear you scream, yes, a little above normal but if you saw this steak (and tasted it) you would see why - it's freakin' HUGE - and oh so tender. They even prepare the marrow for you, which is an acquired taste but interesting nonetheless.

Have to agree with other diners, the fondant is the standout. The Lemon tart is a good counter for that dish if you're ordering 2 desserts, as its sourness and interesting fruit accompaniment provide a vivd journey for the tastebuds.

It is a bit on the pricey side, but you're paying for the location and also the beautiful decorating (large imposing murals of Manta rays, and the floating candle chandeliers like something out of Harry Potter).

I would come back, and make sure I have plenty of time to soak up the surroundings and lovely food.

Apr 25, 2008

8 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  7     

Come here for not only onslaught of your tastebuds but also to be in the presence of what can easily be one Sydney's the most lavishly decorated restaurants.

Service was attentive but not obtrusive with a high staff to diner ratio. Having worked in silver service I was glad Glass observed the finer but basic points of proper service - like not taking away my partner's plates before I'd finished and scraping the breadcrumbs from the table - many restaurants of the same calibre have fallen through the cracks... shocking I know!

Come here if you marvel at how chefs can prepare a wagyu or venison with the skills of a sculpter. The accompanying flavours can be quite overpowering on their own but combined together create a multilayered surprise. The Chocolate Assiette for dessert is also a pleasant finisher enough for two, with 4 different flavours in one dish.

If I had to nit pick it would be the ordinary bread, with an unadventurous butter slab, but other than that, Glass was an impressive place for my special occasion.

Mar 07, 2007

4.8 Average

Food  7      Ambience  3      Service  3      Value  6     

Depending on your state of mind (and level of sobriety) this place is either a great night out or an affair not to remember. We went on Saturday for a friend's birthday. It's true, this place pushes more of a show and theme night feel than the other quality establishments around the Spanish Quarter, so the service and food, while passable isn't among the greatest the area has to offer.

The one thing that stayed with us, interesting as the place was, was the overwhelming aroma resembling a rollerskating rink change room. Maybe it used to be a dance hall, but the inescapable smell of 'aromatic' feet (use your imagination) kind of put a dampener on the whole experience.

It's a bit cheesy, good for hen's nights and parties where the focus isn't on eating. We had to settle the bill before our food was served which was a bit wierd, and left a bit of a dilemma with tipping. Do I tip according to the nonchalant service I've experienced so far? or do I tip well and test my faith? Honestly, I don't think it matters. When you call up to book, have a look at the menu before telling the staff what you think your party might like (ie set menus), because once you tell them over the phone you can't change it on the night. Strict, yes.

Would I go back? Maybe if I had a blocked nose.

Feb 12, 2007