miffymoo

6.5 Recommended

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  6     

Enjoyed Izote, however a few things need to be noted. It's BYO so no margaritas, tequila or Mexican beers here. The starters are expensive! We ordered a guacamole dip at $11 which came with a tiny bowl of corn chips. Anyway, an extra 'bowl' of corn chips to help finish the dip cost $4! A bit ridiculous, a starter of 'chip and dip' for $15! Also some refried beans would help the enchiladas, all of this is considered pretty standard for Mexican food and shouldn't be considered extra. The food was enjoyable, salad crisp and service friendly. I just feel that if these issues were addressed Izote would be considered overall a much better restaurant.

Nov 28, 2011

8 Recommended

Food  8      Drinks  8      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  7     

We went to the beer and food tasting evening with the beer diva and it was very enjoyable. The dining room upstairs looks fabulous and has quite a special ambience, the evening was informative and relaxed and the food was much better than I'd usually expect from a pub. Afterwards we went downstairs for a drink and there are a few different cosy places to drink, the staff are very knowledgeable and it feels like the real deal. I could not smell stale beer. The local is a welcome addition my neighbourhood!

Jun 25, 2009

7.3 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  7     

Really enjoyed Mirka, sitting amongst all the artwork and murals was really special. I really enjoyed the 'Bombe Glacee Pavarotti' which was basically hot raspberry sauce, ensconced in icecream, then meringue. A triumph! However, somewhere between main course and dessert all waitstaff literally disappeared from the floor!

It wasn't a busy night but we were left waiting for over 15 minutes until we even saw anybody to ask for our bill. It was a very disappointing and disorganised end to an otherwise distinguished and enjoyable meal.

Apr 23, 2009

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  9     

I stumbled upon this restaurant while waiting for a bus, and had some of the best Asian greens and rice I have ever eaten! Definitely food for the soul, this place was hustling with customers during lunch when I returned to Adelaide. I'm sure locals are all about this place, but don't make a trip to Adelaide without visiting Chinatown Cafe!

Apr 23, 2009

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  5      Value  6     

Poolside's setting and view is a million dollars, perfect for visitors to Australia and my friend and I ate a wonderful lunch, the spiced lentils, poached chicken and avocado on sourdough.

The shame is that the service only just scraped through. Our order was taken three times as the waiter forgot it but at least he was honest. By the time we left the whole place was packed and there seemed to be a problem with understaffing, I wouldn't have wanted to arrive half an hour later.

I will return, but only when I am in a patient mood, I sense inconsistency overall at Poolside but am happy with our pleasant overall experience.

Jan 06, 2009

6.5 Recommended

Food  6      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  6     

Enjoyed Izote, however a few things need to be noted. It's BYO so no margaritas, tequila or Mexican beers here. The starters are expensive! We ordered a guacamole dip at $11 which came with a tiny bowl of corn chips. Anyway, an extra 'bowl' of corn chips to help finish the dip cost $4! A bit ridiculous, a starter of 'chip and dip' for $15! Also some refried beans would help the enchiladas, all of this is considered pretty standard for Mexican food and shouldn't be considered extra. The food was enjoyable, salad crisp and service friendly. I just feel that if these issues were addressed Izote would be considered overall a much better restaurant.

Nov 28, 2011

8 Recommended

Food  8      Drinks  8      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  7     

We went to the beer and food tasting evening with the beer diva and it was very enjoyable. The dining room upstairs looks fabulous and has quite a special ambience, the evening was informative and relaxed and the food was much better than I'd usually expect from a pub. Afterwards we went downstairs for a drink and there are a few different cosy places to drink, the staff are very knowledgeable and it feels like the real deal. I could not smell stale beer. The local is a welcome addition my neighbourhood!

Jun 25, 2009

7.3 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  7     

Really enjoyed Mirka, sitting amongst all the artwork and murals was really special. I really enjoyed the 'Bombe Glacee Pavarotti' which was basically hot raspberry sauce, ensconced in icecream, then meringue. A triumph! However, somewhere between main course and dessert all waitstaff literally disappeared from the floor!

It wasn't a busy night but we were left waiting for over 15 minutes until we even saw anybody to ask for our bill. It was a very disappointing and disorganised end to an otherwise distinguished and enjoyable meal.

Apr 23, 2009

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  9     

I stumbled upon this restaurant while waiting for a bus, and had some of the best Asian greens and rice I have ever eaten! Definitely food for the soul, this place was hustling with customers during lunch when I returned to Adelaide. I'm sure locals are all about this place, but don't make a trip to Adelaide without visiting Chinatown Cafe!

Apr 23, 2009

7 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  5      Value  6     

Poolside's setting and view is a million dollars, perfect for visitors to Australia and my friend and I ate a wonderful lunch, the spiced lentils, poached chicken and avocado on sourdough.

The shame is that the service only just scraped through. Our order was taken three times as the waiter forgot it but at least he was honest. By the time we left the whole place was packed and there seemed to be a problem with understaffing, I wouldn't have wanted to arrive half an hour later.

I will return, but only when I am in a patient mood, I sense inconsistency overall at Poolside but am happy with our pleasant overall experience.

Jan 06, 2009

7.3 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  6      Value  7     

The service is slow at Bills, but when you get it, everyone is friendly and affable.

I dropped by with an overseas guest on Christmas Eve and they happily let us share a dish (yes, the ricotta hotcakes) between three people so we could all get a taste, bringing us extra plates without us asking.

I wouldn't be keen to visit during busy times, but Bills has a big reputation to live up to and many customers can't wait top find fault with a place such as this. It is basically a neighbourhood cafe with a few cookbooks to its name. Keep trying Bills!

Dec 24, 2008

8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  9     

I highly recommend the caramelised pears on sour cherry toast. What a way to start the day! Staff forgot my second coffee order but cheerfully offered to give me a takeaway, free of charge. I'll be back, but in warmer weather! The sun never shines on nest, so, perhaps, they could follow the recent trend of placing throws over outdoor chairs to keep diners warm. Fantastic!

Update November 2008: Watch out, management has changed! Cafe now empty and strange burning/greasy smell is around. I'm sad I didn't have a chance to say goodbye!

Nov 30, 2008

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  5      Value  9     

Chat Thai is awesome! Everything mentioned about excellent tasting food is true. I did not find anything too sweet, salty, oily or spicy. In relation to other complaints about the restaurant. To reduce the probability of anxiety and ensuing disappointment, take the following into account:

Book before going. Go in a small group at most. Drink a glass of wine (or two) before going to stay calm. Have no expectations of service whatsoever, I'm sure to make up for the cheap food they keep staff numbers (and costs) down. Go along with people you know (i.e this is not first date territory) so you don't feel like apologising for lack of service mentioned above.

Do not customise orders (i.e. "I'd like the curry without the ______." It just won't happen). Food will come when it is ready, not in the order you specify. Have plenty of time. There is also a chance you will be hurried along should you be there at peak time (but it always seems to be peak time, so...)

If you eat seafood, please do not leave the restaurant without ordering a whole fish. I shared the Snapper special with lime, cashews and galangal, and this was some of the tastiest fish I have eaten in any restaurant for quite a while. Chat Thai, I'll be back!

Nov 30, 2008

5.8 Average

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  5      Value  5     

Mid-week, mid-winter, there was no problem getting a seat and making our order. The kitchen was extremely clean and the food very tasty - it's true that you should definitely give the bok choy and corn on the cob sides a try!

My only criticism is that there should be salt and pepper on every table, I had to get up and down about 4 times to grab all of the utensils I needed. There is no service whatsoever at A fish Called Paddo, it's sort of quality fast food with the price to match! (And be warned... cash only.)

Aug 14, 2008

7.3 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  7     

I picked up some very tasty sweet potato, pumpkin, caramelised onion and goats cheese quiches for lunch on a rainy Sunday. They tasted fresh and lovely, the pastry was to die for. Service was fine although the restaurant was mostly empty. Great value for the quality of food on offer. I'll be ordering pizzas in the next week for sure!

Aug 10, 2008