paperdoll

8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  7      Value  7     

Being an avid regular of Sydney's Longrain, I hoped for a similarly tasty experience at their sister restaurant in Melbourne recently. It didn't disappoint. Signature dishes jumped from the menu, and their cocktails are as divine here as they are up North. Innovative, fresh, and oh some yummy dishes that keep people coming back.

My only gripe is their insistence on communal dining of which I'm not a huge fan. Great for larger groups, but if romance is in order stick to cocktails and finger food in the bar. Either way you won't be disappointed.

Oct 31, 2011

3.8 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  5      Service  4      Value  2     

Well it appears that the universally accepted adage that you get what you pay for doesn't apply here. My salt and pepper squid was gritty, tough, stingy, grossly overpriced even if it was to be fantastic, and 40 minutes in the making. Another sad example of 'location, location, location'. Shame that they don't honour such a gift by serving top quality, innovative and fresh seafood. Big shame, one for the tourists I think!

Oct 30, 2011

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  7     

Good variety, and if you don't see something you like, just order it and it will arrive promptly and with a smile. Drinks service can be a bit hit and miss, so keep in mind that shyness will get you nowhere.

Again, raising your hand for service is all that's required. The only downside in my books is the proximity to the sushi chefs. Not so much because I don't enjoy the friendly banter, or the spectacle of their work, but because being a witness to the waste (both food and water), and their sometimes unhygienic practices can ruin the fun. Overall a good, quick, tasty and convenient lunch stop.

Oct 30, 2011

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

Pretty hardcore stuff, not to be confused with your overly Westernised suburban Thai fare. This is top quality authentic Northern Thai cuisine - hot and dry curries, 'salads' that make you sweat and soups that make you weep. Come prepared, enjoy the cleansing delights, and walk out feeling like you've done a boot camp session of Bikram Yoga.

Oct 25, 2011

4.5 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  5      Service  4      Value  4     

It's not the worst Thai I've ever had, but it's far from the best. Dine here out of hunger, desperation or convenience, but not for the quality food or service. My last encounter involved a Pad Thai that was soggy and syrupy to the point of being inedible, and the staff make you feel like an inconvenience. Pretty average indeed.

Oct 25, 2011

8 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  7      Value  7     

Being an avid regular of Sydney's Longrain, I hoped for a similarly tasty experience at their sister restaurant in Melbourne recently. It didn't disappoint. Signature dishes jumped from the menu, and their cocktails are as divine here as they are up North. Innovative, fresh, and oh some yummy dishes that keep people coming back.

My only gripe is their insistence on communal dining of which I'm not a huge fan. Great for larger groups, but if romance is in order stick to cocktails and finger food in the bar. Either way you won't be disappointed.

Oct 31, 2011

3.8 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  5      Service  4      Value  2     

Well it appears that the universally accepted adage that you get what you pay for doesn't apply here. My salt and pepper squid was gritty, tough, stingy, grossly overpriced even if it was to be fantastic, and 40 minutes in the making. Another sad example of 'location, location, location'. Shame that they don't honour such a gift by serving top quality, innovative and fresh seafood. Big shame, one for the tourists I think!

Oct 30, 2011

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  8      Value  7     

Good variety, and if you don't see something you like, just order it and it will arrive promptly and with a smile. Drinks service can be a bit hit and miss, so keep in mind that shyness will get you nowhere.

Again, raising your hand for service is all that's required. The only downside in my books is the proximity to the sushi chefs. Not so much because I don't enjoy the friendly banter, or the spectacle of their work, but because being a witness to the waste (both food and water), and their sometimes unhygienic practices can ruin the fun. Overall a good, quick, tasty and convenient lunch stop.

Oct 30, 2011

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

Pretty hardcore stuff, not to be confused with your overly Westernised suburban Thai fare. This is top quality authentic Northern Thai cuisine - hot and dry curries, 'salads' that make you sweat and soups that make you weep. Come prepared, enjoy the cleansing delights, and walk out feeling like you've done a boot camp session of Bikram Yoga.

Oct 25, 2011

4.5 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  5      Service  4      Value  4     

It's not the worst Thai I've ever had, but it's far from the best. Dine here out of hunger, desperation or convenience, but not for the quality food or service. My last encounter involved a Pad Thai that was soggy and syrupy to the point of being inedible, and the staff make you feel like an inconvenience. Pretty average indeed.

Oct 25, 2011

3 Below Average

Food  1      Ambience  7      Service  3      Value  1     

I wish I had of read the reviews here before choosing to dine. Well that, or simply abide by the well known rule of picking a dining option in the thick of the tourist district of the Rocks/Circular Quay.

After a morning of shopping at the markets on a gorgeous Spring day, my family and I thought that some gorgeous, authentic Italian was just what we needed for lunch. Now it seemed straight off the bat that the prices were pretty high, but I put this down to the location. What I didn't expect however, was that the food would be terrible. Nasty soggy 'pizza', and calamari and chips straight from a packet in the freezer with portioned packs of tomato and tartare sauce on the side.

Not authentic Italian. And certainly not a place that does our international image any good. I felt embarrassed to be a local. All this for $90 for three plates. After leaving most of our meals and being asked why, the waiter's response was to return from the kitchen with the bill including all items. Disgraceful, steer clear.

Oct 16, 2011

7 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  5     

We got our first home delivered order last night and were pleasantly surprised by the quality of food. Each and every dish was bursting with fresh, clean flavours and the key ingredients were generously applied. My only would be that it's expensive for Thai food, so not a regular choice for take away, but certainly a delicious one.

Oct 13, 2011

6.5 Recommended

Drinks  8      Ambience  7      Service  6      Value  5     

Cute little eatery on the water at Walsh Bay. Tapas was really quite good, the drinks menu pretty impressive, but the service was slow and not very attentive. Make sure you book as it really is too small to expect a walk-in. I'd imagine it would be a great place to kick off a balmy night out with the girls.

Oct 09, 2011

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  8      Value  8     

Oddly located, but well worth tracking down if just for the quality of food alone. All of the dishes I've had here are superior to any of those offered at Sydney's yum cha darlings in Chinatown. And on each of my visits, the choices have been extensive. Best with a large group of people so that can try as many dishes as you can. Service is polished and efficient, but as one expects from a yum cha restaurant, far from friendly. A trip to the restrooms is best avoided if you can help it, not a great destination and your chances of negotiating your way safely through the trolley traffic are slim.

Oct 09, 2011

7.5 Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  8      Service  7      Value  7     

Good, basic takeaway lunch fare if you're in a rush, but this place hits it's straps as an breakfast/lunch cafe with an innovative and tempting eat-in menu that changes daily. Nice atmosphere, plenty of space, friendly service (although there can be some colourful discussions overheard from the kitchen at times). I'd highly recommend both their coffee and their corn fritters, although I'm yet to finish the fritters as it's like three meals in one!

Oct 04, 2011