Candelori's

• Overall 3 - Food 5, Ambience 5, Value 1, Service 1

  Went there last night, what was to be a special night, wasn't. The food was nice, but very expensive, which would have been fine if the service wasn't so appalling. We were pretty much ignored, after the service of our main course. We waited 30 minutes for the dessert menu after out mains had been cleared, I had to leave the table to find someone to give us the menus, then one out of five desserts arrived, another 20 minute wait, and I again went and found someone to chase up the remaining desserts, by which time the first dessert was stone cold, no offer to replace it. Such a disappointing night, we will never go back, sad because this restaurant used to be an icon of the area, now just trading on its past reputation.   (February, 2013)

• Overall 2 - Food 1, Ambience 5, Value 1, Service 1

  DO NOT EAT HERE!!!

  I ate lunch here with friends yesterday. Food was grossly over-priced for what was served. Frozen seafood passed off as being fresh. Lobster so tough, it couldn't be removed from the shell. Scallops chewy and stuck to the shell. Scampi was tasteless. Dish was sent back to the kitchen only for them to return the same dish that had been pried from the shell (probably with a jack-hammer as it took so long), drowned in butter and re-heated. This is unacceptable for an $85 dish!

  One of my friends had seafood ravioli which was "supposed" to contain "fresh" lobster, prawn and crab. The filling was tasteless (due to the seafood having been frozen) and the pasta was under-cooked.

  The food served to us on this occasion could be described as "pub grub" at best! In fact, I have eaten better quality meals at a pub or club bistro than what was served up here..and for a fraction of the price!

  The manager was rude and unhelpful.

  This restaurant may have excelled once...but those days are long gone.

  I will never dine at Candelori's again, and will be advising all my friends and colleagues to steer clear as well!   (October, 2012)

• Overall 9.5 - Food 10, Ambience 9, Value 9, Service 10

  Candelori's is the best in the West, the food is always good, finger licking, and authentic home made Italian food.

  We have never had a bad experience at Candeloris, we have all our family partys and Funcitons here. Job well done Ross.   (Artsi - See my reviews (4) - April, 2011)

• Overall 10 - Food 10, Ambience 10, Value 10, Service 10

  I've been hearing about this restaurant for sometime now on the radio, however, never had a chance to check it out. Well I recently went to Candelori's and might I say definitely one of the best restaurants in Sydney. The menu is very extensive and if thats not enough there is the daily special's board. I personally had the Parpadelle with Duck Ragu for entree, which was exquisite.

  Then for main I had the Baked Seafood in a bag, the flavours' were breath taking. They definitely have a great establishment going and from talking to the table adjacent to ours, found out that people really do come from all over Sydney to eat there. The service was very good, fairly priced with large servings and the ambience on Tuesday night was unbelievable. They even escorted us to the door! Will definitely be going back.   (ricci_constructions - See my reviews (2) - April, 2010)

  Restaurant response - Thanks for your kind feedback. We look forward to seeing you again in the future!   (ricci_constructions - See my reviews (2) - April, 2010)

• Overall 10 - Food 10, Ambience 10, Value 10, Service 10

  The most underrated restaurant in all of Sydney. Been here 3 times since discovering it earlier this year after some friends invited us, just absolutely fantastic. We drive out from Rose Bay and its well worth the effort. The pasta's here are on par with what you find it in Italy. Fresh ingredients, and simply delicious. The only issue, the servings are enormous, and I feel terrible about not cleaning up my plate.   (christophertony - See my reviews (2) - April, 2010)

• Overall 3.5 - Food 4, Ambience 4, Value 3, Service 3

  i heard so many things about this place, i went there the other day...... not as good as i heard, we arrived at 7:30, got our main course at 10!! i thought they r cooking up something very hard and fancy, just a piece of veal and a chicken and very plain, staff could have been more polite about it when asked when the food is coming, very very busy and noisy

  i will give a second chance during the week when not as busy   (samd - December, 2009)

• Overall 3.3 - Food 3, Ambience 5, Value 3, Service 2

  We had heard so many good things about this restaurant, it was a real shame to have a not very pleasant experience. After arriving to be told that out table wasn't ready, we were offered complimentary drinks while we waited in the hallway for our table. We were told that there is much more room outside if we want to wait there (middle of June, nice customer service). While most meals we received were okay, a steak merlot that was ordered medium to well done came out as absolute shoe leather, which even the steak knife supplied could not cut through. The service there, although granted it was a very busy night, was painfully slow, we only had 2 courses and stayed there over three hours. After receiving our bill and finding that the complimentary drinks we had been supplied had been put on it, when questioned the waitress who offered us the drinks said she did not in fact offer us complimentary drinks. Blatant lies and being treated like a criminal will ensure that I will never eat at this place again, as well as anyone I know.   (June, 2009)

• Overall 4.3 - Food 7, Ambience 3, Value 4, Service 3

  Attended a function here... was not enough food for our guests even though their function co-ordinator gave us the price for the menu we wanted. Very dissapointed indeed, especially due to the fact that we heard so many reviews.

  Inadequate air conditioning for people and restaraunt size.. was very hot indeed.   (westsyd - See my reviews (6) - February, 2009)

• Overall 9.5 - Food 10, Ambience 9, Value 9, Service 10

  Love it, Love it, Love it. We travel 30kms to visit here. We have been here over 20 times alone, with friends, even with kids and have always had a great time.

  It is our favourite restaurant and the food tastes like my Nonna's - it has a real authenticity to it.

  Their vegetarian items are gorgeous and look out for the specials.

  Their menu is extensive and my only wish is that they offered some more chicken dishes or dishes for those who don't eat seafood (I usually go for vegetarian meals).

  The service is good and the ambience is appealing. The only thing I would change is that it is very noisy when full (which is often) but they can't help that they are popular! (So it is not ideal for a quiet romantic dinner as such).

  We have swapped going into town for "special" restaurant experiences as save on parking, on tolls and even save on the bill at the end of the night.

  Highly recommended by me!   (The Edge - See my reviews (7) - December, 2008)

  Restaurant response - Thanks for your kind words. Hopefully we will see you again soon!   (The Edge - See my reviews (7) - January, 2009)

• Overall 9 - Food 9, Ambience 9, Value 9, Service 9

  this is the best Italian restaurant I've ever been.   (October, 2008)

• Overall 9.5 - Food 10, Ambience 9, Value 9, Service 10

  Fantastic! Great food excellent service and we will definitely be back for more.   (Chrisbil - March, 2008)

• Overall 10 - Food 10, Ambience 10, Value 10, Service 10

  best in sydeny i say food might seem expensive but the taste is worth it   (blinky - See my reviews (2) - February, 2008)

• Overall 8.3 - Food 10, Ambience 8, Value 8, Service 7

  Fantastic - the service can be hot & cold though   (November, 2007)

• Overall 6.3 - Food 8, Ambience 3, Value 7, Service 7

  Still very noisy. Detracts from an otherwise good value restaurant.   (SG - July, 2007)

  Restaurant response - If you would prefer a quieter experience, we recommend coming on weeknights.   (SG - January, 2009)

• Overall 8.8 - Food 10, Ambience 8, Value 9, Service 8

  Great service, fantastic food!!!   (Not Happy - See my reviews (2) - May, 2007)

• Overall 9.5 - Food 10, Ambience 9, Value 9, Service 10

  Great food. We always come back for more.   (Rosita - May, 2007)

• Overall 9 - Food 9, Ambience 9, Value 9, Service 9

  Very good food.   (excellent - January, 2007)

Plus Overall 7.5 - Food 8, Ambience 8, Value 7, Service 7 From 55 reviews