Reviews by CJ

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

La Scala continues to be my favourite Italian restaurant in Canberra. We enjoyed beautiful meals, great service, and a quiet intimate table in the 'mask room'. I enjoy the ambience of this restaurant and their signature dish, Scallopine La Scala, is absolutely delicious! We also enjoyed their 'phantom dessert' which turned out to be a chocolate and hazelnut semifreddo. Top marks, La Scala, and thanks for a wonderful evening.   (CJ - October, 2007)

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

We chose this place from the Melbourne 'Brunch Secrets' deck of cards ... but we'll be surprised if it's a secret for long. Divine crepes, beautiful smooth hot chocolate, friendly and welcoming service, and great relaxed vibe. We especially loved the separate hot chocolate menu, with about 20 different flavours available. Take a walk to Fraus to earn the delicious calorie hit provided by this lovely place with excellent staff!   (CJ - October, 2007)

Overall 9.8 - Food 10, Ambience 9, Value 10, Service 10

We loved Stuzzichino! A fantastic and diverse range of menu items, all well-priced ... and all of our selections were absolutely delicious. We were visiting from interstate had people coming and going from our group, ordering at different times (mid-late afternoon) and the staff members were accommodating, patient and friendly. Service was excellent and food/drinks couldn't be faulted. We will return on our next visit to Melbourne.   (CJ - October, 2007)

Overall 9.3 - Food 9, Ambience 10, Value 8, Service 10

Great food, great wine list, great vibe and great service. These guys have apparently won a national award for their pizza - it was very good (although a little over-priced), as were the other dishes we had. Friendly, welcoming and great for people-watching if you get a table outside. We were impressed.   (CJ - October, 2007)

Overall 9.8 - Food 10, Ambience 10, Value 9, Service 10

We loved our meal here - from the beautiful coconut prawn entree to the divine Belgian chocolate meringue dessert. We were visiting Mooloolaba and wanted a special night out, and See Restaurant provided the precise experience we were after. Great service, lovely staff, fantastic views (request a window table so you can see the fish swimming below), and superb food.   (CJ - October, 2007)

Overall 9.3 - Food 10, Ambience 9, Value 9, Service 9

We dined here in late 2006 and had the most fantastic meal. Beautiful (and reasonably priced) food, excellent service (warm and attentive), warmly lit decor, and many reasons to return. Finished up with a drink in the charming old-fashioned bar. It was a romantic and memorable evening and the team at Essence made it extra special for us.   (CJ - June, 2007)

Overall 9.8 - Food 10, Ambience 10, Value 10, Service 9

We sampled some of the 'hawker' food (very reasonably priced) and every dish was mouth wateringly delicious, as were the desserts. Distinctive flavours, with just the right amount of spice and flair - and the pre-dinner cocktails at the bar were sensational! Loved the decor, lighting and music. We're from interstate and can't wait for our next trip to Melbourne so we can visit Gingerboy again.   (CJ - June, 2007)

Overall 8 - Food 9, Ambience 7, Value 8, Service 8

Lovely lunches - quick service and great flavours. The sushi is made with care and attention (not the usual conveyer-belt fare), and the tempura is fantastic. The prices (about $15-$17 for a lunch course) reflect the higher standard and authentically-prepared food, but are definitely worth paying. Lovely view over the Hobart docks if you can get a window seat.   (CJ - June, 2007)

Overall 9.3 - Food 10, Ambience 8, Value 9, Service 10

Me Wah, what a gem! Easily the best Chinese food we've had in Tasmania, and as we live in Hobart we're thrilled at the rumour that they're opening up down south. Food was absolutely beautiful, service was quiet and charming, wine list was impressive, and overall dining experience was near-perfect. An eclectic mix of diners on the night we went, and all seemed to be very happy. Thank you, Me Wah, for being the highlight of our weekend in Launceston!   (CJ - June, 2007)

Overall 9.3 - Food 10, Ambience 8, Value 10, Service 9

Went back to Annapurna again based on the fantastic meal we had last time. The food here really is exceptionally good. Unfortunately we were in the path of a gust of wind every time the door opened (it was a very cold night!) but it didn't dampen our spirits and we had a great night. Amazing meals, friendly and efficient service, and BYO if you want. We were VERY impressed.   (CJ - June, 2007)