Reviews by Jenjen

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

Fantastic food. Japanese fusion theme worked well with the modern Australian dishes.

Sampled and recommended: soft shell crab omlette, BLT, pumpkin with organic fetta salad, Japanese pancake, eggs benedict with soft shell crab.   (Jenjen - February, 2010)

Overall 7.3 - Food 8, Ambience 8, Value 8, Service 5

Breakfast at Bills (Surry Hills):

I enjoyed a generous serving of the toasted cereal (really a variation of toasted muesli) with a vanilla poached pear. The cereal was studded with sesame seeds, almond flakes, maccadamias and dried fruit in a perfect blend which was complimeted with the tang of natural yoghurt and honey on the side.

My companion ordered the corn fritters which appeared to be quite popular with other diners. The two golden corn loaded fritters arrived sandwiching a rasher of bacon and baby spinnach leaves beside a grilled roma tomato.

The service was unfortunately a little arrogant and unattentive. That aside, the food at Bills lives up to its founder's rapport.

(May 2009)   (Jenjen - May, 2009)

Overall 6.5 - Food 6, Ambience 7, Value 7, Service 6

The service was a little less attentive than desired but could be reasoned by the restaurant's busy status- almost all the tables had been filled on a monday night. The slightly over-priced menu offered nothing outstanding. The antipasto seemed some what 'out of the jar' and the grilled calamari was suggesting it may have been over done. The grilled salmon from the specials menu was relatively standard; the veal with prawns was tantalising; the seafood pizza was generous with its toppings; and the grilled chicken was perfectly prepared on a generous bed of salad greens.

The servings are and left us with no room for dessert- there was a large selection of the usual offerings.   (Jenjen - November, 2007)

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

The sashimi is perhaps one of the best I have tried in Sydney. The dishes served here are of a high calibre and it is unfortunate that the restaurant is tucked away in a corner. Also, interior decor (although pleasant) does not do the outstanding food justice. There is also an all you can eat sushi option which seemed to be quite popular amongst the other diners.   (Jenjen - September, 2007)

Overall 7.5 - Food 7, Ambience 8, Value 8, Service 7

The menu offers a wide range of dishes in the Isakaya style. The food itself was quite good but outstanding. I have dined at Takeru for both lunch and dinner and have found the evening ambiance much more lively and appealing. The service is a little inattentive in comparison to other Sydney based Japanese restaurants.   (Jenjen - September, 2007)

Overall 8.5 - Food 8, Ambience 8, Value 9, Service 9

We had a surprise dinner party of over 20 people and the staff were very helpful in accommodating us and taking pre-orders. The service was highly efficient which was ideal, given the 2 hour group dining limit. Unfortunately, large groups are limited to the narrow street-side outdoor dining area. The menu features a wide selection of typical Japanese isakaya style dishes and was reasonably priced. We recommend the Takoyaki.   (Jenjen - September, 2007)

Overall 7.3 - Food 8, Ambience 8, Value 7, Service 6

Fantastic options for the gluten intolerant and really delicious salads! The vivid decor and outdoor setting make DARE a fantastic for a casual meal.   (Jenjen - August, 2007)

Overall 7.5 - Food 8, Ambience 7, Value 8, Service 7

The restaurant is usualy quite full which shows its popularity amongst the locals. Although it is not aiming for delivering the wow factor experience, Kagaya is definitely an option for a casual Japanese lunch or dinner. Note that the katsu dishes are quite generous.   (Jenjen - May, 2007)

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

The noise level became progressively louder during the evening which is evidence of the popularity of the restaurant. The interiors were sttractively decorated, providing a warm and casual dining environment. The service was friendly and attentive and the food was superb. The servings are larger than the typical Indian restaurant portions and do try the cottage cheese in cashew curry and the mango lassi.   (Jenjen - May, 2007)

Overall 8.5 - Food 8, Ambience 9, Value 8, Service 9

A pleasant dining experience with friendly, professional staff. The decor provides for an intimate but casual dining experience. The food comes in large portions recommended for sharing. The presentation was well executed- simple yet profound. Take note that the restaurant is obscure to find- it does not feature any protruding signage but is in the flavour of capturing a quiet and relaxed dining experiencce.   (Jenjen - May, 2007)