Red Lantern

Posted by: kim.dale | 12 October 2011, 12.43pm

We travelled to Sydney on a foodie birthday weekend and booked the places we would most want to eat at. The Red Lantern was the one we most looked forward to.I hate to say this but is was very very average (sorry Luke/Mark) We had the 8 course tasting menu and all but two courses were very average. I dont know what to say........at our local in Richmond we could get all similar dishes for under half the cost and better quality. If Red Lantern was in Melbourne I would have to give it another shot as I can't accept that this is a true reflection of the restaurant's standard.As we only get to Sydney a few times a year there are many other restaurants we would try before coming back.

Food:			Visit: Wed 12 October 2011
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Posted by: GabrielleParis | 7 July 2011, 5.05pm

I have eaten at Red Lantern twice and on both occasions the food was excellent but, unfortunately, this cannot be said of the Maitre d'.I, and my fellow diners, found her condescending to the extreme and, on both occasions, her attitude made the experience a little less special for us. The wait staff below her were, on the other hand, exceptional - attentive and polite and, on both the occasions we dined, were genuinely happy to be of assistance and obviously had a genuine love of food and serving. It is a shame that a wonderful restaurant like this has to be ruined by one person on the staff, to such an extent that the conversation after we left the restaurant was not of the wonderful food but of the Maitre d's attitude towards the patrons.

Food:			Visit: Thu 7 July 2011 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Arty Girl | 15 November 2010, 10.17am

Maybe my expectations were too high, but the food was overpriced for what was fresh and tasty but not amazing, and not worth $30 a main- which was on the small side...was left to wait on the street while staff bustled around, if have to book for 6pm (only 2 options, 6 or 8pm) and people are waiting outside 10 mins before, than let them in to have a drink...pretty clear that staff needed you out for next sitting. Decor inside was beautiful

Food:			Visit: Sun 14 November 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: olidak | 24 September 2010, 9.04pm

We have just arrived home after having dinner at the Red Lantern in Surry Hills. This was our first visit but it had been highly recommended to us. All I can say was it was sensational. The food was fresh and so much flavour, the sauces unbelievable. The service we received was nothing short of first class. Our waiter, Lucas, was like an old friend by the time we left. I can't wait to go back!

Food:			Visit: Fri 24 September 2010 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: beats maccas | 7 April 2009, 3.23pm

We made a booking to take our family of 6 and when we arrived we did not get a choice of what we wanted and were told that a 10% surcharge would be added to the bill. So despite not having any choice in food and being charged 33% more than the adjacent table of 5 adults, we stayed and ordered the $50 banquet which was very good, but each dish being served, was definitely smaller than the adjacent table of 5. Our daughter collects cookbooks and imagine our shock when the bill came and the 10% surcharge was added not only to our paltry meal at $50 per head, but to wine, drinks, water and the cookbook. This was mentioned to the waiter who rather reluctantly advised that if we paid the bill then we could call back in, and purchase the book on a separate invoice at the RR price and save the 10% surcharge. But as he had swiped our card this would be a great inconvenience to him. I'm sure it would have been so we paid up and won't ever be conveniencing the staff here again. Go elsewhere for much more affordable taste of high end Asian cuisine.

Food:			Visit: Tue 10 March 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Epic Cure | 10 March 2009, 7.30pm

I went to Red Lantern for the first time recently, aware of its fairly impressive reputation. It had quite high expectations to live up to, and it delivered.

We tried their cocktails (not something I would usually go for, but they sounded delicious -- and were sensational!) and started with the roast duck rice paper rolls (incredibly delicious, richly flavoured while incorporating some subtle flavours and aromas) and Cha Gio (nicely done).

For mains, we shared the Peking duck curry and stir-fried Angus beef - both were fantastic. The curry had an impressive depth of flavour, and the beef was perfectly cooked with a lovely charred flavour. The high quality of produce sourced was clearly evident in both dishes.

The service was friendly, warm, helpful and attentive. I've only given the atmosphere 3 stars because we were out on the balcony so it's a bit hard to say. The place was busy and had a good energy about it though. Be warned that the restaurant has two sittings - I think it's something like 6-8pm and 8-10pm (or somesuch) so make sure you get there in plenty of time so you're done by the end of your allotted time.

Food:			Visit: Sat 28 February 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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Posted by: Under whelmed | 24 February 2009, 11.42am

I recently experienced my worst culinary experience in Sydney in 20 years. The Red Lantern Surry Hills! It took them 2 days to respond to their voicemail. We arrived & were delayed being seated because there had been no booking confirmation for the people in front of us - there was no table for them & they weren't happy - that had to be sorted out. We were then ushered into a dark room & seated at the kitchen door which meant waiters rushing back & forth. We ordered the banquet menu ($6o a head) food was fresh but nothing special. When we asked for coffee/dessert the waiter said 'no' all tables had to be cleared for the 'next sitting' we had been there 1hr 40 mins fleeced +$500 (banquet for 6 2 bottles of wine). Opinion: overpriced & underwhelmed. Don't recommend it certainly won't be back.

Food:			Visit: Tue 24 February 2009 Mealtime: dinner
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