All reader reviews by Nimmyins

Max's Sea Grill

My partner and his younger sister researched the restaurant at the Royal York Hotel before booking a large family dinner to celebrate their parents' ruby wedding.

However, once we arrived the menu wasn't the one on the website, shown to them when they booked, or the one publicised outside the hotel.

It seems the dining room is a fish restaurant, but they will do Sunday roast.

The vegetarian option on the online and street menu wasn't available. When we asked we were told of two dishes (as there were three vegetarians in our group we wouldn't have booked a fish restaurant if we'd known). Also, the children's menu wasn't available, however smaller portions of the roast beef dinner were made up for them.

The food was very good.

How can I describe the service? When we arrived there were two tables finishing up, so our party was the only group in the restaurant.

We had to ask for the wine menu.

We had to ask for our wine three times before it finally arrived in time for the main course (surely they should be pouring it before the starters arrive).

Our mineral water was served and then the bottle kept on the other side of the restaurant.

Again we had to ask for refills three times before they were forthcoming.

Eventually the staff left the bottles on our table.

I'd say describing the service as poor would be doing the staff a favour.

The dining room is beautiful, but the Royal York needs to decide what's being served in its restaurant, and encourge the staff to serve the table, rather than stand around chatting in the corner.

Monday, September 22, 2008
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 1 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 5

Suruchi

It was about eight years ago when I went to this restaurant with friends, and we were thrilled with the food.

Subtle flavours and textures, it was delicious and a great chance to try southern Indian food.

Monday, August 25, 2008
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 10

Murasaki Cafe

I'd been interested in visiting Murasaki Café after trying out the offerigns of Murasaki Bento. I'm a vegetarian, and went with my partner and his parents. They were both new to the Japanese food experience.

The aubergine / miso / tofu dish was divine, as was the vegetable tempura. Everyone enjoyed the food, and the service was just right. We will definitely go there again.

Sunday, June 22, 2008
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 8