The Goldfinch

Unclaimed

We dined in for dinner one night, the staff were warm, attentive with great communication skills! The food - Small, medium and large plates are delicious and the portions are generous. Yes each dish comes with lots of sauce but not the two are tasted same, all have their unique flavours! Posted photos of our dinner here for your enjoyment!

Menu was well explained, with recommendations on the most popular dishes in each section (small, medium, large). We were told that the best combination is 2 small plates, 1 medium plate, and 1 large plate (500g of meat!). There were only two of us, so we did 2 small and 2 medium. The table was quite small, so as the plates came, we had to offload to the table next to us, which was lucky empty. Food is good apart from the boar skewers which wasn't to our taste. Best thing we had tonight was the lamb belly which was soft but crispy! And the upside down pavlova was light and refreshing. Would like to come back again to try more of the menu.

We decided to come here given the great reviews and interesting menu. We decided to go for the "Set menu" which has 8 courses got $75 per pax which sounds like a good deal. We were surprised that when the dishes came, it was not served individually but in sharing plates. OK, no issues - we realised by then it's not really a fine dining place. And the dishes came really fast until we had to ask them slow down so that we can enjoy the food. As most of the dishes had heavy sauces and was served in one sharing plate, we had to keep asking them to change our individual plates so that the sauces from the previous dish doesn't affect the taste of the next dish. Again, this would have been more perfect if the dishes were served individually. Now onto the food. Frankly, it was pretty good.. Good taste, texture and flavours. The seared Tuna and Eggplant was great. Some of the dishes were heavy on the sauce and clearly adopted both European and Asian style. We are Asian and clearly appreciated some of the Asian dishes that we miss. Apparently the menu changes seasonally. The cocktail were great too and wine list is short but decent. Overall a very decent place that is not really a fine dining but not really a bistro. Prices are on the slightly high side but reasonable for the taste.

Another first table find for us, the reviews looked great, so we booked as early as we could for lunch. I was surprised to find it in an awkward spot, down an alleyway, which gives it zero atmosphere. When the food prices are as high as they are, you dont want to be looking out onto a car park. But... the service right off the bat was great, with the waiter giving great advice on the meal options. Unfortunately, they were out of the mussels, but the calamari was tender and flavourful. What is that amazing sauce?? The fish bites were also lovely and cocktail options were plentiful. I'm glad they have a first table option because the price, otherwise, would have prevented us from trying it. $240 for lunch for 2 at pre-first table discount is extravagant. I'd like to say we would go back, and I want to love it, but there are so many other Asian fusion places with a bit more atmosphere at a better price point.