TingLish — Restaurant in Adelaide

Made a booking and went here for a quick dinner pre-show at Thebbie Theatre. Arriving at 5.45pm we were seated at a table in the front room right in front of the door. We were invited to close the door if we became too cold. We had the much hyped eggplant which was truly delicious. The problem was that the sun was setting outside and the angle of the sun meant that the sun shone directly onto a giant mirror in front of me. It was truly blinding for about 20 minutes. We mentioned it to a staff member who went and stood at the door, blocking the sun for a period of possibly 30 seconds, before declaring that what was really needed was a curtain. She then left with no offer to move us to another table. I then ordered a meringue for desert. It was sliced in two and filled with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Apparently it was normally served with a shot of Bailey's, however I declined this in advance as I don't drink alcohol. The meringue was highly imperfect - the base so rock hard that it was unable to be penetrated with the slender parfait spoon that was provided. The rest was very chewy. When the bill arrived we found the cost of that desert was $18.90! Having been seated at what is obviously the worst table in the house despite not another single table in the front room being occupied at any time during our visit we left quite dissatisfied, and as if we were being punished for some unknown transgression. We will not return but if you book and intend to visit during daylight hours I would recommend insisting on a table somewhere other than the front room which was also cool and drafty and where you will experience the maximum passing...

Its not the same 'As it was' (Harry Styles) as there has been a change of ownership. I have been going to Tinglish since Mat and Pinchai opened in Thebarton but alas have discovered the boys have retired back to Queensland - I wish them all the best. The flavour of the food at my last visit has changed (with a new chef) and I could no longer taste the aromatic flavours of the spices used in the freshly cooked dishes that I was accustomed to enjoying. Instead myself and the diners at our table noted the spicy 'heat' in the food. (I had the Basil Beef and I could not taste the basil), we ordered a serve of steam rice for the table BUT there was a substantial delay with this arriving at the table (to the point that I had to go and ask where it was) by which time my dish was going cold and the others had eaten half their main courses. I must acknowledge that apologies were forthcoming with great kindness and sincerity about the delay and efforts were certainly made to compensate for the service (eg the rice was complimentary and another complimentary seafood entree (it was a pity that I don't eat seafood) also a complimentary ice cream dessert arrived at the table as we had booked to celebrate two recent birthdays but at the end of the night I walked away lamenting that you know it was not the same 'As it was' and not as enjoyable as my previous experiences. I wish the new owners all...

Dined at Tinglish last Saturday night 15/10, was really looking forward to a good night out with my wife. Restaurant quite deceiving, small shop front but goes back quite a way and very well decked out. Menu great & staff very welcoming. Was advised 2 hour limit as quite busy despite our dining at 7pm. Unfortunately we drew the short straw with the table, was basically in a corridor/walk through area with a store room door on one side and the kitchen door on the other both of which were continually used throughout our meal. We were also sandwiched against another table for 2. We ordered the mixed entree plate, had to order two serves, would of been happy to share one serve but not to be. Unfortunately we had not even finished before a waitress tried to remove this platter from the table and then immediately placed main course also on the table. The area we were seated in was so noisy we couldn't converse at all. We ended up taking quite a bit of the main course home in take-away containers. The owner was apologetic as was the waitress and said "next time request another table" and did send us home with a take-away dessert to share. Did enjoy the food and I would like to try again, my wife is...