Don't Tell Aunty — Restaurant in Sydney

Disappointing Dining Experience at Don't Tell Aunty Ji

Dear Management

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to share my recent experience at Don't Tell Aunty Ji, and unfortunately, it was far from satisfactory.

This was my second visit to your establishment, and I must express my surprise and disappointment regarding the poor service and lack of attention to detail. My party and I ordered two entrees and one main course, only to find that the restaurant seemed to have forgotten the fundamental distinction between entrees and mains. To compound matters, the main course was served first, followed by the entrees in a completely opposite sequence.

Furthermore, I found it disheartening that I had to request a drink three times at the beginning of our meal, and it was only served right at the end. Upon questioning this, the explanation provided by your staff was below average, stating that the kitchen was sending dishes in a particular order. This lack of flexibility and responsiveness to customer requests contributed significantly to our overall dissatisfaction.

The initial experience wasn't favorable either. Despite the restaurant being nearly empty during our walk-in, the concierge displayed reluctance in offering us a table. It was only after we insisted that we were accommodated, and even then, the manner in which it was done was far from pleasing. We were cautioned that the table needed to be vacated by 7:30, adding an unnecessary pressure to our dining experience.

Overall, this visit has left a lasting impression, and unfortunately, it's not a positive one. I had hoped for an improved experience from my first visit, but the service inconsistencies and the overall lack of attention to customer satisfaction have led me to the decision that I won't be returning to Don't Tell Aunty Ji.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and hope that you take the necessary steps to enhance the dining experience for future patrons.

Sincerely,

PS. Food and ambience is great as always however the service and attention to detail...

⭐☆☆☆☆ – Fake Indian Restaurant, Cold Food & Pathetic Service

One of the worst dining experiences I’ve had. This place is nothing but a money-making gimmick—pretending to be Indian but serving neither authentic taste nor proper service.

They’re just targeting Australian customers in the name of Indian food, but what you get is cold, tasteless, and old food. There’s no spice, no soul, and definitely nothing that resembles real Indian cuisine.

And the atmosphere? Laughable. An “Indian” restaurant playing English music that kills the whole vibe. Food arrived late and cold, and to top it off, there were no tissues, no cutlery, no salt, no pepper, not even achaar on the table. We had to ask multiple times just to get one or two tissues.

It felt like they don’t care about guests at all—just taking orders, serving reheated food, and moving on. Not worth your time, money, or expectations.

Avoid this place. There are far better and truly authentic Indian restaurants in the city that respect both your taste buds and your presence.

EDITED after merchant’s response:

Thanks for the polite copy-paste response, but it doesn’t really address the actual experience I had—cold food, zero spice, late service, no tissues or cutlery, and no sign of anything truly “Indian” apart from the name.

If you’re striving for authenticity, it’s not just about the menu—it’s also about the details, the atmosphere, and how guests are treated. Right now, it feels like the focus is more on marketing than on real Indian hospitality.

Hopefully, this feedback goes beyond just being “ “noted” and leads to actual changes. Because right now, the only thing you’re serving well is disappointment. Given the amount that I spent on my visit, your scripted words do not do justice as I should be eligible for a compensation for a better customer experience in at least one...

I have only ever had Indian food once and it was butter chicken ordered via Uber eats so it was barely an experience. I was told about this place by a friend of mine and I knew I had to check it out for myself.

Doesn’t look like much from the outside but as you step in, you’re welcomed in with rustic pink brick walls, rich blue couches, tables and gold chairs. Portraits of the people of India. A gorgeous back bar. It's just a beautiful venue overall with even more beautiful food to match.

The thing I love most about food, are the colours and flavours it can bring. The platter is a perfect example of that.

An assortment of papadum, chutney & naan; cumin-spiced yogurt, chili hot sauce, tamarind, lime pickle, mint, sweet mango, roasted capsicum, pineapple jalapeno and beetroot. It was absolutely divine! So many flavours ranging from mild to hot and I experienced it all because that's just what you do!

We also ordered the "Balls of Happiness" which are semolina puffs filled with homemade chutney and yoghurt. They are truly balls of happiness! You pop one in your mouth and it explodes into a burst of delicious flavours. Kinda lucky my sister only ate one because I ate the other 5 with ease!

From the pots.. Chana Masala. Chickpea curry spiced with garam masala, pomegranate & mango powder. This was such a pleasure to eat along with aged basmati rice. It was rich in flavour and had the right amount of heat. The fresh tomato and red onion finished the curry off nicely.

Looking at their menu, there are so many more curries I want to try. They do have a couple of tasing menus which I plan to order the next time I go, just so I can get a taste of it all.

If you're looking for really good Indian food in Sydney, add this to your...