Lal Qila Darling Harbour — Restaurant in Sydney

This restaurant has serious management issues. I booked for Buffet Lunch online for the 26th of Jan on the 17th, nobody responded. I called the restaurant on the 18th to make sure, restaurant is open on the Australia Day and lunch buffet was available, the lady on the phone went back and forth and confirmed the restaurant will be open but they were still deciding on the lunch buffet.

I called the restaurant again on 25th Jan, the lady confirmed restaurant is open and lunch buffet is available and booked it through phone. To make it on record, I booked it online as well and received the confirmation email as well.

On the 26th, we travel all the way from the upper northshore for lunch at 12:30 PM, restaurant was empty and saw a group of around 10 people leaving, not sure why. We enquired about the buffet and they said they don't have it, had to show my email communication to make them aware it was booked. After all this dramas, the waitress says, she was not there the previous day, so not sure what happened. Even, if they decided to cancel the buffet, they could have informed me earlier, but the wait staff had no clue.

We settled for the ala carte menu, service was good and quick as only couple of tables were occupied. Food was OK, not great. Pani poori was good. Veg biryani was pretty average, except for potato, none of vegetables were cooked. It is difficult to eat raw broccoli, capcicum and mushrooms in a veg biryani. Paneer handi gravy was very grainy, smooth paste would be better in a gravy.

Public restrooms are better in the darling harbour vicinity than this place.

This restaurant being in the prime location, lacks in lot of areas. We will not be returning to this restaurant, paying a premium price, we expect more. We paid $290 for 4 people without any drinks, as they don't serve drinks in the restaurant.

If at all, you are booking a table, do it at your risk, they don't bother to confirm or honor the booking. Food is average, not great, so not worth the trek...

Stepping into lal qila felt like crossing a threshold into Pakistan itself, where the aroma of spices danced in the air and the warmth of hospitality embraced me like an old friend. From the moment I entered, I knew I was in for a culinary adventure unlike any other. The ambiance exuded authenticity, with its tasteful décor and subtle nods to Pakistani culture. Soft lighting and comfortable seating set the stage for an intimate dining experience that felt both elegant and welcoming. As for the food, it was nothing short of a revelation. Each dish was a masterpiece in its own right, crafted with care and precision. From the tantalizing flavors of Chicken Biryani to the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of Lamb Karahi, every bite transported me to the bustling streets of Lahore or the serene landscapes of Islamabad. The naan bread, freshly baked and served piping hot, was the perfect accompaniment to the feast. Crispy on the outside, yet soft and pillowy on the inside, it complemented the richness of the curries and lent an extra layer of indulgence to the meal. But beyond the food itself, it was the service that truly set lal qila apart. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about sharing their culinary heritage with each guest. They guided us through the menu with grace and patience, offering recommendations that only enhanced our dining experience. In sum, lal qila is more than just a restaurant—it's a celebration of culture, community, and the timeless art of good food. Whether you're a connoisseur of Pakistani cuisine or simply seeking a memorable dining experience, lal qila promises to delight and inspire in equal measure. Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will linger in your memory long after the...

On the 11th of May 2025, we had a dinner booking for 50 guests at 7:30 PM at Lal Qila, Sydney. We arrived at the restaurant on time, but only 27 guests attended instead of the planned 50. Despite our booking, only two tables accommodating 16 people were prepared for us, and we had to wait until 8:30 PM to be seated as the restaurant was fully booked.

The table was not wiped properly, and the atmosphere felt unhygienic.

We were served a set menu consisting of three starters, three main courses, and one dessert (which was not served), priced at $55.90 per person, excluding drinks. Each item was served in a single bowl for every two guests. The quantity was insufficient, and the food quality did not meet our expectations—it lacked both flavour and proper presentation.

Prior to the event, it was agreed that takeaway meals for the 23 absent guests would be provided. However, when I requested the takeaway after dinner, we received only:

5 naan breads 1 box of chicken tikka 1 seekh kebab 1 box of vegetables 5 boxes of butter chicken (with only 2–3 pieces of chicken in each, the rest being just gravy)

I pointed out that this quantity wasn’t even enough for 4–5 people. The staff claimed they had served extra food equivalent to 15–20 additional people, which was clearly false. It is unreasonable to expect one person to consume a meal intended for two. This was a clear case of dishonesty and misrepresentation.

We felt completely cheated. The restaurant’s actions reflect a lack of ethics, fairness, and professionalism. Their service does not meet Australian standards, and I strongly advise others to think twice before making a booking at Lal...