Li'l Darlin Surry Hills — Restaurant in Sydney

We were looking for a place to hold a farewell dinner for one of our team members. Lil Darlin' was suggested to us by one of our crew and we are SO happy it was! The unassuming setting absolutely vibrates with a positive atmosphere that is somehow simultaneously high energy and chill. It is trendy but not obnoxiously so. The team is completely awesome, it is so refreshing to see a unified and positive group with contagious energy enjoying working together. and taking pride in their jobs. From the initial inquiry with Ashleigh all the way to Happy Hour and our final bites and sips of the night every single one of us were totally impressed. (The pizza held up for day two at home as well) We were feeding a group of tradies after a long day so were very conscious of the amount and quality of food we would need but we didn't need to be with Lil Darlin' serving us. We tried pretty much every dish on the Tapas menu, cocktail menu, mocktail menu, loaded fries and all the pizzas. Not a single dish disappointed and all the drinks were not only aesthetically gorgeous but also tasted amazing. The pizza crust is sensational (we highly recommend the popular Crispy Peking Duck Pizza and Truffle & 4 Cheese) the Tapas menu is completely drool worthy, you really can not go wrong with anything you choose here. The staff were so welcoming and accommodating and we loved watching the moves behind the bar. Every single one of the Lil Darlin Team engaged with us in some way even if it was just to say hello. Sara, thank you for being so sweet! Milli, thank you for providing exceptional service and ensuring everyone was happy. Eswar... you are completely what every business would want leading a team, you should be very proud of the work you do. It was clear to see that the high standards and positive example starts with you. There is an energy that just radiates here front of house and combined with the delectable and inspired work of Lil Darlin's kitchen crew you really can't go wrong with...

Unfortunately, I had quite a disappointing experience on Sat evening. Firstly there was no Air-conditioning despite it being 32' evening of great humidity. Whilst the food was Amazing, the service left a lot to be desired. Basic cocktails garnishes were 'forgotten' eg. Martini with no olive (had to request an olive) and Old-Fashioned without any burnt orange. The worst part was there seemed to a very 'over-zealous' waitress who kept taking my unfinished glasses of Cocktails and even Mineral Water. Whilst in the midst of conversation with my date, I turned to realise that my half glass of Sparkling Mineral water had suddenly disappeared! I alerted a waiter who did replace it. I averted another attempt at 2nd glass being taken halfway through. Shortly thereafter my cocktail glass which was unfinished and still had the cucumber garnish which I intended to have with the last bit of drink, was suddenly whisked away also. I saw the waitress and followed her to the bar asking for my glass back and was met with great hostility! She said she believed it was empty (despite a bit of drink and garnish clearly visible) and refused to hand me back my glass. I had to request my glass again as I wanted to finish my 2nd drink and finally she relented whilst mouthing abuse to me and her colleagues watching! A few seconds later we were handed our bill and asked to leave! I find this very sad as I had been looking forward to a long and fun evening but she truly spoilt it for everyone. Everyone makes mistakes, but a simple apology and handing me back my drink would have sufficed instead of abusing a customer for wanting to finish the drink they are paying for! I strongly suggest you invest in better 'Staff training' to prevent such appalling behaviour which is ruining...

I can't pass up Li'l Darling because it's too conveniently close to my work for an end-of-week drink with work friends. The first few times I went there, I thought the food was decent but I couldn't see myself wanting to sit there and drink for an afternoon. The way its decorated reminds me of The Winery, though its not as whimsical and the atmosphere is just not quite there... I can't put my finger on what is missing but something is just not there.

When they first opened they had a great pizza special, and the pizzas are delicious so this was a favourite for us. Now the prices have gone back up, the pizzas are really not value for money any more. I can't pass up the chicken burger though - it really is one of the best chicken burgers I've ever had.

They have a fairly average wine selection, and the cocktails, whilst creative and overflowing with fairy floss, lack a bit of creativity.

What I will say though.... They have the best frozen watermelon cocktails I have ever tasted. I could bathe in that stuff. It is too good and I wish I had the recipe. If they get rid of them watermelon cocktail, I don't know if I will survive.

I've had quite a few very boozy nights at Li'l Darling and its gained a soft spot in my heart, despite my initial impressions of the lack of atmosphere. The atmosphere is definitely improved by the great 90s RnB they bust out later in...