Madame Nhu Surry Hills — Restaurant in Sydney

I decided to look up for good Vietnamese restaurants in Sydney and chanced upon Madame Nhu. Didn't have the chance to give it a try until much later though. They only take reservations from Sunday to Thursday and my hangout was scheduled on a Saturday night. Worried that there would be a queue, I arrived 15 minutes earlier, just to be pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the waiting staff in cleaning and managing the table. Seated at the right table within 5 minutes, I had enough time to order a glass of wine (no BYO) and immerse in the quirky ambience, which stands out from the typical Viet restaurants, while waiting for my friends to arrive.

We started with the grilled lemon grass pork sausages and crispy shiitake spring rolls, both of which were served reasonably fast (shortly after a small candle to set the mood) and appetite inducing. The main dishes also did a good job satisfying our craving for Vietnamese food and we were particularly impressed by the caramelised slow-cooked chicken gà kho, which came with white rice, just perfect to combine with the delish sauce. If you are not the biggest fan of rice, I suggest you order two servings for three and so on. In terms of value for money, I'd say spending 30 bucks per person is enough for a full and happy tummy. The only thing that I probably wish for improvement is the overall volume in such a small space, which wasn't comparatively loud, but I did have to exert my naturally soft voice over a small, cosy table. All in all, definitely recommend for the authentic food and prompt service, especially when the loco is so central (only a few minutes walk from...

This was our second time to this restaurant. Despite a few positive aspects, some key issues detracted from the overall experience as a result we would not return.

Overcharged for Corkage:

Our group of six was irritated to find ourselves charged a hefty $5.50 per person per corkage for our wine. This fee almost equaled the cost of the two bottles of wine we brought in ($33)! Management should reconsider their corkage policy as it feels like a rip off, and the overcharging left a bitter taste in our mouth.

Lack of Table Service Impacts Ambience:

The restaurant insists each customer walks up to the counter to place orders. This approach may have its benefits in terms of efficiency for the staff, but it seriously hampers the overall ambience for the customers. The constant stream of diners going to and from the counter disrupts the atmosphere one might expect in a restaurant setting. Implementing table service could significantly enhance the dining experience and contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.

Limited Food Menu:

While Vietnamese cuisine is celebrated for its diverse flavors and aromatic dishes, this restaurant falls short in terms of its menu offerings. The absence of a variety of stir-fry options and other meal choices leaves diners wishing they went somewhere else. Expanding the menu to include a broader range of dishes would undoubtedly attract a wider clientele and cater to...

I haven’t been back in years and I was looking forward to tonight. I was severely disappointed…not in the food, but the service. Grumpy, unhappy staff wanted us to pay as we went for each glass of wine and food order but I asked for our bill to be added at the end of our night for the two of us instead…she wasn’t happy. There was no table service…you order at the bar for each drink and food order. Then, at the end (2 wines and 2 Pho for 2 people) I asked for us to pay 50/50 and this was met with a stern, grumpy…’we don’t split bills’ …why?, I asked.. and the reply in return was just ‘we don’t split bills’ being repeated. My friend then said, ok, please break this $50 note into 2 x 20 and a $10 bill so she could pay me and I could pay our bill…we were met with another blank stare…no, I can’t break down your $50. So, with no service, no split bills (without any signs indicating this) and the inability to split a $50 note, no smiles, no compromise…I choose to say ‘no’ too….to ever going back. Without good customer service on a Friday night, I can see why this place is no longer the popular, crowded place...