Mother Yen Newtown — Restaurant in Sydney

Had the most delicious dinner with my date Friday night, with a warm welcome at Mother Yen. But, towards the end of our lovely dinner; before we finished our dinner and wine, a staff member gave us the bill without us asking, and then told us "people are waiting" (people waiting outside to eat there). I felt somewhat angry, rushed, and unwelcome. A disappointing experience for a special occasion.

.................................................................................... Further, as per feedback provided by the restaurant;

I was not aware that the table we sat at had been booked, I do not recall being told (with the detail provided by the restaurant in their feedback) that the table we sat at had been booked; and there was no sign on our table stating the table was reserved (like most / all (?) other tables were that night).

I did not see or hear people asking for the table; I was focused solely on my date and the great food.

Also, as stated in the feedback provided by the restaurant, I have 'never' dined there before - that claim is false. I would not have bothered writing a review if I was not told "people are waiting". Thank you for suggesting I was lying. As also demonstrated, I gave praise for the food and initial service was great (actually, up until the moment with, "people are waiting" - I was shocked).

The feedback I provided was 'the customers' experience' of events that evening.

Perhaps clear signage (a small poster or something) making timeframes a policy for customers would save a lot of grief, as obviously Mother Yen is a popular and great restaurant! Other popular restaurants, such as yours, have time slots so customers are aware and this saves a lot of confusion and...

Just realised I've been overcharged by $5 at $29! Happened upon this place walking along and regretted it.

Ordered the pancake and they were unwilling to accommodate swapping chicken for mushrooms - fine, but then it was was served with no fresh herbs (maybe they ran out and just didn't mention anything?) and half of the mixed greens were dotted with disintegrated spots and coated with old slimy bits, like you'd find at the bottom of your fridge after a week.

Only the iceberg lettuce was fresh. Disappointing- as it's important part of the meal giving balance the fried oily pancake. The watery sauce also came in a dirty rim bowl that looked reused.

At one point an off duty staff member or a friend came by and spent 20mins on a phone call on speaker phone which added to the unpleasant experience overall.

Not even the average, mostly ice, lychee drink redeemed the place to me.

I do wonder if time of day (late afternoon) added to the lack of care and attention, as my meal did not look like the photos shown at all.

Wish I'd seen the other review of the pancake, which is honestly the most disappointing I've ever had, where the owner seems unwilling to take on feedback in their response, before hand.

There are much more reliably good places in...

This was about my fourth visit in twelve months. The same consistent great Vietnamese food along with hard working and happy staff (I suspect this is a family business). Always generous portions and I have never spotted any food hygiene issues. The inside tables are almost always packed which is a good sign and outside tables while basic allow you take in the King Street vibe. They work on turning over the tables and in any case it is not the sort of restaurant to linger after dinner. The photo with this review is of the vermicelli bowl with spring rolls. One of my favourites. The Saigon tea is refreshing and unlike the commercial bottled stuff not too sweet. I will be back. Warning they do not take EFTPOS or cards however it is easy to pay if you can use Pay ID via your phone or that lovely old...