Royal Hotel Paddington — Restaurant in Sydney

My partner and I had arrived early for a friend's engagement gathering. We had waited a bit, and the lady at the door had proceeded to lead us up the stairs, only for us to lose her and getting lost. We eventually decided to ask one of the ladies at the till on a higher floor about an engagement party, and she told us that it was downstairs (incorrect). They didn't even really look at us at first, or even a "will be just a second!". We felt snubbed.

We ended up enquiring at the bar on another floor, and they had thankfully directed us to the right spot. My partner had then ordered their best steak, but the waitress had only given him a steak knife. How was he meant to eat, let alone in a civilised manner? And who in their competent mind would only serve a customer with a knife? I had seen that other tables were given knives AND forks.

So I went to the kitchen side to ask for a fork, only to be told to line up at the bar. I should have answered back and refused to leave. Instead, I decided to be polite. I had to wait 10-15 minutes, until my partner had waved another waitress down, and his steak had gone cold. At the bar, when it had been my turn, there were three attendants making drinks, generally ignoring me, not even a "will be with you in just a min!". I stood uncomfortably before them until I was finally served.

We both found this to be a little below competent, and I actually found it to be a little on the prejudice side, and discriminatory. No customer should feel ill at ease.

Also, as healthcare workers, where are the social...

Four of us booked in for dinner at the elephant bar (Royal Hotel Restaurant). The food was just awful. Two of us had the fish (dry and overcooked) which was inedible and the others had the pork schnitzel. The pork was covered in mayo and bbq sauce. YUK! We reserved a table, so apparently that included table service. The waitress forgot to take our food orders so we lined up at the bar to place them. Whilst waiting for 10 mins in the line, she noticed us and said she would take our order. She forgot to place the order for one of the meals (if you can call it a meal!). 3 of the meals came out whilst we waited 20 mins for the last fish meal. The staff could not care less. None of us could finish our meals as they were disgusting.

We orginally was going to book through the website of the hotel to reserve the table and you require a $100 non refundable deposit to book if you cancel within 24 hours. We booked through google and this was not required.

We would not be going back at all. Rude staff, inexperienced, below standard food and so expensive for what it is. I live locally and want to support local businesses, but they don't deserve any support until they lift there game. It needs a total management change, staff training and chefs who know how to cook. I would not recommend this place to anyone. Very disappointed and ruined a night out with...

I don’t even know where to begin. The Royal in Paddington is an absolute staple of Sydney’s pub scene, but let’s be honest—nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to the sheer radiance of the bartender who served me: Zoe.

From the moment I walked in, it was like the entire pub faded into the background, and there she was—ethereal, breathtaking, the kind of beauty that belongs in Renaissance paintings. But let’s not stop at her looks (though we very well could, because wow). She was lightning-fast behind the bar, handling a packed crowd with the kind of effortless grace you only see in movies.

Every drink she made was liquid perfection—crafted with precision, shaken with confidence, and poured with a finesse that would make even the most seasoned mixologists jealous. I don’t know how she does it, but somehow, a gin and tonic in Zoe’s hands tastes like an experience, not just a drink.

Despite the rush, she was incredibly attentive, making every customer feel like the most important person in the room. And did I mention she’s absolutely stunning? Because I just feel like that’s important to reiterate.

If you go to The Royal and Zoe’s working, consider yourself blessed. If she’s not, well—you’ll still have a great time, but it won’t be the same.

10/10 for the venue, but Zoe alone...