Sammy's Restaurant — Restaurant in Sydney

It was a recommendation from a trusted chef friend that sent me into this very nondescript chicken shop situated at the beach end of President Ave. I had driven past it many times, but it had never enticed me to stop and check it out.

So when a chef friend whose palate I trust recommend we grab a few chickens for a summer beach party, I had to take him up on his recommendation - how could I not!

Sammy's is a take out and dine in joint which doesn't scream comfortable and inviting with its high counter service area that greets you when you enter through the open shop front. With no obvious designated ordering area, you feel the need to mill around until you are noticed by the guys working behind the castle wall.

There's an extensive menu on the wall with offerings like shawarma, mixed grill plates and mezze. But I was on a mission to buy charcoal chickens and the glorious smell wafting from the charcoal cooker over the counter was keeping me on track.

I ordered 2 chickens for takeaway ($15 each) and the friendly guy behind the counter took the chickens from the hot cabinet and placed them back on to the grill to heat and darken up slightly. He then chopped them up with poultry shears and threw a couple of small plastic tubs of tomme (garlic whip) into the foil bags along with the steaming hot chickens.

Once back at the beach, hungry hands tore open the package to reveal a great chicken with very good flavour and crunchy skin . It was a little on the dry side thanks to the second grill, but I was forgiving as the flavour made up for a little dryness.

We were so impressed with the chickens that we ordered 10 for a backyard party a month later. I had prepaid the day before and was pleasantly surprised to get a call from sammys when I hadn't picked up the chickens at the stated time. They then offered to drop off the chickens which I gratefully accepted , and the same smiling young man that served me turned up a few minutes later with hot chicken and tubs of their wonderful tomme.

Go to Sammys for great...

Unfortunately, we had a terrible experience with their delivery service. We opted to support the business and order delivery through their website. The website asked for our address and delivery directions (e.g. ring doorbell or text on arrival). 20 minutes past our delivery window I went to check the status of our order online. To my surprise, I found it was 'delivered'. My partner went to search the entire premises- checked every unit block. Eventually we found the delivery dumped on the ground in front of a totally different building for anyone to take. I understand that building numbers and unit numbers may be difficult to navigate but this was extremely unprofessional and unnecessary considering all my contact details were provided for a proper handover.

This was very disappointing especially considering the food was actually pretty great. We ordered the charcoal chicken which was full of flavour and the falafel which were large and tasty. Portion sizes for dips and salads were generous and everything was packed really well.

I would probably order from them again however would rather pick up from their store or pay abit extra for uber...

We literally just dined in Sammys. Soon as we left, my son threw up 🤮 We’re beyond disappointed. Food quality was bad, it was cold, meat taste awful, we ordered platters for 66$ each, with amount of food served was ridiculously and obviously a rip off. I do not wish anyone to experience our experience. It definitely ruined our day

— Hi owner, 21/07 I do hope for the best for your restaurant, this review was affected by the food that day lol love that you justify the food; it was an unfortunate that was out first meal of the day and right, we thought of maccas as 3rd option lol but anyway, take this review as a motivation rather being defensive. We did mention it to your workers, and saw the kebab was on a hot plate grill, not in a charcoal. U might need to fix ur babaganoush as it was salty, we liked the fattoush, was really hungry that time and kids arent too keen with any of the meat. I need to show my kids we’re ok and not to show that frustration, (which explains that happy meal time for us lol) anyway good...