The Rice Den — Restaurant in Sydney

What a mixed experience. We came to celebrate my son’s birthday.

The booking process demanded I arrive within 15 mins of my booking time or my booking would be cancelled. And that I must keep to a strict time limit and leave within 120 mins. Great, I thought, a restaurant that keeps time, on a school night. That’s perfect.

We arrived on time, to be told by what could only be described as a giggling waitress that the people before us had stayed way longer than their booking time. Hmm that’s weird. I’m pretty sure I read a lot of words when I booked asking me to acknowledge the time limits stipulated by the restaurant. So we were waiting, out in the cold as rain poured around us.

We were then asked 10 mins later why we were waiting outside. I said we were told to wait here despite having a booking. “Oh the table has been ready for a while” the waitress exclaimed. “And your friends are already inside”. Shocked I went inside to find an empty table - I was super confused. What friends is she talking about? So we waited for 10 mins for no reason?

Next question from said waitress - would you like tap water or sparkling for the table? I suggested tap, knowing that we would probably order drinks. Later in the evening we were charged for sparkling water! My wife even queried this with me when we got the bill. I’d had enough and said I just need to get out of this place.

Oh and the booking system required me to mention whether this was a special occasion. I ticked yes and birthday as it was my son’s birthday. Not sure what this actually achieved. We received no acknowledgement or reference as a result of ticking this box. I mean, why ask if there is a special occasion if you are just going to ignore it anyway?

The food was great. We were finished and made sure we left within the timelines specified by the terms and conditions, lest someone else face similar treatment to us. Won’t be coming...

It was impossible to find fault with The Rice Den. This contemporary Cantonese restaurant has been serving St Leonards since 2015, weathering both the pandemic and the resulting variations hybrid work has made to how and when we eat out. With the crash of woks the only noise emerging from the efficient, fast-paced kitchen, I was particularly delighted to see the chefs taste every fried rice dish to ensure balance. It showed in our XO chilli pork and prawn fried rice ($29) that tickled the palate with heat and impressed with good quality, delicately-cooked king prawns.

Dainty bite-sized dumplings were another Rice Den surprise. If I’d known the neatly-pleated spicy BBQ pork and zucchini dumplings ($16/4) would be single bite flavour explosions, I would have ordered a second type, secure in the knowledge that they wouldn’t spoil my main. Prawn toast ($16/3) is cleverly updated with greens, impressing with better texture by not mincing the prawns. Hervey Bay scallops ($8.50/each) are steamed and simply dressed with slivered shallots and house-made XO.

From an excellent wine list with good descriptions, some of the lowest markups I’ve seen, and no cheap clunkers to avoid, the 2022 Clarence House Reserve Chardonnay ($55) also impressed. With a salty lick and stone fruit, it worked well with our entrees, standing up to the Sichuan chilli lamb backstrap ($38) we shared over fried rice as a tender, tasty main. Buoyed by a successful meal, and our interactions with the engaged floor team, we ordered dessert. The airy Hong Kong French toast ($16) with silky vanilla ice cream, roasted peanuts and a restrained drizzle of dulce de leche was the clincher at a restaurant I know I...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Rice Den, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience from start to finish.

Food Quality: 5/5

The food at The Rice Den is simply outstanding. Every dish we ordered was bursting with flavor and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The Steamed Scallops were perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. The Dim Sum was a delightful assortment of dumplings, each one more delicious than the last. The Peking Duck was a true highlight, cooked to perfection and served with all the traditional accompaniments. The balance of flavors and textures in each dish was impressive and left us wanting more.

Service: 5/5

The service at The Rice Den is equally impressive. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted warmly and seated promptly. Our host Roy was very accommodating and very friendly, ensuring that we felt welcome and comfortable throughout our meal. Our server was attentive and knowledgeable, offering excellent recommendations and ensuring that our dining experience was enjoyable. The staff was friendly and efficient, making sure our glasses were never empty and our needs were met without being intrusive.

Overall: 5/5

The Rice Den offers an outstanding dining experience with top-notch food and excellent service. Whether you're craving classic Chinese dishes or looking to try something new, this restaurant is sure to impress. I highly recommend The Rice Den for anyone seeking delicious Chinese cuisine in a welcoming...