Tetsuya's Review

Reviewed by Kezzabella from Sydney on 12/29/09
There is no denying that the food at Tetsuya' is absolutely fabulous! Every bite is a delight to savour for years to come... Tetsuya's truly deserves its global reputation for culinary excellence.
My only concern is that the atmosphere can be so reverential that one can find dining here to be somewhat solemn and even intimidating at times. As a seasoned restaurant patron, I found the hushed atmosphere less than enjoyable with neighbouring tables whispered conversations the only background to our own exchanges. To be fair we were seated in a room populated by couples, so perhaps other rooms with larger tables may have had more of an atmospheric spark.
Nonetheless, Tetsuyas is a place to pay homage to a wonderful chef and team in very pleasant surroundings.

Member Rating: 3.8
Ratings details: Food: 5.0 Atmosphere: 1.0 Service: 5.0 Value: 3.0

Reviewed by lragunas from Charlotte, NC on 7/26/07
My husband is the foodie - I just go along. But as the companion, I have been to many top rated restaurants in the world, including L'Espalier in Boston, and Le Cinq in Paris. That said, I wasn't impressed with Tetsuya's. I found the restaurant cold - in temperature, decor, and service. The service was detached and inadequate for a restaurant of this level. The pacing was off - the courses were served too far apart. The service was off in that we were attended by at least six different people, none of whom seemed terribly interested in us. We had to ask to have the food described to us as the servers wanted to deliver and run with at best cursory statements like "this is the rainbow trout." The food at top rated restaurants is always presented - not dropped off. This was particularly an issue at Tetsuya's because there is no menu. Until the food arrives, you do not know what you are getting.
The food was unique and had many expensive ingredients (such as caviar). With all the courses (and wine pairings), there was plenty of food and wine. Too bad they couldn't take the time to give the food the introduction it warranted. Although I would have to say that despite the obvious food value, I have had better food elsewhere and at less expense.
I perused the other reviews before writing and was glad to see that I am not the only one who found Tetsuya's lacking. I wouldn't go back and would not recommend it.

Member Rating: 2.8
Ratings details: Food: 3.0 Atmosphere: 3.0 Service: 3.0 Value: 2.0

Reviewed by aeisner007 from Menlo Park California on 5/20/07
This place is a bad joke....we have been to the finest restaurants in the world...this is not one of them....pretentious would be kind; the food is sparse and poor; the service is surly and condescending....if you need to impress yourself, go there.

Member Rating: 2.0
Ratings details: Food: 2.0 Atmosphere: 4.0 Service: 1.0 Value: 1.0

Reviewed by B_Cheong from Singapore on 12/1/06
The food is very good, no doubt. the dessert alone had 3 courses. Atmosphere also contributes to the price - the restaurant looks like a stately japanese abode with nice japanese greenery surrounding it. Service is good, they memorize everything and not a notepad seen. The value is weakest here, since it is AUD175+++ per person and i'm amused they try to "upsize" your 9 courses with 2 more courses, at an extra charge of course

Member Rating: 3.8
Ratings details: Food: 4.0 Atmosphere: 4.0 Service: 4.0 Value: 3.0