Had a really nice lunch here on Long weekend. Great service and the food was spot on. Spent the afternoon looking over the harbour. Doesn’t get any better than that!
Paul V.
Tu valoración: 2 Dallas, TX
This is a pretty difficult review to write for a reason I’ll make very clear: the atmosphere at Ripples at Milsons Point was among the best I’ve experienced anywhere really, with a patio view overlooking the harbor while being nestled under the harbor bridge. Combined with what was a beautiful afternoon it was absolutely spectacular, and I’ll fondly remember the experience as one of my best meals in Sydney. However, that’s thanks only to the location of Ripples, and much like other restaurants with out of this world views, the actual food, which is the primary metric by which I judge, was a bit lacking. Star 1: How were the service and atmosphere? Like I said, the atmosphere at Ripples was amazing, and the friendly and refreshingly casual servers added to the experience. We opted for a tasting menu, and while it was honestly a bit longer a period of time than I would have preferred between dishes being brought out, the prolonged experience allowed us to enjoy the view all the longer. Star Granted. Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost? I’ll be honest — I was at Ripples for a work function, so I have no idea how much we paid per person. However, I stole a quick glance at the bill when the end of the night came around, and unless my eyes are worse than I think they are it came to AUD $ 1200 more or less. With a party of ten that equates to $ 120 per person with what was quite a bit of wine. That’s a bit borderline considering the quantity of food we got, but it’s within a reasonable range. Star Granted. Stars 3 and 4: How was the food? It’s here that Ripples fell a bit short. For starters, Ripples dished out these oversized potato chip like shards with some dip. It was good, but I was anxious to see what would come. The follow up was a split pea risotto which, while good, didn’t blow me away. The main course? A combination of either lamb or goat shank(I can’t remember?) and some trout. The trout was excellent, and the lamb shank okay but a bit limiting in terms of quantity. Good? Yes, but great? No. Finally, dessert consisted of a vanilla bean flan and chocolate mousse, both of which were good. All in all the food at Ripples was maybe sub-par given the expense and the atmosphere, but in all honesty you’re here for the view, and if you’re with folks who haven’t been here before they’ll hardly notice. No Stars Granted. Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could? For the view? Yes, but I judge based on food overall. No Star Granted.
Geoff G.
Tu valoración: 3 Sarasota, FL
The view is world class/fantastic, but both the service and food are average. If you can get a good table on the outside of the restaurant, it’s worth it for the view, but don’t expect an inexpensive bill… it is quite overpriced(probably because of the view!) ;-)
Chuck P.
Tu valoración: 3 Atlanta, GA
Similar to some of the other reviews, it was ok but not great. The view is spectacular and was the best part of it all. The food was just average, and over priced for what it was. I had the steak, girlfriend had the pasta. Again, nothing special except for the view, you really can’t beat the view.
Christine C.
Tu valoración: 3 Sydney, Australia
Beautiful view! Order the seafood, definitely. The pasta is not their specialty so it’s not great. You know, I first ate here 6 years ago, and have been coming here every few months ever since with my family — it was the day before what was to be the biggest test of my very short life hahaha. My parents took me out to relax, and the food was spectacular! The seafood was so fresh, and the dishes had such amazing flavour. The fish and chips quickly became my favourite fish and chips ever, and they had a battered prawn entrée that I absolutely loved! 5 years on, I don’t know quite what happened, as the quality and flavour of their food, if I’m brutally honest, has dropped. That really disappoints me, as Ripples is a beautiful restaurant that contains many memories, and I’m almost sad to admit I just don’t like it as much anymore. Hopefully one day it’ll be as good as it was 6 years ago again! Or maybe I’m just dreaming hahaha.
Czar R.
Tu valoración: 1 Sydney, Australia
This is the kind of place that will sit you at a crap table because they’re too lazy to clean the good tables. No one comes here for the average food and dubious service. The draw point is the view, and if you don’t have that, why bother.
Julie N.
Tu valoración: 4 Sydney, Australia
You are basically paying for the phenomenal view. I’m surprised that Unilocal listed this as a «$$» place, because it definitely more of a «$$$.» Small portions, the waiters are a little too in your face(3 waiters asked us what we wanted to order within the first minute of sitting down), and they have a weird liquor license when you have to order food in order to drink. The entrance is tricky; I walked by it several times before flagging down a waiter who opened the unassuming glass door for me. Great for a fine dining treat. Sour dough bread was $ 9, but it came with an outstanding pesto butter with sea salt and olive oil — nice touch. You’ll need to buy an appetizer(to yourself) & main to get full, at minimum.
Leila miriam r.
Tu valoración: 1 Manhattan, NY
The first impression we got was that the wait staff hate each other and their job. Which is actually a terrible impression to get when you walk into a restaurant, for the first time. It ruins the vibe. Our main issue was the food: it was too average, too boring, too done before which unfortunately made it harder for us to neglect all the other flaws this restaurant has: service being the main one. Actually the disappointment with the food(mainly flavor, quality was ok) made the lack/bad service more palpable. Service: my seat was constantly kicked and pushed — why they would seat someone in a route they know they’ll be trekking back and forth is beyond me. But the worse part was when they tried to clear the table(twice) while we were still eating. Isn’t that like explained in the 101 class of waitressing? To top it off we make the silly assumption that this is a restaurant and asked for cream with our dessert, we waitress first explained that they don’t have cream, which we actually bought and were fine with, but then we were told that ‘well we do have cream but the chef would have to whip it and he won’t’. Which just added to the bad experience. It makes sense to have a restaurant there, right up by the water, with such fantastic views but this is a utter disappointment and we will never go back. Not even for the view(also, the train noise is annoying it’s right above your head and it runs every 8 – 10 minutes… Kills the conversation). What a shame. A total shame.
Peter T.
Tu valoración: 4 Sydney, Australia
We took some overseas visitors for the a farewell dinner and what a good choice, The waiter was extremely friendly and efficient in making us welcome. I ordered the Lamb shoulder this magnificent it was so tasty and tender it was falling off the bone but not dry or chewy. The only problem was cars stopping to take in the view of the Opera House and the city views their headlights shone as they were turning and stopped shining into the restaurant which was a bit off putting. The overall experience was good though.
Debbie F.
Tu valoración: 4 Bussey, IA
Ripples is a family favorite when visiting Sydney. We have celebrated many birthdays there. The food is delicious, the view absolutely divine and the prices are reasonable. How can you go wrong eating succulent seafood while overlooking Sydney Harbour? Parking can be a challenge, but not unusual for the city. It is worth a bit of a hike.
Sallyanne E.
Tu valoración: 4 Melbourne, Australia
Ripples constantly delivers. Fabulous view of the bridge, opera house and city. Thoughtful menu with ample choice. Delightful staff who are very attentive. I can vouch for the French toast, pancakes, breads, fish and chips, spatchcock(perfectly brined) and Italian trifle. I will continue to eat my way through the menu and keep you posted! Delicious choice for brunch or dinner. An absolutely hidden gem in my book. nb– Can be a bit cool in the winter months, wear a warm jumper and scarf. In summer this place is heaven!
Shannon C.
Tu valoración: 4 Australia
Ripples Cafes are dotted around Sydney in locations boasting magnificent water views. You’ll find them at Sydney Wharf, Chowder Bay, Milsons Point and Whale Beach. But, unlike most water view restaurants, the Ripples Cafes are reasonably priced and even better, they offer BYO(Note: they are also fully licensed). Each café offers a Modern Australian menu, using quality seasonal produce and produces innovative and fresh food. Not one to play favourites, we have to admit we love the Milsons Point café for lunch. It’s situated next to Luna Park, virtually right underneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge! Such a great spot to bring guests to show off our beautiful city. Plus, we never arrive without being armed with a good bottle of champas. But, that’s just us. The cafes have a relaxed feel and offer friendly service. This is quintessential Sydney dining, without the price tag. Also good to keep in mind, the cafes are great for group bookings and functions, plus they host a range of special events throughout the year. In a nutshell: Price — $ — seriously cheap for water view dining. So worth it. Fare — excellent. Good range of fresh, seasonal dishes. Service — warm and friendly. Location — 4 locations — all boasting magnificent water views. Ambience — relaxed, casual vibe.
Cathy C.
Tu valoración: 3 Australia
visited Ripples Milsons point today with a group of 7 we ordered the mixed olives and grissini to nibble on while we decided on what to order. The olives where delicious and the grissini was just grissini — both nice and enjoyable. Mains were all delicious — everyone was very happy with their choices which ranged from Ocean trout with kipfler potatoes, olives Zucchini flowers with a buffalo mozzarella lamb with lentils barramundi with smashed kipfler potatoes. all mains were around the $ 30 mark — some slightly more and some less. The desserts where on the other hand disappointing most are around the $ 13 mark. we ordered the butter milk pannacotta with apple purée — it was very bland and uninspiring. The passionfruit tart was also disappointing with a heavy premade base and a syrupy passionfruit filling — not something I would ever order again, it came with an icecream that was very icy and not good at all. The chocolate cake was the best of the bunch, served with a chocolate sauce and delicious icecream. A friend ordered a hot chcolate — not hot or chocolatey — also disappointing but others who had cappuchinos seemed happier. You really cant go past the view it is Sydney at her prettiest. It is really delightful, and our service was exceptionally good. Our Waitress balanced being attentive and meeting our needs without being intrusive or overbearing — something that is hard to do well. She should be congratulated as she made our lunch experience relaxed and enjoyable. All in all a very pleasant afternoon I would definitely go back — I would just skip dessert and maybe have another glass of wine instead. Make sure you book — it is always busy. They have 2 lunch sittings on weekends so you can make the later 2.30 one if you like to sleep in. 3.5 stars
Debbie Y.
Tu valoración: 4 Sydney, Australia
This is one of my go-to places for a work dinner for overseas guests. The setting is amazing at the base of the Harbour Bridge, looking back at the city. The outdoor seating is quintessential Aussie dining and on a nice night, is wonderful. The food is also delicious, I’ve always had great seafood prepared nicely. The desserts are also memorable — it’s been several months since I’ve had the bread pudding but I remember it! Reservations are recommended.
Donnie D.
Tu valoración: 4 Boston, MA
I had an amazing risotto here. The fact that the Opera House is visible across the bay is just serene. I had a great experience here and I’d recommend this place to those who do not wish to fall into the tourist traps.
Alecia W.
Tu valoración: 3 Sydney, Australia
For those who can’t afford a meal at the upscale Aqua Dining, Ripples(managed by the same owners) is a more accessible option that still boasts the very same sweeping harbour views. A visit a while ago served up a disappointing squid salad for lunch — all salty dressing and barely any leaves — but a later return trip changed my mind with a perfectly pink-on-the-inside grilled ocean trout. When things get rainy or a bit too breezy, the staff roll down the plastic windbreakers fixed to the edge of the awning, which can quickly make the space stuffy when it’s still hot outside. Nonetheless, it’s a great place to kick back with some vino and enjoy the weather and views that Sydney has to offer. The modern Australian diner is packed throughout the day for breakfast through to dinner, so make sure you arrive early with queues in mind if you haven’t already made a booking.
Helen M.
Tu valoración: 2 Sydney, Australia
I’m going to give’ Ripples’ the benefit of the doubt because I ordered an entrée and expected that it might suffice as a ‘light lunch’. I was wrong. When they said tarlet, the emphasis was truly on the ‘let’ but at $ 21 I wanted more tart than was literally advertised. It was very tasty but like the last canapé on the tray, it left me wanting. Much is made of this award winning restaurant but if you took away the spectacular view, you’ve got a functional outdoor dining experience much like a wedding marque but without the atmosphere. The view was the best part of this experience and I could have had that for free.
Julia W.
Tu valoración: 4 Sydney, Australia
The antithesis to the tourist trap that is most Sydney harbourside restaurants, Ripples offers million dollar views and no mains over $ 30. Oh, and it is BYO. And with that said, I may have just given away Sydney’s best kept secret. The location is unbeatable — Sydney Harbour, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Luna Park and North Sydney Olympic Pool surround this open, chic relaxed restaurant. The cuisine is ‘Modern Australian’ but there is a strong Asian influence and many seafood options. The steamed Boston Bay Mussels done with bok choy with lemongrass curry($ 30) is such a unique, delicious dish, it must get a special mention from me. Ripples take bookings on weekdays but not weekends so make sure you are there early Saturdays and Sundays to snare a table, especially when the sun is shining.
Aaro
Tu valoración: 4 Sydney, Australia
This is a great café/restaurant with one of the best views in Sydney as it overlooks the Harbour Bridge and the Opera House and the rest of the Harbour. The food is lovely — tends to be posh and the prices are in the more expensive side($ 25 for fish and chips) but it’s the view you are paying for and good food is a bonus. The food tends to be modern Australian — a fusion of Western and Eastern dishes. It is right next to the swimming pool so great for a bite to revive yourself. If you get there early for lunch, you can put your name down on the waiting list for a better table. Beware this is an outdoor(although sheltered) place too so bring a layer of clothing to keep warm.