Viet Nguyen
This place had a great vibe and awesome interiors. There are four spaces available: the main dining room which you enter from the entrance, and up stairs function room, a sort of opium den style inside function room, and some awesome street alley style tables in the back. Food is fantastic, especially the dumplings which are suitably gingery. Service was top notch as well.
Farhan Momin
Visiting Sydney and this place seemed great from the reviews. Came in with my family and the man greeting us was extremely rude an unprofessional. We had two small children with us who enjoyed playing with the plastic chopsticks provided to us at the table. The waiter didn't take kindly to this and asked us if we aren't using them to give them back. We were taken aback by this since the chopsticks didn't seem particularly expensive or nice. The children were crying so much after this we could not even order our food and we left. We would have loved to try the food, and I'm sure it's good but until they get better service I do not recommend this place.
Graeme Metcalf
My partner and I enjoyed a very delightful and somewhat quirky, dining experience here. The staff were great, being very attentive. We ordered the $49 "Tasting Menu". It sounds small but by the end of the night we were so full. The steamed scallop was to die for.
Jenny Chen
Came here with a voucher from Cudo for a 10-course banquet for 4 people. Food was great, an interesting fusion of East and West. Loved the steamed fish and salt & pepper squid. Banana spring rolls were really good too.
You can see that the owners really put a lot of heart and soul into the restaurant, from the decor to menu, and food presentation. Everything was well thought out, and their service is very sincere. But take note, this is not a place for families with kids. Space is quite small, more suitable for couples or small groups.
Michael Smith
One word. Yum. This classy Chinese restaurant in Surry Hills is still serving up some of the best Asian food in Sydney. I used to eat here a lot years ago and was excited to find out they are now doing lunch. Pleased to find it still has great service, cool decor and remains good value.
Russell Stone
I've eaten here many times over the years. Great for a dinner catch up and funky little function rooms for a crowd. This week I placed an oder through Foodora which went through as a pick up instead of a delivery. The restaurant without hesitation delivered it to my home. Exceptional customer service on top of exceptional food. Thanks v much
Dave B
Came across Mahjong by accident on a recent holiday to Sydney in January. Service was excellent, food was lovely and the owner was friendly, making us (including 2 kids) feel welcome at her restaurant. Nice place to eat and excellent value.
Ben Wotton
I can honestly say it is the best Chinese food I can ever recall eating! We tried all of the specials including dumplings and Caramel and oolong tea mousse with chocolate ganache and a cinnamon and pineapple sauce. Beautiful food, worth every penny and more!
Will Choi
Love this place, a lot! Was Alastair minute for the Chinese New Year dinner, and the meal were just amazing! Enjoyed every single dish and have to say it’s really close to the hometown favours. And don’t get to start with the cocktails, just can’t stop drinking them.
Tanya
It’s a very cute off street restaurant. We went here after a plan fell through and I really wanted Asian cuisine. The food is yummy (not delicious) but I do like how they have a small menu of diverse choices. The fried rice was so good! The drinks menu is great and the cocktails are a must try! Also great personalised service from the waiter
Ben
Amazingly disappointing experience. We have never been to a restaurant that wanted to fight us from the start. We bought a voucher fair and square through Livingsocial. At the time of purchase, it was clearly stated that the booking was live and nothing else need be brought to the restaurant. That was not the experience this evening.<br/>Fights from the start. The greeter, followed by the manager, demanded we provide an email with a "pin". Despite explaining multiple times that we had fulfilled the terms of the deal as per the purchase, the manager was relentless in demanding a piece of information we didn't have.<br/>I reflected on this - perhaps there had been a communication between Livingsocial and the restaurant. Maybe so. Regardless, there had been weeks to identify and resolve this problem. I can only assume the restaurant decided it was better to live with this problem, as it was clear that several other tables there had the exact same issue on the evening.<br/>We eventually solved the problem caused by the restaurant by requesting the website send through the email again. Other tables weren't so lucky.<br/>Here's the bottom line - I assume restaurants partner with these sites to generate business, impress the customer and create loyal customers who want to come back. There's no way I ever want to come back to this restaurant again. The food we ultimately received was OK, the treatment we received was unforgivable. I'm sure they have their own story for this. If they do, it doesn't change my customer experience and the deep loathing I now hold for this place. Don't worry, we won't darken your doorstep again.
The RnB Diary
"Mahjong" is a type of 4-players game originated in China by using 144 small tiles. Mahjong Room was not only a restaurant, a gathering place to play Mahjong, but also a time machine taking you back to 1980s. Random 70s and 80s everyday Chinse household objects tastefully displayed around the restaurant, old table clocks, radios, facial basins, hot water flasks, etc, it truly was reminiscent of the long gone old times. <br/><br/>Fascinated by its nostalgic decor, I couldn't wait to try the food which consisted of dumplings, crispy chicken, salt pepper squid and last but not least deep fried ice-cream. Each course was delicately presented whereby you could see the attention to details and effort by chef. Each course was delicious and hit the spot. But I was most looking forward to deep fried ice-ream. It's a bit like having scotch eggs but with cold sweet ice-cream in the middle. <br/><br/>In my opinion the only thing this quaint and quirky restaurant stray from its Chinese authenticity is the nice polite gingerly service - no shouting, no abruptly landing food on the table, no fluorescent ceiling light, and no expressionless staff. Don't get me wrong, that was definitely a plus!
Robert Kennedy
My, how the mightly have fallen. This used to be top notch Chinese food served by professional wait staff however it's clearly not kept up with the market or expectations of diners at this price point. The food was generally bland and under-seasoned. Best dish was the mixed greens! $10 corkage is outrageous. Staff were efficient but very casual.Time to step up or step off.
Davereyn
Rude and dismissive. Changes the price when paying and says " subject to change". I ordered the tasting menu for 2 people. When the bill came I was charged extra for tea. I stated that the website had said it was inclusive of tea. I was told i was wrong so i paid the extra. When i checked the website again i was annoyed as it did say inclusive of rice and tea. I rang them because i was disappointed that they were dismissive and the response was the fine print states " subject to change" and he didn't have time to talk to me. Since when did " subject to change" mean you can charge whatever you want?!!!! Rude and didnt do the right thing. Will never recommend this place
Thecookedpavement
The decor looked so interesting in amongst Crown Streets' usual boho and vintage scene I knew I had to go back, and I'm glad I did. The menu is everything you ever wanted in a Chinese restaurant: dumplings, duck, seafood, chicken and...lamb? It comprises of all the good dishes you actually want (scallops in XO sauce anyone?) and happily discards those you don't ( I'm looking at you honey chicken)
Collette Van Rooyen
The Mahjong Room is the absolute perfect spot for a group dinner with a beautiful setting and great, friendly service which will make it feel like Friday night any night of the week (you may be corralled into a Lychee Martini before you’ve even settled into your seat).
VegeTARAian Sydney
Every Friday and Saturday this modern Chinese restaurant has a ‘Open Rice Open Table’ menu for those keen to get the tiles clacking on the wooden tables. The private rooms are beautifully decorated with Asian trinkets and there’s a hint of sweet incense in the air. I’ve never played mahjong but walking into this little game haven immediately makes me want to learn.
PlanMB
Definitely a restaurant that I would be looking at going back to again, even if it was just to have the black pepper scotch fillet main again!
J'adorais
We are the last ones in the restaurant, my friends and I leave the place very full and thoroughly satisfied. As we are leaving, the waiters were preparing the place for a mah-jong tournament being held the following afternoon. The 137 mah-jong pieces lined up on the table like a piece of art.
Mademoiselle Mange A Sydney
I chose Mahjong room mainly because of a beijing duck craving, so that’s what we go for!
Sir And Mlady Dine Out
The Mahjong Room has recently commenced it's new Open Rice Open Table venture. The food is billed as a combination of Chinese yum cha and hawker-style street food and it's very fresh and very tasty. We started with the rice roll with XO prawns which was in the section on the menu headed Steamed Cheung Fun and Others.
Forking Around Sydney
Mahjong Room is a dark and deceptively compact restaurant serving Chinese cuisine in a smart and more upmarket setting. There is a small main dining room at the front which holds five square tables, a few table
MissPiggyEats
There is something really special about The Mahjong Room in Surry Hills. It's not your stock standard Chinese restaurant. The decor is thoughtful and warm. There are no laminex tables or tissue boxes on the table. The dining room feels modern yet has a traditional "oriental feel" to it. The food is GREAT - traditional Chinese food (says the Aussie gal from the country town up North) with a clean, modern twist. It's 100% better than anything you'd ever eat at your local Chinese. For me it had that elusive "thing" that makes a restaurant feel welcoming...and wonderful (plus a meal deal voucher and you KNOW how much I love them). Our meal kicks off with a never ending cup of tea , which is lovely on what has turned out to be a rather wet, and not-so-warm night. The voucher deal includes four entrees of the restaurants choosing. They happily whip up some non-red meat/lamb/chicken options for us - I forget to mention my quirky eating habits when I made the booking. My Bad. I thought Th
Belly Rumbles
There is steamed cheung fun, chicken sticky rice, curry fish balls as well as steamed eggplant and tofu on offer. We end up sampling from the steamed dumpling section of the menu. Both the har gau and siu mai are really enjoyable. I am generally not a big fan of siu mai and tend to not eat it at yum cha, I would happily eat these large and juicy ones again.
Food Booze Shoes
Mahjong Room in Surry Hills has been serving Cantonese food on traditional wooden, square-topped mahjong tables since 2002. Owner William Hui and his chef aunt Owner William Hui has created a beautiful restaurant decorated with touches of bygone years throughout the venue's period decor, inspired by his home in Hong Kong where the clacking of mahjong tiles could be heard throughout the day. Traditional laneway dining The restaurant's own laneway setting has even been featured in the movie 'Mao's Last Dancer' . Table setting Along with the novel setting and charming period Chinese theming, Mahjong Room offers diners the opportunity to play a game or two; whether you're a seasoned player or a newbie who might need a quick lesson from the restaurant's waiters. Mahjong Room recently introduced
ElleT
Lovely casual atmosphere, great food and hospitality. We really enjoyed all aspects of our dining experience at the Mahjong Room. The host was amiable and relaxed, it felt like being a guest in somebody's house. Wonderful but not over-the-top service. The food was delicious (as were the cocktails) and the atmosphere was lovely. Highly recommend the vodka and ginger wine cocktail. I'll definitely return.
Francis Rob D'Emden
Warm intimate atmosphere is complemented by excellently presented, delicious and innovative food. Crisp vegetables, bright sauces and clean flavours. A true delight!
Mummy
We were recommended to go here. Nearly walked by but the few folk milling around outside urged us to go in. WOW. Are we glad we did!!! Four of us shared the $59 banquet and just ate and ate and not a single item was off the mark. The service was fabulous. Warm, welcoming, jovial. We even got advice about were to go after dinner. Thank you for a fabulous night - much better than our poor fine dining experience the night prior.
Hoss Hoskens
No welcoming, rudest staff ever. We do not recommend here. I would rather pay for you myself to eat elsewhere.
SurryHillsDiner
I won't be back. Let me start by saying this was my favourite Chinese restaurant in Sydney. I dined there last night and was bitterly disappointed. The staff were rude, interruptive, banged the food and drinks on the table, half way through taking our order the waiter turned to 2 customers who walked in and barked/yelled 'we are full no seats for 30 minutes'. As for the food, tasteless and mediocre. I didn't mind paying more at this restaurant because the quality and service were so good. But never again. They really need to get back to where they used to be.
Nicholas.s.hutchings
Charming & Delicious. This is one of those Tardis restaurants. Bigger and more wonderful on the inside that the front door will ever let on. The food was plentiful and delicious. We had the banquet meal ... as the tasting/tapas aspect appealed to us new comers and we weren't disappointed. The decor is charming and romantic and the service was easy and perfect. Or waiter/Gastroguide was knowledgable on wine and suggested the perfect accompliment to our wonderous food fest. It's been a few weeks now since eating there .. but i still find myself reminiscing about it. Time to go back I think.
MelbourneFoodie
Fabulous Home Delivery. While flicking through a Sydney hotel 'Moving Menus' latest edition from my room, I decided to give it a go. I selected Mahjong Room and went for the best alternative when you don't know a restaurant,’ Steamed Fish of the Day'. My low expectations were exceeded by the quick delivery and delicious food. What a treat it was; fresh fish with crunchy vegetables and a delicious light sauce. I'll definitely be back!!
Cat V.
I enjoyed the meal as it was a friends birthday. The banquets are good value although I just realized we didn't get the crab dumplings. Watch out for the wine - that was our biggest expense and the waiters are constantly refilling glasses. A good meal but a little pricey.
Helen
Good... until we were asked if we had stolen the cutlery!. Ate here on Saturday night on the recommendation of a friend. First impressions were good, nice ambiance and friendly staff. When ordering we were surprised to be told they only had two woks - not something I'd imagine they should be sharing...<br/>The food and (cocktails) were good, although it was probably a little overpriced. I loved the chicken and prawn wontons, the duck and the lamb in black bean. <br/>I didn't have dessert but three friends did and they loved it. <br/>Just before receiving our bill for $430 however, we were asked if we'd taken a set of dessert cutlery. Major fail!<br/>The waiter had cleared the table, not realising one set of the ornamental cutlery was in one of the dessert dishes. He really should have checked before asking... very disappointing end to the evening. He tried to laugh it off and didn't apologise. Not good enough in my view.
Claudia
Old Favourite. Genuine hospitality
A Bird
Slightly disappointed. Found this restaurant on dimmi.com.au there was this special tasting menu 8 courses for 2 for $50 on the website. saw the menu on the restaurant website. looked like a feast. <br/><br/>got to the restaurant and found out the menu on the website was out of date. it got downgraded to 4 courses meal.<br/><br/>the interior of the restaurant was not as good as what the photo looked like on dimmi.com.au. it would not attract my attention if i just walked pass it on the street.<br/><br/>it was 2 entree and 2 mains. chose a chicken and a fish dish out of 4 mains on menu. for the chicken one, the chilly powder was not spread evenly, which made some part of the chicken extremely chilly and the rest were not. the fish was pretty good, typical chinese style steamed fish, oil, tufo and shallot.<br/><br/>overall, the food was average. the glasses used for tap water was slightly old. the waiters were very friendly but they looked a bit weird.<br/><br/>as a result didnt bother to take any photos.
ET
Friendly Staff and Great Food. Went to Mahjong Room for dinner on a Wednesday night, surprisingly the restaurant was filled up on a weeknight given lots of other restaurants are struggling to have bums on seats.<br/>The service was friendly, attentive and informative. We ordered the tasting menu which came with different varieties from entrees to seafood mains to the poultry & meat mains. The food was tasty and full of flavour, well balanced.<br/>Had an enjoyable night, will definitely go back again!
Shelley
Overpriced but pretty good. Unlikely to return when there's a plethora of great Chinese restaurants around, at more reasonable prices. In fairness though, not many Chinese restaurants do a cocktail like Mahjong. If you do decide to try it, order the lychee martini - you won't be disappointed.
Rochelle
The Mahjong Room is such an exceptional dining experience. The Restaurant is ambient and inviting, the staff are very friendly and helpful. The food was absolutely amazing. We ordered multiple starters, mains and desserts and was extremely impressed with each and everyone of them. The service too was fantastic. Your cup was always full and the staff constantly made sure everything was alright. I would recommend the Mahjong Room to everyone!
Matt
Over charged. Asked for 1 rice, then charged for 2, said there is 2 of you, even know i only asked for 1<br/>as soon as you walk in the pour some hot tea for you, didnt ask for it then they charged you for that on the bill(i dont drink green tea)<br/>food was not to bad, bit $$$ for what you get
PhoodiePharmacist
Best chinese in the area - the whole steamed fish and peppered steak stir fry are the best, as well as the duck pancakes! Licensed too, always a bonus
Heath Bradby
Different, cool and lovely. Ate there for the first time last night after eyeing it off for about a year. really lovely space with great staff, and a different and a little bit innovative menu, not your normal chinese that's for sure. They work well with flavours, and the attention to detail with the food was very evident, can't wait to go back!
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