Sifu - Gold Coast

After receiving poor service and average food at Sifu several nights ago we visited again last night. What a difference a few days can make. The service had improved greatly and we had one of the best Chinese meals that I have had in a while. Will definately go back again soon. Well done on the quick improvement.

The restaurant has a lovely atmosphere with well-spaced tables for privacy, delicious food, and excellent service from the friendly and efficient staff. It's everything you could want in a dining experience.

I had called ahead to make a reservation at Sifu for a party of 8 at 6:30pm, but was told it had to be at 5:30pm or 7pm. I chose 5:30pm and arrived early at 5:15pm, only to find the restaurant door locked. We waited at the hotel lobby bar for 15 minutes without any service. When we returned to the restaurant at 5:30pm, the door was still locked. Eventually, a Caucasian couple arrived to unlock the door around 5:40pm. When I explained that I had a reservation for 5:30pm, the woman responded rudely saying that I had not spoken to her. It turns out that I had been transferred to the wrong venue by the hotel operator. While mistakes can happen, the way that the staff treated us was unacceptable. Sifu, please train your staff to treat customers with respect. We are paying for your services and deserve to be treated as such.

I dined at this Venue on Saturday Night with Family and Friends. Had a reservation at 6 pm. Arrived at 5.55pm and the doors were locked. Staff inside but no response when I rattled the door. No sign on the door about opening time. Doors unlocked at 6.03 pm. Hardly the reaction and arrangements you expect from what is said to be a Fine Dining Restaurant.When we entered place was deserted. Booked for 5 and they went to seat us at a table for 4 with just another setting added - a practice that should be discouraged. After all this is not McDonald's it is supposed to be a Fine Dining Restaurant and one doe snot expect to be jammed on a small table with no room.. Had to ask for a round table and get this the Hostess said she would check - was there for 3 hours and no more than 20% full.Anyway when we were eventually seated were given beverage list. Wine list was not too bad but could use some imagination. Ordered an expensive bottle of aged red wine as part of the drinks order. Had to explain to the waitress that we wanted it decanter-ed and what that was. We offered the smallest red wines glasses imaginable. (hard to accept this is restaurant is at an intercontinental Group Hotel.Further the list of beers just names the brand of beer for instance Peroni. I asked the waitress which Peroni they stocked and whether it was on tap. had no idea what I was talking about. She went and got the Hostess who in answer to the question which Peroni they stocked simply replied "the usual" I was looking to see if it was mid strength or full strength. Not an unreasonable request but did not appreciate being met with what can only be described as a off handed and cheeky reply. When I explained what i was inquiring about the hostess had no idea and went and got the bottle from the bar. It seems they only stock Peroni full strength.Finally, we ordered the food - 2 of the 5 dishes we ordered from the Menu were not available. Waitress had no idea about this and only came back 5 minutes later to tell us and seek replacement orders.When the food arrives it was delicious - nicely presented tasty and well above average. it certainly was fine dining Cantonese cuisine. This alone means i will try it again but in all honestly the staff training is abysmal or non-existent. Whoever wrote the Beverage Menu needs to review it with a view to being a bit more descriptive about the beers etc. The wine list needs work especially when you are at a Hotel which has Balthazar which has such an awesome wine list right next door - both venues being owned and operated by the Hotel.Ordered Cognac after dinner - served half nips in cold spirit glass not proper brandy glasses. When queried size of serve and the glasses the staff were nonplussed and after we explained we wanted the full measure and proper glasses and what proper glasses were some sense took over and full measure in proper glasses arrived.All in all the experience was pleasant, the waitresses (we had 2) although not properly trained were friendly and helpful ( the hostess needs to be honest and avoid being cheeky with silly responses). The food however was outstanding. I will give it one more go due to the food. Whom ever is responsible for the staff and beverage menu needs to lift their game. With a little work this venue could be the best Cantonese restaurant on the whole Gold coast. It would be shame to waste such an opportunity.Give it a go but unless they improve expect to be disappointed with the Beverage List and the service.

We recently visited here as part of my birthday and it was good, would've been great if we didn't have to wait so long between the entrees and the mains, seemed like more staff would have made it easier for the poor ones working. I also am unsure about letting small children run around the restaurant doing things not appropriate and this was not stopped. The food was good, too many vegetables for serving size.