Loyal customers praise the authenticity of the pho, pork ribs, and Vietnamese dishes at fair prices, and the calm setting. However, recent visits have hit rough patches: abandoned orders in a near-empty kitchen, takeaway food with visible contamination (discoloured tofu, debris in soup), and wait staff who lack warmth. The 4.1 rating across 1738 reviews masks a tension between established fans and those burned by quality or service lapses.
Shiok draws crowds for reliably tasty local and Western fare served fast in a newly renovated, wheelchair-friendly space. Long-term regulars note steady price hikes and occasional oversalted or oily dishes, but staff warmth and decent value keep most coming back.
Torte by Linda is a Russian-themed dessert and cafe spot where the Medovik cake (honey-layered, perfectly balanced) stands out as the signature draw. Reviewers consistently praise the authentic flavors, elegant cozy setting, and thoughtful presentation, with several noting the cakes captured genuine Russian taste without cloying sweetness. The menu also features savory items like pelmeni dumplings and Megruli Khachapuri that earn praise for clean, comforting execution. The main friction point is seating logistics: solo diners report longer waits and lower priority than groups, and the space itself is tight. One reviewer also flagged the price-to-value ratio as steep for the portion sizes. Staff warmth varies across visits. The Russian heritage and specialty desserts, however, create a strong differentiation that keeps most visitors content enough to return.
The space draws crowds for its dark, elegant vibe and live band performances (Thursday to Sunday, 8:30 PM weekdays, 9:30 PM Saturday). Food is consistently praised-signature dishes like Iberico Pork Cheeks and Australian Striploin impress. Cocktails are thoughtfully made, and service is usually smooth. One diner flagged unfair seating priority when a nearby couple was served first after requesting speed, with no explanation offered to their own table. Pricing sits above typical café fare, but the polished plating and curated wine pairings justify it for those seeking a fine-dining feel in a casual setting.
Last updated 2026-07-04