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21 reviews or comments posted; 1 questions asked; 19 answers given.

Reviews / Comments (21) see all

posted about 5 months ago by CanadianA
about the venue: Cielo

Sorry, Cielo, but things are going downhill.

While the food continues to be good for the most part*, the service and atmosphere has taken a nose dive. Their prices have also gone up yet again -- for the third time in less than a year. While inflation in Hanoi is high, some of their price increases are a bit overboard.

On my last visit here, my partner and I waited for no less than 45 minutes to get our salad course. A large party of 10 at the center table seems to have been the distraction. I saw our salad come from the kitchen twice, and be placed on the large table twice, before I intervened with the manager and expressed my dissatisfaction.

When the mains finally appeared (two pizzas), one was the wrong pizza entirely, and the other was the wrong size (a small as opposed to a large). They both had to be sent back and another 20 minute wait ensued. The manager was apologetic, but this did not excuse YET AGAIN the fact that I saw my pizza (!!) arrive from the kitchen and be placed on the large party's table -- at least this time the large party told the server it was not theirs.

My partner had to walk to the bar himself twice to ask for more beer, as our requests for refills went into the abyss. While waiting for food and drink to arrive, not only were we distracted by the loud large party in the center of the room (there is another floor -- why would they put a party this big downstairs?), but about 30 minutes after our arrival, a construction crew showed up with giant lights and tools, getting ready to do some serious drilling in the south wall. It was about 8 p.m. on a Sunday -- surely this is not the opportune time for a restaurant to begin renovations?

The table next to us also had their orders mixed up, as I overheard them expressing their unhappiness and the manager again apologizing.

Still, after all of this, we finally ate and asked for the bill. After waiting 10 minutes we got up to leave (we had already been there 2 hours!). Staff appeared out of nowhere with our bill in hand. I expressed that I was disappointed and unhappy with the service and that I at least expected a discount on our bill. Staff did not oblige.

We paid, left no tip, and decided not to return until after the summer months, when we hope management has either changed completely or shaped up considerably.

*The food is the only redeeming quality of this restaurant. Their pastas and pizzas continue to be of good quality. However, having eaten here now several times (15+ times if you include deliveries), I can say that the quality of food is largely dependent on which chef is working that day. While quality is never terrible, not all dishes are the same all the time. Consistency of quality (and service) would improve Cielo's rating immensely.

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posted about 5 months ago by CanadianA
about the venue: Chim Sao

Have been here a few times now and enjoyed it every time. I have tried the dishes recommended here by previous reviewers, and have also gone off the beaten track a bit and tried a few other randoms (like grilled buffalo and fried pigeon pieces). All have been excellent! Portions are generous, and there are many vegetarian options if you have an "an chay" in your party. There are also plenty of meat dishes to satisfy even the hungriest carnivore. My personal favorite dish is the tofu in tomato sauce. YUM!

Prices are modest, service is good (except when busy; typical for Hanoi), and the beer is cold. Food is served fresh and quickly, and most of it is pretty healthy stuff. If you prefer steamed rice instead of sticky (the only kind on the menu) you might have a bit of negotiating to do.

This is definitely becoming one of my favorite Vietnamese restaurants in Hanoi!

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posted about 8 months ago by CanadianA
about the venue: Festa (Ly Quoc Su)

I have to agree with suddenpaws -- everything was bland! I visited here with 3 friends and all of us commented on the same thing -- our food seemed to have no flavour. We each tried each others' dishes, just to see if we were losing our minds. No, we were correct -- there was no flavour to anything. Wait - there was one exception. Our "Lovers Salad" (funny name) had some flavour, but only because it was basically salad drenched in Thousand Island dressing. Hmm. Not worth it, and *definitely* not Italian.

At the end of the meal, I was beginning to wonder if they used any spices or herbs in ANYTHING they create here. I mean, really. Do they?

And to Michal - I'm sorry about the lasagne. The lasagne I ordered here was absolutely terrible -- it tasted like cardboard.

My final rant of the day: I would really like restaurants in Hanoi that are clearly NOT Italian to stop advertising themselves as such. Please, please, please! It's misleading and only leads to disappointment. I realize Sonia's review below says that the owner is from Italy... but does he know how to cook? Or did he just leave town and trust that his staff would do it properly? Something is missing from the picture, if the owner is Italian. Any Italians I know (ahem, my family!) would not touch this food with a 10-foot pole.

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posted about 8 months ago by CanadianA
about the venue: Cielo

It should be noted that Cielo recently raised their prices (again -- this is the 3rd time). Dishes now cost approximately double what they did 11 months ago, when I posted my original review.

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posted about 8 months ago by CanadianA
about the venue: Limone

I suppose it's not bad for a mall restaurant, but please do not be fooled, folks -- it's not real Italian food they serve here. Like so many "Italian" restaurants in Asia, it is simply some pasta tossed with some sauce. Why-oh-why do so many people think that this is Italian food? I have not tried the pizzas, but I am not tempted to try them, either. I'll head to Mediterraneo or Luna for that.

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Questions (1)
  • Ok, this might sound like a really silly question. But it's for real: where can I buy Dove soap in Ha Noi?

    I've lived here over 18 months now, and have not had any troubles until about 2 months ago. My maid tells me it's not available in Viet Nam at all any more (!) but I'm not sure I believe that. I've checked Fivi Mart and several other shopping stores downtown, including at Trang Tien Plaza and my "trusty" toiletries shop across from Puku. Anyone else have any suggestions?

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