We had a great lunch, the food was excellent and the staff were very helpful, attentive and friendly.

Kathy M.

Ronnie and I had a fantastic experience at Red Lantern and the Red Lantern team should be commended for their service, friendliness, attention to detail and the food!
We were also thrilled that Luke was there on Sunday evening.

Louise M.

Heather and Craig

Esther K.

Thank you for a lovely evening last night.  The food was delicious, the service great and our '65 year old birthday boy', Robert was delighted.  The complimentary dessert of black seseame & coconut macaroon ice-cream was just to 'die for' and if we hadn't all wanted to hit the road to try and catch "Once Upon A Time In Cabramatta" on television, we would have all stayed just an extra few minutes (but still out by 9pm) to enjoy an ice-cream each!

PS. I cook many of the recipes from Luke's original (& signed) "Secrets of The Red Lantern" and enjoyed the lemon pepper salt dipping sauce just last week with quail.

Julie Y.

A small group of us went to Red Lantern on Saturday and thoroughly enjoyed the food and service experience. All staff were of a high standard- personable, friendly, knowledgeable and had a "can do," positive attitude.They knew the menu well because they had actually tasted everything on both the a la carte and tasting menu (impressive!)

The presentation and taste of the meals were excellent. I loved the desserts too. I look forward to visiting this restaurant again soon. I wish all food and services could learn from this restaurant. I have rated this 10/10
(First time ever have I said a restaurant was 10/10!) 

Joy H.

Rob and Toni

I just wanted to let you know that once again your food and staff were wonderful!

 

We flew up from Melbourne for my girlfriends 29^th birthday and we choose to have her birthday dinner at Red Lantern.....we loved it!! She was greeted with a Happy Birthday, and then while we were having dessert they bought out a sparkler candle for her.  The banquet once again was amazing and the matching wines were beautiful.

 

Thank you to you and your staff for making it the perfect end to her birthday.

Jason S.

Just wanted to say a big thanks for looking after such a big group last night with utmost courtesy and control, even though we were shamobolic.

Really appreciated it and the food was amazing. Look forward to seeing you next time.

Meagan R.

AMAZING!! We went up from Melbourne for my girlfriend's birthday and were greated at the door with a happy birthday from the staff. This is the second time we have been to Red Lantern, once again we had the 8 course banquet with matching wines. The food was beautiful, the wines matched perfectly and the staff were more than wonderful. We will be back for sure again! 10/10 

Jason S.

Superb..we had our 2nd visit for our anniv a week ago and decided to try the $80 tasting menu..what an experience!! Excellent staff and the food was delicious..congrats to Red Lantern, Sydney's best Viet cuisine by a mile..Thank you..we'll be back soon.

Anthony

Amazing. Spectacular food, great staff. Worth every cent, book well in advance though! 

Coldly

We have been to the Red Lantern on two occasions,we can't thank you enough and the staff for making the selections from the menu an unforgetable experience,we selected the tasting menu, highly recommend for the full dining experience, the dessert is out of this world, already planning our next dining experience,you soon 

Craig

My sister and I had the most amazing time at the Red Lantern. The service was outstanding and the food really was incredible. There just wasn't enough of it to satisfy me. It was a wonderful experience and one I hope to repeat if ever in Sydney again. 

Amber

Always a favourite. Great food, relaxed atmosphere and my out-of-state clients always love the razzle dazzle that Luke might be in the kitchen. 

Kontented

We can't thank you enough for the fabulous time we had at the Red Lantern. The food and service was impeccable - and to have Luke serve and share a laugh made the experience that whole lot more special to all there. It was a very special evening that will be remembered with enjoyable memories. Thank you and we look forward to joining you again someday soon. 

Colin, Jasmine, Lesley, Graham, Chris and Lizz

WOW what an experience. It started from the moment we were greeted by Rainey's fanstastic smile and it kept getting better. Don't bother trying to choose a single menu item - go for the tasting plate. We had it modified for our particular tastes (thanks chef) and it was one of the most memorable meals we've had...even the wine matching was superb. 

Shannon

Went with family for a birthday lunch on 6 Sept. (Four adults, two small children) The experience was one to savour. Superb food, excellent wines and fantastic staff, all ensured we chalked this up as a very special day to remember. We thoroughly enjoyed the $65 per person tasting menu and barely managed to find room for dessert. Another highlight was being able to meet and chat with Mark. Overall, we thought it was fantastic value for money, with everyone feeling highly valued. Thankyou so much Red Lantern team! 

Kristen and Dave

Dined there on Sept 3rd as part of a group of 10 people, both Sydneysiders and visitors (incl myself). This was a special gathering of old friends, so I was very excited that the Red Lantern were able to fit us all in on a busy Saturday night (I booked approx 1 month before). We were seated by the street on the outdoor terrace, so I did not really get a sense of the restaurant interior. Being a fan of Luke Nguyen's show but not having much experience with Vietnamese food, I wasn't really sure what to expect. As a large group we were confined to the $65 tasting menu but this ended up being quite convenient as we knew what we were getting in advance and the cost. The food was fantastic as I hoped it would be: 2 entrees (rice paper rolls and salt and pepper squid), 2 salads and then a few hot dishes. Everyone scraped the plates clean, except for the fish in lotus leaves which was not popular. The two vegetarians in our group were also happy with their vego alternative tasting menu. The wine list was fairly expensive, but probably normal for Sydney. The service was efficient, professional and polite and ensured we were in and out within our 6-8pm 'sitting'. Staff even greeted me as I made my way to the back of the restaurant to use the restrooms! I purchased the 'Secrets of the Red Lantern' cookbook which the staff ran upstairs to have personalised and signed by Pauline - a nice offer. During the booking process, office staff were very patient with changing numbers for the group and answering queries re vegetarian options etc. Group bookings do incur a 10% gratuity and require a $100 refundable deposit so it is a bit of a commitment and an expense. All round a great experience - yes it is more expensive than your 'average' Vietnamese restaurant, but this is no 'average' Vietnamese restaurant, and lovely for a special night out. I hope to be back next time I'm in Sydney but in the meantime will be trying my hand at some of the dishes in the "Secrets of the Red Lantern" book! 

Annie

I would just like to thank all of the staff at the Red Lantern - my husband and I had dinner there last Friday night, and every single thing was perfect. We felt right at home, the food was AMAZING (it may be the best meal I have ever eaten), the staff were lovely, and it was a great surprise to be able to meet Luke. We will definitely be coming back next time we visit Sydney.
PS. Can you please, please share your recipe for Pork Floss?? It was absolutely delicious!

Rachel O.

Many thanks team,

This was a special gathering of old friends, so I was very excited that
you were able to fit us all in on a busy Saturday night.

The food was fantastic as I knew it would be, the service great and theoffice staff were very patient with changing numbers and offering vegetarian options etc.

All round a great experience - I hope to be back next time I'm in Sydney
but in the meantime will be trying my hand at some of the dishes in the "Secrets of the Red Lantern" book!

 Many thanks again,

Annie H.

We had a wonderful night at Red Lantern, the food was absolutely delicious & the service was outstanding, attentive but not intrusive!

Thank you,

Sue

We had a wonderful night at Red Lantern, the food was absolutely delicious & the service was outstanding, attentive but not intrusive!

Thank you,

Sue C.

Outstanding food, outstanding service.
Overall good value and a great experience.

Thank you

Tina O.

Thanks so much for a great evening. Delicious meal and special thanks to Rob and Sara for their warm hospitality tonight. We had a great dinner. Will definitely be back!

Katie K.

We had a fantastic time at your restaurant on Monday evening at 7pm.  The menu was fantastic and filling and varied and everyone enjoyed it. Waiter was fantastic too.  Absolutely beautiful food and service (salt and pepper squid junky)

 Kind regards

Tania K.

We can't thank you enough for the fabulous time we had at the Red Lantern. The food and service was impeccable - and to have Luke serve and share a laugh made the experience that whole lot more special to all there. It was a very special evening that will be remembered with enjoyable memories.

Thank you and we look forward to joining you again someday soon.

Kind Regards,

Colin, Jasmine, Lesley, Graham, Chris and Lizz

Hi Red Lantern

Thanks for a really memorable dining experience. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and appreciated your consideration over the missing gift voucher. A great night all round, and we loved your staff., and of course we loved Luke taking the time to talk to us.

Lindy F.

Thank you so much my second visit to Red lantern

Was great that Luke was their made our night all my friends first time they loved it I need to book for December just waiting on dates.

Karen F.

Thank you so much my second visit to Red lantern

Was great that Luke was their made our night all my friends first time they loved it I need to book for December just waiting on dates.

Karen F.

I just wanted to thank you and our absolutely delightful waiter Robert, who made our night a joyous event on the 30th August.  He had us giggling most of the night and we can\'t wait to come back and have another foody experience and hopefully have another fun time with Roberts humour.  The food took us to heaven and we all didn\'t want to eat anything the next day because we didn\'t want to lose the flavours.  Its everything I thought it would be and more WOW another tick off the bucket list, but I think we will be doing it several more times.

Dawn K.

Dined at Red Lantern a few months ago.  Dishes in the tasting menu were like "died and gone to heaven"!  I hope to return to the restaurant soon!

Danny W.

Just finished a lovely meal with my wife, sister and brother in law. The best service we have experienced in Sydney, ever. The Tasting Menu is to be recommended, it took me back to Can Tho, Hue, Hoi An and HCM City and some other truly memorable meals. Well done Luke and Co! 

Steve B.

To all the Red Lantern staff

 We would love to thank you all for your hospitality and excellent quality of food we received last Saturday night for our 11 year wedding anniversary.

We will always remember our special day shared with such lovely staff, we felt like royalty, we couldn't of felt more welcome.

 We would of loved to of met Luke Nguyen and Mark Jensen but circumstances didn't turn out that way.

The food you both create is like a work of art and your menu has great variety.

 Once again Thank you it made our Anniversary one to remember! :)

Tammy & Warren C.

Dear Red Lantern team,

Thank you for looking after our large group of 16 people. The banquet was amazing. 
I cant wait to come back until next time.. 

Warm Regards.

Gina B.

Thanks for a great evening, food and service were excellent.
My boyfriend and I really enjoyed it and look forward to coming back soon.

Alan L.

Thank you for a lovely evening.  I took my four daughters, nephew and two nieces.  It was such a happy night and we thank you for the dessert .... it made our night.  Can't wait to come back.  As I said in previous emails, the girls heard you speak at St Vincent's College in Potts Point and thought you were amazing.

Thankyou for the e mail and opportunity to give some feedback. Firstly, we will most definitely be back. Your food was absolutely wonderful and a tribute to everyone involved. We cannot praise the lady who took care of us for the evening highly enough.  Her professionalism and friendliness are a further reflection on just what a great restaurant the Red Lantern is. 

We have had copies of Pauline and Luke's books since they were first published and were a little worried that perhaps the Red Lantern might not live up to the expectations we had formed. 

How wrong could we be. 

Thankyou for the experience and be assured it is one we will be repeating. 

Kind Regards 

Louisa and Kevin B.

Hi Pauline, Luke and Mark,

It truly was a very special event because we have always wanted to dine at your lovely restuarant and we are leaving Sydney to go Perth. Anyway, just want to say that we really had a great time. The 2 books will be a good read for us.

We wish you every success and hope to return again when we are back visiting friends in Sydney.

 Best wishes,

Jason N.

Hi Red Lantern,

We thoroughly enjoyed your dining experience.

The food was absolutely delicious, it was really tasty & fresh. And we all tasted something new for the first time & loved it!

And the staff, all of them, were just great. I was totally amazed at the level of knowledge that they all had of the food & wine, right down to a particular herb that was featured in one of the dishes.

They were all very polite & spoke beautifully to all of us & kept checking that we were ok & had enough to drink.

And then to top it off, we had a visit from Mark, which was the highlight of the evening, especially for us females!

Our oldies loved it, they were very chuffed!

So, thank you Red Lantern for a wonderful night. I have already highly recommended to you to my 200+ 'friends' on Facebook!

You will definitely be seeing us again!!

Thanks & Cheers

Greg and Sam S.

Thank you so much for the fantastic experience last night. We were really stressed about being so late but the host was amazing, calling us to let us know that everything was OK, graciously greeting us and the complimentary sparkling wine on arrival just removed all our anxiety and immediately helped us relax. The food was also amazing; the $60 tasting menu was excellent value. We were so full that no matter how hard we tried we couldn't even consider dessert. We will be returning and have told everyone we know about our amazing experience.

Thanks again!

Stephanie B.

We had a wonderful time at Red lantern.  The food was exquisite and the service excellent. Please thank Lara for the wonderful way we were treated.  Please pass our thanks to Mark Jensen who made the night extra special for nana, who has been looking forward to dining at the restaurant for ages.  Please pass onto Luke that he has a very excellent restaurant.

Jennifer M.

I had the pleasure of dining with you on Monday night in a party of four  and we elected to have the tasting menu.

On behalf of the group, may I offer my warmest thanks to the fabulous young man who ensured that our every need was anticipated, who's every recommendation was a winner, and who guided us through the menu with personal attention and professional flair.

And to the chef & kitchen team, our deepest appreciation for delivering such a culinary adventure. Not a morsel left on any plate.

Melody P.

We really enjoyed our time at Red Lantern.  The food was fantastic and the service was just how we like it, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly without being obtrusive.  Both my husband and I were waiters for many years and really appreciate good service.  We will definitely come back and will tell everyone we know they have to go too.  We especially liked the vegetarian options for our friend who didn't eat seafood, I think we'll come back and just have those they were so good!

Thanks again

Toni G.

We really enjoyed our time at Red Lantern.  The food was fantastic and the service was just how we like it, knowledgeable, helpful and friendly without being obtrusive.  Both my husband and I were waiters for many years and really appreciate good service!

We will definitely come back and will tell everyone we know they have to go too.  We especially liked the vegetarian options for our friend who didn't eat seafood, I think we'll come back and just have those they were so good!

Thanks again

Toni G.

I'd like to thank you for an amazing dining experience. It was truly incredible, the food was superb and the staff were wonderful.

It was an absolute treat to celebrate my birthday with you and have recommended you to family and friends and we will definitely be dining with you soon.

Please pass on these compliments to the chefs and staff.

Nikki M.

Last Wednesday my husband and I dined at your restaurant, having waited for some time to visit Sydney. Being followers of Luke`s SBS show, and having his Songs of Sapa cookbook, it was a must do on our visit. We we not disappointed. It was all we hoped for, and more!!

I have been raving non stop since our return, and will visit again next time we are in Sydney. The flavours and textures of all the food we ate, were beautiful, and as we are no newcomers to the taste of Vietnamese cuisine, we can say it was amongst the best we have eaten. Congratulations to all involved.

Sandra M.

Have watched Luke\'s series on trekking through Vietnam and cooking, thoroughly enjoyed. Have tried booking restaurant on short notice, unable to get in.  Feedback from friends, food is unbelieveable.

Rino V.

I enjoyed a birthday night out at your restaurant last night, the 25th March, along with my son, daughter and daughter in-law. We absolutely, thoroughly enjoyed our meal, the environment and the wonderful staff, as well as meeting Luke, chatting with him and having him sign my Songs of Sapa book for me and my daughter.  The food was a taste sensation not to be forgotten in a hurry.

We travelled from the Central Coast for this event.

Thanks all concerned at the restaurant.

Pauline M.

To the Red Lantern Team,

Thank you for an extraordinary dining experience.  The 8 of us agreed that this was one of the finest evenings we had shared together and well worth the trip from Qld.

The food, service and ambience of your restaurant fully deserves the accolades so often publicised. Thank you again for making my 60th a night to remember.

Wayne Z.

Went to Red Lantern for my birthday last year and absolutely loved the food, the friendly staff and the surprise birthday sparklers that came with my dessert!

Jackie S.

Dear Luke and the Red Lantern team

 On Sunday night my partner and I had the privilege of dining at your restaurant.  We made the booking around two months ago well prior to even booking flights or accommodation.

 Not only did you meet our every expectation but you far exceeded it, we had the tasting menu with matching wines and the two of us were blown away at how much we enjoyed every bit of it and the experience of having Luke serve our entrees and chatting with him.

 Your staff were exceptional throughout the night and there knowledge was second to none. Lucas who looked after us is a true credit to you and I can't sing his praises enough.

 Thankyou for providing the highlight to our short getaway and we will definitely be back!

 Regards

Jason Simmons

Jason S.

“I loved my little intimate Red Lantern table where my only distractions, welcome ones at that, were great company and the food...The service was excellent, my waiter was very helpful in his suggestions for wines and was efficient, friendly and attentive without being obtrusive... Most importantly, the food was excellent.  The Goi Vit (duck and banana blossom salad) together with the Bo Luc Lac had everyone at the table looking at each other and going WOW.  It is a mistake to assume that just because a dish has big flavours it does not also have subtlety... One bite of the cube of beef sent an explosion of beef flavour washing across my tongue bombarding my taste buds and making me instantly sorry for all vegetarians at being denied such an exquisite taste sensation...The only problem with this dish is that I'll never be able to order it again at any other Vietnamese restaurant unless I prepare myself to be endlessly disappointed at the comparisons...To Mark, and all my new friends in the kitchen, thanks for putting the pride in what you do into the dishes.”

Terrence and Nutty

“I wish Red Lantern the longest successful existence.  Permit me to thank and congratulate your people for an excellent lunch yesterday.  My two companions were dear friends from Hampshire, UK, soon to return...nothing compares to Red Lantern in their ambit.  The lunch was a revelation to them, to us all, just splendid thank you.  Please thank your staff member who attended to us, particularly for the two excellent photographs he kindly offered to take for me...they are just great.  Very best wishes and thanks always.”

Jean H. Canberra

“We are from the Central Coast, Gosford, and wanted to see a play at Belvoir Street, Theatre, and thought a visit to your restaurant would be special.  Indeed, we were taken aback with the food and service! It was excellent! Our wait staff, a man, deserves special mention, because we are ignorant to Vietnamese Food, but he was most helpful with advice, and the size of serving.  We are likely revisits, as we are season ticket holders to the Theatre, but needless to say we will spread the word on the Central Coast that you must visit the Red Lantern Restaurant, at Surry Hills, before you die!”

Ron T., Gosford

“My friends and I enjoyed a wonderful evening at your restaurant last Sunday night. It was a perfect way to end our day. The delicious food and wonderful service made it a truly memorable evening.  We look forward to eating at Red Lantern again in the near future! Thanks again.”

Frances. D

Hey guys, a group of us went to Red Lantern on Friday night and we loved it.  This was my second time and yet again the food was absolutely amazing.  Not only was the food fabulous but the staff are always so friendly and helpful.  PS Drew you rock!

Hope L.

Congratulations to Red Lantern for being Australia's Best Vietnamese Restaurant and also to Luke for getting into the Hall of Fame, an incredible achievement by a fellow Vietnamese. He is going so much for our heritage and doing the Cabramatta community proud!

Phuoc H.

Hi guys,
Just wanted to thank you for a wonderful evening last Tuesday night. I have always wanted to dine at your restaurant since hearing Pauline interviewed on the ABC and seeing Luke and Mark create dishes on  Food Safari and Masterchef. The food was beautiful and fresh with amazing flavours and outstandingly presented. All the staff were friendly and attentive but we would like to praise Lara who 'walked' us through the menu and made some brilliant suggestions.She was warm and engaging with a great sense of humour and offered us a glass of sparkling wine to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary,she is a credit to your organisation and  took a photo of us that my wife actually liked!  Thank you again and I will have the 'Secrets of the Red Lantern signed book as a  treasured memento of a memorable night.

Farley and Linda. H

"I would just like to take this opportunity to say how wonderful and exciting our trip to your gorgeous restaurant was.  My partner and I dined at Red Lantern on our recent holiday to Sydney and were overly impressed at not just the food but our waiter Tim was outstanding. His knowlegde and passion towards the food was second to none -  not to mention how at ease he made everything feel. jThanks again" 

Shayne M.

"Thank you for an absolutely wonderful culinary experience! So fresh and amazing flavours. The steak was my favourite I think but the fish was devine also - all of it was amazing.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their experience and I am sure there will be a number or recommendations to our family and friends happening if not already happened!  Your wait staff were also very attentive, professional and friendly - which also contributes to the success of the evening, so thank you."

Simone W.

We had a fabulous night both last Friday and this Tuesday. The food was fabulous and the service very professional.
I am still reading "Secrets of the Red Lantern" so thrilled my husband bought it for me!! Its a very special story.
It was a great birthday. I have been telling everyone about your restaurant!!

Cassandra J.

Hi all,

My partner & I had the most amazing meal at Red Lantern. We live in the ACT & had to travel to Sydney for business. Friends had told us about Red Lantern & lucky for us we were able to book in the evening we were in town.

Red Lantern will the top of our list when we are next back in Sydney.

Thank you for a wonderful dinning experience.

Michelle and Kev

I have been to Red Lantern once with my Norwegian friend and both our tastebuds were tickled to our delight. Fond memories over the sour soup seaseme ball. Reminds me of back home :) Now my parents are coming and I am going to bring them here! 23rd September lunch time (I have submitted an online reservation.) See u guys then!

Excellent service we had. The waiter was polite and descriptive of the food which was so helpful to allow us to imagine the dish. I loved the whole experience. Thank you Luke and crew.

Jennifer B.

Thank you for a wonderful dining experience! We came here for the first time
tonight and were absolutely blown away by the amazing food and fabulous
friendly service. We\'ll certainly be recommending your restaurant to
everyone and will be back for round 2 very soon!

Thanks again,
Uty and Nic

Nicole K.

We have just returned home from an amazing dinner at your restaurant.  From the moment we arrived it was nothing short of special.  The food, so good, fresh and such beautiful flavours.  Our waiter, Lucas, recommended a perfect wine for us and by the time we left we felt Lucas was an old friend!  We can\'t wait to make a return visit.  Thank you!

Jennifer H.

“Have both of Secrets of the Red Lantern and Songs of Sa Pa...love what you guys do...but...still wish it was a bit of a secret cos as much as I want to share it...I also don’t.”

Denise M.