Memento Bar & Kitchen - Sydney

We had a fabulous night here last Saturday evening. We had purchased a groupon deal but felt like special guests! The service was amazing, the staff friendly and the food was great. The favorite been the salt and pepper squid entree. The included wine was really nice. Great value, nice atmosphere.

My partner and I purchased a Groupon voucher, and used their online booking tool to confirm our reservation. When we arrived, we were greeted by 'Willis' at the front , I said that we had a Groupon reservation. He instantly cut me off with a condescending tone and, without even asking for the reservation name, said 'did you ring up 24 hours in advance?'. I then said 'sorry no I just booked earlier in the week through Groupon' (which is what the voucher said to do. There was no mention of me having to contact them directly and I had also already received a confirmation email). He cut me off again and said 'yeah I understand that but you needed to call 24 hours in advance'. I then went to say something about the booking having been confirmed by email, when he cut me off yet again and said 'look it's fine' in a hostile tone, and then picked up our menus and walked away in which we followed. I was so shocked at how I had just been spoken to, particularly when we didn't serve it. He then showed us to our table and slammed the menus down and walked away without saying anything further. Adam, who we later learnt was the restaurant supervisor, then came over to our table and we asked if we could have our bottle of wine (which was part of deal and had not been offered to us). After providing us with our bottle of wine, Adam asked if we were ready to order. I then asked Adam if this was the full menu (as with the Groupon voucher we were meant to be able to chose from the full menu. There were also items from the full menu advertised with the voucher which were not provided as part of the set menu given to us). Adam then snapped, yes snapped! at me by saying ' yeah, it should also say in the voucher that we get to chose what menu you get' (the voucher doesn't, and even if I did I have no idea why he would speak to me like that! I was not being rude, I was simply asking!). I responded with nothing, and then he said 'well what do you want?' meaning from the full menu, in a confrontational tone. I just ordered from the set menu as I didn't want anymore confrontation. I can honestly say I have never felt so bad about myself at a restaurant, and felt like crying. I wanted to leave after the entree and not even finish my dinner. We did stay as my partner convinced me to, but I could not wait to leave. It really ruined, what was meant to be a nice night out for our anniversary. I note that my partner and I are both quiet and polite people, and did not do anything to deserve how we were treated!To top it all off, when we had finished our dinner and went to the front desk to have our voucher scanned, Willis said it wasn't necessary. Meaning he had our Groupon reservation all along.

Good breakfast. I had fruit, bircher muesli, toast and baked beans. Nothing too flash but at $20 (if you are a guest at Mantra) it was pretty good. Service was cheerful and helpful.

The Bar & Kitchen (dining area) in front of the Mantra Hotel was pleasant enough for a breakfast for me, before venturing forth to enjoy more Vivid Sydney. Seating was comfortable, wait staff excellent & efficient. Choice in the buffet breakfast was Standard but fairly limited. Reasonably priced but not a Big Deal. However, it is close to centre of CBD so no real complaints & OK if staying at Mantra. Remember, if you have time in the morning, that Sydney has plenty of good options, if you have the time, for breakfast before business but check Memento out :)

Two of us went for lunch here today. A lovely, small and particularly quite place to sit back and relax. Tables were spread far enough apart for easy chatting and the chairs and booth seating was comfortable. Menu was reasonably extensive, albeit mainly bistro-type dishes. We both chose the t-bone steaks and they were tasty and tender. The fries and salad were more than satisfactory. Staff were pleasant and attentive and the cost, including a bottle of wine, was fine. Hard to fault for what it is... a quiet spot in which to enjoy nice food in a pleasant atmosphere.