Dimmi’s special for the win! Ordered the Chicken betel leaf, corn fritters, roti bread with split curry dipping sauce, ma hot galloping horses to share as a start! Everything was delicious. The curry dipping sauce had a nice bit of heat(chilly) to it. For mains got the cured salmon, pork sausage and poached chicken and crab salad. I think the top dishes were the salmon and chicken. Very fresh and well executed! By the time more people arrived the food service sort of slowed down. Overall, very filling dishes with friendly staff.
Eugenie C.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Sydney, Australia
Since discovering Jimmy Liks, I’ve been there 3 times in 1 month! The BEST food I’ve had in a longgg time, the South-East Asian flavours pack a punch, are authentic and are incredibly tasty! Food is tapas style so everything on the menu is quite small(except for the mains section at the bottom of the menu). The ambience is dark with loud upbeat music and there are long share tables — which I don’t like. We arrived at 6pm and the whole restaurant was empty. 2 diners came in 15 minutes later and the waitstaff put them right next to me! So we ended up sharing a table with them and I had to move my bag and jacket from the spare bench to my own bench which already had no space(my jacket ended up on the ground).
Mick A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Sydney, Australia
We have been dining here for beyond a decade now — and the food has always been consistently good. The aspect that we have enjoyed far more in recent times has been the more natural engagement of the people serving and engaging with us… so often in the past it had been so hyped up, and at times the communication had a feeling of nearly being fake and lacking in sincerity. In our view this was not conducive to engaging with those whom you are with for there was this feeling that a ‘mild pressure hangs over the table’. And this frankly has been why we have been very infrequent in returning! This seems to be now buried in the past… the people serving were good, fun to be with and insightful. The design and fit out are appealing; and so to the food — all four of us had the tasting menu with its seven course and jasmine rice. It was excellent… just enough, served at a rate to allow us to enjoy the night… it was all good however some of the dishes were outstanding including the steamed duck and shiitake mushroom dumpling, the poached chicken and crab salad with its lovely lemongrass, coconut mint and thai basil flavours all delightfully interwoven, and last but not least the twice cooked sticky pork hock. There is a pleasant bar and wine list is very good. The food for the four of us was $ 50…it was great value for money.
Pippa L.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Manhattan, NY
Great, quick street style food. Could do with a few more veggie options for starters but all round amazing food and great service. Found a seat at the bar around 8:30pm on a Friday night with no issues. Started with the lobster and king prawn dumplings that come served in a rich, salty broth and rotti bread with curry dipping sauce that had me eating it wit a spoon when the bread ran out. Second was salt and pepper squid that was a little disappointing — more batter than squid as the pieces were quite small wit a strong vinegar dipping sauce. Finished with the jungle veggie curry with white rice(no brown option) which was rich and flavorful.
Kerry K.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Playa del Rey, CA
Jimmy Liks was great. I was in Sydney on vacation and my friend made us a reservation before we got to Australia. We were seated promptly at a prime outside table. The service was great and the food was great. I think my friends and I loved the crispy duck the most. I would just say that the duck and scallop dumplings were a little overpriced for what they are. I would definitely go back here if I was in Sydney again.
Maria N.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Sydney, Australia
Jimmy Liks sure know how to set the mood … what a space !!! Its well dark and there’s an indescribable zing in the air — ya just have to feel it to get it !! SE Asia at its finest right here. If you’ve ever eaten at Longrain, you’ll no doubt recognise some of their dishes … ex-longrain manager branched out to open this little beauty. Would you look at this menu??? Every dish sounding better than the one before … where do you start? Yeah all the best with that. We ordered the chicken betal, prawn and lobster dumplings, soft shell crab, wagyu beef and the coconut eggplant curry. The chicken betal starter was sensational !!! The dumplings were delicious. The soft shell crab although beautifully seasoned was a poor dish, the crab had a horrid smell to it. The wagyu beef simply melted in our mouths. everything about this dish was wonderful. The eggplant dish was perfect for drenching the rice in the curry(not the biggest fan of eggplant, but gimme coconut curry any day of the week thanks). Here’s where Jimmy shines. the cocktails — oh yes the cocktails. Bangkok Ice Tea really hit the spot … and im talking about THESPOT — the one on your tongue that causes your jaw to seize from all that tang !! Could do with one now … *end dream*.
Cynthia S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Sydney, Australia
I had already had more than my fair share of alcohol by the time I first stepped foot in Jimmy Liks. I don’t remember the specifics, but overall I thought the cocktails and food were both AMAZING, and in the light of day I vowed I’d return to make sure I hadn’t made the whole experience up. And return I did. And I must say, drunk Cynthia has some pretty good taste. I was much closer to sober this time, having only consumed a few high alcohol beers before making my way to Jimmy Lix for my reso. We took our seats at the large communal table and I ordered another beer — I wanted to remember it this time. We tucked into some chicken betal leaves(smoked eggplant chilli & eschalot relish) which were absolutely delicious, and some of the softest meatiest pork belly skewers I’ve had. This was followed by a mouth watering spicy barbecued lam pang chicken sausage with cabbage, cucumber & eggplant relish. Also consumed was the slow braised wagyu, which, while delicious, was probably my least favourite. The beef just tasted too beefy(makes complete sense, amirite?) Overall I was quite chuffed I hadn’t simply imagined this place while under the influence, and that my tastebuds are still accurate when drowning in alcohol. My only(small) gripe with the food was that while it was all delicious, most of the dishes we ordered mentioned chilli, but we didn’t find any of them to be spicy.
Joshua L.
Rating des Ortes: 5 London, United Kingdom
I see what I like and I Jimmy Lik(e)s what I see; all over the Jimmy Liks menu, that is. Tucked away in the quietly tree-lined Victoria St, Potts Point(Kings Cross’ lesser known, better looking sibling) is this fantastic little SE Asian restaurant. Every round packs a punch; co-diners bit into the skewers while I took the fritters. Second round saw the wagyu beef and an eggplant curry land on our plates. Simple finger food has never looked so good! Not only was the food divine but each serving was plated in a unique and exciting way: a small wooden tray holds your hawker bites and myriad bowls of every shape and size carry your curries. Bear warning: cosy communal eating means my dinner guest accidentally sassed another diner, thinking they were a waiter. Keep your eyes peeled in the dim mood lighting for the friendly staff, who tripped over each other to assist. (Note that the other diner ALSO went out of his way to help us. Talk about a good service!) Final word: If you love a spicy traditional Asian dish and an authentic experience then go no further.
Frederick R.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Brooklyn, NY
Nice place for Asian fusion cuisine. You pay more for the décor and atmosphere. Would also try other options in this area.
Elliott W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Francisco, CA
Awesome atmosphere and awesome food– usually something as dimly lit as Jimmy Liks is a bit of a turn off, but for some reason it’s the perfect level of dimness that creates a mix between swanky cocktail bar/upscale restaurant. Definitely a great spot for a date, or for trying to pick one up. If you don’t know what to get(how could you, with so many delicious sounding things on the menu) I’d suggest getting the«Jimmy’s Selection» for $ 49 per person. You’ll get a ton of food(my date and I couldn’t finish it all, and I can eat a lot!) and it’s a great sampling of some of the more popular dishes. The pork belly is definitely the stand out… but then again, when is pork belly not a stand out dish?
C W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Pope County, IL
Popped in. T’was good, I think a shade off the zing it use to have re food but service superb. I’m a fan. Again. Better than Longrain, food that is.
James A.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Palo Alto, CA
There’s something about this place that makes it my favourite bar/restaurant in Sydney. Every time I’ve gone there, whether it be with family or friends, I’ve had a wonderful night. The long cocktails are done to absolute perfection(subtle asian flavours), the food is just epic, and the atmosphere is great. If there are a just a few of you, and you’re there early enough(or you’re lucky), grab a table outside and settle in for a great night.
Debbie Y.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Sydney, Australia
Great atmosphere and service, great for large groups — average food. A lot of the dishes seemed to have similar sauces and seasonings and were not that interesting. I rarely enjoy Asian Fusion more than the basic, no-frills Asian food and Jimmy Liks was no exception.
Emily W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 St Brelade, United Kingdom
Absolutely delicious! We had the banquet menu as there were about 15 of us and we had pre-ordered it. I honestly liked every dish with the betel leaf starter and the barramundi red curry main being my highlights. All the food was so ‘zingy’ as they use tonnes of fresh herbs and it tastesd very light as well as bursting with flavor. Cannot recommend highly enough to people, particularly large groups, who want great food and atmosphere in a funky setting.
Esther A.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Chicago, IL
We celebrated our friend Brian’s birthday at Jimmy Liks — good times, good friends, good food. Bottom Line: Delicious modern Thai food. Great drinks. Good for groups. Fun little spot. I’m not sure if large groups are required to order the banquet menu, or if it’s just recommended but we did the first option on the banquet menu($ 58 per person) which was more than enough food for the group. They started us off with the Chicken Betel Leaf w. Smoked Eggplant Chili — flavorful and so pretty on the plate. Loved these. Next was the Salt & Pepper Squid. I liked the texture of the squid, but the flavor was a little too sour for my liking. Then came the Poached Chicken & Crab Salad w. Lemongrass, Coconut Mint & Thai Basil. This was surprisingly one of my favorites. The crab was delicious and the dressing on the salad was perfect. The Crispy Pork Hock was my favorite meat dish by far. The Tamarind & Tamarillo sauce is rich and hearty. Someone at the table said it tasted like Christmas. SO Yummy! The last dishes were the Steamed Gai Lan(Chinese Broccoli), the Green Curry Ocean Trout, and the Vietnamese Braised Wagyu Beef. The trout was awesome(though lookout for a few bones!) and it was served with a delicious piece of crispy skin over the top of the curry. The Beef was also nicely prepared with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Good flavor, though if I had to choose I would do the Pork Hock over the Beef.
Leah W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 San Francisco, CA
I went to Jimmy Liks for a friend’s birthday dinner and found it to be a great little spot for a celebratory meal. The 10 of us opted for the banquet menu(well honestly, we didn’t have a choice; restaurant policy) for $ 58 per head. We were seated at the long, minimalist wooden table and just had time to settle into good chat and great cocktails when our small plates began to arrive. First came the chicken betel leaf w smoked eggplant chilli & eschalot relish. Closely following was the salt & pepper baby squid w vietnamese dipping sauce. Both were delicious but the third dish, poached chicken & crab salad w lemongrass coconut mint & thai basil, was my favorite of the starters. The chicken was incredibly tender and the the basil mixed with the other spices perfectly. I was almost glad that the first three courses were no more than a bite for everyone because it really gave us time to taste our food. Sometimes I forget about this important element. The mains came next. I loved the crispy pork hock w tamarind & tamarillo sauce. It was fried to a crisp, but oh-so flavorful and delicious. There were a couple other main dishes including an impeccable green curry ocean trout that I still dream about at night. In the beginning, I wasn’t thrilled about having to go with the set menu, but I am so glad we did. We got to try little tastes of all the kitchen’s finest dishes. Jimmy Liks really put on a culinary show for us, and I loved every last second of it.
Danielle L.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Sydney, Australia
An oldie but still a goodie. Jimmy Liks is a fantastic little Thai restaurant and funky cocktail bar nestled in the heart of Kings Cross. The prices are high, the portions are small but the food is packed with flavour and super fun. — Chicken Betel Leaf — Salt & Pepper Squid — Soft Shell Crab — Beef ribs(amazing!) To be honest I think you’d be hard pressed to order badly here. The cocktail list is extensive and the wine list is good too. On the cocktail front Jimmy Liks does a pretty mean Mojito and there’s also a Jimmy Mojito which has more of a zesty kick. This is a great spot for drinks and an expensive bite to eat but don’t dine here if you are hungry you’ll spend a fortune only to leave still hungry.
Julia I.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Sydney, Australia
Sit outside on a private table, join the communal long one inside, or settle into the ambient as it gets bar and make your way through the seductive cocktails list. Food choice is a no brainer. Jimmy’s Selection takes the agony out of any decisions with a $ 58 per person deg like feast for those who simply have to try it all. Get your laughing gear around this: chicken betel leaf with smoked eggplant chilli and eschalot relish; steamed pork and prawn dumpling with garlic chive flowers and black vinegar dressing; salt and pepper baby squid with Vietnamese dipping sauce; poached chicken and crab salad with lemongrass coconut mint and Thai basil; crispy pork hock with tamarind and tamarillo sauce and nahm plah prik; aunty tao’s grilled chicken with peanut and kaffir lime dipping sauce; Vietnamese braised wagyu beef… I could go on, but you get the general gorge fest gist. Belvedere and lime make a crisp refreshing accompaniment that honours those lush Asian flavour fusions. Keep an eye on the drinks though. They serve them in the same glasses as the water, so if you’re not careful, you’re emptyish voddy will either be topped up with water, or cleared by efficient wait staff.
Alecia W.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Sydney, Australia
This is my go-to restaurant for contemporary Asian dining, Sydney style. This one’s got all the elements to show off our city’s unique approach to fusion fare, featuring slick communal timber benches, breezy, attractive staff, an adjoining cocktail bar, and low lighting aplenty. Don’t come expecting huge serving sizes akin to that of Thai or Chinese diners — Jimmy Liks is a fine dining experience, with prices and portions to match. The stir fried tuna with chilli jam, snake beans and cashews uses lusciously soft, just-seared tuna fillet strips in a light glaze, while the poached chicken salad with crab meat is a fragrant main infused with lemongrass, coconut, mint and Thai basil flavours. Their cocktails are equally impressive — my favourite is the refreshing Kyoto Protocol with muddled cucumber and kiwi. For two people, about three menu items with rice is probably enough, but be careful if you’re in a group as the bill can quickly mount for merely a mouthful of each dish.