user paul101

Sat Jun 9th 2007

i rarely write reviews on these kind of websites but after reading the previous reviews for HFZ i have to make a stand. I recently went to the establishment in question for dinner, and was admittedly a bit thrown off by the hostess and her mis-comprehension of my name, and reservation but was however stunned by the food, the rib eye was huge, and was equaled in size by taste. My partner took the steak tartare which is a risky business even in France, let alone Shanghai, but it was equally delicous. We took some cocktails after dinner and enjoyed the views on the terrace. The service was friendly and attentive through out and i would not hesitate to refer my family or friends.

user golddd

Mon Feb 26th 2007

I first visited HFZ soon after it opened. Taking some clients was a bit of a risk to an unknown restaurant, but the result was really great. Service and food were fantastic, and the manager came around to check how things were going, and even gave our table a round of drinks. On that basis I recently returned with my wife, on an important night for us, and it was execrable. The waitress almost single-handedly ruined the night. She hovered and swooped at the table reaching across us as soon as cutlery touched an only half finished plate, to snatch it away. Also her manner was terribly gruff and impatient - like being in an SOE cafeteria. Having done the job throughout university years I am sympathetic to people in service positions, and I made some gentle suggestions about how things might be done differently with Westerners. This only made things worse. It is a little unfair to dismiss a restaurant entirely on the basis of one bad service experience. If that were the case I'd just have written it off to experience. However, as a perfect complement to the evening's service came the mains: the presentation was very good, but the poultry was tepid and dry, with the jus half-set, as for the fish it was terribly over-cooked. Regardless of the fact that it was a busy night, such poor quality food is inexcusable - especially at those prices. But at least we got our meals reasonably quickly. The poor couple next to us who arrived not long after us were still waiting for their mains well after we'd had dessert and coffees. Given the really promising start I am sad to say that after such an awful experience I will not be returning.

user jrh73068

Fri Aug 11th 2006

Good food. Good experience.

user Diva

Fri Aug 11th 2006

Chose this restaurant to celebrate a friend's career move. Lots of strange items on the menu like pigs offal and bone marrow on bread. Food was so so but for the price not worth a return trip. Service was good, but then we were the only patrons in the entire restaurant and bar. the decor is very well done, staff friendly. It is too bad that yet another restaurant has chosen the "western food" formula of overpriced wines, overpriced food, small portions and minimal taste.