I've eaten here many many times, but this is the first opportunity that I've had to review it on Yelp.
The Phoenix is perfectly situated overlooking one of the Marina's in North Haven.
It very rarely gets busy, possibly due to its enormous size for a restaurant situated in such a small suburb. It has a massive balcony which I have never seen used - a real shame. A bit of money spent on some nice outdoor furniture and a few umbrellas and Chinese lanterns and I'm sure that this place would thrive.
As you enter the restaurant, you're greeted by a huge plasma TV set to silent with subtitles. I have to admit that a restaurant that needs a TV has predetermined the atmosphere before you even sit down.
The Phoenix is overly lit with bright lights that unfortunately simply accentuate the awful decor. Sadly it's dull and listless, and when the air-con/heating is on, as it was last night, then hold on tightly to your menu as you choose your fayre, or else you'll be fishing it out of the marina.
But I guess that the reason anyone goes to a restaurant in the first place is for the food, and this is where the Phoenix comes into its own; it's simply excellent! Even simple sate chicken and sizzling Mongolian lamb was a delight to the palate. Delicately spiced, and melt in the mouth - the dishes almost made up for the lack of anything else. Almost. And that's the reason that I eat here so often. Although to be fair - I mostly take away.
Eat here by all means - but make sure that you take delightful company as I did - that way the focus is taken away from my first few paragraphs! read more