A group of ten of us came over last night (26th Feb 2012) for dinner to celebrate my friend’s birthday. We had a really good time and the food was delicious. While we were waiting outside for the rest of our group to finish paying for their meals, we were talking and laughing as friends would and then the staff at the counter who was taking our payments opened the door and said to us “I’ll have you know that most people actually like me.” She looked really offended which of course made us worry as to what has caused her to be so offended and to speak to us in such a manner. One of our friends tried to go to her to see what we had done wrong, but she shut the door on him and walked away.

This was really disappointing and it ruined our wonderfully perfect evening out with friends.

I just wanted to make sure that this staff was okay and to let her know that we are still in the dark as to why she was angry with us. I don’t know if she thought that perhaps we didn’t thank her, but I remember that each of us did thank her for the food and that it was great upon paying for our meals. I’m also not sure if she may have thought that we were laughing at her because we honestly were not even talking about her. We were actually laughing at some funny stories from the past that we were retelling.

It also just occurred to me now that perhaps she may have been looking for monetary tips? If that was the case, we sincerely apologise as it’s not normal practice for us and some of our friends are actually poor student and wouldn’t be able to afford much more than the meals that we had.

Due to this experience, I probably wouldn’t dine at your restaurant again and I wouldn’t recommend it to any of my friends or family.

I ended up leaving your restaurant feeling accused of doing something that I didn’t do and when trying to sort things out, we were shut out off your restaurant.

I believe your staff didn’t act in a professional manner and left us feeling pretty awful. If we knew at least what she thought we did wrong, then we would understand, but each of us walked away puzzled and feeling down about what had just happened. It’s a real shame how a wonderful evening at your restaurant ended in such an awful way.

I just really want your staff to know what we would never say anything to her or behind her back that would deliberately hurt her feelings as that’s not what we’re like. I hope that she’s okay, though I would recommend that she doesn’t accuse any more of her staff of anything and then just walking away without further explanation as that would really drive away your customers.
Aside from this, the food was very delicious and the atmosphere was lovely. We were the last customers to leave as we were having such a great time until we were outside your doors.
This incident happened at about 10pm last night (26th Feb 2012).

Good food esp the pork ribs! great value

A lively, busy (and noisy) place, as Sawadee is known for. Attentive service but three pretty average dishes on our table tonight. Not a patch on the food we had at Aroy Dee in Takapuna last week but more expensive.

Well.. what can I say.. I went there for my birthday dinner, there were about 24 of us which they catered extremely well for. Food was A++++ couldn’t fault it. Everyone in our group was extremely impressed. Not badly priced too for a Ponsonby restaurant. Will definitely be going back!

Amazing every time. Lovely staff. always fantastic food and quick service. Nicely decorated authentic Thai interior

Consistently great food, friendly, efficient service and reasonably priced. Add the fact that it is a BYO and Sawadee is a perfect venue for any occasion. Highly recommended.

This is definitely my favorite Thai restaurant. I had dinner there on Friday and as usual it was superb. I had prawns in a spicy sauce and they were very fresh and cooked to perfection. The accompanying vegetables were also crisp and fresh. The service was top notch and the decor added the finishing touch to the dining experience.

The way everyone goes on about this place was almost reminiscent of a bunch of baby boomers at a Ronan Keating concert. Jeeeez. My partner and I ordered some entreés and some curry, popped a few bottles of wine and tried to enjoy our dinner. I recall it being edible, but at no point in the meal was my mind blown. For the price, I expected my brains to be all over the birthday party behind us. This was not the case. The staff are friendly, but this place really isn’t worth the hype, sorry.

I might give this place another try at another date possibly.

Have eaten here on a few diff occasions. The decore is fantastic, so authentic and a treat in itself. The beautiful, great portion sizes and really tasty. The prices are typical for the area of ponsonby. My only qualm is that for an extra scoop of rice, costed us three dollars. now when you add that to an already huge bill i would think they would atleast warn us before offering it to us, or even, give us a bigger scoop to begin with. Otherwise, throughly enjoyed our visits here.

Lovely place for a special evening. The coctails are a “must try.” The ambience, food and drinks are gr8! Worth the money you pay!

My favourite Thai restaurant!! Definitely sit in the traditional area if you can, and the calamari entree is delicious!

service is good, setting is good, location is good.
food was good – the curry puff was the best one i have ever had

the price was abit much, but in saying that i did not walk away disappointed and would go back.

We went in this restaurant for deserts only and checked with the reception lady if they have banana split. She said yes to us and brought us raw banana split in half with scoop of ice cream. we did complaint her that this not banana split, but she said that this is how its served in Thailand. I did argued that this is not thailand, this is nz and split banana is different, she was so rude and charged us 8.50 each. I will never go to such place, where they try to fool people

Marvellous food and atmosphere. Delicious!

This is my favourite restaurant.
Food is beautiful, staffs are friendly service is great. I 100% recommend it. The only bad thing about it is every time I leave the restaurant I’m so full that I cant walk

The service, the food, the ambiance was fantastic..Sawadee is the only restaurant I would go with family/friends when the hunger for Thai food arises..Always greeted & fare-welled with a smile & authentic Thai…Sawadee.

This has to be the best Thai in town. The service, the ambiance, the meal is all great and the expectation is met every time I visit. I can say no more other than if you wanting Thai take the time to have a dining experience at Sawadee.

I have been here at least 10 times and I have never been disappointed. Have tried a variety of dishes and none have disappointed me. Their cocktails are unique and well worth the money. Great place to eat!!

LOVE this place, they have the most delicious food and excellent service, highly reccomend it.

Sawadee has reliably delicious Thai food.

This large but cosy restaurant always seems to be full of happy diners having a great time.

I’ve had several great dinner experiences here and would highly recommend it.