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RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

CUISINES
Bar, European, Asian, Malaysian
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Meals
Drinks, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
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meals, features
Reviews (1,257)
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Traveller rating
310
409
183
73
38
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All reviews sarawak laksa curry the river kuching waterfront ate here local dishes western food riverfront borneo cat laksas hilton chill
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Pleasant place to sit with lovely views over waterfront. Food was really well presented and tasty. Offered alcoholic drinks including spirits at not too unreasonable prices

Date of visit: November 2023
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 3 October 2023

the setting is lovely right on the water...the food was ok...I had vegetable spring rolls and my husband had butter chicken ( didn't taste like any butter chicken we ever had)...the staff is wonderful... I tripped on the way there and was bleeding in a...few places...they couldn't do enough to help and care for me...More

Date of visit: September 2023
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Reviewed 18 August 2023

I got fish and chips. The fish smelled like a sewer. The taste was horrible. We tried to give it to a stray cat that was under our table and the cat didn't want it either. My wife got fried rice and she said it...had no flavor at all. This place was really crowded. The location is great. Maybe the drinks are okay?More

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed 12 August 2023 via mobile

Went there for a afternoon drink, place is at waterfront - nice views and ambience is good. Price is ok and it’s ok to have a relaxing drink here.

Date of visit: August 2023
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed 31 July 2023 via mobile

Good location for a lunch time bite. Had pancakes for my son and laska’s for the more adventurous. All very good and decent value.

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed 17 July 2023 via mobile

A great restaurant overlooking the river. There was lots of choice on the menu in a very nice building. All the staff were great!

Date of visit: July 2023
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Reviewed 16 July 2023 via mobile

The restaurant is situated in a fantastic location, attracting many tourists strolling along the Kuching river. However, upon entering the restaurant, I encountered a lack of attentiveness from the waitstaff. Despite their presence, none of them noticed my arrival, resulting in a few minutes of...waiting before I had to specifically call one of them over. Furthermore, I was disappointed by the limited food selection and the unpleasant odor emanating from the sweet and sour chicken, presumably due to the sauce. While the overall ambiance of the restaurant was pleasant, the service and kitchen definitely require significant improvements.More

Date of visit: July 2023
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed 6 July 2023 via mobile

Food was real bad and need to wait for a long time,service was ok,need more training. We were so disappointed when the food arrive is barely hot and we just have to swallow it cause we were hungry. Hopefully this place will improve and management...need to look into itMore

Date of visit: July 2023
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Reviewed 25 June 2023

This restaurant has a lovely location on the Riverside. We had a really nice meal here - I had the Fish curry which was delicious and my husband had the chicken green curry which he enjoyed but said he wouldn't have again. If we'd been...in Kuching longer we'd probably have gone back to try one of the Laksas. They offer a house white or red - wine options are limited by the glass and this one was a chardonnay and also beers. The service was good though not outstanding hence the 4 stars rather than 5.More

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed 24 June 2023

The food here was delicious and affordable. And it's got a great location right along the river. Great spot!

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed 18 June 2023

This restaurant is right on the waterfront. The decor is very stylish and the food is excellent. I had the laksa which was really tasty. Considering the style and the setting I thought it was reasonably priced

Date of visit: April 2023
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Reviewed 23 May 2023

Ordered 2 beers and fries. After 40 minutes and only beers received I asked for the bill and the fries were on the bill. It is a shame as the place is very nice but the staff is not into it at all.

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed 15 May 2023 via mobile

Good location, very central. Good service. We haven chosen some local food and a salad, plenty of drinks. This was good.

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed 12 May 2023 via mobile

Came here with high expectations and was left very disappointed. I checked this place out on many different media platforms and it seemed to be a good option to celebrate my birthday. How wrong was I. There appeared to be no directions for the staff...to follow, the staff did not check on people waiting, they only hid near the kitchen. When the food did eventually appear none of the staff knew which table it was for, this resulted in them having a "food auction " a trypcal sign of lack of direction and poor management. I would avoid this place as there are many far nicer restaurants with good service nearby.More

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed 21 April 2023 via mobile

We were in Kuching during Ramadan so it was difficult to find a decent cafe for European palates in the middle of the day. This was a lovely, peaceful cafe by the river. Good food and cold drinks - including beer and wine. An oasis...on a scorching day during Ramadan!More

Date of visit: April 2023
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Questions & Answers
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fateenmfj
14 October 2019|
AnswerShow all 4 answers
Response from Cassandraheliana | Property representative |
Yes we are halal.
0
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vimipa
22 January 2015|
AnswerShow all 6 answers
Response from Angela J | Reviewed this property |
Yes, this seems to be a problem at this restaurant. A long wait for service, but the food is great.
1
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James Brooke Bistro, Kuching - Restaurant Reviews, Phone Number & Photos - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about James Brooke Bistro

James Brooke Bistro is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travellers:
  • Food: 4
  • Service: 3.5
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4.5