Sandra's
Phone: (0871) 15825267010
Categories: Bars, Cafés, Desserts, European, Fine Dining, Free WiFi, Imported Foods, Italian, Pizza, Wine, Wines and Spirits
Homestyle Italian cuisine and fine wines in the Beichen area. Closed on Wednesdays.
Reviews
- Tuesday, 29th December 2009While beeing in Kunming for Christmas we went to Sandras for Dinner. And I have to thank Sandra to make this day so special. The food was amazing and compared to everywhere else extremely cheap. Her wine suggestions were exquisite, the Bordeaux she recommended was perfect and compared to the quality really cheap.
Her homemade Christmas cookies and her caramel liqueur made me feel like beeing at my parents place and not far away in China.
If there would be a prize for best service in Kunming there is no doubt who I would vote for. For me this is the best restaurant I have been to in China. - Tuesday, 22nd December 2009Since my previous review was for the Box II, I figure Sandra's deserve a new review as she's redone the place. And indeed. The restaurant facelift improved the atmosphere from five stars to six and a half.
Sandra's should be visited often enough to always be up to date with what's on the specials menu! The specials are fantastic and uncompared to anything else one can find in Kunming.
It is a well-guarded secret that one may well call Sandra and ask her to make whatever you fancy even when not on the menu. Homesick? Call Sandra and have her make the food you miss, better than you've ever tasted it! (Scandinavians, ask for the meatballs with mashed potatoes!!) - Monday, 16th November 2009With 2 taxis full of people my friends and I arrived at Sandras for the grand opening. When I asked if there where anymore tables, a rather portly women gave me one of the rudest, loudest tonal NEOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOs I have ever heard. I can't remember being treated so rudely at a restaurant in China in the 4 years I have lived here. Definitely won't be returning, start respecting your potiental customers.
- Thursday, 12th November 2009What a difference a week makes! After renovation the place has such a sophisticated yet inviting tone, it's stylish and comfortable at the same time.
The greatest change though are the two new big wine shelves (must be at least 150 bottles) packed with an amazing selection of wines. Starting at 96 RMB there are quite a few fine wines under 150 RMB.
At the very first moment, I was afraid the place could be tooo fancy now. Or change into a wineshop. But it's *Sandra's*. Sandra is as welcoming, joyful, tough and down to earth as always. And that goes well with gorgeous wines and beautiful surrounding.
And the excellent food, of course. But that was also before the renovation. Ask for the specials! - Thursday, 22nd October 2009Headed in the right direction, but still room for improvement. Would like to see the more home-style meals less stylized and more plentiful. Kunming still has nowhere for home-style food. I think that after a little more work, this might be the place. But I would try to stay simple and just work on perfecting flavors. No need to get creative when you have a monopoly on the fresh, home-style food biz. Would also be nice to see the bread improve. Go for some whole grain or something more interesting.
- Tuesday, 25th August 2009I've been to the Box II a few times, and the food is good, particularly the pizza, easily the best in Kunming. The pasta I've had is less than spectacular but by no means subpar.
Good atmosphere, quite nice for a quiet evening with friends or something more romantic. Not cheap, but not a bad deal considering the quality of the experience. - Tuesday, 21st July 2009We had a nice dinner there last night and it was, as always, a nice experience. The owners are nice and have always something new and innovative "up the sleeve" that they want us to try. Last night we had the pork on a whisky sauce, salomon lasagne, pizza and a nice desert. We all liked it - especially the pizza. Compare the price with the quality of the food and you won't find it expensive.
- Thursday, 25th June 2009Definitely nice to have somewhere different to try. I probably wouldn't go back regularly because the price is a little too much for me, but you do get free bread, etc. which is nice for a change. The owners are also very friendly and make most things from scratch. The atmosphere is also relaxed, clean, and quiet.
- Wednesday, 24th June 2009Fabulous. Perhaps the best western food I've had in Kunming. My girlfriend and I shared a nice fresh tasty salad with a zesty dressing, pork braised in a red wine sauce, and homemade pesto pasta. Blueberry panacotta for dessert. All exquisite, in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. I will definitely go back.
- Saturday, 23rd May 2009I have eaten at the Box II about 5 times now and I can say that I am extremely pleased with both the service and the food. Sandra and Pierre make all the food themselves. Everything is fresh and hand-made as if you were eating at the home of an Italian family!
Every week they have a new list of special dishes that are fabulous! Their normal menu has a good variety of Italian fare. Domestic and Imported beers are available and all the prices are reasonable.
The location is quiet and the restaurant is very tastefully decorated. This might be good place for a romantic outing?!? - Friday, 15th May 2009I greatly enjoyed eating at The Box II. We had: (i) a fresh salad with tomatoes, peppers, and feta cheese, (ii) a Hawaiian pizza, and (iii) a baked eggplant dish. All were good. The freshly baked nut bread they brought us was the best bread I've had in China (and maybe anywhere). The restaurant imports its ingredients directly from Italy. The owners are two friendly Germans who have great stories to tell. I highly recommend this restaurant.
