This use to be one of our top to go to cafes but the last three times we have been here (all in the last 2 weeks) have seen lots of disappointment... Embarassment to be honest as we had bought friends and family from out of the area to experience what we once loved.
The food was good however all 3 of the last times we received hard poached eggs after waiting over 30 minutes for food.
The big let down however is the customer service. There use to be a female young manager who would run it very very well or work alongside the owner and all 3 times we were here we have not seen them both. The short bigger brunet girl behind the counter was kind but remarkably slow and distracted, the young male waiter with a lisp was confused when we explained that our eggs were hard poached because he thought that's how poached eggs came and if you didn't ask for them soft then they wouldn't come soft.
When the owner is not at the windmill, it is very very laid back. Staff don't place table reserved signs on table's that are actually reserved creating confusion for customers. Both the last two times we were seated for our table of 8 and a high chair on a table of 6 leaving no room for error when trying to squeeze plates onto one table.
People were not being greeted when entering and as no tables were reserved were seating wherever they liked, only to be asked to move by staff when the actual guests who booked the table arrived. It became even worse when the guests who had already ordered at the wrong table were asked to move by staff yet staff had no where to move them to.... So they were cancelling their orders and leaving in a huff creating a poor atmosphere.
I can't explain our disappointment. This place was great however these young under experienced team members are not being properly led and resemble chickens running around with their heads cut off.... However instead of running they are slowly strolling with no care for customers only themselves.
What a let down and disappointment. We usually spend $200 each time we would come here as a group however will not be returning. Please consider spending your hard earned cash elsewhere. We love Indulge in town and it's always spot on for consistency.
I really hope the owners can get this back on track and invest in staff who care and don't see this as a side job to get them through uni or school.. You really need young people or middle age who have a passion for the food industry, and are focused on being a great barista or want to learn and work their way up to become a manager in hospitality... Best of luck and hopefully things improve in the new year for this...
   Read moreIâve had the pleasure of visiting The Windmill several times for breakfast, and each visit has been a delightful experience. Let me break it down:
Consistently Delicious Food: The culinary team at The Windmill knows their way around flavors. Whether itâs a hearty breakfast bowl or lunch, the food consistently hits the mark. Iâve never been disappointedâeach bite is a celebration of taste. Bold and Flavorful Coffee: As a coffee enthusiast, I appreciate a good brew. The coffee here is robust, with a depth of flavor that wakes up my senses. Whether you prefer a flat white or a long black, youâre in for a treat. Itâs the kind of coffee that makes you pause and savor the moment. Top-Notch Service: The staff at The Windmill are attentive, friendly, and genuinely passionate about making your dining experience memorable. From the warm welcome at the door to the personalized recommendations, their service elevates the entire visit. Freshness on Every Plate: The ingredients used in their dishes are undeniably fresh. Whether itâs the avocado in the smashed avo toast or the herbs sprinkled over the Windmill stack, you can taste the quality. Itâs like they plucked the greens fresh from the garden. Natureâs Retreat: Now, letâs talk about the setting. The Windmill is nestled in a serene corner, surrounded by lush green plants and native birds. A place of tranquility. Whether youâre catching up with friends or enjoying a solitary moment, this environment soothes the soul. In summary, The Windmill isnât just a cafĂ©; itâs a sanctuary for food lovers and nature enthusiasts alike. If youâre in Bargara, make it a point to visit. Trust meâyouâll leave with a contented heart and a...
   Read moreThis is a beautiful, quaint and peaceful location and the windmill setting with its lush gardens are a perfect spot for a breakfast or lunch. However, our experience was really 50/50 and the aspect that let The Windmill down was the customer service. Front counter and waitress were both wonderful and helpful, but we had a negative experience in regards to food allergies. I have a walnut allergy and the breakfast stack I ordered did not list nuts or dukkah in the ingredients. It came out and was absolutely delicious, until I started to have an allergic reaction. My husband went up to the window to speak to the kitchen and ask if there were any walnuts in the meal. The cook seemed quite ambivalent, and said that there were no walnuts in the meal. My husband then advised her I was having an allergic reaction, to which her response was to shut the door in his face. A few minutes later, the lovely waitress came out to check in with us and confirmed that the meal did in fact contain walnuts. She rectified the situation promptly by replacing my meal, sans walnuts and this was a more positive outcome. However my concern is the response to food allergies- I highly doubt I am alone in having one, and if the response is ambivalence or just plain rude disregard a more serious situation could occur, particularly since the ingredients were not accurately listed on the menu and the chef did not seem aware of what was in her own cooking.
Beautiful food and setting, helpful wait staff however care factor needs to increased regarding unlisted ingredients being added to meals and the cooks being...
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