Walter Cafe — Restaurant in District of Canberra Central

My older parents came to visit Canberra and I was happy to take them to Walter cafe. Entering the cafe, we were seen to by a gentleman wearing a grey suit (perhaps the FOH manager?). We asked if we could have a table outside (many were free) but were told dismissively that all were booked. I decided to get takeaway coffees instead, he waved us elsewhere to order. The next customers were seen to by another member of the staff, this staff member asked them if they minded having a table outside. I asked someone else if we could also have a table outside and was told “no problem!” and we were shown to our table. Outside were six or seven vacant tables, and they remained vacant. Only two sets of customers arrived in the time we were there, neither had booked, and one table departed before ordering due to their own unrelated issue with the cafe. We waited a very long time for our order, staff came to take our order a second time after 15min, they told us there a problem in the system and our order didn’t go through. This absolutely wasn’t a problem, mistakes happen and those staff communicated well to us.

What we didn’t appreciate not understand was the dishonesty and dismissal of the one staff member in his grey suit. It made for an unpleasant and embarrassing experience which was seemingly needless. He would have done well to speak to us about what happened, but decided from then on to ignore us. I would more than understand if all the tables were full and this staff member was keeping the tables free for larger orders, but the cafe, though noisy inside, was at no point full and many tables remained free the entire time we waited for our lost order. Every other staff member was polite and friendly. Walter cafe has a lot that could be going for it, I do hope this feedback will be taken on board in order to improve other people’s experience in the future. I personally wouldn’t want to return, it wasn’t pleasant to be treated dishonestly and dismissively by one person, even if everyone else was friendly.

EDIT: As requested below, sent an email. Will update review with integrity following any...

Located at Regatta Point on the top of the hill, this cafe presents a wonderful view of Lake Burley Griffin and surrounds. You are greeted by welcoming staff with the option to dine indoors or out.

Most tables are small in nature and round, so it will be an intimate setting. The cafe is presented in modern white and yet classic light tones of woodgrain and teal. Timeless. There is a vibe of activity and liveliness in the cafe.

The Menu is presented in a small leather bound folder that lists both breakfast (till midday) and lunch (from midday) options as well as hot and cold drink selections. If you order around midday you may get the option of both menus, as we did.

The meals are well presented and well balanced in flavour, and adequate in portion size. If you're looking for large portions, this is not the place for you, especially considering the price of produce at the moment. Lavazza supplies the coffee and the tea selection is good. There is a daily selection of scones, pastries, muffins and slices available also.

Front of house staff drop by often to check how you doing and ensure your visit is welcome and your needs are met. The chefs will also adjust dishes to dietary requirements; just let the lovely wait staff know.

There is a small amount of free 1 hour parking spots, as well as a large number of paid parking at Commonwealth Park.

Go for a walk around the lake afterwards, or perhaps drop in...

We were really excited about a new cafe within walking distance of home. The location is great and the restaurant is nice. We arrived for brunch and were seated quickly, water poured and coffee/tea order taken. Pleased to receive leaf tea in a pot with nice teacups. And that was the last time anyone came near us until we left after an hour.

I asked 3 times to place our food order, the 3rd person did. We had been there nearly 1/2 hour by then and our tea was finished. At no time were we offered more drinks, nor were our empty pots and cups cleared. I got up and refilled my own water, despite numerous staff walking past our table with water jugs. Perhaps we were in a blind spot?

After close to an hour I called to a waitress and asked her to check on our food. She never came back. I then called to one of the managers asked him to check on our food. He also never came back. We then decided to leave as we had a movie to see. Our food came out as we waited to pay for our drinks (again nobody was attending us).

We explained the situation to the manager and left. I understand they are new and they were full. But the service was non existent. If the food is slow, offer more coffee, let people know. Don’t just ignore them.

That was my first and last visit. Can’t comment on the food, didn’t get any. The tea was nice, even if we had to ask for milk and weren’t...