Squiseato — Restaurant in Gold Coast City

Granted it was a rainy Sunday on the GC and everyone flocks to shopping centres to fill the day. So it’s busy in Pacific Fair.

BUT Squiseato was not the only place busy. EVERY food establishment was busy and after our experience here, we walked down to Rustico and they were even more busier but their service was quick and the food was great. And the coffee was hot! Back to Squiseato; we asked a large table of diners that only had couples occupying the ends (so the middle four seats were free) and asked if the seats were free and they all said yes and were willing to let my elderly dad sit and just enjoy a coffee. My mum and I were planning to do our shopping while dad sat and drank coffee and maybe have a cake or something.

As he was sitting down, the rude waitress approaches and says very loudly so everyone heard around us heard “folks we’re not squishing customers on top of each other today, they’ll be a table free soon” and just walked away from us.

Didn’t even ask us any questions or anything. All dad wanted was coffee and cake, not a full meal. (Btw they were serving meals in takeaway containers yesterday even if you were dining in, very weird). I didn’t expect a ‘chat’ or swap life stories but to be so dismissive and presumptuous, was completely unexpected. It’s like they’ve never been ‘busy’ the entire time since they’ve opened and couldn’t handle a hectic period. So what about all the other tables where families of 6 or more were ‘squeezed’ into 2 tables? Table sharing is a normal thing in other establishments but just not in Squiseato?

Like I said, it was super busy in the whole of Pac Fair, and being patient and reasonable was a given yesterday but it was the poor attitude and rudeness that was unacceptable. And to speak so loudly to dismiss us that the table 2 down from us looked at us with cringey smiles, your waitress/servers need patience and...

Walked in at a little after 2pm and can see that it’s busy, none of the staff would make an eye contact or approach so I approached one of the girls who was about to go somewhere else. Seated, she brought us water and I saw this QR code (see photo) so I decided to order food myself instead of waiting. After half an hour passed and saw others that arrived after our table had gotten their food and drinks, I went to the bar and asked the barista if they have my order. He said no and continued with his orders and said we have some problems with the QR code order then the lady who I supposed she’s a manager, approached and again I told her I have been waiting and paid for my order. She made a checked on tablets and kitchen then told me they didn’t have my order. That’s all I heard from them after waiting and drinking free tap water. I wouldn’t let anyone sit in my restaurant and drink free tap water without asking them to order something but you could do that here.

There, no apology and not offering solutions, they kept saying they did not have my order. Okay I’m getting a little hangry now. I believe my card was charged although it shows pending on the statement as it was 30 minutes ago. She continued to say that they did not have my order. So I asked her what should I do? Should I leave?? She then said she can take my order and I would have to wait to see if the payment made online went through. Ordered and paid, again. Food came out quickly, they were good, fresh and tasty but not spectacular for $$$ and the hassles. Overall - not impressed. This was my third visit, the service and attitude I received and observed were consistency on a down side. I used to loved coming in here to have a quiet time and relax since it was a cafe. Live and work locally, I would be open minded to try...

7th visit September 2025 The ragu pasta was the best I've had, made with such rich and flavorful ragu, yet not greasy or heavy. The pasta was perfectly al dente. Well done ! As usual we loved the iced coffee with ice cream, consistently good coffee . The iced coffee with ice cream was amazing. The coffee has a strong fragrant coffee taste . Pls keep the coffee as it is ! Friendly prompt service.

August 2025 The iced coffee with ice cream was amazing. The coffee has a strong fragrant coffee taste . Pls keep the coffee as it is !

The caprese cake was average as it didn't have any real almond flavour and with very weak cocoa taste. Was it made of real almond meal ?

The cookies and tarts are baked fresh daily onsite, using quality ingredients. The cookies are amazing, chewy and crispy , not overly sweet or heavy. The strawberry tarts are so elegant and fresh. The coffees are fantastic for Australian standards. Good service and nice settings.

Great iced coffee, chips and burger. Crab spaghetti was average . Will try fettuccine...