Amani Bar — Restaurant in Leederville

Booked a function here for my 30th birthday and have been a regular customer here several years. Fortunately restrictions for WA eased the day of my event and I was able to have patrons stand up on the day of the event. Communication was lacking with function coordinator/manager Sam. I waited 6 days plus for a response and came in personally after work at 9.30pm after not hearing back. Overall I wouldn't say the staff were terrible but they were definitely cold, and unwilling to help or communicate any information willingly. When I arrived just before 7.00pm for my booking I was not greeted or acknowledged in anyway. The owner did tell me to "head to the back" but i don't think that really counts as a courteous welcome. I thought it would go something along the lines "hey there cathy, your space is ready, lets run through a few things etc etc"

I presented to the bar and asked Sam how much I owed for food and placed my first drink order. Again no friendly hello or acknowledgement even though we have been communicating in person, via phone & email somewhat. I was abit taken back. Sadly as much as i support small business and particular local WA run business I will never be returning this venue who I use to respect. This venue does not acknowledge good customer service and take their loyal customers for granted.

Sam was rude, sarcastic and unhelpful. Very disappointing in what was suppose to be such a special night. Will never be returning here again. There are some amazing venues in perth that value customers and have basic knowledge in customer service. But this is not one of those venues.

WHY? No acknowledgement of function host No communication on food delivery times & durations without the host asking manager/coordinator 5 Days plus for a response via email Manager/Function coordinator did not communicate any COVID restrictions, rules or guidelines leading up to the event. No hello or goodbye & rude & suggestive comments to multiple guests throughout the evening Upon leaving there was no warning, chat or friendly communication towards any patrons in the venue. Lights on & security staring.

I just don't understand the attitude, it threw me off from the very beginning of communication with Sam. I hope in the future the owners recognise the importance of being courteous & warm to customers & those booking a function in particular. They just did not seem to...

3.5 Stars!

The Good: Staff is friendly and accommodated a large group reservation with short notice on a busy night. Food is excellent. My compliments to the chef! Interesting, unique and delicious tapas-size dishes. The staff knew how much to order for the group. Very well done. The wait on the food wasn't too bad. The wine list was not as extensive as expected but had several decent drops and the prices were reasonable (for Perth). On the night, there was a live jazz band which was excellent.

The Bad: Some of the staff clearly had never worked in a wine bar before. If you don't know how to pour champagne, you should receive training before serving customers. This is a basic! Also, know the dishes and what requests the kitchen can accommodate. The girl who ran the place was very good (and attentive). The others not so much.

The Ugly: When the jazz band wasn't playing, the choice of music was terrible for a wine bar. Rap, hip hop and bad pop music just don't belong in a place like this. It was often too loud (the staff were clearly enjoying it) and just plain awful. If there hadn't been a band, we would have likely left early. Please improve this! It's a beautiful spot and we will definitely be back, but add a little sophistication and recognise that many of your customers are 40+ and want to surround themselves in a beautiful, relaxed atmosphere.

Overall, it's worth a try. With a few improvements, Amani should be successful for...

Could possibly be the best food I’ve ever had. While we were waiting for our reservation a man who had been there with his partner for a few hours warned us it was about to blow our minds- he even stated that he couldn’t believe he was being served food of this quality in Leederville, PERTH. We took this bold remark with caution, however, he did not lie. Each meal from the Valentine’s Day set five course menu was individually amazing and paired perfectly with wine. Despite every meal being so carefully articulated, everything came out promptly. Staff service are amazing too - my uncle even made a crude remark of wanting to take the waitress home! We will definitely be back, and probably make it a Valentine’s...