Phat Lon — Restaurant in Leederville

We booked a table for 15 people at Phat Lon for a special birthday dinner, making the reservation about four weeks in advance and confirming it twice. Unfortunately, things didn’t get off to a good start.

Upon arrival last night, we were surprised to find that the restaurant had set us up across three separate tables meant for 12 people in total—certainly not ideal when the booking was clearly for a group of 15. After some back-and-forth, the staff pushed together six smaller tables to fit us, which resulted in a very cramped setup with six people on one side and nine on the other. When we asked if an additional table could be added for more space, we were told, “our only spare table broke tonight.” My husband pointed out we’d be sitting on each other’s laps with the set up they provided but they were unable to come up with a resolution.

Later in the evening, we noticed an empty table outside that hadn’t been used and asked again if it could be brought over. Eventually, and rather reluctantly, they agreed.

We were particularly disappointed by the lack of accountability. Despite clear advance communication, the staff offered no apology or explanation that made sense—just that it was a “busy night.” When my husband questioned why they would accept a booking they couldn’t accommodate properly, the response was deflective.

As the evening continued, we tried to order drinks, only to be told the beer taps weren’t working either. At that point, it started to feel a bit like a scene out of Fawlty Towers.

Everyone seemed to be ok with the food, no one raved about anything, just rated it as mediocre. The Vietnamese pancake unfortunately contained barely any pork and prawns, it was 95% bean sprouts!

Overall, it was a disappointing experience for a group of friends celebrating a milestone birthday, who had been looking forward to a special night out. Unfortunately, due to the poor service and lack of basic hospitality, none of us will be returning.

Phat Lon had multiple opportunities to turn things around, but sadly, it seemed our business wasn’t valued enough for even a simple apology. After all, we only spent $1,200...

Great atmosphere on arrival, outdoor or indoor seatings available. Services was average, even though nothing unfriendly, there was no smiles and interactions were very abrupt. One of the waiter forgot our Mocktail order so we’ve had to chase it up. Food didn’t take long to be served. Presentation of each dish was well done and looked very appetising. Grilled octopus, lace spring rolls and tamarind fish were our favourite dishes out of all. Chilli garlic pork rib was the worst, not only was it flavourless, it was very hard and super dry, so hard to even bite through it, texture tastes similar to leftover food being refried… We asked the waitress if this is normal and was told it’s fried so it’s meant to be hard. Save your money and disappointment, stay away from ordering this! Squid tentacles was disappointing, nothing close to those from dim sum squid tentacles, batter not crunchy. Lucky pig fried rice was nothing special other than just a fried rice. Both Mocktails were delicious. If you prefer more sour taste, go for Saigon Sunrice otherwise Watermelon Piglet for a sweeter and more refreshing taste. Prices are on the higher end as they are more of a tapas menu. Experience overall was good. A place we would consider to return again but just not order any of those we didn’t...

I have never recieved such rude aggressive service. I was looking forward to going to this restaurant for a birthday treat, unfortunately I can’t say I enjoyed the experience. Whilst initially the service was welcoming & attentive & the first dishes: squid, lace spring rolls & papaya salad were great. We were talking of coming again & sharing the experience with friends but it went downhill fast, now I won’t be coming back! The beef & watercress was chewy, the thought of 2 of us munching through a whole plate for the price was unsatisfactory. I gave this feedback & was told that’s the produce chosen for the dish no one else has complained & you will be charged. It was the rudeness this was conveyed that distressed me the most, when I reflected that they were going to charge for a dish the customer was not enjoying the waitress continued to argue & when I asked several times for the argument to stop so we could at least enjoy most of our meal she continued. She also proceeded to continue her side of her argument turning to my daughter. I was quite shaken & if not embarrassed would have left there & then. I hate complaining but also expect to enjoy my meal & feel comfortable. She came back & said that because I had mentioned several times it was my birthday they...