BREWista Cafe & Restaurant — Restaurant in Melbourne

This place has so much potential, but each time I give it a chance it disappoints me.

I go here because it’s convenient to where I live, but it’s not even worth it anymore. To start off, the interior is horrendous. This place could be so cute and cozy and community centric if they just took some time to decorate nicely. It’s very stale and unwelcoming. The only reason they get business is because the outside gets warm winter sun in the morning so people will sit out there to have their coffee.

Every time I go in I feel like I’m disturbing the workers by placing an order. They never seem happy to be there. Sometimes coffee takes 2 minutes to come out, sometimes it takes 10 minutes (and I’m the only person in there). Food, sometimes the chef is there, sometimes he’s not. So sometimes you get food within 15 minutes and sometimes you’re waiting 30mins+ while the worker at the front of the shop has to stumble around to make your order.

Pick what you want to be. You want to be open until late, fine. Then you need to have staff and food options ready to give to your customers within 10 minutes. You can’t say you’re open for dinner only to not have the oven on so then when someone orders it takes 20 minutes for the oven to even heat up. If you want to be a middle eastern restaurant, just do that. Don’t do everything. It’s business 101.

The location of this cafe should mean that it’s absolutely thriving! But poor management, bad staffing, no interest in community make it feel very transactional and the vibe is just not there. But they also don’t seem to care or to want to change. A lot of the 5 star reviews are obviously from people who have been paid or asked to write them because the community feeling of this place is definitely not 5...

Stumbled upon this café and it was love at first sip! The staff? Think of a warm hug personified—genuinely kind and welcoming, serving smiles as generously as they do coffee. The atmosphere is so cozy, I half-expected a rom-com montage to start playing. And the music? It’s like the café’s personal DJ curated a playlist to perfectly match the vibe—each track adding a sprinkle of joy to the air✨

For the digital nomads and study warriors, rejoice! There are more power outlets here than in a politician’s promises. It’s a haven for those who like their workspaces with a side of latte art😇

Now, the food—oh, the food! It’s not just delicious; it’s a masterpiece on a plate. Each dish is a canvas, painted with flavours that sing and colours that dance. It’s clear the chefs are not just cooking; they’re crafting edible love letters. Honestly, every bite feels like a ‘chef’s kiss’ moment🤤

In summary, this café is a delightful blend of warmth, charm, and culinary artistry. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to become a regular, just so you can experience its magic over and...

The new owners are quite rude to their staff. I have been getting my morning coffee here for 3 years and the original staff (Manisha and Ellis) are the nicest, friendliest, most hard working people. I have personally witnessed the new owners treating them badly. If I didn't live in the building, I wouldn't choose to come here anymore. I haven't tried all of the new menu, but what I have had was fairly average for the standard in this area.

EDIT: Since writing my original review, some things have changed. The lady in the kitchen that I witnessed treating the Barista badly has since been let go. It looks like they have been taking all the feedback on board and are actively trying to be better. Points for making the effort.

Very special mention must go to Ellis who makes my coffee every day, and Manisha who I think has now moved on. Truly wonderful, kind, and hard working people.

RESPONSE TO OWNER: I believe it is more than fair use that description. I personally witnessed two of you (and I know who the owners are) being rude and disrespectful to...