Cafe Issus — Restaurant in Melbourne

Hidden little gem! My son is an ADF applicant and we were on our way for his medical exam. Being 2 hours early and from the outer eastern suburbs, we wanted breakfast.

I won't pretend that we knew where we were going because a beautiful soul realised after I inadvertently invaded her space. (She was sweeping around her things and I apologised profusely.)

She asked if we were lost as I got my phone out and explained rather pathetically why I pulled over and didn't mean to interrupt her day. She knew exactly where the best spot to head to for breakfast. This assertive, independent, full of passionate strength and determination was completely patient when she realised I was hearing impaired and my adult son was with me. She made a stop at one shop, didn't like the behaviour of staff then took us straight to Issus Cafe. She insisted we sit in the back corner, told the staff to look after us and didn't leave until she was confident we were good.

Cafe Issus did not disappoint!! Lovely staff, great atmosphere, and we were very pleased.

So much so, we returned on another day for another ADF appointment.

I asked the lady of the house if she knew who I was talking about and she does. I asked if she could thank her because we weren't able to catch up after breakfast and was told this lovely lady comes by often and she will get our thanks to her when she comes in for soup.

Thankyou so much for the opportunity to send our thanks and our...

Asked if we could eat food from another shop, but reassured them we'd still buy enough food from them (very lovely staff said it's okay). After getting our drinks, the lady (who seems to be a manager), very angrily said "you can't eat that here", we then informed her the staff said it was okay. After which we got such a stern, indirect death stare and walked off. If she had been polite about it, then we would have happily complied. But you don't do that to people who bring money to your business. You don't make them feel stupid and ungratefully tell them off like little peasants as if we're trying to eat there without paying. She ruined our whole experience there. You just don't do that to a hungry, full-paying customer, or to anybody at all. She then proceeded to reprimand the staff (it was her 2nd day), and we vehemently apologized to her thinking we caused her trouble. If it wasn't for her, we would stormed out already. She was the only reason we stayed and didn't employ our 'customer-is-always-right atitude'. We didn't wanna get her into further trouble. Food was great, but it ended up becoming one of our worst dining experience because of that nasty encounter. We actually accidentally dined there for the 2nd time without knowing, but we're now aware to never set foot...

I love Issus cafe for multiple reasons and I am a regular here. If I could go everyday I would. I always recommend this place to friends. The staff are amazing (they are always smiling and welcoming). I’ve never been disappointed here. Some of the staff like Jo’ continuously make me happy ((And they tend to know my regular order (haha my wine upon sitting ;) ) and if there’s ever anything new on the menu, or I’m indecisive/ want to try something different, they are always so kind, chill and helpful