Cafe Ray — Restaurant in Melbourne

Edit edit: 3 stars Bit tough with Rays. What was once a very affordable Halloumi burger ($14 + $4 for chips) has increased to $18 + $5 for chips within a matter of a couple of weeks. Many of the other meals have increased to late $20/early $30 prices which is exorbitant for simple dishes and a cafe that is low in ambiance internally. Got charged a huge amount for coffee - $6 for an oat latte and $7 for an iced. Unheard of. Paid for the bill and were aware of the weekend surcharge but despite this got charged a further 10% on top of the entire bill + surcharge. Had to return to question this. Might just go once in a while if craving the burger but definitely skip out on those coffees - yeesh.

Edit: 4 stars Okay, came back to Rays! Got the Hello Halloumi burger off the back of strong recommendation. It was superb and you could easily get a side of chips this time around. Well balanced yet hearty meal for a stellar price. Really pleased - well done on this one guys! Strongly recommend.

We had a bit of a boo boo on three other points: chai latte was watered down and tasteless coffee was overly frothy (1/4 froth) kitchen didn't adjust the order despite wait staff confirming a change was possible (led to the meal having to be remade). Team was apologetic however and remade the meal in full 100% fresh which was appreciated.

I'd come back and hopefully the chai packs a better punch next time. A+++++ on the Halloumi 👌

Original review: 3 stars Came to Rays on a Sunday for brekky. Loved that they have a regular and also a separate fully vegan menu. Great move.

Checked in with a staff member for an outdoor seat however needed to prompt the staff that we were there after a 10 min wait for menus.

A similar table outside decided to move to a shaded spot and there was a little drama over seats being moved and the 'system'. Awkward interaction between what seemed to be an experienced staff member and a more junior staffer about correct ordering protocols.

10 minutes after the coffee order we were informed that our coffee order wasn't logged. Order was taken again. Then coffees came out 1 minute later, with staff confirming that it was in fact logged.

My partner had the Hello Halloumi burger. It was all a bit confusing with trying to acquire a side of chips. There is a full $10 portion available however other burgers have a smaller side of chips included on the menu. When asked whether we could get a smaller side order for this particular burger the staff advised that this was not possible and the system wouldn't allow it. Odd and overly complicated. Partner mentioned that the burger was tasty and enjoyable nonetheless.

I ordered the Mexibowla which I was excited about. Sad to say that the beans were incredibly dry. They seemed refried which may be the cooking style however were a touch difficult to eat after a few bites. Unfinished bowl of food which was a little sad.

The sides or add ons are quite expensive. $9 for salmon does seem a little steep and $7 for avocado. That's definitely on the higher end of what I've seen before.

Unfortunately a so-so visit for me this time. I might consider a return in future to try something else. Maybe it...

We came here today after having a rough morning and we wanted to find a nice cafe to cheer us up. We found this place because of the reviews but had an awful experience. We were told to take a seat down the side and we sat there for 10 mins wondering what to do before I went and got menus myself. Not one person greeted us as they walked by our table out to the back garden. We then waited 15 mins and I went up to the counter to ask if that’s where I ordered food and was told “no” then said ok what do I do and was told that someone would come to me. I sat down and waited and waited and no one came. After 20 mins we pulled a girl aside and asked if she could take our order and she said yes. I ordered a veg sausage roll, salad and pickles. When the food arrived I got a salad and a tiny cup of veggies (carrot, cucumber and raffish) and was told “we don’t have any sausage rolls”. The man who spoke to us didn’t smile once or apologise for anything he just said they were having technical issues. Another man then came to our table with my exact order including the sausage roll and said “oh you already have your food???” I then told the first guy that I wanted the pickles that that guy had brought so he snatched the cup of veggies from my hand and said “I’ll take that then”. All in all We had an awful experience and won’t be back. What a shame, we live in Brunswick and will cross this cafe...

I have been a regular of Rays for some time now. For me, it is always about the quality of Excellent tasting food, Cleanliness, Service and by that I do not only mean efficiency, I mean the 'personability' of staff. I think Rays has all the above. Not everyone has a friendly nature, I get that. I think the skills and intelligence in communication comes from being able to hold conversations when someone else initiates with skill and confidence. I am witness to this for all the staff at Rays. The reason why I put Communication skills in the first paragraph of my review is because any slightest condescending or rudeness from the behaviour of any customer service providers, it will turn me away indefinitely. Since I have been a regular at Rays for a few years now, I have to say I am "Comfortable finding my Own Little Nook and eating there at pleasure and leisure with No hurry, in my Own Skin". Hence, this is a to-go-place for me. In terms of the food, I give it 8/10. I do not like Overly decorated posh and fanciful pretensions. I think at Rays, I get generous, honest and hearty meals that do not leave me Ever Ever feeling that I have Overpaid. I am quite the foodie to say this. Satisfaction, Fulfilment and Comfort is how I would Summarise my Overall Experience at Rays.

Thank you Ray to you, your Chefs and your Wonderful...