Darling Street Espresso — Restaurant in Melbourne

I went to this cafe with my 2 young children and asked for a table for four as we were meeting one of my friends. I was told there were no available tables, even though I saw several empty ones. When I asked about those, I was told they were already reserved. I mentioned I was happy to wait, but was then told it would be at least 30 minutes. I added that I was happy to wait for the other tables and the lady who seemed like the manager stated “those have also been reserved”. It was obvious she didn’t want us there as she wasn’t very helpful or accommodating. I found it very strange as no one really makes bookings at these types of casual cafes. I rang my friend and let her know that the cafe was apparently fully booked. She suggested she walked in and asked. When my friend walked in and asked for a table for four, she was seated right away. She came out and called myself and my girls in and the manager looked at us shocked and frazzled. She clearly didn’t think I would be walking back in with my friend. It was clear that the difference in treatment was because of my hijab as my friend was not wearing an headscarf and I was. I felt very uneasy about this as this kind of behavior is racist and unfair! I will not be returning to this cafe nor recommending it to anyone as this type of treatment is unacceptable and disgusting! May I also add that the other tables that were all apparently reserved were empty during our time...

I live in the western suburbs but this place is worth the drive. I'd be happy to travel an hour to come to this beautiful little café.

Once upon a time it was a little milkbar but has been beautifully converted into a warm and cosy café. I've been here on several occasions and I always forget to take photos but they have a fantastic Instagram page that showcases the beautiful café and their delicious food and beverages. Out of all the times I've been here I've never had a bad experience. The customer service is fantastic and friendly, they really make you feel comfortable. The food is exceptional and tasty. I especially loved the porridge they make, it goes down a treat on a cold winter's day. Before Covid I was making frequent visits so I could try the majority of their items on the menu. Unfortunately I fell outside the travel limit so it's been a while but to be able to attend again was music to my ears. I will most definitely add photos on my next visit that I go. Found some photos and that's paints a picture of just how good the food is. Best porridge I've ever had, such a wonderful winter dish.

Food 5⭐ Coffee & Beverages 5⭐ Customer service 5⭐ Cleanliness...

Was unimpressed! Went this morning Was seated right next to the door which hubby had to keep moving to let people in, and our menus and napkins kept flying off the table

I wouldn’t say they were packed out As there were still empty tables

We waited over 20 mins to get our order taken and we had to ask for service

People that were coming in after us were being served before us and getting meals before we were served.

The table beside us got order taken and cutlery, we got our meals and no cutlery once again had to request

We had to ask for a bottle of water and a glass but had to ask at the coffee counter which the man was not overly welcoming

Meals were average I ordered the doughnuts which were average and hubby ordered the fritters and a side of bacon Fritters dry and bacon wasn’t anything but average and eggs tasteless he said he liked the sauce

My daughter meal was scrambled eggs and toast, she’s 3 and couldn’t eat the sourdough toast as too hard and the eggs were just bland

Was very disappointed was not even offered a second coffee

Did not feel welcome,...