Espresso Room — Restaurant in Melbourne

EDIT 12/07/2024: You'd think when new owners take over a business, they would simply ride the wave of the existing business' success. I guess that's too big of a task.

Since the change of ownership, this place has lost the quality of service it used to have. I'd be sitting there waiting for someone to simply take my order. It doesn't matter if it's a busy day or not. Their staff would rather be standing there looking into the void than make a simple eye contact. They just walk around waiting empty tables, serving imaginary patrons, and they leave you there hoping someone's generosity will finally get them to ask you if you need anything ("No, I'm just here waiting for the bus!!!).

I'm changing my rating to 1 star (they still have some good items on the menu, until they change the kitchen staff as well). I guess this is what happens when hospitality is treated as a business. I miss the days of Alex and Natalie, but I guess nothing in life stays the same.

Will re-visit if the management changes again. It's going uphill for the current ones. Please note the high ratings of this place go back as far as 3 years or more.

**The following was my old review. I'm leaving it here if someone wants to time-travel 2 years back: "Friendly staff. They have a variety of mediterranean-like food/ dessert and they’re good at making it. They build some sort of connection with their customers. Natalie is...

Third time visiting...liked it in the past, but after today we won't return. Came in, ordered a sone food and drink, friend arrived and ordered maybe 4 minutes after me. I tasted my childs milkshake and it was so very sweet - too much flavour. Hot chips to shre arrived - had asked for tomato sauce on the side instead of aioli, asked after it - was told there none available today. My meal arrives - wrong meal - asked if I wanted it and I didn't and made to feel like it was a huge inconvenience. My new meals takes over 10 minutes to arrive. My friends meal has not - mine comes and I finish it, hers still hasnt arrived. It takes 25 minutes between meals - her meal the protein pancake looked and she said tasted delicious. No apologies for anything - wrong meal, massive wait time etc. Went to pay and not asked how our meal was - then charged $60 - i suspect over charged but honestly just wanted out. Unfortunately the male waiter was rude and didn't use words just grunts, the rest of the staff were lovely...

Absolutely delighted with my first visit to this restaurant. A must-try if you find yourself in the area. The cuisine is both delightful and flavorsome, with generous portions that left us thoroughly satisfied. Our order included the calamari salad, seafood linguine, and steak sandwich – each dish surpassed our expectations. The steak sandwich, served with a side of perfectly crispy yet tender chips, was a standout, complemented by a delectable tomato sauce. Noteworthy is the calamari salad, featuring tender calamari, salad including roasted capsicum, and pear – a refreshing departure from the standard salad fare found in most establishments. Seafood linguine is delicious and generous with seafood. Coffee is better than average. Overall, an impressive lunch experience that exceeded my expectations. Highly...