Good Food Emporium — Restaurant in Melbourne

Today, I visited the cafe with my daughter. I patiently waited in line, which took quite a long time since there was only one person serving and making coffee. Eventually, the owner, Tully, arrived. However, instead of a warm greeting, she responded coldly. I proceeded to place my order for two juices and a banana bread, and while she was processing it, I politely asked if I could sit on one of the couches. To my surprise, Tully responded in a very unfriendly manner, stating that the couches were white and could potentially get dirty from food. Disappointed but understanding, I replied with an "okay, no worries."

I found a table and sat down with my daughter, who happened to be holding the sugar jar. Realizing that we also wanted to order some chips, I returned to the counter. That's when the other staff member abruptly told me to ask my daughter not to touch the sugar since they were running low on it. Taken aback, I asked for clarification, and the staff member repeated the request, seemingly irritated. At this point, I was quite shocked by their service and the way they were speaking to me. To add to the frustration, when my food was ready, instead of bringing it to my table, they simply pointed it out and said, "There's your order."

Returning to my table, I discovered that the staff member had already taken the sugar jar from my daughter without my knowledge or presenve. This infuriated me, as I didn't appreciate the lack of respect and the assumption that they could take something like sugar that’s worth $2 incase my daughter consumers it more than an average person.

Feeling increasingly upset, I decided to address the situation with Tully. As she walked by my table, I politely asked for her name, explaining that I wanted to make a complaint about the service. Surprisingly, she responded by stating that she was the boss and the owner of the cafe. However, her attitude remained unchanged and it became apparent that voicing my concerns to her would be pointless.

Tully mentioned that they intervene if parents aren't controlling their children's actions, particularly when it comes to touching condiments like sugar and salt. I felt disrespected and judged as a parent, and I certainly didn't expect to be treated this way in a cafe where I am paying for their services.I said what do you mean, I am here a customer and this is not your private home to tell customers whether to touch the sugar or don’t sit on the couch because it’s white. I said if you are so worried about white couch being dirty in a cafe don’t have a white couch. Or if you are low on sugar then get more. As a customer I don’t need to know this and feel disrespected by your way or language. After a long discussion Tully said ok well I will take your feedback on board. She didn’t take ownership of her behaviour but kept trying to justify why she didn’t want the white couch or sugar to be touched.

This cafe is right next to baby bunting and crocs and instead of being child friendly, I felt unwelcomed because I was with a child from the moment I walked in the cafe. I was also about to buy $150 worth of staff from the store but decided not to because why put my money in a store that are so up themselves and treat people specially mums so bad.

In summary, my experience at this cafe was extremely disappointing. The slow service, the unfriendly and judgmental behavior from both Tully and her staff, and the lack of respect towards me as a customer and a parent left me feeling frustrated and disheartened. I genuinely believe that a cafe should strive to create a welcoming and positive environment for all customers, regardless of whether they...

Hi, I always shop at Emporium for my organic fruits and veggies. I feel that the girls do not know the product and the appropriate pricing which leaves me having to always watch as they always make mistakes. I at first thought maybe they are not trained enough. I mentioned this to management and they replied that they will fix it but time and time again, I go home and find that I lost $10 last time. If I wasn't careful, checked and memorized the products, I would lose more money.

I always have to correct the ladies at the checkout because they charge more than what the products actually are priced. I am a very forgiving person and I always let it go without saying anything but enough is enough.

I am starting to think that they are doing this on purpose to get extra money from people who are trying to support local shops. It has been nothing but exhausting always having to look and watch as I put products on the table to get scanned for the price.

For example, I was asked to try a sample of the ginger tonic. When I asked how much the bottle is, she said around $20. I decided not to purchase it but then I find that the girl already charged me for it without my permission and better yet, she didn't even put the bottle in the box! She apologized and deleted it upon me questioning her. Then, she charged me for the wrong kind of popcorn as there are 3 kinds of popcorn bags. I said this is the $2.95 not $3.95, she correct it after a long time going back and forth until we asked the male staff member who was working in the section to verify the price. I always buy a quarter of red cabbage which she for the half ($5) and not what it was supposed to be ($2.50).

I again corrected her and she said that she will correct the mistake but when I went home, she didn't and alas, I was charged $5. I will bring the receipt next time I am there. It is a shame that you treat customers who always spend from $250-$400 and I normally spend that much at your store a week! However, you did not have enough produce that day so that is why I only spent $117 on groceries and other items.

Again had I not been paying attention I would get charged extra. The name of the girl who served me was Ayse and the other one don't know her name she has blue eyes and black hair. They are wonderful girls but we can't afford always to lose that much money even $1. Please be careful and have attention to detail. Please make sure you train your staff because people will think that you are stealing from them. Once, twice is a fluke, but not always. I always get stressed when I come...

UPDATE* 5 stars for this cafe! After posting the below review, I was contacted by the lovely Priska. She assured me my experience was a one off and they had addressed the technical issue with the refrigeration in the deli section, so rest assured, any food bought from there is going to be in tip top condition (as we have always found upon our many visits in the past). We are die hard fans and will continue to be so and will also continue recommending our favourite cafe to people. The staff are wonderful and so knowledgeable. A lot of other eateries could learn some lessons from Good Food Emporium. We will be back soon! Mucho Amore :) Hello,

Firstly I am giving this café 4 stars, as I don't believe this is a common occurrence, but a one off and I think this is an excellent eatery. Had I been able to contact directly, I would not have left this is review form as I do not want to put people off visiting .

I have tried contacting through the 'contact us' portal on the website several times but unfortunately it didn’t appear to work. In the event that it did, I apologise if you have already received this message. I also called up and asked for alternative email address which I also tried, which didn't work either!

We visited the store on Saturday 20th August 2022 in the afternoon and bought some items from the deli. Upon arrival home the same day; we were unpacking the goods and realised that the Ragu Arancini ball had mould on the bottom. This was very disappointing but we were lucky to see it before we cooked and began eating it.

This was so disappointing as we have eaten in the cafe and found the food to be the best vegan food we’ve ever had and spread the word about it to our fellow vegan friends.

We will visit again but just thought you should be aware of this. I do have photos I would prefer not to attach here, however I am happy to email If you wish to see them (if you please supply an email address).

Miranda and...