Hola Mexico | Mexican Restaurant Williamstown — Restaurant in Melbourne

I have never posted a review about anything, but my experience was so bad that I have to do so. We live local and wanted to support our local eateries. Upon arrival we were seated, drinks order taken, Nacho with sour cream on the side ordered for the kids. Drinks arrived promptly and we gave our order. All Good. Finished my drink and after 15 mins had still not had the glass cleared and offered a re-order. Kids had also finished thier drinks. Another 5 mins and the Nacho arrived, covered in sour cream and with sour cream also on the side. We alert the waiter we had ordered sour cream on the side. He answered that the sour cream was on the side, to which my wife replied that on the side means not on the food. RED FLAG. Should have left then. I assumed anybody working in food industry would know what "on the side" meant. After another 20 minutes, and still no taking of a drink order, our mains arrived. Unfortunately the food looked terrible. My daughters chicken taco was a giant lump of chicken, covered in diced tomatoes and smothered with sour cream. This was no traditional sized taco, it was hideous. We sent it straight back. My son had a giant burrito which he was excited to eat, but after a few bites said it was really dry and extremely salty and didn't eat any more. Another failure. My wife had a quesadilla that she ate without complaint, but I later ascertained that she ate it due to being embarrassed for booking the restaurant. I order paella. Looked pretty standard. Took a mouthful and it was ok, but not $28 worth. I tried a mussel and spat it out. It was spoilt. I felt sick instantly, dashed to the toilet and vomited. I've been eating seafood for 40 years and have never been sick. My wife told the waiting staff what happened and they kindly apologised. We were then approached by a manager/senior staff member who also apologised, which I accepted. However, he then started to tell us that he'd smelled the mussels in the kitchen and they were fine and he'd never had any problems before. I'd literally just come back from vomiting. He then tried to get me to come into the kitchen to see for myself! I was quite direct in telling him no. I felt sick, was sweating and just wanted to leave. He then asked if I'd like to order something else. WHAT THE HELL! NO! Who wants to eat after vomiting? My wife went up to pay the bill and, after the experience, thought they might wipe the food bill. We were happy to pay for the drinks. But no, they only waived my meal and charged for the rest, even though my wife said it was very disappointing. That is appalling business practice. Especially in a time when restaurants are closing due to diminished patronage. DO NOT EAT HERE IF YOU WANT TO ENJOY YOUR EVENING. Lacklustre service and expensive,...

Just after the lockdowns my friend and I came here for dinner to check it out and it was pretty good. The owners were friendly, the food was good and the vibe was nice and cruisy. Over the last few months however we have become regulars at this establishment. It started with outstanding service from Ella, who was gracious and polite while dealing with my tired mumblings and my friend's dietary peccadillos. She was courteous and welcoming assuring us that nothing was too much trouble. Since then she has made us feel like guests in her home whenever we visit. This, coupled with delicious food (and I have sampled a fair portion of the menu at this stage) was enough to have us hooked but then we were served by Vali as well and somehow our experience got even better. Personable and accommodating we always enjoy her company as she serves us with banter that is absolutely on point. To be perfectly honest I can be a bit judgey when I go into other venues. I've been career hospo for near 20 years, it's second nature. I cannot fault the service from these two. Come for the food, stay for the phenomenal staff I say! Hats off to you both, Ella and Vali. Between the tasty dinners and the impeccable service we will be back, again and...

This was the second time I have been to this place. The first time after 45 minutes with no service we walked away, this was a second chance. Arrived and within 5 minutes asked if we were ready to order...tick. We ordered a beer, a sangria and food. 20 minutes later, still no drinks. The restaurant was maybe 60% full. The drinks arrived eventually and we're good...tick. The food... Mine, a burrito dish arrived. But my wife's, a nachos didn't. I ate the food... Very tasty...tick. I had finished and 20 minutes later my plate was cleared and waitress says "you're still waiting on a meal what toppings were on that"? Another 20 minutes passed, it arrived and it was tasty...tick. The issue was and is a huge issue. That the inattentiveness to service, timing and then when an error is made no attempt to address it. This is the 2nd time, same issue. Either get more staff, who are trained to do the basics. Or continue to lose customers. When I went to pay, the woman (drinks maker) didn't even make an excuse or reason. Just took the money. Food was as good as I've eaten at a Mexican style restaurant, the service close...