Lip Cafe. — Restaurant in Melbourne

I used to have many nice things to say about Lip Café but that has now changed, instead I have many complaints to bring up. I am not a TRUE regular there but I do go quite often. To begin, the training of staff is very inconsistent. I normally order a grilled halloumi sandwich but I take out the beetroot relish and replace it with mushroom. The first time I did this they had charged me the difference between the two – which is perfectly fine. But that was the first and only time they ever did that. There have been multiple times where they do not charge me extra and are adamant I do not need to pay extra and there have been times that they charge me mushrooms on top, without taking out beetroot charge. $4 might not seem like a lot but it is substantial compared to the $11.90 sandwich, bringing the total to $15.90. The inconsistency used to not bother me and every time I questioned them they would not charge me extra but the last time I did this I was taken aback. They lady on the counter charged me an extra $4 and when I questioned her she seemed quite disgruntled. She then said with an appalling attitude ‘WELL, beetroot is $2 and mushroom is $4’. I asked if prices had changed as the last times I didn’t get charged extra and she said nope. Before I could question further, another staff at the back told her to just put it through with no charge. I didn’t get the chance to question her why she charged $4 on top if she had prior knowledge the difference between the two items is $2. I had never been served by her before, and I’m not sure if she was new but her customer service was definitely lacking. Left the store quite offended by her attitude towards me for asking a simple question especially because the only reason I ask is because of THEIR inconsistency. Secondly, I used to sing praise to Lip café’s coffee and recommended them to everyone. I went to the café after the above incident and ordered my usual soy latte. I’m not sure if coffee was purposely made poorly for me after the above incident or if the skill of the barista (the staff that told the lady to put through with no charge last time) deteriorated rapidly. My coffee was made in 1 minute. The foam - big bubbles, soy milk tasted like water and the coffee tasted burnt. Went from one of the best coffees I’ve had to one of the worst. The only way I can describe the taste is burnt water. There has also been a time where my colleague and I ordered soy coffees and they gave us coffees with cow milk – my colleague is lactose intolerant. Will not be coming back and will not be recommending them to...

Unfortunately the last 3 times I have been my family and I have been majorly disappointed. Today was the last straw. Lip is the only walkable cafe near us so they have the monopoly on that.

We arrived at 8:30am on a Sunday, only to find out the chefs hadn't shown up. They could offer us coffees and pre-prepared food (all of which was sweet). I didn't feel that they were apologetic enough about the lack of food, although I got the impression that they were surprised that the chefs hadn't shown up. We had two very hungry toddlers who we were taking out for a special breakky and the 20 minute walk had them starving by the time we got there. We chalked it up to bad luck and ordered some fruit smoothies. The mango one was pretty nice, perhaps a tad sweet. The raspberry smoothie was revolting. It tasted like sour almond milk and filled with raspberry seeds. There was not enough flavour or sweetness. And for $11.50 you would hope to be getting your money's worth.

Then the waitress said the chefs had arrived so we thought ok, let's get something to share and some fruit toast for the kids. Go back up to order and they were mistaken, the chefs hadn't arrived and they couldn't make us toast because they don't have a sandwich press or toaster... Come on.

We won't be going back. We'll probably just park in front and walk to the next closest cafe in future.

This cafe went from 4 stars to .5stars in the last 3 visits.

Also, while I'm here - clean...

I thoroughly recommend the Lip Cafe About 20 adults and children celebrated our mother’s 100th birthday in the rear courtyard area. The very considerate, friendly and helpful staff went out of their way to create a delightful space. The staff erected a marquis, and decorated the area with bright cushions, balloons and flowers. Although the kitchen was not open on a Tuesday, the staff arranged a delivery of delicious sandwiches. The coffee was of an excellent standard. The children were excited to have iced drinks. I will certainly keep the Lip Cafe in mind for further functions. Thank you so much on behalf of all Peggy’s family...