Rathdowne & Reeves Cafe — Restaurant in Melbourne

My Honest Experience

I usually avoid writing negative reviews for local businesses. If I enjoy a place, I prefer to recommend and promote it. However, this experience was disappointing enough that I feel it is worth sharing.

The Positives: Coffee: Excellent Food taste: Good Location: Convenient Staff members: Polite, patient, and professional, especially considering they had to serve more than 20 customers split across two tables.

The Negatives: The management: We booked two tables for a group of around 20 people. About 20–30 minutes before our arrival, we were informed that the group would need to be split across two tables. This was understandable given the group size and short notice.

However, when we arrived, one of the tables had only small stools instead of chairs. We politely asked two staff members if it was possible to swap stools for chairs from another table. They kindly agreed and even began helping us move them, and we assisted as well. At this point, the manager intervened, stopped the process, and told us (in a very dismissive and unprofessional manner) that another reservation was expected, and the chairs could not be moved.

The decision itself would not have been an issue, what mattered was the tone and attitude of the manager, which came across as rude and unnecessary. Given that our group ordered 21 meals and 22 hot beverages, I would have expected a more respectful and accommodating approach.

What made this even more frustrating was that, by the time we left (after 40–60 minutes or more), the other booked customers had still not arrived. It seemed clear the manager simply did not wish to make the effort to adjust the seating.

Order Management: The service felt disorganised. Drinks were served once and after everyone has their drink, they sent out more than our orders, about 40% of our drink order was duplicated. This caused confusion for us and unnecessary losses for the café.

Food Portions: While the taste was good, portions were noticeably small. Most dishes came with little to no garnish or sides, sometimes just a leaf or two.

Customer Care: Afterward, I checked other reviews and noticed a concerning pattern: the café often avoids responsibility in their responses, instead shifting blame onto customers. This reflects poorly on their understanding of customer service and hospitality.

Final Thought: Unfortunately, the positives of good coffee and tasty food were overshadowed by poor management and the manager’s unprofessional behaviour. Respect and service are just as important as taste, and in this case, the experience fell short.

I cannot recommend this café, and personally, I would prefer to grab a coffee from a service station rather...

I've been to RR cafe multiple times over the past year. Service is very quick and friendly! The food is always top notch & comes to the table under 15mins. There are many breakfast/brunch places that aren't creative with food anymore, you go there expecting more but am left with lack of punch of flavour and a plate oh-too-colourful & overly sugared. At RR, the dishes are expertly designed, flavours well-paired. The condiments in each dish have a steady rationale to why it is on the plate in the first place. In detail: Indian Scrambled Eggs- I order this each time I visit RR. The scrambled eggs are packed with curry spice, punch and loads of flavour. I particularly enjoy the well fried asian cheese inside the eggs. There is enough char and taste of fire in the eggs too. (I dislike those tingy yellow milky ones that look like an oat porridge). The accompanying homemade fruit chutney, sour cream and griller-toasted flat bread are also perfect pairing delights. Lentil Soup- Flavoursome and spicy! It is a daring dish, order it if you are up for a good kick in the morning. The papadams are freshly prepared, crispy with hints of garlic flavour. Truffle Fries - the feta cheese is toasted a little golden brown before it is thrown over the chips. SO GOOD! Incredibly large portion too! Spaghetti carbonara- You just don't get this at other brunch places!! The carbonara is authentic, no cream used, just egg yolks! Best ever.. Coconut Ice- great balance of coconut and creaminess, not overly sweet. Peanut butter Cups- Rich, melt in your mouth Peanut butter with a nice, strong chocolate. A secret family recipe I was told!...

I've been going to the gym across the road for a few years - well NOT during our lockdowns. I have frequented the cafe Rathdowne and Reeves for as much as that time that I could.

I started with coffee. I know what coffee I like, and don't return to a place if I don't like the coffee.

Then I started getting take aways. I often get their falafels for lunch at home and usually get their delicious sweet slices when I have tradies at home. I've gotten risotto a couple of times for dinner. Damien explains 'don't microwave...reheat in a pan with some stock'.....he's great.

Now I sit down for meals by myself and with friends.

I love love love their spicy baked beans - 7 types of beans! Plus great toast and just the right amount of spice. AND the perfect poached egg and exquisite avocado that are worth spending extra for. I've been stopping by after pilates late Friday morning for this amazing dish - I am not a BRUNCH person....Rathdowne and Reeves Cafe and THIS DISH have changed my mind about BRUNCH. This is my Friday morning at 11.30am!

On top of the food that is varied and interesting and delicious, I love the space. As 'COVID neurotic' I love there's lots of space between the tables....not for people like me...but to cater for people who come in with walkers, wheel chairs (and I've even seen a bed) from the Aged Care facility upstairs.

Great work Trina and Damien and their fantastic team.

I hope I've spelt your names right...