Red Spice Road — Restaurant in Melbourne

Hello Restaurant Owner,

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing to express my utter disappointment with our recent dining experience at your restaurant. We made two separate bookings for 12 people and specifically requested to be seated at two separate tables, intending to order from the A La Carte menu. This arrangement was confirmed during our phone conversation, and the lady was happy to accommodate us.

Upon arrival, we asked if our two tables could be placed side by side since the restaurant was relatively empty, but we did not insist. The lady who attended to us was kind enough to accommodate our request by seating us at two tables a few meters apart, clearly separate yet within view of each other.

Everything was going well initially, and we ordered a few drinks. However, out of the blue, the restaurant manager approached us and insisted that we switch to a set menu, citing an extra fee if we did not comply. At this stage, we were clearly seated at two different tables, adhering to the arrangement as per the policy.

We tried to discuss the situation with the manager, but he argued with us, stating that we were wasting their time and that they could not cater to A La Carte orders for 12 people because the staff struggles with such requests. This occurred around 8 PM when the restaurant was half-empty and capable of accommodating at least 50 more people.

We understand the importance of your restaurant's policy, but it was frustrating and disappointing to be told we couldn’t choose the A La Carte menu after already being seated separately. The added restriction that we couldn’t interact between the tables was both unexpected and unnecessary. Furthermore, the manner in which the manager handled the situation, especially when he rudely slammed the bill on our table, was extremely unprofessional. He stated that he didn't want to spend a single minute more on our table. At that moment, we decided to leave, feeling embarrassed and determined not to return.

We only wanted to enjoy the A La Carte menu and had split into two groups to comply with the policy. Our group of 12 would have easily spent more than $100 per person on the A La Carte menu, indicating our willingness to invest in a quality dining experience. If there had been a problem with our booking, you could have asked us to cancel and honestly stated that you couldn’t cater to us. That would have been fine and would have avoided our effort to come to the restaurant and face such an unpleasant experience.

We understand that the restaurant may argue that the set menu caters to large groups, but it should not be forced upon customers who prefer the A La Carte option. Customer satisfaction should be a priority, and the manner in which we were treated does not reflect that.

I hope you can address this issue and ensure that future customers do not face similar situations. Clear communication and a respectful approach are essential for a positive dining experience.

Thank you for your understanding.

Best...

Our group of friends had been looking forward to a fine dining experience at Red Spice Road for more than two weeks. We carefully planned our evening, called ahead to discuss our requirements, and accepted the restaurant's policy of splitting us into two tables, despite our preference for a single table.

Upon arrival, things quickly took a turn for the worse. As we were settling in, the hostess began making faces and insisting we weren't allowed to talk to our friends at the other table, treating us as if we were in school. We attempted to comply, but the hostess continued to insist there would be a surcharge if we continued to interact.

The situation escalated when the host got involved. Initially, he tried to explain the restaurant's policies, but the tone quickly became hostile. Despite our attempts to understand and comply, the host became increasingly mean and condescending. When we decided to leave, he warned us that we might not find another table elsewhere at that time. We asked for the bill for the drinks we had ordered, which he literally slammed on the table. Within 30 seconds, he returned with the EFTPOS machine, insisting we pay immediately, and stated he couldn't waste any more time on our table.

Overall, the experience was extremely disappointing as I believe the one true offering should be good customer service. The staff's behaviour was unprofessional and hostile, completely overshadowing the evening we had planned. We will not be returning to Red Spice Road and cannot recommend...

I can't thank Julie Carette and the team at Red Spice Road enough for making our recent function absolutely unforgettable. From the moment we reached out with short notice, Julie went above and beyond to accommodate our needs, securing a spot during a busy time of year and managing every detail with impeccable precision.

Julie’s attention to detail was extraordinary. She listened attentively to our preferences, ensuring that the event was tailored exactly to our vision. Throughout the entire planning process, her communication was prompt, clear, and thoughtful, making us feel completely at ease and confident that everything would run smoothly.

When the night of the event arrived, we were in awe of how seamlessly everything came together. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the staff was incredibly attentive, ensuring our guests were well looked after at all times. The food, as always, was nothing short of spectacular. Every dish was bursting with flavor, beautifully presented, and prepared with the finest ingredients. It’s hard to overstate how impressive the quality of the meal was, especially considering the time of year and the short notice.

Julie truly made our experience one to remember. Her professionalism, paired with the outstanding food and service, ensured our event was flawless. I would highly recommend Red Spice Road for any special occasion, and a huge thank you to Julie for her exceptional care...