Secret Grounds Cafe Doncaster — Restaurant in Melbourne

Coffee was mediocre at best. Also this is the first Cafe I've been to where staff repeatedly harass you to order food, even though there is no such policy (it would be reasonable if there was a line of customers waiting for a table but this was not peak lunch hour and there were plenty of empty tables). First staff asked if we wanted to order food after we ordered our coffees (like hello?? If we wanted to we would've ordered some). Second staff then came and asked if we ordered any food (bruh if we did we would've asked for it if it hasn't arrived). Also is it unusual for customers to order just coffees at a Cafe???

Beware of being scammed as there are discrepancies between prices on their online menu ( via QR code) and paper menu. They will charge you according to prices on the paper menu, which are more expensive than stated on their online menu).

Edit (31/10/24: In response to the business's reply below: Your response is rather disingenuous - if it is customer service as you suggest, then it is definitely highly unusual customer service as the normal question for customers would be "would you like to order anything else?" rather than the more coercive way of asking "have you ordered any food". The way in which the question was phrased definitely does not connote a genuine concern as to whether the customer has any additional requests/needs. Either way, your customer service leaves more to be desired.

Also good job, you just nailed yourself in the foot by admitting to the deceptive business practice of multiple pricing. According to the Australian Consumer Law and Fair Trading Act the lower price should be charged if two prices are displayed, which was not the case at your establishment. If you are in the process of updating your QR menu, the QR code should've been taped over (which was also not the case as servers had no issue with us looking at your online menu). Alternatively, servers could've advised prior to customers placing their order that the QR menu is out of date, which you also...

We booked for three people on the Sunday during the Labour Day long weekend. At no point in the booking process were we advised that a booking would be limited to one hour (it was a ‘nice’ surprise we learned of during our visit). We arrived on time and waited a few moments for a table to be cleaned. The ambiance of the room was friendly, but very loud (it was quite busy and voices were the main source of noise). Within the first five minutes of sitting down, we were asked three times for our order. Once ordered, staff left us and only returned to deliver food/drinks. The food was quite nice though we did have to ask for a side of tomatoes and milk for a breakfast tea which were not initially delivered. About 50 minutes after arriving, a staff member came to tell us the next reservation was arriving and they needed the table. We weren’t ready to finish up so we ended up going to another cafe to get more drinks and deserts.

While I understand the cafe was busy, we would not have made the booking if advised it was only for an hour. Although I wouldn’t normally leave this kind of review, this is the second time I’ve had a less than stellar experience at this restaurant. The first time, we took staff at their word that the expansion work was causing a few issues (we had a group booking for a mother’s group and there were multiple issues, including availability of space for prams which were included in the booking, noise and ordering issues). Our mistake for returning - the renovations are finished but the problems remain. I won’t...

A beautifully designed area with 2 seperate areas, decoration is light and modern and tables are far enough to feel semi private.

Service was fast and prompt, greeted at the door with no reservation on a Monday lunch, sat and ordered via QR code. Menu is broad with fresh juices available.

Ordered the following.. 1x almond f/w which came out similar to a latte with way too much foam. 1x iced latte, perfect 2x mixed water melon juices, divine and super refreshing 1x beef burger which my oartner said was so tasty, but did not hold it's shaoe when cutting 1x ratatouille tasted amazing, with lots of fresh herbs giving it a bright tang. The only critique was somehow my eggs came out different.. one was fully boiled and the other was poached and runny (picture provided) lost the star due to this mistake as it made me wonder what they were doing to make them different

Otherwise the food and overall experience was pleasant and would come again, maybe won't be ordering any poached eggs again

26/03/24 Lunch Second visit, service had deteriorated. I understand being busy but doesn't exclude providing exceptional service. Wrong coffee order which is fine, but the bogan looking gentleman on the floor (just as a descriptor) served our coffee spilt it in the saucer and said nothing (picture provided). Food was again phenominal, ordered the beef ribs which was huge and tasty, calamari salad was also tasty and a big portion. Props to the chef. Floor staff need further...