The Fish House Australian Seafood Co — Restaurant in Melbourne

UPDATE to management who replied two months later. You noted you were not aware of what happened so let me fill the gaps. Who we thought were the owners and asked us how our food was we’re having lunch or a break with three other people. As I said below, THEY noted the food was over cooked and offered nothing. They were aware. So we did note our experience with them and they kindly let us go. Second, as you noted, you do not know what happen that day - how could you responding 2 months later, with that being said - regardless if your staff have been there one year or five - what you may perceive as banter was received by us as a lack of customer service and rude - to have a staff member apologise on the chefs behalf, is not banter. That’s acknowledging what we experienced was NOT OKAY! Considering reviews of similar nature and experience - I’d expect at least a conversation to discuss before an assumption. I’ll delete my post if discussed in a timely manner not approached poorly two months later.

I must note that as we left, the owners who were sitting outside, asked us how our food was & although we provided some feed back, we did not mention all as they were so nice and accomodating. This place was very underwhelming which was a shame. First time going - walked in with no idea there was indoor to the left or how they worked. There was a lovely lady behind the counter who asked if we were dine in or take away and I asked to sit outside and she said that was fine. Not once did she point out different menus etc. while we ordered our food the Chef was extremely rude, yelling across the cooking area to the lady serving to us. The lady serving us on some occasions asked the chef questions to which you could see the chef was bothered by having to stop her conversations with another women and respond. The lady servings us asked if there was lobster left for the lobster burger for the chef to say rudely “it’s take away only”, having no idea if we were dining in or out or the fact that no one explained different menus. I asked the lady serving us, what’s the difference and she said “don’t worry about it it’s okay”. I then asked if could still sit out the front outside area and she said yes. The chef then said “there’s only one left so” - again, not sure why that had to be said out loud like it was. There was other comments here and there which made me and my husband feel really unwelcome instantly left a bad taste in my mouth where I thought, why am I spending this money to be so rudely spoken to and surrounded by. Not a good first look. We sat outside to have to have the lovely lady who served us apologise and give us cutlery. So the apology in its self explains a lot. Then half the menu came out where another lovely lady explained how take away and dine it works and was accomodating - although it was lovely to speak to her this would of been much nicer ahead of time if explained. The food was presented beautifully however, The food is the main reason for two stars. The lobster burger was chewy, extremely dry, lacked any flavour and full of batter - this was mentioned to the owner later and he did point out & noted “over cooked” so he was aware. The prawns were also extremely over cooked, really tough, no flavour & chewy. Fish was oily and had a oily watering bottom under them on the plate. The rest of the food was nothing special. I think the biggest thing is spending that much money on sea food to have it so poorly cooked. It’s one thing to have bad food but the chefs attitude towards us/the wait staff was absolutely disgusting - I’ve never experienced that before. It is a shame being a local business that we won’t be returning and that our first time...

Where do I even begin. I've wanted to try this place for a while just because it looked nice and presentable. Food unfortunately wasn't that great, not bad either but probably the most bland food I've ever had landing it a solid 5/10.

I wasn't mad, maybe it just wasn't to my taste. But as a new customer who is pretty optimistic about new places, everything else that happened on my visit left possibly the worst first impression I could ever have on a business and looking at how they've handled criticism in their replies to some reviews, it's not surprising to see why.

My friends ordered beers and couldn't even be given tap water for free. Apparently due to COVID they can only serve bottled water which has to be paid for. According to the law, I don't believe this is actually legal even during these times as tap water must always be supplied when an alcoholic beverage is sold.

While I'm trying to enjoy the subpar food the best I can, I didn't need to eavesdrop to hear staff members aggressively arguing amongst themselves in front of customers over the hierarchy of the place and what they shouldn't tell a guy called George. Of course, based off what I've seen in their replies here, they'll probably deny this but everyone there heard it at all.

I was relieved to know split payment was an option and just when I thought I was seeing a plus, all it did was prove that they overcharged me for a single prawn dish (receipt and menu price in the photos, all taken on the same day). They claimed the prices went up for prawns (no mention of this during the time we ordered) and they pointed at a disclaimer at the bottom saying "prices are subject to change without notice" as of that was a "Get of jail free" card. Again I looked at the ACCC policies to see if this practice was legal and it's not. The lower of the 2 prices advertised is what they're legally bound to charge me for. Overcharged me $2, which they could've easily used to get some stickies or whiteout from somewhere close by. They even claimed that's not the only dish that costs more than what they displayed. I wonder how long this has been going on for and how many people they've jibbed with this. All they had to do was change the menu pricing before opening of business on the day of change. Their excuse was that they had their own printers for this kind of thing and that's why it hasn't been changed yet. Hmmmm I wonder what looks worse, a little whiteout with the right pricing or jibbing your customers at the point of sale?

Sad to say, but if I had to sum it up based off not just my experience there but now looking at their replies to everyone, I can only describe The Fish House as slimey, unprofessional and subpar as a restaurant. Won't be going back there again which is a shame because the place...

Today my sister & I came to have a lovely lunch. Just moved to Cheltenham & curious to try the food from this restaurant.

Firstly, was ordered to go outside & sit in undercover area, as we wanted to eat there. We wanted to sit in a different area, but no.

Then we both ordered, after awaiting for 15min. Not many people outside (6) - we were 3rd lot.

I ordered a piece of Halloumi 🔥🧀🔥which is meant to be eaten HOT. It came out lukewarm, not edible. So I said something to the waitress, it was taken back, same piece was put back on the grill for a few seconds. 2nd time came back same temperature inside (cold).

I didn't realise this was allowed, under the hygiene rule. I thought I would get a fresh hot piece cooked, not same one🤔😱

❌️❌️❌️ NO FOOD SENT BACK SHOULD BE RE-HEATED/RECOOKED & GIVEN BACK❌️❌️. This is illegal & against any food practices act.

The fact that food which was started to be eaten, was re-cooked & re-served back is a 🚩🚩🚩

My sister also tried my cheese, and commented it should be hot.

For the $5.00 price tag, and small piece of cheese?😱 1 piece of Pita bread cut in 4 pieces $4.00. They need to get it right. This establishment is not a Fish'n'shop, but a restaurant at restaurant prices.

I would not recommend this place, not for price but the management & how to handle issues. Staff were very accusing and patronising.

The young waitress who served as was lovely, but the 2nd waitress who came to our table was defensive & rude.

We were not the only people who complained, another lady had an issue, again this was not handled professionally by staff.

I did get the halloumi taken off the menu, but not happy that i had to speak to 3 waitresses about this same issue🤦‍♀️ This group of shops has many other choices. 1) Meet & Eat Kebabs, 2) Patty Smith's Burgers, 3) Guzman. Too many other choices.

As a Greek wanting to eat at this shops, was let down by Quality, lack Professionalism/ownership & handling of what should have been a simple issue.

Definitely not going back, but I will be going to this shopping hub, and eating at the other 3 establishments.

I spent over $40.00, not a great dining...