Nalou Kitchen — Restaurant in Mount Gambier

Our experience was pretty hit and miss... we visited during the March long weekend, so I understand some places get really busy and struggle to keep up, but it's how they react to the pressure that reflects on whether a business is prepared. Unfortunately communication seems to be an issue amongst the wait staff here.

We got seated outside at the front of the shop, which I normally wouldn't mind. But unfortunately, the table was really uneven and it was during extremely hot weather (40c), and we weren't brought any table water.

After about an hour, we decided to tap out and I went inside to request to move inside, which they accommodated, thankfully. I told the waitress that we were at table 21 and that we were moving to table 16 and that we still had food on the way. I also asked if we could get some table water. Unfortunately, I'd come to find out that this change wasn't communicated amongst the wait staff.

Another hour goes by and nothing. I get up to go get table water myself and the station is empty.

I decide to go up to the counter and ask for an update on the food. A different waitress helps this time and I explain the situation, and her response was, "well no one told me that!"

Okay then... no apology, no sign that they'll make it right, just a poor attitude. I understand everyone has a bad day, they're busy, so I try to explain again and give them another chance to show some customer service and yet again, I get met with, "no one told me!"... no offense, but as your customer, I don't care if nobody told you, I just want the food that we've already paid for and a commitment from you to make it right.

Eventually we got the food and a third waitress was extremely apologetic about it. She was about the only person who made us feel like valued customers, unlike the other waitress who just seemed annoyed and that helping us was such a hassle.

What I don't understand, is if you attempted to deliver the food to the designated table and it was empty, wouldn't you ask your coworkers or announce/call it out? The food was already paid for.

The food was pretty good, but whoever is in charge needs to retrain or hire more staff to alleviate some of the pressure here cuz it all just...

Came in early sunday morning when they open at 8am. Quiet and only us and another group. With this i would assume that we would be in and out. I was wrong.

Lets start with the ordering. No english tea. We were informed that the staff knew they had run out yesterday. But during that time no one went to purchase more.

We waited for our food for a long time and could see it under the heat lamps which sat there for 10+ minutes. The barista was only making coffees but helped moved food AFTER she finished all her orders. The other waitress was carrying coffees one by one out to the other tables and still spilling coffee. While our food was still under the heat lamps. We enquired if that was ours and she said she will check. We noticed that where she was collecting coffees was right infront of the food therefore she knew it was there. Well when we got the food it was cold. Looked pretty but cold. No point in telling the waitress as she didnt apologise for the wait and if we said something we would have been waiting another 30mins. And i would say there was no management on site.

All in all the staff doesnt look trained and seemed unprofessional. If you want a nice meal thats hot and you can eat with still a full cup of coffee....

Perusing around the shops of Mount Gambier for a delicious lunch, I discovered a quaint little cafe by the name of Nalou Kitchen! Determined to end my hunger streak, I walked in, took a seat and glanced at the menu. My eyes were met with wonderful dishes from Breakfast all day to Lunch which begun at 11am. I decided to order the Southwest Burger with an Iced Mocha. Though the prices a little steep, I was still interested with what the cafe had to offer. It was only a moment when the food graced the table, a behemoth of a burger and a scrumptious looking iced drink topped with whipped cream! As soon as I took my first bite, an explosion of flavours hit my tongue, from the savoury chicken to the tangy and sweet pineapple, coleslaw and homemade BBQ sauce all contained between two soft milk buns. The chips that accompanied the burger were an instant hit of spice, with the creole seasoning leaving a delicious tang. The mocha was the perfect flavour and texture. I assure you, with the quiet, calm ambiance of this cafe and the cheerful staff, it truly was an experience...