Ginga — Restaurant in Mount Hawthorn

Given the virality and visual appeal of the restaurant, we expected an enjoyable experience with delicious food but the experience fell far short. We ordered two dishes: fried chicken and waffles, and a steak sandwich.

The waffles and chicken was a letdown from the first bite. The waffle was extremely hard and difficult to cut into and even harder to enjoy. It took almost a minute of sawing to cut through the waffle or as my partner and I referred to it, the brick. The chicken itself was dry, bland, and in desperate need of seasoning. We had to drown it in syrup just to eat it. The butter was average nothing special, kudos to them for making it in house.However for $26, the portion was underwhelming: one waffle and two small pieces of chicken. Rating: 4.5/10

Moving on to the steak sandwich, the dish looked nothing like the menu photos. The bread was soggy and fell apart quickly, making it difficult to eat. The steak was tough and chewy, likely a poor quality cut. The bacon tasted like leftovers: dry and overcooked. The vegetables were fresh but unremarkable. The sauce was subtle and overpowered by other ingredients, though there was a nice tangy element that gave the sandwich a bit of character. Rating: 5/10

The restaurant itself is beautifully designed. Both the interior and exterior have a cozy, natural aesthetic that creates a welcoming atmosphere certainly the highlight of the experience. I loved all the greenery.

Unfortunately, the service left us with a bitter taste before the food even arrived. When we walked in, we were not acknowledged or greeted, so we seated ourselves. What made this feel especially uncomfortable was that other patrons, who were white, were promptly greeted and assisted by staff. Of course we are fine with seating ourselves but it’s disappointing to feel overlooked, and it raises questions about the practices of the restaurant.

Despite the lovely setting, the food and service did not meet expectations. With so many dining options in the area, Ginga is,...

Ginga – Where Zen Garden Vibes Meet Asian-Australian Brunch Bliss

Tucked away on Scarborough Beach Road in Mt Hawthorn, Ginga is the kind of place that doesn’t just serve food — it serves peace. The moment you step through the gates and into that leafy garden courtyard, it’s like the noise of the outside world dims. Think koi pond serenity meets minimalist café chic, with soft sunlight pouring through the trees and the quiet hum of conversations that feel like a Sunday morning no matter what day it is.

Now let’s talk food — because that’s why we’re all here. Ginga does Asian fusion in a way that feels gentle and unpretentious. It’s not trying to reinvent bánh mì or laksa — it’s trying to invite them to brunch, alongside your classic smashed avo and a cheeky flat white. And it works. The Veg Fusion Breakfast is a standout: warm, generous, and thoughtfully balanced. Mushrooms, crispy hash browns, and grilled haloumi? Yes, please. Their Pandan Pancakes are soft and not overly sweet — almost like the kind of treat you’d make at home if you had time, patience, and a lot of berries.

Coffee? Smooth, rich, and brewed with love. Nothing overcomplicated — just really solid espresso that pairs beautifully with the calm surroundings.

Service-wise, it’s clear the team is still finding their rhythm, but there’s genuine warmth behind the counter. They’re open to feedback, quick with a smile, and slowly building what feels like a neighbourhood favourite in the making.

Final verdict: Ginga isn’t a café you go to in a rush — it’s where you linger. Where you order a second coffee just to stay a little longer. Where nature, flavour, and quiet hospitality come together in an unassuming, utterly charming way. If you need a reset — or just a really good brunch — this...

I ordered an avocado dish that included feta cheese, but when you tasted it, I immediately noticed that the feta was off. As a chef, you’re familiar with how fresh feta should taste, and this one had a distinct off-putting smell. I brought it to the attention of the floor staff, who took the dish to check with the chef. However, the chef insisted that the feta was from a fresh batch prepared on Monday and did not acknowledge any issue.

Despite raising my concern, no replacement or refund was offered. Instead, the staff simply disappeared after the last conversation, leaving the issue unresolved.

We were shocked by the lack of response to our issue. The lady at the next table knew about the situation and was just as surprised that we were neither offered alternative food or drinks nor given a refund initially.

We were shocked by the lack of response to our issue. The lady at the next table knew about the situation and was just as surprised that we were neither offered alternative food or drinks nor given a refund initially. It was only when she mentioned it at the counter while ordering that, after nearly 30 minutes, the manager finally approached us. At that point, they offered something, but I requested a refund instead, which was eventually processed.

This highlights a major gap in staff training—floor staff should immediately escalate issues to the manager to ensure customer satisfaction. Mistakes happen, but acknowledging them and learning from them is key. Unfortunately, no one seemed willing to accept that what happened was simply wrong.

The atmosphere is great, with a beautiful fish pond, a relaxing water fountain, and plenty of greenery that adds to the charm. However, we were disappointed by...