Heart & Soul Wholefood Cafe — Restaurant in New South Wales

Had an awful experience with one of the wait staff. I was sitting inside the window with my coffee and saw that a table had become free outside. I asked one of the staff if I could move there and he said that it was fine. Once I sat down outside with my coffee the waiter (who, the last time I was there, was wearing an akubra) came out and abruptly said “you can’t sit here” and with no explanation she took my coffee and walked inside, putting it in the back room on the end of a communal table (even though there were other tables free without people on them). I found this to be extremely rude and disrespectful. I don’t see how telling people off and taking away the items they have bought to another table without asking or explaining is acceptable in any hospitality service. The table outside was still free when I left. Was truly shocked to be treated like this and spoken to in this way, in what i had otherwise thought to be a lovely cafe. Will not be returning or...

We stopped into this café while visiting Grafton and were really impressed with the food itself – the bacon and egg brioche rolls were tasty and fresh, and the kids enjoyed them.

What let the experience down was the service and the feel of the place. Instead of that warm, community café vibe you’d expect in a town like Grafton, it felt more like a franchise – very focused on business and upselling rather than hospitality.

For example, we ordered two kids’ bacon and egg brioches without aioli and spinach (at the same price, which we were fine with). But when we asked for just a small serve of tomato sauce on the side, we were surprised to be charged an extra $1. It’s a small thing, but it really left us feeling like the experience was more about money than welcoming customers.

Overall: great food, but disappointing service approach. A little more emphasis on customer experience would make a...

I have taken my wife to Heart & Soul for a birthday lunch for the last two years. The food was freshly cooked from a pretty good menu, of healthy foods and a range of food that is only a little bit naughty but you won't walk away with a spare tyre around your waistline. Tea and coffee and a range of smoothies and milkshakes, with orange juice and a range of bottled drinks and water is supplied to your table for free. The service is always with a smile which is genuine and not put on. Your custom is always appreciated and the staff make it their job to make you feel comfortable and welcome. The atmosphere is easy going and makes for easy conversations with the people you are with. I will go back to the Heart &...