Familia Restaurant Café Gelati — Restaurant in Queensland

(I would like to start by thanking the young girl with dark hair at the front for being really kind and respectful during my visit today) I am new to the area and wanted to try this cafe out for lunch. I have celiac disease which means I can't eat gluten without getting really sick. I saw the fish and chips had a GFO, so when the waitress came over to take my order I said to her "Can I have the fish and chips, I have celiac disease so can I please have the GF option" to which she screwed her face up as if she had never heard of it before and said let me check. She came back and said I could have the fish pan fried or with a GF crumb. I asked for the GF crumb and she took the rest of our order. After around 5 minutes she came back over to tell me the chips aren't GF do I still want them. I said no. At this point I started to feel a bit too anxious to eat here as I don't want to risk having gluten. I told the really sweet girl at the front that I decided I didn't to eat here any more as I'm feeling too anxious to. The chef came out and I felt as if I was being blamed for the issue as he asked me if I told the waitress I was celiac or just wanted the GF option. I told him that I had told her when ordering and he also pulled a face and said okay and walked away. The girl at the front kindly refunded me for the meal and was reassuring me that it was fine. I am rating so low as the service from the waitress was poor, I always feel as if I am being difficult when ordering my food due to my dietary needs and she was quite rude, even taking the rest of the order she had no manners. I would suggest training the waitress on food allergies/intolerances and maybe some customers service skills while...

Familia Restaurant, Cafe Gelati, Gladstone – Worth Every Bite

As someone who’s been vegetarian for decades, traveled extensively, and can throw down a mean veggie feast at home, I’ll admit—Gladstone hasn’t exactly blown me away in the wholesome, well-executed vegetarian eats department. Until now.

Familia Restaurant Cafe Gelati, is the local gem I didn’t know I was craving. I never made it to their old East Shores spot, but I’ve made up for lost time with a few cheeky drop-ins at their new location inside Gladstone Central Plaza (GCP). Let’s be real: I was drawn in by the gelato (which absolutely slaps, by the way), but I’ve stayed for the coffee, the food, and the downright lovely vibe.

The coffee? Legit. I’m a certified coffee snob, and they’ve nailed it—no bitter shots or weird milk ratios here. The food? Better than good. Their vegetarian quiche was chef’s kiss—flaky crust, flavour-packed filling, perfectly baked. My son brought home one of their pizzas the other night and smashed it in 10 minutes flat, declaring it one of the best he’s ever had—and trust me, he doesn’t hand out compliments easily.

Let’s talk desserts. The pavlova, brownie, lemon tart, sticky date cake—all made fresh by the owner—are downright dangerous. Like, “I’ll just have a bite… oops it’s gone” kind of dangerous.

Service is warm and welcoming, like popping into a friend’s place who just happens to be a brilliant cook. They're open late for dinner service Wed–Sat (until 8:30pm), and sensible café hours Sun–Tues. Whether you’re in the mood for a solid meal, a sweet treat, or a sneaky scoop of gelato, Familia delivers.

They’ve absolutely earned the hype, and then some. Go. Eat....

Been there a couple of times. Have held off reviewing hoping to be able to give a better one. Food is undisputedly very good that is not the issue,

The service is deplorable. Where to start , highly inexperienced staff ; even had to ask how to set a table!!

No idea of menu items , wine list or basic waiting skills.

Manager ( all of 16 ) swans around achieving nothing.

Kitchen staff delivered meal and did not even know what the dish was.

Waitress loud tried to be helpful but had no idea , not her fault due to obvious age and lack of training,

I could go on but I won’t.

It is such a shame this management will not address the staff training issues ,

At one point a 10 year old trying to set a table , this was New a years Eve, please we expect more from a restaurant that charges restaurant prices. I hope the owner takes some notice and gets his staff up to speed as customers will not accept this low level of...