Edmonds & Greer — Restaurant in Sydney

Get comfortable, this is going to be a long one. I don’t often write reviews like this, but when you’re treated to an experience so profoundly absurd, one must rise to the occasion. I came to Edmonds & Greer for a pleasant lunch with family, but what I got was a front-row seat to a masterclass in managerial chaos.

First of all, when we arrived one of the servers looked like they just finished crying. Now I’m not privy to what could have brought about such emotional distress, but it’s now safe to say it was the first sign that the force was NOT with this establishment. Alas, this was merely the appetizer.

While seated in the outdoor area, you know the place where people typically enjoy casual conversations, I dared to take a FaceTime call. That’s when the manager made her grand entrance. With all the charm of a bouncer she exclaimed, “Could you turn down whatever you’re playing, there’s a private party going on next to you.” No courtesy, no tact just the grace of a runaway freight train.

Ah yes, because in the realm of Edmonds & Greer logic, it makes perfect sense to seat unrelated customers mere feet from a private party and then regulate their noise levels. A moment of brilliance, truly.

Let me clarify to the Noise Oversight Committee of Edmonds & Greer, my FaceTime call was not blaring over a speaker system. It was just me, on a phone, having a normal conversation. But apparently, this was too much for the sanctity of their non-private, private event.

Things took a delightful turn from bad to ridiculous when I sarcastically remarked on my call, “Gotta go, I’m not allowed to talk because Australia doesn’t allow freedom of speech.” The manager, who had already begun walking away but apparently has the hearing of an owl, executed a very professional U-turn, crouched down toward me, and her berating commenced. She took my sarcastic comment as literal because, of course, nuance and humor are far too advanced concepts for some people to grasp.

Let’s pause here: a professional would have shrugged it off and moved on. But no, this was her moment to shine or rather, to demonstrate the precise opposite of customer service.

Now, the pièce de résistance. As I left, I spotted the same manager by a counter enjoying a bite to eat. Upon seeing me, she quickly diverted her gaze to her right, as though avoiding eye contact would erase the ridiculousness of the situation she created.

Let me be clear: the food at Edmonds & Greer is fine, it’s also presented well. But presentation doesn’t compensate for a culture of disorganization and a complete misunderstanding of what hospitality means.

If you’re hosting a private party, here’s a revolutionary idea: either don’t seat unrelated patrons right next to it, or don’t have your manager running around micromanaging the decibel levels of some while conveniently ignoring others. Who knows, maybe the 25+ people in the private party were a bit too loud for my liking. But I guess that doesn’t fit the manager’s noise regulation agenda. And while you’re at it, train your staff to approach situations with professionalism and basic respect. This manager seemed to think hospitality means putting the customer last, and that’s exactly where they have ended on my list of dining options.

If the restaurant decides to respond to this review, I fully expect it to be dismissive, defensive, or maybe even accusatory because why take responsibility when you can just deflect? It’s hard to expect an establishment that failed so completely in person to suddenly take accountability in writing.

Save yourself a headache. I’ll be dining somewhere else, preferably in a restaurant where having a FaceTime conversation isn’t treated like a federal offense.

If you choose to dine here, take a decibel meter to ensure you’re...

Where do I even begin? I love this place. The reason I’m writing this review is because of the staff. Their hospitality and kindness towards my brother Alessandro and I. Amy the owner and all of the lovely staff are SO KIND!!

We travel 25+ minutes to come here, just for a coffee sometimes!!

My brother has severe autism, and his behaviour is quite noisy, and disruptive. He likes to get up walk around bang his feet, clap and hum. This is his normal behaviour. Because if this we have a hard time accessing the community. (Due to judgement)

But because of this coffee shop, their acceptance, and warm welcoming towards my brother, keeps us coming back, they are so understanding and always greet him by name. They don’t discriminate, (you’d be surprised the amount of places that are not welcoming.)

Thank you. ❤️❤️

Now, not only is their hospitality absolutely wonderful, their food presentation is stunning and the food even yummier. Their menu has funny names, and there is a wide variety of choices. They have many options; gluten free, to vegetarian and dairy free options too!! They have multiple sweets and dessert sections with a wide variety of choices. Honestly they have something for everyone. Don’t get me started on their cookies 🤤🤤

They have lots of events throughout the year, such as Christmas on July, always giving new things to look forward to, there is EVEN high tea 🍵!!! Saves you from travelling hours to the city or other locations.

This is the spot!! I recommend this place to everyone I know. I bring my friends, have work meetings and even bring my pups here 🐶 (Dog friendly!!)

It is perfect for any occasion, they host private functions and also have private rooms.

The aesthetic of this place… so cute! It’s a structure of a house!! Very warm and cozy. The outside area, my favourite - bright, green and just lovely.

They even have a boutique- where there is something for everyone. Perfect for gifts, ( they even wrap them for you!! ) from accessories and clothing, to home decorations and and so many cute items. I actually purchased 3 stunning bracelets!!

Thank you Edmonds...

TERRIBLE EXPERIENCE/SERVICE (I wish I could give zero score). My daughter and I were rushing with appointments and rang to check whether they were busy (so we could order takeaway on the phone). The woman said “We’re not too busy and just order when you get here”. When we arrived, we were left standing outside whilst staff ATTENDED TO SEVERAL SOCIAL MEDIA/INFLUENCERS (complete with their camera men/helpers). After several minutes, we asked if we could order and were directed to a table then IGNORED despite asking to order urgently. When we stood up to ask at counter, we asked if we could order and MID SENTENCE we were interrupted by another older woman staff member “happy birthday” then she proceeded to talk/laugh with the woman we were talking with. Again, social media persons were interacting with staff IGNORING AND INTERRUPTING CUSTOMERS (us). At this point, I was SO DISGUSTED I WALKED OUT (stating “this is unacceptable, so rude”). Although my daughter loves this cafe, I WILL NEVER RETURN OR RECOMMEND ANYONE TO BOTHER GOING THERE. The social media might present this cafe as wonderful BUT I HAVE RARELY BEEN TREATED THIS POORLY AS A CUSTOMER. NEVER AGAIN!!!! (we would have spent $90 on two lamb wraps and two fruit spritz). SAVE YOUR MONEY AND GO SOMEWHERE WHERE YOU WILL BE VALUED....