Maisys - Restaurant & Cafe — Restaurant in Sydney

Appalling customer service and a terrible experience

Visited this place late at night with my wife and a few friends after searching for cafes open late. Unfortunately, we ended up at Maisy’s Restaurant and cafe in Neutral Bay — and it was one of the worst customer service experiences we’ve had in a long time.

To start, my wife and her friend walked in first, and instead of being greeted politely, they were snapped at with “Wait there for the table.” No hello, no courtesy — just attitude. I arrived shortly after and wasn’t aware of the rude tone until they told me.

Now, we were five people, but only two of us wanted coffee — it was late, we weren’t after a meal. Upon sitting down, the waiter handed us menus, and buried in tiny print on the last page was a “$4 minimum spend per person” clause. Seriously? That’s unreasonable, especially when not clearly communicated upfront. It’s your responsibility to inform customers politely before seating them, especially if you’re going to enforce such policies aggressively.

When ordering, I asked for a skim flat white, extra hot, and was sarcastically interrupted by the staff member: “Let me stop you there, the coffee is always hot.” Unnecessarily rude and dismissive over a perfectly normal request.

After bringing our two coffees, the waiter immediately asked what the rest of the group would order. We clarified again that we were just here for coffee. His response? “Well, I’ve given water to all five of you,” implying we now owe the cafe for simply being served water. This turned into a back-and-forth where my wife rightly pointed out that we were never informed of this policy, and offering water doesn’t justify forcing unwanted orders.

The staff member then continued to argue with us and use sarcastic remarks like, “But I’ve already served [the water],” when we offered to return it untouched. We even suggested transferring our coffees to takeaway cups so we could leave, but were told to “just have the coffee” — the passive-aggressiveness was relentless.

I later checked the reviews and wasn’t surprised to see that this staff member (seems to be the owner or manager) has used the exact same line with others — “It’s unfair to the business” — which seems to be his go-to guilt-trip.

This is not how hospitality works. Plenty of places have minimum spend policies, and they manage to communicate them with grace, clarity, and respect — something this place sorely lacks. A menu footnote is not an excuse for treating customers with hostility and condescension.

The coffee was average. The attitude? Way below.

We won’t be back, and I’d recommend you steer clear unless you enjoy being lectured for ordering less than $20 worth of drinks...

I used to be a regular customer at this cafe, but my recent experience has left a sour taste in my mouth. I was shocked to learn that they have a policy of having a minimum order limit to dine in, which was never enforced before. It seemed like the waitress was having a bad day and wanted to make it bad for us as well. There were 2 of us but only one of us wanted a coffee, but they wouldn’t serve us unless both of us order. The restaurant was 90% empty. I am extremely disappointed with their policy of having a minimum order limit to dine in, even when the place was completely empty. I found it to be an extremely unreasonable and unnecessary requirement, which made me feel unwelcome and unappreciated as a customer. It's understandable that cafes and restaurants need to make a profit, but this kind of policy feels like a money-grabbing tactic that puts the interests of the business over the comfort and convenience of the customers. The fact that they enforce this rule even when there's no shortage of seating or customers is even more frustrating and shows a lack of consideration for their patrons. Overall, I would not recommend this cafe to anyone who values being treated with respect and fairness as a customer. The minimum order limit policy is a major turn-off, and there are plenty of other cafes in the area that don't impose such arbitrary restrictions.

RESPONSE TO THE OWNER COMMENT WHICH SAID THAT “none of that is real”:

I have attached the screenshot from their menu below and highlighted the exact minimum order policy.

I question your credibility in denying my experience. I stand by my review and have evidence to back it up. Denying your customers' experiences and attacking their credibility is not appropriate and calls into question the honesty of...

A Gem for Late Night Cravings: My Take on Maisys - Restaurant & Cafe

Maisy’s - Restaurant & Cafe has carved a special place in my heart, not just for its delicious offerings but also for the thoughtful service that accommodates a wide range of dietary needs, including a halal-friendly menu for those of us who observe dietary restrictions. The shift in operating hours to 3pm-3am has not diminished its charm but rather concentrated the essence of what makes Maisys a beloved dining spot.

The ambiance of Maisys is immediately welcoming, creating a cozy retreat that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day or for a late-night feast. The staff’s warm-hearted service adds to the overall enjoyment, making each visit feel personalized and valued.

On my recent visits, the standout dish has been the steak, carefully prepared to ensure it meets halal standards, which is a testament to Maisys’ commitment to inclusivity. The steak’s tenderness, paired with expertly cooked sides like creamy mash and crisp, fresh beans, encapsulates the culinary excellence Maisys strives for. Each dish is crafted with care, ensuring a delightful dining experience that respects my dietary preferences.

Maisy’s dedication to its customers shines through not just in its food but in its responsiveness to feedback, showing a genuine desire to evolve and enhance the dining experience. It’s this commitment to excellence and inclusivity that ensures I’ll return to Maisys time and again.

In conclusion, Maisys - Restaurant & Cafe remains a gem in the culinary landscape, offering a welcoming space for all diners, regardless of the time of day or dietary needs. It’s a place where every meal is a celebration of quality and care, and I eagerly look forward to...