The Fine Food Store — Restaurant in Sydney

I would avoid this place until they have learned some service/hospitality basics.

I ordered a shared breakfast platter there this morning (generic ingredients egg, toast etc other than the main attraction/highest value item on it - the crab).

I was told 1 minute before the food was brought out that from the kitchen (and not before) there was no crab today. I asked to change my breakfast order as the crab was the motivation behind the order but this was refused as I was told it was too late as chef had already prepared the rest.

I have no issue with restaurants running out of certain menu items - it is a reality of the current supply chain difficulties but here is what should have happened (and what any other respectable place would have done)

Tried best for those taking orders to know what was/wasn’t available on menu that day.

If 1 had not happened - moment order went to kitchen chef should have relayed to waiting staff re: missing item who could then relay to me (instead of waiting for rest of meal to be cooked)

If even 2 had not happened I should have been offered the chance to change the order when I was informed of the missing ‘main attraction’ item.

If even 3 had not happened I should have been offered a partial refund as meal had been paid for upon ordering (instead of offer to exchange high value crab for low value halloumi or chorizo which is what happened).

Just really poor from start to...

5 stars for the friendly staff, the quality of the ingredients and the nice atmosphere. This is a great place for a quick bite in the 'The Rocks' area: food is fresh, ingredients are of premium quality, they have very good options for vegetarians and the price is fair. Four stars for the 'execution' - in particular, would suggest the chef sticks more closely to descriptions within the menu; for example, the ox heart tomato and buffalo mozzarella sandwich is described as having basil and oil only, but the actual sandwich is made with pesto and lots of raw spinach leaves - not necessarily bad for some tastes, but it is important to know what you are ordering as well as from an allergy perspective. The roast vegetable and ricotta frittata was fantastic, whereas the mixed salad bowl of the day was very strong in coriander and cumin (which I personally dislike, so ended up not eating any). They have a number of options for coffee (e.g. different brewing styles) and very colourful drinks, but I haven't had a chance...

The service staff were absolutely lovely—attentive, friendly, and genuinely helpful. However, the same can’t be said for the person behind the counter, who seemed to be the manager. I requested a simple swap of a poached egg for halloumi (as no other protein substitutes were available), which should be quicker and easier to serve, but I was told it would cost an additional $8. (on top of the $28 for beans on toast).

While I understand that substitutions may come with a charge, this felt excessive. If such policies are in place, it would be helpful to offer more dietary-inclusive options on the menu. Other places in Sydney have been far more accommodating for dietary requirements, which makes this experience even more disappointing.

The food was only decent, and this lack of flexibility left a sour note. I’d recommend dining here if you don’t need to make any dietary adjustments—but if you do, you might want to consider...