Ferry Cafe — Restaurant in Victoria

A very jarring experience with the older white lady serving ( she is in fact older out of the 2 ladies that I interacted with there and she is white which is necessary to the context of this review, not discriminatory), she was rude, condescending and was acted as if it was a chore. We had just spent $40 on some Fish and Chips at the same shop and my daughter wanted some Ice cream. We entered the EMPTY store and asked to try 2 icecream flavours, and the person proceeded to complain and whine about that like a child but if you have gone to any other icecream shop this is pretty standard practice where you are allowed to sample before getting it. I decided on the first flavour we tried and got ice cream for my youngest daughter she proceeded to give her the most pathetic kids scoop. We explained that are from metropolitan Melbourne where in small local ice cream shops and large premium ones like Ben and Jerry’s you’re allowed to have a try and they give you a proper serving when you have chosen your flavour and for a reasonable price that I am more than happy to pay.

Unfortunately this shop seems to not be that standard and overcharges for sub par ice cream. Sadly per the response to this review she doesn’t seem to consider us REAL customers even after already spending $40 there. And YOU won’t be considered a real customer if you decide to get a kids scoop :) or waste more than 30 seconds of her time.

I don’t think this is a great place for people of colour because she treated the white person that came in after a lot better, her tone changed up could completely and wasn’t acting like serving was a chore anymore. Please don’t waste your money on this place. Hope you take on this feedback and do better!

Also from the reviews I see that the manager will come up with some kind of excuse so please don’t listen to that because it speaks to the fact that she is not able to fully take on accountability for anything (reality check: there is a problem when you assume you are always in the right) she does in fact need an attitude check which I let her know off because no one deserves to be treated like a second class citizen. There shouldn’t be that many excuses for poor behaviour which can be seen as a consistent theme in these reviews. Again please spend your money...

I need to go on a bit of a positive rant so buckle up!

I had the flu, I had no energy and no ability to walk to Paynesville and get myself a nice meal as cooking when you are unwell is awful, and so I knew other local take away shops make it very clear (rudely might I add) that they do not deliver to Raymond Island even if a ferry fee is included in the pricing upon me offering. And so I took a chance on the Ferry Cafe and I was blown away, they do not normally deliver due to the round trip times etc and fees for the ferry to Raymond island, the owner I believe made it her personal mission to make sure I got my food when I was in dire straits, even after she made a trip and delivered incorrectly by complete accident because she was so busy, she still without thought after her shift ended recooked my food and correctly delivered my food outside of business hours, making sure I was happy and expecting me to be upset, which by reading other unkind/unfair reviews I understand why she would be so fearful, this woman went above and beyond just so I had a meal in my time of need and I believe that she and the establishment deserve a huge round of applause and pat on the back for making my night and helping me get better, I don't if I would have had a good night if she didn't make this happen for me. So a million out of ten for this one and a shout out to the owner for her commitment to me. All the fussy Karen's nay saying this establishment may want to rethink. Keep the great work up guys! Don't let the negative Nelly's get you...

Ferry Cafe.. alas they've over charged AGAIN and given less than quality. Don't bother with the minimum chips if you expect more than a handful at maximum price. Also closing the shop at 8pm yet turn the grill off at 7:15. What a joke. Tried again tonight, unfortunately they said they could do it, unfortunate because of what we got. Have a look at the $12 souvlaki, putrid that you can charge so much for this. Ain't no loving the locals from this cafe.

Edit for the owner: Alas! Seems like I'm not the only person who has this view. You can claim this review was unwarranted, as a customer to your business, my review is my opinion and is warranted as I was not satisfied with your food/hospitality. You seem to take criticism as a way to defend your business instead of expand and immerse yourself as a genuine business here for the locals. Keep saying it's inflation, blame whatever you'd like, the food from your cafe at the price it's at, and how much you lack taking criticism as any type of constructive, is what will turn people away. Thanks for the terrible meal and thank you for once again replying to one of your customers like they're wrong and you have perfect reason to rip off the locals and fam. Happy not to return to...