Embers Woodfired Pizza Restaurant — Restaurant in Western Australia

I’ve dined at Embers, Gooseberry Hill many times over the years and found the food on offer varied, interesting and satisfying and had no reason to complain, but unfortunately I am no longer of the same opinion since my last dining experience last Friday 17th Feb 2023.

My first impression was not pleasant – when we first arrived the waitperson appeared to be shouting at us when discussing whether we had a booking or not and when taking our lunch order. I was looking forward to ordering the Fish and Chips but was told that the only fish on offer was barramundi, which I did not like. I then opted for the Prawn Korma, which I have enjoyed many times in the past, but this time, it was so piping hot that it burnt my pallet, and I am still suffering the after-effects It was probably microwaved for far too long. I might add that my husband had no complaints regarding the steak-burger he ordered, nothing fancy, but it ticked all the right boxes.

There was not much choice in the Red Wine-List. The only Merlot on offer by the glass was the Cab Merlot, which I ordered and which was unpalatable. I told the wait-person so, to which she replied, in a condescending manner, that there were other reds on the List that I could have ordered, like the Shiraz, etc. She asked me if the wine was off, to which I replied that I did not know. What I do know is that I have consumed many Merlots and blends thereof over the years and none of them were undrinkable like the one at Embers. I ordered a cocktail instead since there was no other red wine on the List that appealed to me. The wait-person also advised me that Merlot was not a popular wine with their customers, so that’s why there was nil choice when ordering Merlot by the glass. I was also promptly told that I would not be credited for the wine that I ordered but did not consume if their wine-taster decided it was okay. I decided to go along with whatever their decision was, all the time feeling that I was being spoken down to in a loud and unfriendly manner by the wait-person.

The verdict of their wine-taster was that the Merlot was not up to standard, and therefore, I was not charged for it. Would I return there again? Definitely not. My experience there was not a pleasant one, and it would not be wise to go back for seconds.

But all is not lost – we bought a takeaway pie, sausage roll and a cake from the Patisserie next door, also owned by Embers, and I am happy to report that they were of a high standard, delicious and the service was great. We look forward to lunching at the Patisserie...

Ohhh I feel so sad to write this…. I’m a big supporter of Embers and have been for several years, a frequent flyer so to speak. Despite previous reviews (which I think must be down by friends or family) it really is not the place to use to be… especially quality of meals. Takeaway quality dramatically changed…. This review is form several examples and giving a go to new guys and I got to say I may not go back. Latest is basic chips, garlic bread and a few other sides. Chips were so poor ($12 for larger serve) I got two handfuls of soggy mush- 18 months ago it was half the price, crispy and a serve for a family. Salad leaves, salad accompaniments not fresh (reminds me of on sale spinach or salad mix at Cole’s) and sizing significantly decreased. garlic cheesy flat bread no longer on menu so charged me more for cheesy garlic bread- the three slices of expense were stuck together, soggy and virtually inedible. Major let down from previous takeaways. Pizza and pasta and day time lunch burgers are the same. The produce seems cheaper or less fresh….. I’m a fan and give a go to effort but too many examples at this point of let downs…. To previous five star comments- Great you may have had original chef on site at time of meal but it seems the rest of back end team need a few lessons on consistency…..as I live extremely close, I see daily the car park less full…. I suppose the new owners will take full stock on the demand/ or lack there off…. All I can say it was excellent and now is average. I feel terrible to say this but it is he truth. Perhaps some meals are better done than others but if owners are reading this up the quality and improve your kitchen staff capability once again…… I suspect I’m not the only one that feels this way….. sorry… genuinely feel it needs review…. In addition, after looking through a few reviews I see how the reaction is from ‘Ruben’ (management)…. The constructive feedback to improve the quality seems fruitless when responded to by management with sarcasm or antics… judge for yourself readers via photos below…....believe your In the wrong industry Ruben….(clearly)…perhaps a ‘strive to improve’ may change some minds...

Later that evening, I had huge stomach pains. Felt horribly sick and on the verge of throwing up. Will most definitely not be eating here again.

After trying to give the new owners multiple opportunities tonight was the the last time we’ll be eating at Embers. We used to struggle to get takeaway after 5.30pm because of how busy they were. It’s a ghost town there now but they still can’t get an order out in the time they give. Often taking 35-40 minutes for pizza and nachos that used to take 20 minutes. There are a lot of the new staff standing around doing nothing and I often feel for the staff who have seen it decline as you can see on their faces they don’t think it’s good enough.

Tonight the nachos had spaghetti bolognaise sauce in place of the chilli con carne style sauce. I noticed on the computer a notice read they had sold out of nachos so I understand why they have put bolognaise on but no one mentioned to us or gave us the opportunity to decide if that was ok. They could have called me back or offered an alternative. I would have been absolutely fine with the conversation. Both pizzas we ordered had a very different base to what they usually have ( not an improvement). The texture of the pizzas in general is not pleasant, they’re dry and burnt. It’s a such a shame but I can only pay $65-100 for food I’m not keen to eat a certain amount of times.

I have provided my feedback to the takeaway team and they offered me a credit but haven’t accepted it as this was the last opportunity to get it right. 4 times in a row there’s been issues including long wait times, missing items, sloppy presentation, poor service, not communicating missing or changed items and hoping to get away with a clear swap and finally a clear drop in the quality...