Freshwaters — Restaurant in Western Australia

Have been going to Freshwaters since the day it opened and have had some decent food and pleasant experiences there. The view of the river is beautiful and I’ve recommended it to many of my friends over the years.

However, the last few times have been a super disappointment especially the latest one. Sadly, it’s gone downhill lately.

As usual we were looking forward to to sitting outside on the wide veranda in the shade and enjoy the gorgeous views of the river. It was a very warm 23C day in winter and light winds but the electronic shade contraption was broken (according to the staff member) and wouldn’t extend or open so we had to sit in the hot north facing sun with no shade whatsoever unless we moved inside. This was very disappointing as the reason we came in the first place was to sit outside on the shaded veranda in the fresh air and enjoy the views. Our table had still not been wiped or cleared after the last customer and we had to ask staff to clear it.

I ordered the goat’s cheese tortellini and it was dreadful - rubbery, oily and inedible and very unappetising in presentation. It appeared to have been heated up in a microwave. Worst meal I’ve ever had. I sent it back after a one bite and exchanged it for pumpkin salad with chicken which had no dressing, large chunks of soggy boiled pumpkin and mainly lettuce leaves, it was bland and tasteless and overpriced. Sending food back is a first for me.

This was between dodging several birds flying around INSIDE the restaurant nearly knocking an elderly woman on the head taking her by surprise. The staff saw but just ignored it even though it wasn't busy.

There was only ONE toilet as the second one had a sign that it was out of order and there was a queue waiting. The state of the toilets was disgusting and needed cleaning and no soap available. Decided to try the toilet outside next but it was locked so had to go inside again and ask for them to unlock it and then walk outside again.

All in all, unpleasant experiences there lately. The kitchen needs a new chef and menu and the staff needs training in customer service - and money needs to be spent on fixing the broken toilet and shade contraption.

Both my friend and I were super disappointed that day and I doubt we will return as there are other places in the area where the food and value is better. With those million dollar views and the stylish architecture, it could be so good if the staff and management actually cared.

Wonderful position let down by poor...

Coffee and cake just shouldn't be so hard! Visiting on a cold Saturday afternoon with 95 year gran who has limited mobility and a walking frame. But the access is good so no problems there. Greeted at the counter by a staff member listening to music on headphones who pointed to the menus and turned away. After taking a seat and returning to the counter a different staff member advised only 2 pastries were left. "Ok, i'll take those and just check with Gran what else she might like..." as there were 3 of us. 10 seconds later the waitress has sold them to another couple, depite being midway through the order. Ok, so we will order 2 serves of the apple cake and 2 coffees. (I'd already lost my appetite to spend money at this venue.) The coffee arrives overflowing and pooled in the saucer. "May I have a glass of water please" asks Gran (95 yrs old). "You'll need to go inside to the other side of the restaurant and get it yourself" replies the waitress. Really??? There were no other patrons requiring attention and 4 staff members watched me source a glass of water whilst idly chatting in the corner. The table beside us departs and leaves most of their fish and chips and burger on the table. Do the staff clear this? No, but a dozen seagulls do, making a mess everywhere until other guests step in. The wait-staff just watched on from inside. Such a shame as the view is lovely and the food we received was nice too. 2 serves of cake and 2 coffees for nearly $40 should be accompanied by a whole lot more care and hospitality than we...

I usually like to find the positives in places, however these folks need to really lift their game and bring in a proper manager.

Some of the staff were nice, but there is no atmosphere at all. The food is absolutely awful. The burgers were cold, the Lebneh with pumpkin was so sad. There was no flavor or spice and what they were serving up as Lebneh came from a cheap packet of processed gunk.

The barramundi was just so sad as well. All the vegetables were undercooked or overcooked. The fish was mushy and the skin was not crispy at all. In fact the skin was gluggy and gross.

The water glasses station had a glass covered in lip stick it wasn’t clean and a tea spoon with coffee was also dirty.

Then there is the chairs and tables. All were covered in food, grease, stains and had not even been wiped down. Yet there was at least 7 staff working front of house

My partner ordered a 2nd beer for me and they got the wrong one. When she took it back one of the staff “scoffed” as they checked the ticket. They then said “we need to check the price” and in fact the one we ordered was $1 less then what we paid yet they didn’t offer the refund. Not that we care about a $1 but it’s the principle.

Lovely view - could be a really special place and experience however there is no care or leadership to be seen.

No music, inside feels like a morgue.

I hope someone steps up and...