Market Grounds — Restaurant in Perth

First time dinning here for lunch with work colleagues for a mini celebration, the place was wonderfully quiet at 2pm to accommodate our group of 16. It was a short walk from Murray & Hay St Mall, with a short cut undercover via the Perth Bus port next door. Our group was served by 2 waitstaff, and the service was friendly. The reason for the 2 star deduction to 3 star was the quality of my lunch, since meal is one of the main focus of Market Grounds. I ordered one of the four lunch specials, the seafood marinara for $25. The presentation was lovely but unfortunately the same could not be said about the pasta. With 4 mini mussels, calamari & small fish chunks, the fettuccine was extremely overcooked and were sticking together on a cold plate. This was not enjoyable while another colleague left half of his chicken parmigiana uneaten as he mentioned it was too dry. The mixed reviews seem to indicate gnocchi would have been a better choice for the chef so we would be keen to try that next time. The atmosphere is otherwise lovely and the ambience warm during the wintery weather. I particularly like the option for separate billing, a wonderful reprieve for work lunch with staggered finish times, despite a small surcharge with Cc payment that’s...

Great place for Friday drinks. Eaten here before also and the food was top notch. Never had an issue with staff or attitude so thumbs up for me. Plenty to keep you occupied here 👌

UPDATE: As of Friday the 23/08 this review has changed a little.

So I was standing at the inside bar buying a drink and when it arrived I decided to drink that drink at the bar. Keeping in mind that it wasn’t at all busy and there was maybe 2 people at the entire bar.

I was told by some kind of female manager that I needed to move away from the bar as it confused the bar staff? Yes…it must be confusing seeing a patron with a drink that doesn’t require service.

I moved away from the bar regardless by a couple of steps. Just minding my own business. The same female manager then started telling me I need to go take a seat somewhere. At this stage I asked her where this imaginary rule existed in the Liquor Licensing Act, or any other place. Apparently it was a policy of the premises.

I call BS as have been there multiple times. Maybe some retraining needed for this one. Not sure why I was targeted in such a way. I clearly hadn’t had too many drinks as I wouldn’t have been served. Very odd. She didn’t like being challenged....

Really think you should reconsider your policy on not allowing entry to men wearing sandals, as I feel this is a sexist policy. Why is it ok for one gender, but not another? Security turned my male friend (who was wearing sandals) away after letting my female friend (who was wearing sandals) in. The reason given was rubbish.. apparently security were worried about my male friends toes getting hurt.. no concern for my female friends toes though? Is it that market grounds aren't concerned about the safety of women? The reason they gave us would suggest that. My male friend then mentioned he identified as a woman, but security weren't accepting of that either. Is it usually the case that security decides the gender of guests? That doesn't seem very inclusive if you ask me. Security then told us it was policy to not allow sandals on males.. as far as I'm concerned, security was lying initially in telling us it's about the safety of male toes. This really makes me question the integrity of security staff, who's job it is to keep people safe. Really poor form from market grounds, won't be returning again, and will be sharing my experience...