Oceans 27 — Restaurant in Western Australia

Sadly, I have updated my original review of Oceans 27 after the most appalling service experienced today which shocked us. (See the below initial review made when the place initially opened. This demonstrates we are not just a disgruntled guest and provides credibility to our recent comments).

We have been regular customers here since they opened and have often recommended this place to friends, work colleagues and visitors.

Previously, for breakfast, I have always ordered the full oceans 27 and wife always ordered the egg and bacon on toast. Today, we realised the menu had changed and the bacon was no longer included. To have the same is now a 25% increase over a short timeframe. Notwithstanding the increase we still intended to pay the extra but thought it worthy of mentioning this as a general observation/feedback and more inquisitive than anything. My wife went to place the order for three of us. The lady serving was someone who my wife has previously had chatty conversations with. She has always been very cheerful, energetic and friendly and we have always spoke about her to others about how hard she works. Today, however, was a very different experience. My wife casually mentioned the sudden increase and was met with a very defensive response along the lines of : “well petrols gone up, everything’s gone up and there’s nothing I can do about it! ” My wife replied that she understood price increases but 25% just seemed a steep/sudden rise - that’s all. My wife explained that she had merely wanted to mention it as more of an inquisitive comment in person rather than in a public forum (like now). The phone was ringing and another lady (manager/Aleshia) approached the counter to answer the call (she had not been privy to the earlier conversation). As she appeared, the original staff member loudly said words to the effect “my manager is here if you would like to tell her you are unhappy about the price.” My wife calmly said “I’m not sure I would like to given how you are treating me” The manager suddenly got off the phone and was even worse. It reached a point where my wife felt it was oppressive. Repeatedly being scorned at by both for petrol increases and supplier issues. The reaction was appalling. It was as if they were talking loudly/overtly in an attempt to embarrass my wife and painting a very different picture to the intent of the intended ‘discreet’ query. it reached a stage where my wife said “i actually think we may go elsewhere.” Aleisha loudly said “I think that is a good decision!”

Having read the recent reviews on here, we can honestly agree with many that this place has deteriorated. It’s not the price of things but rather the service. This place is situated in a prime location of beauty meaning they are already half way there. We booked in on Australia Day and intended to take an Uber home. It was such poor service/atmosphere on that occasion that we decided we would not stay and instead drove home much earlier than intended. We then had lunch a couple of weeks ago and there were heaps of seagulls all over the tables. It was mid week and very quiet yet tables were left dirty with piles of plates from guests who had left over one hour earlier - hence the seagulls were having a field day. We were forgiving of this because we noted the previous great experiences and felt there has to be a balance. Maybe the once nice lady is being overworked/under pressure and that may explain her rude and oppressive response. We won’t be back for this reason.

Previous review: We love visiting Oceans 27. It is situated in a beautiful location overlooking the ocean. There are huge ovals (fields) to enjoy a game of footy or other games. There is an amazing park with a pirate theme. The food is amazing. The service impeccable. The drinks amazing. The only downside is that it gets busier each time we go there which is a testament to the business. This does not appear to impact the service in any way so well done Oceans 27! At times they also have live music playing in the background....

We're locals, and since the menu changed at Ocean 27, we've been really enjoying coming back, especially for their steak sanga – it's a winner! However, we've had a couple of encounters that have been a bit of a letdown. The first time, we just wanted to grab some takeaway, you know? We called up, and they were pretty blunt about it, saying, "No, we're a restaurant, we don't do takeaway." Which is fair enough, I guess, but loads of restaurants do these days! So we thought, okay, we'll just come in, order, and wait to take it home, but they were actually rude about that too and said no.

Then, last Thursday was my husband's birthday, and after a long day, we just wanted a quick bite, so we headed back to Ocean 27. It was around 7 pm, and honestly, the place was pretty empty. My husband took the dogs for a walk, so I went in to order – he usually does this kind of thing. I asked the lady behind the counter if the soft drink was a can or from a glass, and she just looked at me all grumpy and went, "What? What?" I literally had to point at the menu before she mumbled it was from the tap.

So, she takes my order, and then she asks for the table number. I said we hadn't actually sat down yet but were thinking of one of those three near the umbrella. And she was so rude, she just snapped, "I-NEED-THE NUMBER TO DO THE ORDER." I told her I didn't know it, just that table over there. So I went to have a look, but without my glasses and it being quite dark, I couldn't make out the tiny number on the thing. When I told her I couldn't see it but she knew which table I meant, I couldn't believe it – she actually waved three fingers inwardly at me, like you're calling a dog, and said, "COME HERE, I SHOW YOU." She then walked to the table right next to her, pointed at the number, and said, "The number is here!"

Seriously, someone needs to teach this person about good customer service! The normal thing to do would be to just walk over to the table I pointed out and check the number. I wasn't being even a little bit rude to her at all. But at this point, I was actually fuming and ready to go and complain to the manager, but it was my husband's birthday, and he just wanted to let it go. And then I saw her badge said "manager," which made me think, what's the point of even trying to escalate it?

So, Ocean 27, I really hope you take a look at your management team because judging by some of the other reviews, it sounds like there might be a few rude ones. This particular manager was called MICHELA, and honestly, she could really do with some proper customer...

The venue is gorgeous (think a Broome restaurant overlooking Cable Beach). Both restaurant and bar have views straight out to the Indian Ocean. And, the service was prompt, friendly and efficient. But most of all the food was delicious! My steak sandwich and French fries were top notch - fries and sauces (Piquillo Pepper Jalapeño Relish and Siracha Mayo) were tasty and abundant. The wagyu beef was cooked to perfection, rich and flavoursome. My dining partner's 'Indian Ocean Market Fish with Rocket Salad, lemon and house tartare' was delicious too. The fish used was Amber Jack (and tasted as though it had never seen the inside of a deep freezer, it was so moist and fresh). Also recommended is the Pickled Octopus - the octopus is sourced from local waters - which explains why it tasted so fresh and zingy! The pickled dressing has just the right amount of zest without being at all overpowering. Undoubtedly the freshest octopus dish we've had in a Perth restaurant in recent years. The desserts were fabulous - so make sure you keep some room! The sticky date pudding was deep and dark and rich - just what you'd hope for in such a dish. I could imagine this 'doing the business' perfectly on a winter's day, with a good cup of the vendor's excellent coffee. And the 'The Nutella Knickerbocker Glory' just has to be tried - layer upon layer of creamy chocolate heaven, keep digging until you reach the chocolate crumble at its base - a must for chocolate aficionados! The food was outstanding but, in addition, we were visited several times by staff, and the owner himself, to check everything was in order, and that all food was to our satisfaction. A fabulous lunch, and a venue that we would recommend highly! Give it a go, we've eaten all over the world, and this is definitely a place to which we'd happily return for a second helping! Oh, and the range of beers and wine was excellent too (so we made sure we sampled a couple of different beers ! ;) Do yourselves a favour and try the best of what local foodie knowledge has to offer, Oceans 27 focusses on local produce, and local culinary expertise. And it excels! Well done house staff, chefs and owner of Oceans 27, keep up the...