Flame & Fern Cafe — Restaurant in Johor

On 6 June 2025, between approximately 5:30–7:00 PM, my boyfriend ordered a 300g Black Angus Ribeye (RM218), but was instead served a 150g JP A5 Wagyu Sirloin (RM298). We only realised the error when we later reviewed the receipt while waiting for the food to arrive. While we acknowledge it was partly our oversight for not checking the receipt immediately, the waiter also failed to confirm the order with us, a basic step that could have prevented this issue altogether.

What made this even more perplexing was that my boyfriend had clearly pointed to the picture of the Black Angus Ribeye while ordering. It remains unclear how such a significant mistake was made in taking down the order.

Upon noticing the issue, my boyfriend approached a staff member named Opie to clarify the situation. However, instead of attempting to resolve the matter, Opie responded dismissively, saying, “If the item is a small item, I don’t mind exchanging the order. But in this case, it’s hard for us to exchange.” Disappointed but not wanting to create a scene, my boyfriend let it go and ended up ordering an Argentina Steak and Eggs just to fill up, as the 150g steak was insufficient. Unfortunately, throughout this exchange, Opie did not offer a single apology.

When my boyfriend told me what had happened, I felt it was deeply unfair and decided to raise the issue at the counter. The staff member there, whose name I unfortunately didn’t get, listened to our concerns attentively and offered multiple sincere apologies. This person then consulted with Opie, and together they decided to offer us a 10% discount as a form of service recovery.

The purpose of writing this review is to raise awareness for both future customers and the staff working at this establishment.

To the staff: Please make it a standard practice to confirm orders with customers before finalising them in the system. A simple confirmation can prevent misunderstandings like this.

Service recovery is key: When a mistake happens, acknowledge it with sincerity. Brushing it off without even an apology, as Opie did, leaves a lasting negative impression. It was disappointing to see him avoid addressing the issue until prompted by another staff member.

To fellow customers: Always check your receipts immediately to ensure your order is accurate.

A word of thanks: We appreciate the staff member at the counter who took the time to listen and respond to us with empathy and professionalism.

We hope this feedback helps improve service standards and encourages greater accountability in customer...

I have always enjoyed dining here, which makes this review difficult to write — but I feel it's important to share my recent experience, as it was a sharp contrast to past visits.

One of the main reasons I used to love this place was the unique concept where diners could choose the cut and weight of the meat they preferred. However, I was quite surprised to find that this concept had changed — and more so that there was no prior notice or communication before we arrived. It left us caught off guard and changed the entire dining experience.

After being seated, we asked for two cups of ice water. We weren’t served any until the third request, and had to approach three different staff members.

We went ahead and ordered the lamb ribs and pasta — dishes we had enjoyed previously. The lamb ribs, unfortunately, came with sauce already on them, even though the menu photo showed it served separately. We didn’t think to request it that way since it was previously on the side. The sauce ended up overwhelming the flavour of the ribs, which was disappointing given how much we had enjoyed it before.

For the pasta, I was asked if I’d like any add-ons, so I chose scrambled eggs and chicken sausage and agreed to have them mixed into the pasta. Oddly, they were served long before the pasta arrived — which defeated the purpose.

On top of that, I had clearly stated specific instructions: no vegetables, and to have mushrooms served separately. Despite this, I was asked multiple times about the same instructions and even unrelated ones, like whether I wanted egg or cheese removed — which I never mentioned. The repeated confusion and delay added to the frustration

What was most disappointing, however, was the pasta itself. Aside from the delay and mix-ups, the dish was completely underwhelming in taste. It lacked seasoning and tasted like plain pasta tossed in cream — bland and unbalanced. As someone who genuinely loves pasta (and previously cleaned the plate!), I was so disappointed I gave the dish to my partner and didn’t feel like eating anymore.

I understand that businesses evolve and menus change — that’s totally fair. But what was disheartening was the significant drop in attention to detail, service efficiency, and consistency in food quality. It felt like a completely different place from what I had experienced previously.

What was once a go-to place for us has now become a place of disappointment. I sincerely hope the team reflects on this feedback and makes improvements, because this experience has left me deeply...

🐾 Birthday Bark at Flame & Fern – A Garden of Hype, A Roast of Regret 🐶🎂

So it was my hooman’s birthday, and lovely Sarina decided to treat us to a “much talked about café in JB” called Flame & Fern—a name that now sounds more like a kitchen accident than a brand, but we’ll get to that. 🐾🔥🌿

From the get-go, things looked paw-sitive. For once, I didn’t have to sniff out the good spot—the crowd already did the job for me. Place was huge, with a garden downstairs that had me zooming in circles while the hoomans browsed the menu (which, by the way, didn’t take long… because it was very limited).

The food? Well, let’s just say I’ve smelled more originality in my kibble bowl. – Choo ordered bibimbap, which looked more like “meh-bim-bap.” – The birthday hooman (that’s us!) got fish and chips, basic at best. – Sarina went for a potato rösti with chicken sausage, which, let’s be honest, was factory-made fare dressed up for Instagram. So they ordered a half spring chicken to top things off. And that’s when this tail-wagging day turned into a howling nightmare.

🐔 The chicken came out red inside—not in a rare, artisanal way, but in a “someone forgot the oven had a middle” kind of way. My hooman, ever the reasonable eater, pointed this out. The waiter? Calmly replied, “It’s safe to eat.” HUH?! I may be a dog, but even I don’t eat raw chicken—I’ve got standards and a stomach to protect!

Thankfully, the manager swooped in, tail tucked and full of apologies. They offered to remove the charge for the chicken (which is the least they could do), but honestly? The damage was done. Customer loyalty? Down the drain. And the name? Flame & Fern? More like Flame & Fumble. 🌿🔥 (Pun absolutely intended.)

So yes, we came with birthday excitement, left with disappointment—and possibly a deep-seated distrust of poultry.

— With a cautious sniff and a grumbling belly, Your Once-Bitten, Never-Roasted...