Lemon Tree Restaurant — Restaurant in Johor

Will not visit again! Disappointed!

It used to be my family’s favourite dine-in place. But after last night’s visit (15th April 2023), it would be our last visit. The price has increased almost double from previous year. The food quality is acceptable. However the lack of customer service and right attitude has changed the total dining experience: The waitresses as well as the manager did not smile when we walked in. They just pointed to us where we can sit without any smile or welcoming tone. Even when they placed menu on our table, took order, served the food, the lack of smile and customer service attitude made us feel unwelcome. Lack of cutleries on the table. We have difficulty calling out to the staff because all the staffs are behind the counter/nowhere to be seen. We have to walk to the counter to ask for assistance (eg, need small plates, need ketchup/chilli sauce/wrong order etc) Price on the menu is INCORRECT! We ordered Strawberry mojito, the manager typed in Red Urban onto our order list. We called out to the manager to correct this and the manager just kept saying this is correct and then walked away. We were left confused.. When we walked to the counter to pay, i realised that the price is charged at higher price $13.80 instead of the price indicated on the menu $11.80. I asked the staff why the price is higher, the staff just answered that the menu is outdated and they have to follow the new price given from HQ. Oh well, no one has told us the price has increased and menu not updated when we ordered, how can you charged us at higher price that is different from the menu. The staff did not apologise and insisted that we should pay at the increased price even though it is different from the menu. Speechless, unwilling to make a scene as there was another customer queuing behind waiting to pay, i made the payment (unwillingly) and exited.

We used to like this place but after this experience, we will definitely not...

To be fair, their food is really good. The chicken chop and the fish & chips are very delicious and the portion is quite generous. I also love the cheesy wedges that comes on the side. The island pizza is average - love the seafood toppings, but the crust is too doughy and there are cucumbers on it (not the best match in a pizza).

What I really dislike about this place (which influences my rating) is the service. On a busy period, the waiters are very slow. In a 2/3 filled restaurant, you can see the empty tables still have leftover dishes. The waiters are not responsive to the call button, to a point where you need to press it multiple times to get their attention. Water is served at RM1.00 (why would you charge for water?). And while our drinks was already on the counter for 5 minutes, the waiters did not bother to serve it until I pressed the call button multiple times. When I paid using my credit card, the cashier just handed me a receipt without saying ANY word of thanks.

My only advise: Please train your employees. It's such a pity because while the food is good, I won't be returning because of the poor...

So much changes! I last visited it before the pandemic as my family members loved it as a good-food, good-environment and friendly hang-out place. The waiters and waitresses look awkward now as they would usher you to your seat and scuttle off. Cos there is no menu and you need to scan the QR code placed on your table to order(incidentally, it also contains the table number 🙄). Service is prompt though. No bakery products in sight! All my favourite munch-with-coffee pastries and breads are GONE! 😩

Guys, you better have them back quick now that we are in endemic phase else your regulars will go somewhere else to have their tea/coffee time. Incidentally, lemon tree's toilets are clean and a truly welcoming sight for the desperate customer. 😊👌

Edit 8 months down the road, and here i am! I've added one star to my earlier review. The place looks amazing, the food is still as generous and affordable as ever and the cakes are back! Love the pitcher of lemonade we ordered. Ambience is good and toilets are soooo comfortable you might want to stay in there permanently!...