AOOO Melbourne Cafe — Restaurant in Kuala Lumpur

I went 3 times. Good atmosphere.

1st time the grilled chicken was juicy, and the owner was lovely, and the chips were crispy (properly cooked) -- see photo. I gave a 5-star review.

The 2nd time, the grilled chicken was dry and overcooked. They said they thought I was in a hurry and sliced it before cooking it to be quicker. I said it would have been nice to have been asked (to be able to make my own choice rather than them "knowing best"). I thought it was a once-off, 5 start review remained.

The 3rd time was just plain weird, the owner was really rude and arrogant.

Apparently a staff member didn't show up. I'm really sorry for that, but as a customer I didn't deserve the spiky/hostile energy I received:

I ordered the beef pie and salad. The pies are quite small (much smaller than an Australian pie), so I asked for another beef pie, which we agreed would be 14.90 more and she'd give me chips also.

The chips arrived undercooked - Al dente or with resistance in in the middle (different to my first visit), and some were wobbly if shaken. She wanted to cook them again. I said that chips weren't good if twice cooked - the middle can't be cooked without the outside being overcooked.

I asked for freshly cooked chips, and she didn't want to give them, saying that they were complimentary. To me, we had an agreement on price and what would be included. I spoke to her in her world, I asking her if she wanted to give me bad complimentary chips. She first tried to justify it by saying that cooking of chips was a personal preference and that she had been a chef in Melbourne. I pointed out that they weren't crisp. She then wanted to take them off my plate because it "looked better". This was strange (I was sitting at my table), but I let her do her thing.

She came back with another type of pie, saying "I'd like to give you this pie". I didn't really want a 3rd pie.

I eventually worked out that it was offered instead of the chips, which was not initially communicated. It already had sauce over the top of it, so it couldn't be given to anyone else if I didn't accept it instead of the agreed upon chips.

The chicken pie was cold (which she didn't mention (I thought it could have been cooked at the same time as my other two).

The pie had a 1-inch chicken bone in it. I mentioned it had a bone, and she justified it by saying that it was from a local source. No apology.

She charged me 15.00 more instead of 14.90 as agreed, which I just paid.

There was arrogant/hostile energy behind almost every interaction.

If you offer something, (even for "free", and in your mind only), stand by what you you offer, and don't change the agreement.

I will give the cafe another chance next time I'm in KL, but for now, with one great experience, another poor experience and today's rude energy and weirdness, I give 2.5...

I had the pleasure of visiting AOOO, and I can confidently say it was an extraordinary experience that brought back cherished childhood memories. From the moment I entered, I was captivated by the wall adorned with cassette tapes, evoking nostalgia and setting the perfect tone for a memorable visit.

One of the standout features of AOOO is its strategic location, with parking conveniently situated just behind the establishment. This thoughtful detail ensures that patrons can easily access the cafe without the hassle of searching for parking, making it a stress-free visit from the start.

Upon entering, I was met with a warm welcome from the owner, who exuded a friendly and welcoming demeanor. Their genuine kindness made me feel right at home, creating a comfortable atmosphere for enjoying a delightful meal.

What sets AOOO apart from the typical cafe experience is their commitment to serving freshly cooked food. Unlike many places that rely on pre-heated dishes from central kitchens, AOOO takes pride in offering dishes prepared with care and attention to detail.

As a lover of roasted vegetables, I often find it challenging to come across a dish that truly satisfies my palate in Malaysia. However, I was in for a delightful surprise at AOOO. Their roasted vegetables were nothing short of spectacular, bursting with flavor and perfectly prepared. It's safe to say that AOOO has mastered the art of roasted vegetables.

Additionally, I couldn't resist trying their bakery items, which, as I learned from the owner, are crafted by a talented French baker. The result? An assortment of delectable pastries and muffin that were simply irresistible.

In conclusion, my visit to AOOO was an absolute delight. From the ambiance that stirred fond childhood memories to the warm welcome by the owner, and the exceptional quality of the food, this cafe has left a lasting impression on me. I wholeheartedly recommend AOOO to anyone seeking a unique and satisfying dining experience. I, for one, am already looking forward to...

I popped by for about 15 minutes while waiting for something else, and I have to say — the vibes and interior were great. Super cozy, exactly the kind of space I’d usually love to hang out in. But the service? Honestly, not great.

I ordered an iced latte and found coffee grinds at the bottom. When I told the lady working there, she replied that in 20 years, it was the first time anyone had ever given that feedback, and that I “should have told her when the coffee came.” I get that maybe it’s rare, and I respect the fact the shop has been around for two decades, but the way she said it came across sarcastic and dismissive.

I also ordered a salmon bagel to go. They wrapped it, shoved it into a box, and handed it to me. No bag, nothing. It would’ve been nice to have it packed in a more customer-friendly way.

While I was there, I overheard another customer asking for extra milk and less coffee in her macchiato. The same lady “explained” (rather condescendingly) that coffee is made differently in different regions and that she had already added extra foam. Honestly, if a guest asks for something, it’s not about debating coffee culture — it’s about accommodating where possible. This felt like the equivalent of a customer saying they’re allergic to seafood, and the staff responding, “We can’t change it because it’s from X country.”

For a cafe to have lasted 20 years, you must be doing something right. But in my kindest opinion, the service on that day was...