St Heliers Bay Bistro

I will give this place zero stars if I could. I went to this place alone because of good Google reviews during afternoon on a week day.

The initial treatment I received from this place was horrible. Someone who seemed to be a non local staff immediately received me. Then when I asked to be seated for just one person- they kept asking me the same question like it’s a big shock.

I told them I wanted to sit near to the beach area cause of views. Then this staff told me I need to ask permission for it from another staff. So I talked with them, they agreed and I realised the place is reserved 2 hrs from the time I arrived ( the second staff who seem to be overseeing things told me they need the seat back in 1 and a half hrs and I agreed)

I sat down and the 1st staff came to me and asked me if I wanted coffee. I am caffeine intolerant so I said no not coffee what’s your drink menu? The staff made a sarcastic face and told me there it is can’t you see?( The menu is a folded white paper and a client can’t immediately say cause it was hidden under other stuff on table)

Then I said I need a light beer and the person acted all awkward and send another staff suspiciously to ID me. (I look younger than my age - I am 26yrs) So now i’m sure all this rude behaviour I am getting is probably because they are assuming I am a femme presenting minor at the bistro.

I respectfully gave them my ID but the humiliation I have been made to feel till then - I told the overseeing staff that i’m not happy with the service here. The mood got all awkward now they are treating me even more carefully to the point it’s overbearing.

I ordered a chips and the beer. It was honestly meh. I don’t see the hype or the overly positive reviews at all. Probably cause people usually have a good time when they see the beach. But then again maybe I can’t judge how their food is based off chips.

After I ate and in a hurry to leave cause my mood is super low after what happened-I saw the overseeing staff again and they asked me if I wanted anything. I said no but the initial treatment of me was horrible and calmly explained my case to them and they didn’t even apologise to me for all the embarrassment and poor treatment of a customer.

All they were trying to do was tell me their boss likes the menu to be put on table that way and the 1st staff who was rude is just the coffee person.( I don’t know why they came to serve me if they don’t know how to treat a customer )

I told them not to do that ever again and be respectful to a customer- especially if they are coming to eat alone.Gave me so many excuses and didn’t even acknowledge what happened.

I do not recommend this place at all!!!!!!

It doesn’t take much for a place to treat everyone that comes to eat at their place ( that they pay to go to) kindly.

Horrible and rude experience and rude staff overall - and mysteriously overrated.

If the owner is reading this- I want you to do better! Treat your customers with respect. It’s a horrible environment to eat or to have a good time.