Brunch at Peony — Restaurant in Suwanee

#WillComeBack

Before I dive into the details, let me clarify something:

The hashtag you see at the top of this post is part of a new practice I’m starting in my reviews. It’s a clear signal that I came to this place and had an amazing experience and would like to come back again. It doesn’t mean I am regular or will plan specifically to come to this place, but it’s just depicts that I really like the place for all the 5 Star reasons (that I put in my every review) and it’s worth coming back.

Let’s get to the review now:

You might be thinking if I put the #WillComeBack hashtag above then why I gave this restaurant 3 stars only, it should be 5 isn’t ?

So let’s get into details, my daughter found this place via her googling skills for breakfast, and the moment we came in, I was really impressed by the overall atmosphere, staff hospitality and the way this place is setup.

I always like small businesses doing all they can to make it work, that’s why I also like to support them.

We ordered multiple items and everything was amazing, specially the thing we noticed that their chef is a master in making poached eggs.

So considering the food flavor, service and location, I will definitely come back, but what made me deduct 2 stars is the practice they follow for charging customers 20% gratuity for large group (I believe it’s for party of 6 and above).

First of all it’s not mentioned in their menu that they charge more for large groups, otherwise I would not have come here as I am totally against that policy, that’s totally unacceptable to me as customer, and since they fail to mention that in their menu or anywhere that is visible enough for customer is kind of unethical practice.

I still paid $25 without saying a single word as mostly these discussions just ruins me and my family mood, but I had to get it to their attention.

So for the above reason, I had to deduct 2 stars.

Pros:

Good Ambiance Good Location Poached Eggs Expert Chef Well trained staff Good Flavors

Cons:

20% Gratuity Not Mentioned Anywhere For $6 Orange Juice should be freshly squeezed not straight out of container

Food Ratings:

Avacado Toast: 7 / 10 Egg Benedict on Croissant: 8 / 10 Egg Benedict on Sourdough: 8 / 10 Chicken Waffle: 8 / 10

Star Ratings:

Flavor: 8 / 10 - Star Authenticity of Flavor: 8 / 10 - Star Cleanliness: 8 / 10 - Star Service: 6 / 10 - No Star Value for Money: 6 / 10 - No Star

Suggestion for owner: Please don’t charge 20% gratuity for large groups, it just pisses customers off. You have good food, chef and location, this small thing is hurting your business. If you still like to do it please mention it to your menu or place very visible to everyone.

Suggestion for customer: The place is amazing, but if you are large group, please be aware of 20% gratuity or just sit separately to avoid 20%...

If I could give zero stars, I would. Even 0.5 stars would be too generous for this experience.

We waited over 40 minutes just to be seated — and unfortunately, things only got worse from there.

Once we were finally at our table, it took a long time before the server — a woman — even bothered to come over. She didn’t bring any menus and just stood there saying she was ready to take our order. When we told her we hadn’t even received menus yet, she didn’t apologize at all. She just tossed the menus on the table and walked off without a word.

There were four of us, but she only brought water and cutlery for three. We had to ask again just to get the basics. When she came back to take our order, her attitude was completely disinterested and cold. She didn’t repeat our order back to confirm — which is basic service — and instead snatched the menus out of our hands and left without saying anything.

We were already annoyed, but then the food took another 40 minutes to arrive. And when it finally came, it was a huge disappointment. I ordered the Peony Dutch Baby, and the bread was so tough it couldn’t even be cut with a knife. Chewing it was just unpleasant.

Near the end of our meal, the same server came over and asked if we wanted a refill on our coffee — which was baffling, because none of us had ordered coffee in the first place. When she realized we didn’t have any, she didn’t say a single word and just turned around and walked away.

We drove 40 minutes hoping for a relaxing Sunday brunch, but this experience was anything but. Poor service, unacceptable attitude, and below-average food — I won’t be coming back, and I wouldn’t recommend this...

One of the best brunches I’ve had in a while! The staff were polite, attentive, and managed between tables very well. This brunch restaurant is popular, so it gets crowded quickly, hence it also small. Meaning that you may be feel slightly claustrophobic at times, since it is set up like a cafe. The atmosphere was nice - everyone seemed to be loving their food - and the aesthetic was giving tea 🫖 time vibes. This restaurant is very family oriented and kid friendly. The food looks better in person, presented beautifully and made from quality ingredients. I had ordered the “Smoked Salmon Benedict”, while my partner ordered the “Full Breakfast” and the “Cappuccino and Hot Chocolate”. My partner enjoyed their breakfast with fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, delicious eggs, and a side of sautéed grape tomatoes and mushrooms. The cappuccino was strong yet sweet, and full of warmth. As for my breakfast, the croissant was toasted perfectly with avocado mousse, salmon links, and eggs that were poached just right. To top it off was a fresh arugula salad. In addition, the surrounding areas were kept clean (staff were quick and diligent about cleaning other tables), and the bathrooms were very sanitary. Overall the entire experience was pleasant, despite being crowded, but that’s inevitable at any great restaurant. I hope this encourages you to enjoy a delicious brunch here. Perfect for...