Rococo, Hawthorn

797 Glenferrie Rd
Hawthorn, VIC 3122

We had two families totalling 8 people for Sunday brunch. The menu is pretty good and easily handled the diverse needs of 8 people. We ordered a wide range of meals including salmon eggs, scrambled eggs, muesli, pancakes and fresh fruit with banana bread. The food was okay and they did try with the presentation. The pancakes had a novel presentation. The portions were pretty good, probably a little better than average. Coffee was average on Melbourne standards. The short macchiato was awful. The staff responded well to any issue but they were not attentive and there was a lack of any warmth or care. They never noticed water was low, didn't ask how the meal was and didn't ask if there was anything else we needed. The manager didn't seem to encourage staff but tended to run around like the proverbial chook. Rococo has a cafeteria feel to it and, like the staff, lacked warmth. Noise is a real issue here. Even though Rococo's was half full it was very loud and we could only hear the person next to us. There are many places better to go to in Melbourne than Rococo. We will not be returning.

Takes all credit cards

33 out of 50 - Happy belly
19 out of 30 - Tipability
2 out of 10 - Ambiance
5 out of 10 - Value
59 out of 100 TOTAL

Rathdowne Street Food Store, Carlton North

617 Rathdowne St
Carlton North, VIC 3054


We have been to Rathdowne Street Food Store four times with two great and two bad experiences. The terrible inconsistency means we will not be back. Such a shame because when they got it right they wee really good. They had what seemed to be a new manager when we were last there and he was terrible. He was obviously inexperienced, focused more on being busy and running around like the proverbial chook rather than ensuring the place was running smoothly and the clientele were happy. It took them forever to deliver the menus. When we reminded the manager he did not apologise but said he would be straight back. Another long wait and he sent another person. he meals didn't come at the same time. There was a long delay with two of the five meals ordered. Food was good but we have better elsewhere and even here previously. Short macchiato was terrible.

Takes all credit cards

Ratings:
33.5 out of 50 - Happy belly
17 out of 30 - Tipability
7.5 out of 10 - Ambiance
6 out of 10 - Value
64 out of 100 TOTAL

Atomica, Fitzroy

268 Brunswick St
Fitzroy, VIC 3065

Atomica is great place with outstanding coffee. If you love coffee definitely come here! We had salmon pesto omelette, Spanish omelette, vegetable breakfast with Moroccan beans (called MT), coffees and a honey dew + green tea combo. The meals had good sized portions though I don't like cold salmon with a hot breakfast. The vegetarian breakfast was the winner - excellent taste. Coffee was glorious. The short macchiato was excellent - just a smidgeon below The Maling Room, which does the best short macchiato in Melbourne. The honey dew + green tea was very good. Atomica has fabulous ambiance with music that suites the place very well. Waiters were attentive but they called have filled water glasses instead of being asked. The place is so popular that it takes a long time to get your coffee. They need to fix this. I bill came to $100 so it was a pain to pay cash. They need to fix that as well. These little short cuts are to make life easier for the staff but they are inconveniencing their clientelle. Overall, a terrific cafe and we will be back.

They only take cash!!

Ratings:
39.5 out of 50 - Happy belly
19 out of 30 - Tipability
10 out of 10 - Ambiance
10 out of 10 - Value
78.5 our of 100 TOTAL