Stella's Kitchen

My friend and I wanted to go just for coffee and cake, the website recommended booking a table so I did - for 2 at 10.30am on a Tuesday. There were no options when booking to advise we only wanted coffee. We waited patiently to be directed to our table only to have a staff member walk straight past without even mentioning she’d be with us shortly. Eventually we were taken to our table with a view, then went to inspect the cake selection. There were no labels or prices, so I asked questions to find there was absolutely nothing gluten free, and the staff member (the same one who ignored us at the door) seemed quite defensive and annoyed that I asked this. When another staff member came to take our order she gave us an almost look of disgust that we dared to sit at a “meal table” when we should be at a “cafe table”. At this stage the restaurant was maybe 10% full. We were shunted off to a table in the entrance corridor, felt like we were sent to the naughty table. We ordered coffee (ok but not brilliant) and I just ordered a small, rather ordinary cookie from a jar as I didn’t want to be insensitive and order a fancier cake when my friend, who is coeliac, couldn’t eat anything. Imagine my surprise when I was charged $10 for it! When we left about an hour later, (the restaurant was still mostly empty) we went over to the gift shop. There on the counter was a coffee machine and a cabinet with a lovely looking array of cakes, including GF options! Why wouldn’t they have told us this? I have eaten here before and the food was wonderful; I was planning to come back soon again for an actual meal, but after this very disappointing experience I’m not too sure. Maybe if we’re spending more money we’ll be treated with more respect?

We had a great gourmet experience at Stella's kitchen. We were able to make sensory connections with the finger licking dishes we ordered. The fine ambience, the lovely staff, and a beautiful vibe is all you need for a comeback. Gluten free food options are also available, that was a big relief as one of the members was a coeliac. Highly recommended, do visit this stellar place for a hearty chat, lots of giggles over the delectable food!!