Cafe Giulia

6.8 Recommended

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  8      Value  7     

It's pretty good, nothing spectacular but coffee is nice and food is good value, albeit inconsistent. Not overly expensive as well.

May 12, 2012 

3 Below Average

Food  4      Ambience  6      Service  1      Value  1     

3 staff at the counter ignored me while I waited patiently to be served. When another staff member appeared she served someone who came in after me. After that she very rudely told me to get to the end of the queue which very awkwardly runs up the middle of the cafe, in a very narrow aisle.

By that time other customers had come in after me but I was told to get to the end of the queue. When I was served I still had to wait a long time for my order and it was definitely not worth the wait, as the coffee was not very good, the food is overpriced and gluggy, nothing seems fresh. Walking down the narrow aisle is a risky business, obstructed by staff who seem oblivious to customers trying to get past. I will not return.

May 01, 2012 

5.3 Average

Food  3      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  4     

At my visit, I tried their special 'Shiftalia' which consisted of a big lamb mince meatball wrapped in pita bread. The lamb was raw in the middle and when queried, I was told by staff that is how they usually serve it. They offered to cook it some more, but since it was already wrapped up in pita bread with tzatziki and lettuce, I declined. When in Rome, and all that. The meat ball, aside from being half raw, was also not hot. (I guess that was why it was raw.) The serve was massive. I could only manage half, and 5 hours later it is still sitting in my stomach. My juice was great, service good too. Just poor menu choice on my part.

Aug 08, 2011 

8.8 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  9     

My partner and I have been here a few times for brunch and love it. A great atmosphere, extensive menu, good coffee and food, large servings (sometimes makes a small appetite like mine feel wasteful) and reasonably priced.

Jul 10, 2011 

8.3 Highly Recommended

Food  8      Ambience  9      Service  8      Value  8     

I reckon I spent a small fortune at Cafe Giulia as when I and my partner lived in Chippendale we used to go minimum once a week. Such a brilliant example of Sydney inner west atmosphere. But while the place looks grungy, the food has always been way above grungy, really delicious breakfasts and brunches and not once did they ever make me a bad coffee.

My mum never liked going there because she equates grungy with dirty, but in fact this place is perfect, it's an open plan kitchen so you can see exactly what they're doing all the time. Love you Cafe Guilia xxx

Jun 28, 2011 

7 Recommended

Food  7      Ambience  7      Service  7      Value  7     

Came here on a busy sunday lunch, love the vibe of this place and how laid back it was. You choose what you want off their huge blackboard menu, pay at the counter, take a number, choose a seat anywhere you can and wait for your meal to arrive. Considering how busy it was, full when we arrived at midday, the food came out after barely a 5-10 minutes wait.

After the good food guides recommendation, decided to try their burgers which is great value at $10.50 and ordered their rosemanry chips to share at $5. The generous meat patty was the star, sitting on soft focaccia buns, and a layer of melted cheese. Or try the equally great version with grated beetroot making it even juicer. Fries were good but could've had more rosemary, which funnily enough, we saw the chef walk out of the cafe to snip off some rosemary off the sidewalk. Gotta love that.

Jun 19, 2011 

1 Not Recommended

Food  1      Ambience  1      Service  1      Value  1     

I literally just had a Horrible experience due to their Awful customer service. I was embarrassed and berated by the staff. Needless to say, I never will be going back.

In summation - I have a (albeit strange) request whereby I need fresh juice strained. This is exactly the reason why, prior to venturing into Cafe Giulia, I called and confirmed that this would not be a problem. The individual that answered the phone said "we have a kitchen so we will have a strainer too". Ok, that makes logical sense.

However, when I arrived at the counter and made the request, I was met with hostility. A very rude lady gave me a tea strainer and told me to do it myself. I had to stand at the counter and try to filter from one cup into another, trying my best not to make a mess nor be embarrassed by the "dirty" looks I was getting from the staff.

Further, it took about a full minute or more before a nice African male took the initiative to walk the three feet to the kitchen and bring me a proper full size strainer. He was able to fulfill the request to strain the juice in about 30 secs.

But, to top it off, I was berated by the rude lady and told that "in future" they would not strain fresh juice again. I explained to her that I specially called Before coming to the cafe. I'm not an idiot. I understand that it is a request people do not receive often. However, do not say that you actually can if you Choose not to. There are plenty of other cafes in the area. I was happy to keep calling until I found one that would gladly assist my small request.

I cannot explain my embarrassment in a review. Nor can I convey the frustration of being told one thing and treated in another way. If we actually want to talk about the future, "in future" do not make promises over the phone. "in future" do not embarrass your clientele and "in future" learn what customer service means.

Jun 10, 2011 

5.5 Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  5      Value  5     

Decided to try this place out since I am always on a lookout for a good breakfast joint. For drinks I ordered the strawberry, mango mint whip which came out in a tall glass. Tasted alright, but would have preferred something lighter as it was quite thick. The pancakes were pretty decent and filling. Poached eggs were a little overcooked though. All in all, breakfast menu and service was pretty average (service with a smile goes a long way).

Feb 01, 2011 

6 Average

Food  6      Ambience  6      Service  6      Value  6     

This popular Chippendale entry attracts students, locals and workers from the trendy designer businesses located in the vicinity. The large blackboard menu is the only hint that all ordering is done at the counter. For breakfast I recommend the Tuscan Toast with Ricotta, Honey and Cinnamon ($9.90) and a Latte ($3.50). I will warn though, the coffee here is variable – it’s best when the handsome Ryan Jace is behind the machine – use this fact wisely, and don’t be afraid to select an excellent Banana Smoothie ($5.90) instead. The fresh juices including my personal favourite, Pineapple, Apple, Ginger and Mint ($5.90), make a nice accompaniment to lunch. My usual options include the Chicken Coriander Mayo with Fresh Lime and Chilli Casa Roll ($9.90) and the Lamb with Marinated Beetroot, Fetta, Roasted Peppers and Yoghurt Sauce Casa Roll ($9.90). If it’s cold and your thoughts turn to pasta, the Chicken, Mushroom, White Wine and Cream ($16.90) scrubs up best. Bear in mind, all the pastas are penne – which suits the Tiger Prawns with Pesto, Roast Tomato, White Wine and Cream ($18.90) treatment too. Specials like Corn Cakes with Poached Eggs, Spinach, Hollandaise and Bacon ($18.90) are both generous and filling, but could change more often to keep regulars like me interested.

Read more on my blog

Jan 16, 2011 

5 Average

Food  7      Ambience  5      Service  1      Value  7     

Service with an attitude and one particular senior member of staff who is down-right nasty spoil what should otherwise be a top little neighbourhood cafe.

Jan 06, 2011