Fireworks Cafe

5.3 Average

Food  7      Ambience  6      Service  2      Value  6     

I have been coming here for years with my husband and wanted to second some of the other negative reviews about the service.

I have always enjoyed the food and found the service to be lacking, and quite frankly, a little rude. However, the incredibly dismissive attitude of one of the waitresses on our last visit has meant that we are rethinking visiting. When we asked to pay, she said very rudely 'It's really hard to do two things at once!' and ignored us. We had to wait for another person to come, who was also rude.

I don't need to be treated like that for food I can get at any cafe in Sydney, or the number of ones that are popping up on the coast. I will visit again for the sake of history, but depending on the service, it may be our last.

Mar 17, 2012 

3 Below Average

Food  5      Ambience  4      Service  1      Value  2     

Wouldn't usually bother to write a review, however, after tonight I feel it is Necessary. What should have been a beautiful night Ended not so nicely. Having just attended a private party with a finish time of 11pm we were rudely told at 10:45 to leave. I have never heard someone speak so rudely to a group of adults. Mind you this is whilst we were on the footpath saying farewells to fellow guests in a civilized manner. I will not repeat the ramblings of what sadly must have been the senior staff.

After reading past reviews I have to agree there is a difference between quirky and dirty. Clearly the senior staff should take his frustrations out on the dirt within the place rather than customers.

The food was ok. Though maybe expecting chicken meat to be cooked thoroughly and tartlet shells to be made on premise (rather than using a store purchased product like a 'ready bake tart') would be a little too much to ask.

This is the second time I have been here and on both occasions the service has let this place down (first time staff tried to push us out 'more coffee or the bill?' whilst we were still waiting for our breakfast to arrive). No more chances for this place. Austinmer has plenty of beautiful cafes on offer this is not one of them. Sorry to offend the locals that keep this rude man in business.

Mar 11, 2012 

9.3 Highly Recommended

Food  10      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  9     

I loved this Heritage listed old butcher shop, despite the complaints I read by others that it was dirty etc. It is original, and that's that.

The food was perfect. The waitress was charming. My only complaint was that you need to be part mountain goat to get to the one small toilet that begs an outward opening door. Don't take anyone frail or disabled unless they are catheterised. I will definitely return for the great food, especially since I still have not sampled the dessert menu.

Mar 10, 2012 

9 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  10     

I absolutely love visiting Fireworks in Austinmer! You can tell owner/chef Scotty is obsessed with good food, as it is reflected time and time again on the ever-changing menu-wall.

The dishes are well portioned and extremely good value, offering a wide range of meal types and cuisines. The building and layout of the cafe itself has an engaging rustic charm, thanks to it's role as a former art gallery and butcher shop in years gone by. This coupled with the relaxed, friendly and attentive waitstaff all combine to reflect my interpretation of Austi - a casual and cosy place to while away the day.

I can't recommend this institution of a local cafe highly enough!

Feb 20, 2012 

4.3 Below Average

Food  8      Ambience  7      Service  1      Value  1     

Used to be my favorite restaurant! But now it is only ridiculous how the head chef and owner is just being so careless about his clients. If you want to book make sure you actually speak with someone because they won't call you back... We drove from Sydney to Austinmer just to be turned around by bad attitude. He did even took our reservation and was very mean to us. Food is good... But service is sincerely bad!

Jan 20, 2012 

5.5 Average

Food  7      Ambience  4      Service  5      Value  6     

Did the family brunch and the food was tasty with reasonable portion sizes. Value is ok. The place needs a good clean. Everything has that slightly grimy feel to it, the broken table, the dirty windows and frontage, the chipped glass etc. If you not fussy about cleanliness then you'll enjoy it.

Jan 15, 2012 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  9      Value  7     

Absolutely love fireworks! This little place is intimate, charming and obviously well loved. I find the staff delightful and engaging. They seemed to really enjoy their jobs and were actually dancing while they were working last time I was there!

Oct 09, 2011 

7 Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  9      Service  1      Value  9     

Firstly, I would just like to say that the food was fabulous. The dishes were innovative and delicious, without the pretentious price tag. But, unfortunately, the friendliness and hospitality of the staff leaves much to be desired.

The staff clearly did not want to be there, not once did they smile or even attempt to make me or my friends feel welcome. When I politely asked for a recommendation between two dishes on the menu, one waiter replied, “you’re an adult, you can make up your own mind”. How unnecessarily rude. Last time I checked, a recommendation was not an unreasonable request. What a disappointment to the overall experience and an insult to the friendly, laidback nature of Austinmer.

Sep 07, 2011 

8 Recommended

Food  8     

Just rating the food: Great Modern Australian.

Passing through and stopped by for a quick lunch. Had the Beef and Kipfler potato soup which was delicious! Mum had the Herb fish cakes which was also delicious! Daily specials are written on the tiled wall. Popular with the locals. Cafe was packed and this was a weekday.

Jun 04, 2011 

8.5 Highly Recommended

Food  9      Ambience  8      Service  9      Value  8     

Terrific restaurant with great food and atmosphere.

May 23, 2011