Palais 85

Overall 3 - Food 5, Ambience 5, Value 1, Service 1

One of the worst nights out ever and we dine out a lot. For a friday night the place was virtually empty. It started out well with free cup of soup, but was downhill from there. My quail starter was tiny, and scallops in their shells are so passe. But the service was the worst...we ordered two drinks and were never offered another until we had finished our meal (a bit late then). Two of the waiters were busy setting up tables and left the terrace door open for ten mins whilst the wind blew around my legs...i couldnt take off my jacket it was so cold. No one refilled our water glasses and we were fairly much ignored. I ordered the crispy barramundi which was overcooked on a dismal potato cake whilst listening to the table next to us saying her fish was off (which kinda made me worry about mine). For @43 dollars it was bad value, i only ate half, queried the freshness and wasn't told that the other lady got the "last bit" but i was served after her...she didn't so much offer us a free coffee to make up for the badly cooked fish. My partners veal was in a stickyish sauce and unremarkable. The meals weren't paced so we were finished in an hour and a bit, then had to wait to conclude our bill whilst the waitress had a long chat with the "off fish" table. There was no atmosphere, they didnt seem to care about their customers..although "off fish" got a replacement meal. Pretty bad value for money...tepid tap water, breezes and no customer care.   (See my reviews (3) - September, 2010)

Overall 7.8 - Food 9, Ambience 10, Value 8, Service 4

I've been twice for High Tea. The food is always tasty and well-presented and it's a lovely setting, but the service doesn't match up. Service is friendly, but not prompt.

First time we went there during summer 2009 there was only 1 other table present and we had to attract the waiter's attention to get served. We had to ask for our second serving of tea/coffee.

The second time the food was at the same quality and it was a bit busier, which was good to see. However when we arrived there was trouble seating us correctly, we waited 10 mins before being asked if we'd ordered (we hadn't even been given a menu yet). Then we got given one menu for the four of us. Later on, we had to ask for our second serving of tea/coffee.

Palais 85 is an elegant location for high tea, unfortunately the service doesn't meet expectations.   (marcia_in_china - May, 2010)

Overall 9.5 - Food 9, Ambience 10, Value 9, Service 10

My new favorite restaurant! Perth definitely needs more places like this, the decor is lush and stunning, and the staff are so friendly, accommodating and clued in. Tuesday tapas nights are something I'm yet to try, but I've been now for lunch twice and once for high tea: an absolute must with girlfriends, feel totally spoil and have lots of yummy beautiful treats like microherb garnished tiny smoked salmon sandwiches and tiny scones and all fancy teas!

I must admit, I'm a bit fussy with coffee and such, but had the BEST chai latte with some cinnamony topping powder, and a beautiful skinny flat white with a rosetta on it :) My friendly waitress said something to do with a new barista?? Really impressed, there's rarely a good coffee to be found as well as good food, but Palais is definitely giving its well-established neighboring competitor a run for its money!! Found Yahava beans to be a bit strong for the delicate high tea menu, perhaps 5 senses would better suit? Nonetheless always a good experience, I'm recommending to all my friends :)

JJ <3   (Palais 85 high tea; MUST go - January, 2010)