Ferguson St Provisions - Williamstown

For years and years I used to enjoy going to this cafe, the service was prompt and efficient and the food always of an exceptional fresh standard. Since the new owners have taken over it’s just not the same. Not enough staff and wait times too long. I went there about 12 months ago and took four members of my family and me and after ordering and waiting nearly an hour when our food finally did come they forgot one meal altogether. Those of us who got our meals kept asking about the missing meal and they said it was coming and then by the time we had finished they admitted they had forgot it all together and asked if we wanted it to be made after four of us had already finished our meals. My brother in law got up in disgust and left and found somewhere else to eat. Today, 12 months on, I gave it another try and I took my elderly parents. The calamari was average just the standard frozen ‘elastic band’ type fare. The bacon and egg focaccia just came out on a plate no little bit of garnish or anything quite dull and to top it off the ‘beef moussaka’ was a soggy mess of, well I’m not quite sure. Couldn’t taste any beef in there at all and the only thing I deciphered that was in there was some thinly sliced potatoes which were soggy. Thank god for the lovely side salad. When ordering this dish I actually asked for chips on the side and they came 10 minutes before the meal so i didn’t actually get to have them ‘on the side’. Because we waited so long for our meals the chips were gone by the time we actually got the meals. Moussaka was very tasteless and disappointing. The pleasant waitress seemed perpetually flustered despite their being not many people in the cafe. When I went to pay the owner/manager? (French guy) asked me if I enjoyed the meals and I only commented on the moussaka saying I couldn’t taste the beef at all. He told me there was only a thin slice of beef in the dish because that’s the way ‘they liked it here… ‘ next time he would make it for me with more beef. Like that’s ever going to happen. I won’t be back here ever again. I’ve learnt my lesson I’ll try somewhere new. $8.50 for a measly bowl of chips was also outrageous.

I have no complaints about the service or food at this restaurant. The sandwich was a good size for someone with a small appetite. Although it may have seemed rude, I asked for some ice with my wine because it was 38C outside. Instead of just a small glass, it came filled to the top with ice. However, the most annoying part of my experience was the door to the outdoor dining area that wouldn't stay closed. It was frustrating to watch multiple failed attempts to shut it properly.

We called in for a light lunch. It was really busy and they had new staff training. However although we had to wait a while it didn’t bother us. They were so apologetic for our wait they brought us a free dessert- talk about going the extra mile. Food was tasty and prices were reasonable . Recommended!

There are plenty of tables inside and outside. I found a comfortable spot insiude and ordered coffee and a cake. The Coffico coffee was not my favourite, but the apple crumble tart was quite nice. I was brought cold water and found the service good.

We made a reservation for 10:30 on a Sunday for a party of 4. Upon arrival, our table was ready and clean. The staff promptly offered us hot drinks and provided icy cold water. The meals were generous, fresh, and flavorful. The coffee was a bit too strong for our liking, but the green juice was delicious. We were extremely pleased with both the service and the food. We will definitely return in the future.