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CUISINES
Cafe, Australian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
features
Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant?
Details
CUISINES
Cafe, Australian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
FEATURES
Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards
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4.5
234 reviews
Excellent
144
Very good
54
Average
18
Poor
5
Terrible
13
Sandra N
47 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
In Cowes in Phillip Island, where service is often slow and unprofessional, Waterboy staff were helpful and the food and coffee arrived quickly. The food and coffee were also very good and reasonably priced. My only negative comment would be I ordered a side of mushrooms and got one field mushroom for $3.50 extra. Anyway we’ll definitely go back.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meredith B
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
I loved the clean & efficient feel of the cafe when I walked in. We sat at the long bar at the back, looking out the large windows. When ordering the staff were friendly and helpful. The coffee came quickly, but was slightly too strong for my liking - I should've asked for a dash more milk. My eggs with a side of salmon was delicious, and again staff were friendly when delivering our food.
Will definitely be back.
Written 21 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jf
2 contributions
Apr 2021 • family
Don’t be put off by the fact it hides a little bit off the Main Street, as this place deserves to be front and centre! The friendly staff greet you upon arrival as you find a table, but you aren’t waiting for too long after ordering, the food seems to appear almost immediately! But don’t think it must be rushed or basic or simple. It’s amazing food to look at and to eat. Everything on your plate is done with thought and ensured it tastes just right. These people seem to care about your dining experience! The coffees are smooth and the tea is delicious! The price is reasonable and the servings aren’t massive, but just right in my eyes. All day breakfasts are the best and my eggs Benedict was so good, the hollandaise perfect. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal. The cakes are good too, with real proper cream! I don’t live far from this place so I’ll be sure to eat here again! Thanks waterboy cafe!
Written 8 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephanie
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • family
Coffee was okay, banana and honey smoothies were great. Ordered bacon and eggs with avocado and feta which was good although the feta wasn’t good quality. Also ordered the hot cake which was very good. One of us ordered the porridge which came out luke warm, slimy and tasteless. Notified a waitress who didn’t know how to handle the situation so she smirked and walked away. Called her back and asked for a refund and to order something else. Was told we would have to line up again (line was very long). Asked to speak to the manager who told us that people come back for the porridge and she doesn’t know why we didn’t like it (no empathy) but gave us a refund and took another order so we didn’t have to line up. Customer service needs work and ruined our experience. Won’t be coming back.
Written 2 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Voyager487346
1 contribution
Jan 2021 • couples
Exceptional service, great coffee and our brunch was delicious. It was SO busy (school holidays) but staff handled a long line of keen inquiries with a warm smile and great skill. Even the younger staff members were friendly and efficient. We had spent a week in Cowes with several disappointing meals in various cafes (so much deep fried, very little fresh, modern food) - wish we’d discovered Waterboy earlier! Highly recommend the smoked salmon rosti with labneh.
Written 9 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tonyb0504
Sydney19 contributions
Jan 2020 • family
Must agree with previous people. This is a hidden gem we accidentally stumbled upon off the Main Street. After searching for best coffee in Cowes this place didn’t list but I totally disagree. Most other cafes serve traditional boring brekky but these guys do nice creative meals and very yummy. Highlights were avo smash with salsa, smoked salmon and potato rosti with zucchini ribbons with poached eggs, scrambled eggs were divine. Our fussy kids loved their meals. Very accommodating and friendly staff. Thank you. We will be back!!
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Waipatikiqueen
56 contributions
July 2023 • couples
Good reviews and a previous experience brought us back again. The service was a bit slow but I guess that's life these days- young people serving with very little initiative! The sign said "please wait to be seated" and most of the staff walked past us without acknowledging us - it was very weird! Finally the barista told us to find a seat - maybe they should change the sign to say "find a seat yourself, take a menu, get your own water, and order at the counter". The food was pretty average and not worth $26 per dish. The coffee was ok. The soy chai latte was GOOD. So, if you're looking for an average brunch you won't be disappointed.
Written 30 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen B
Melbourne293 contributions
June 2022 • none
We stumbled across this place just off the main street and with a little arranging they put together a Table for 8 of us. The food was generous and the coffee was hot The children in the party loved their food and the meals came out together which was a bonus as we could all eat together A lot of places bring the kids meals first then they have to be entertained while the adults eat. A very sensible arrangement Will go back again
Written 26 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie B
1 contribution
Jan 2022 • none
Ordered a pot of tea and they charge $2.00 for extra hot water! The only cafe I have ever known to charge for hot water. The coffee was not well presented 5/10 for flavor. There are much better coffee places on the island.
Owner and barista rude and unwelcoming. Look stressed and like everything is a bother. Won't ever return.
Written 4 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RyanOKC
Melbourne46 contributions
Dec 2023 • couples
I ordered an extra egg and they gave me 2 sets of eggs on toast.
When I tried to explain to the male staff (tall guy in the kitchen who also serve the table) what I'm ordering , he didn't even listen, and said we never do that! (See your own menu please!) This is your 10 dollars refund and what else you need!
Wow!!!
If this is how you serve, God bless you! Please don't let us change your way of doing things.
If the staff are not happy to work, please advise them to stay at home.
Happy New Year!!
Written 28 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kayla
Phillip Island2 contributions
Apr 2021 • couples
Amazing fresh food! Everything was perfect. Ordered the smashed avo and some hot chocolates. They even asked how hot we would like our drinks to make sure it was the perfect temperature for us :) would 100% recommend and will go again.
Written 9 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
smaccit
St Kilda60 contributions
Feb 2024 • solo
I thought I'd give this place a go for my solo trip away due to the decent ratings. The place was quite popular but the coffee I had was quite average and I didn't feel compelled to drink more than half. Also the home made banana bread had no actual banana taste whatsoever. It was soft like pudding but the only taste was the butter I put on top. The patched eggs were also quite overcooked, and were almost like boiled eggs - they need to be runny!
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DaveD065
Melbourne22 contributions
Apr 2021 • none
Best breakfast meals we've had in a long time. came back again the next day. Food was high quality, perfectly cook and quickly served. not overly decorated. really tasty quality meals.
Written 3 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jules_on_vacation
Sydney28 contributions
Oct 2022 • family
Great selection of food, nice coffee and everything tasted amazing.
Thankful for their adaptations for our dairy/gluten intolerances including a dairy free quinoa and oat porridge. We also had the Bircher and the Egyptian eggs, which were both delicious.
On site toilets, a little bit of a view to the water and nearby parking.
Written 21 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maryanne P
Greater Melbourne115 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
We ordered bacon and egg rolls with Swiss cheese and relish to take-away. We had take-away coffees earlier on as we were staying down the road. Service was fast and friendly. The rolls were hot and delicious. Packed full of bacon. Neither of us could finish the meal. We’ll be back for brekky next time we’re in Cowes for sure. Great value, very clean Cafe.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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