Review Sticks And Stones - Torquay

Four of us came to Sticks and Stones Café in Torquay for lunch. We ordered a range of food including the chicken parmigiana, chocolate waffles, vegan avocado on toast, and burger with chips. Collectively, we all the thought the food was okay but nothing special. The staff were friendly and provided good customer service. Thank you!

Edit update: January 2022 11 months on and a change of staff and with that unfortunately a change in quality, both service and food. The photos show the difference a year makes. Understandably it’s been a tough year but it’s sad to see such a change in the food and coffee. No longer my favourite place to breakfast. February 2021 Always super friendly staff. The coffee is good, the food is generous and priced right. They are accommodating and helpful. My go to breakfast cafe when staying in Torquay. Everything I’ve tried on the menu is tasty and delicious.

Best coffee and breakfast around, but more importantly friendly and exceptional customer service… the place decor is beautiful and cozy … look no further and pay them a visit

Excellent burger (large well cooked meat patty) including egg and bacon. Served quickly. Slightly difficult to find, around the back in an alley but well worth the effort.

Our favourite cafe in Torquay. Eggs benedict & burger was fantastic. Lovely staff that were super accomodating too

I rarely give cafes 5 stars but this cafe has ticked it all for me! I had the lamb burger which was superb. The Lamb patty accompanied with sweet chilli aioli, lettuce, tomato and American cheese in a light crispy bun hit all the right notes. The artful well thought-out fresh and modern decor in a laid back spacious space was love at first sight. There is nothing quite like fresh flowers (liliums) at every table to lift my spirit. The large glass windows all down one side of the cafe contributed to the sense of spaciousness. There is indoor as well as outdoor dining available. High chairs make little bubbas welcome. This cafe would be suitable for individuals, couples, families and groups. Friendly staff also add to a positive experience. No wonder this cafe has won so many awards. May this cafe live long and prosper.

THE BEST FOOD!!! AND THE PLACE LOOKS SPECTACULAR!!! They made the food so quick it was glorious! I highly recommend going here especially when you love to go to the surf shops because this cafe is right next to all of them. So it's the best morning coffee before you shop till you drop in tourquey ;)

I would say 3 1/2 stars. The Italian omelette was more like scrambled eggs but was excellent, with a hint of heat. My companion's eggs were luke warm. Coffee was fine.

Awesome place :) highly recommend great food options including veggie and vegan, fabulous coffees and on top of that the staff are so friendly and great :) :)

We were one of only two tables in the cafe and still waited almost half an hour for our breakfast and there was only two of us. When the food finally arrived, the omlette was over done, poached eggs were under done, spinach looked like it came straight out of the pack and the bacon was burnt to a crisp. Not to mention coffee being way too weak. I would recommend eating elsewhere!

The kebab burger was amazing. Coffee was superb. Good service. I will recommend for anyone wants to have scrumptious food!

Very good ambiance...good service...good food...good coffee. All in all a good feeling when we go and hole out there when we are in Torquay town. Our 5th visit last Sunday. ��

Lovely place! Great coffee and very friendly staff! We stopped there on our way to 12 apostles. Was worth it! �

A tasty breakfast from a good menu and smiling, friendly staff. A great way to start the day.

Beautiful Persian food and lovely vibe in your cafe we will be back again soon �

Loved the dinner on Friday night- best lamb I'd had in ages! Service was really good as well

This is the stop I must make every time I'm in town. The friendly people, amazing food and coffee and relaxing atmosphere make it a must visit.

Most delicious Persian food. Very refreshing. Excellent environment and service , already booked in advance to go there again with friends

Terrible service unable to cope with lunchtime rush....would recommend you eat elsewhere.

Fabulous food and delightful hosts!! Great to have this diversity at home!!

Great cafe vibe. Great coffee. Friendly safe. Highly recommend, and I will be back :-)

Excellent! Great flavors from a fresh and well thought out menu. Whatever your preference, this place does not disappoint. Fantastic for a long lunch or quick bite and with polite and courteous customer service it will see you returning again... just like me.

Awesome coffee! Awesome staff! Awesome food! Love this place!!!!

Went for lunch today and was very underwhelmed. Even though it was a bank holiday it’s wasn’t too busy. The coffee I had was really weak, even so I didn’t fish it. We ordered the lamb burgers with chips. Again, really unimpressive food. Chips seemed like oven chips that came out really soft. And the lamb burger would have been better from McDonald’s. Service was friendly though.

Nice little café Tucked away amongst all the surf shops, the menu wasn't huge but the coffee was great ! I had an omelette which was lovely! café is funky, but the service was a little bit slow !

We ordered a coffee and a chicken burger, the staff were very friendly and helpful.<br/>The coffee was delicious made with Bonsoy and the burger was not too bad, a bit plain. The sweet potato chips were amazing. Overall I would be back here again!

Lovely food, perfect service, fantastic staff, professional chef. I love their homemade burger and can’t wait to try their Persian cousin. Recommend it

Don’t know about this place! Smashed avo was nice but the olive bread had olive pips in it so a bit dangerous.<br/>The beef souvlaki was so small and literally had 3 small pieces of beef.. <br/>The crumpets are $10, came out hard as rocks and the cultured butter is the standard foil wrapped butter.<br/>The overall service is nice but too slow. <br/>

Very friendly service and the place is well maintained and clean. Food is good and served fresh, so be prepared to wait 10-15mins for a burger.

Extremely friendly & welcoming... our meal was served timely & was just delicious. Staff smiled the entire time...well done we will be back.

Stumbled across this adorable café whilst exploring Torquay and I'm so glad we did! Service is amazing, coffee is great and the lamb burger was spot on. Would definitely recommend this place to my friends who decide to visit the area!

Incredible coffee shop, coffee is delicious, I go there almost everyday. Staff are so sweet and friendly, and its decorations are nice. 10/10 recommend 💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

Finally .... we've made it to this awards winning cafe, be it all prior 2016 .... we've made it there after several failed attempts.<br/><br/>Pity, we can't say hello to our old mate Niko, he has moved on some two years ago ... however those gold framed awards above the counter confirmed the hard work they've invested in Torquay.<br/>A bit hidden amongst the shopping walkway of Torquay, quite big in size, inside and outside, very attractive, cool looking, modern, bright, vaulted ceiling with Orange cables cobweb on the ceiling, walls complemented with industrial lighting hanging about everywhere.<br/><br/>Coffee wise, latte was delightful, coming out of that Slayer .... very nice looking cakes too; Jen picked the right Blueberry tart, although we did not get the chance to check the rest of their Menu after 15:00.<br/><br/>Enjoyable pit-stop at this Melbourne's inspired cafe. JT-21/08/2017

Loved this cafe!! The coffee was excellent, and the food was delicious. Everything came out super fast and we were impressed with the friendly and helpful staff. Highly recommend!

Very cost quiet little tucked away cafe close to all the surf shops <br/>Great atmosphere with fresh flowers on the table and a lovely piece of art work on the wall <br/>Coffee was lovely and the smashed avo was just s good

Nice food, nice interior decor, friendly and welcoming staff. It's my first time being there with no disappointment. Good location in a shopping town, easy parking. Recommended.

So we spent 17 minutes waiting for 5 coffees during a quiet lunch period only to drink very ordinary coffee. Filter coffee lacking body and character, long blacks tasting a bit burnt tasting (most likely over extracted with darker blend of beans). Would have been nice to be told that the filters are made from scratch as opposed to batch brewed.

Awesome place! The food was great the coffee was fantastic and the staff are so lovely. Definitely try this place out! They're gluten free friendly as well which is a bonus.

It is amazing how a change of ownership can destroy what was formally a great cafe. The experience within the working walls was and still is 'borderline insane'. From a chef who is continually beaten to the ground with hours and demands that would break most of us, from floor staff who give everything yet stay under paid, from baristas and alike who have come in and been emotionally abused is appalling and unacceptable. <br/>The staff turnover since changing hands has been incredible.. The fact workers are pushed into being under paid (far below the industry award rate) is wrong, but that's why we live in a country with a tax department who don't tolerate such workings. <br/>I believe in fairness and left a job I loved because the conditions were simply too dehumanising. <br/>I am sorry to see Sticks and Stones change the way it has. <br/>I am also sorry for the staff I worked with and lost because of the horrific conditions that were bestowed on us. <br/>I will no longer be ripped off!

One of the best cafe I have ever seen . Yummy foods:-).<br/>Perfect coffee and friendly service. I am so happy to find this lovely place:-) :-) #sticks and stones cafe

I came here a few months ago on my way to Adelaide. Just wanted a quick coffee and wow, I was blown away by the quality of my beverage. I'll definitely return to this place on my next journey along the GOR.

It's our first time eating brunch at this cafe and we are very impressed!!<br/>Located in a nice spot, very nice interiors, nice service and varieties of excellent coffees..<br/><br/>Really loved the crumpets and chicken fritters. Highly recommended and will definitely go back!! 👍🏼👍🏼

First time checking this place out today and must say l wouldn't be rushing back! Food was yummy but service totally slack and they were not even busy? Half our plates were cleared about 15mins after we ate, the other half of table cleared about 20mins after that? Not offer of coffee when clearing table? Had to ask for bill? Got the impression my party & l perhaps weren't "cool enough" to be there? All the awards they just won and l truly fail to see how they got any of them? Place looks cute but they need to pick up there socks when it comes to service!! Will not be back.

This place is located smack bang in the middle of the surf shops on the main highway so it would be a great place to start your shopping trip or take a break from it. My recommendation is the crumpets!

The coffee is excellent, the food is also really good. Just every time we come here we get mixed results for service. Always cop a little bit of surl or borderline rudeness.

Stopped by during a road trip to the Great Ocean Road. Loved the decor and coffee. Their latte art is so cute you will have to instagram it!

Sticks and Stones is one place you must visit if staying in Torquay. The coffee rivals the ever popular Melbourne cafes - in fact, I'll go as far to say that they have the best coffee myself and hubby have ever had. And if that wasn't enough the food is just as delicious, and beautifully presented. We have tried all the breakfast venues in Torquay but this the only one we now return to. Amazing.

Stop by this small coffee house, tucked in between the ripcurl shops. It offers a variety of speciality coffee and it's quite a good experience. Very friendly staff which made it all the nicer.

First time eating here after reading all the positive reviews and I'm very impressed! Coffee was lovely and the food was delicious and didn't take too long. So happy to have found another cafe to return to :)

My favourite place of all times. <br/>The menu is ever changing and it's so far from your run of the mill cafe.<br/>From the moment you walk into sticks and stones it's an experience.<br/>Extremely unique and you will not come across an eatery that has so much pride.<br/>The staff are friendly and go that extra mile to ensure that your experience and not just a place to "eat".<br/>I love all the intricate detail and creativity of the meals served. I wish I could eat here every day.<br/>And the coffee is to die for 😉<br/>I hold this place close to my heart.

Great Experience. I had the pleasure of having breakfast at Sticks and Stones Café in Torquay on Sunday. I cannot praise it enough! The tall girl in the tartan shirt....never have I felt more welcome. So accommodating and friendly! And those hotcakes...devine. I'll be back, and I'll be telling friends. Welldone!

Fantastic coffee, great service and delicious food. I would definitely go back! Easily the best cafe in town.

Great spot for a coffee!. A little hard to find but once found amazing! I went Sunday morning for a coffee after a friend recommended! The food was great - had the avo smash and my partner had the hotcakes- I had food envy of my partners hotcakes. Service was great, waiter was attentive and polite. Great experience and will be back!!

Kitchen closes at 3pm :(((

Best coffee in Torquay by a mile. Excellent service and atmosphere. I had the fritters which were amazing (especially the tomato relish) and my boyfriend had the beef cheek souvlaki which he said was delicious. Already planning to return to try the hotcakes and the crab burger! 10/10

Great food, terrific coffee!. Went into sticks and stones this morning for a late breakfast. <br/>Firstly, I was greeted by the barista with a smile and seated very quickly. The waiting staff were very fast and friendly. <br/>I ordered poached eggs with a MASSIVE side of the best bacon I've had in a long time. <br/>My coffee was exceptional! <br/>Sticks and stones deserves it's reputation as being one of the best surf coast cafes!

Little piece of melbourne in torquay. Great service, amazing coffee and a little slice of melbourne whenever we visit torquay. The staff are knowledgable, friendly and professional. Always a joy to visit when we're back on the surf coast! A must for any coffee lover.

Went here for a quick lunch and it was delicious. Had the mean beanz and they were so filling and full of flavour. Good value for money, quick service and lovely passionate waitresses! And The coffee is to die for!

Fantastic cafe. Lovely staff, delicious food & great atmosphere. Lots of modern favourites on the menu. We loved it and so did our pup!

Good coffee, slack service. We ordered two takeaway coffees that took twenty minutes because the barista was chatting to her friends. They weren't busy either, it was between breakfast and lunch. Coffee was good but not hot enough. Reasonable price. We didn't eat but the food looked great. The waitress who took our order was lovely and quick. It was just the barista that let the place down.

Love it!. Delicious food, good value, great coffee, lovely staff :)

I love the owl just as much as the coffee and beautiful/friendly staff! Made my day just before my surf :) thank you!

Great Coffee, Great Staff and an awesome vibe! Best place to go for morning & afternoon coffees or when you want to have something a bit nicer for lunch!

This amazing cafe keeps delivering all the goods starting with great customer service, food & coffee

Best cafe going. Great food, excellent friendly staff....

Excellent !

Great great great food. Ok the meals are sometimes a bit on the smaller side so if you're in training to become a fat American or Aussie then this isn't for you. But if you like sensible size serves and delicious well thought out meals with some imagination then this is for you!<br/>Oh.... And awesome coffee!

Acai and Avo. My partner and I tried out Sticks and Stones yesterday morning.. We both agreed it is the best coffee we've had in the area and the breakfast menu was interesting with lots of tempting options. I had the acai bowl which was delicious and beautifully presented. My partner had their take on the usual avo mash and was very happy with his choice! The corn salsa really made the dish and it was a nice generous serve. Definitely check this place out if you're in the area!

Fantastic food, interesting menu and friendly professional staff. Definitely going back.

Great coffee, super genuinely lovely owner, bit slow for takeaway but worth it. delish smashed avo, great flavour combinations. am a coffee whore and sticks and stones is in my top 3.

They've got the formula for a cafe, but the barista needs to take a chill pill!

Best coffee on the Surfcoast. Food is amazing and the staff is very friendly, knowledgable and helpful, it's a great place for a quick bite to eat for lunch or a breakfast that makes you feel a little better about the night before. You could say it's like a little bit of Melbourne by the beach. 10/10.

Fantastic Breakfast!!. This cafe is the perfect example of how all cafes should run a business. The service was 10/10 and the food was spectacular. At the end of the meal we both agreed both meals and the service was faultless. We both had a coffee and a main meal each and walked out only paying $40 which was very cheap considering how much food we both received. Keep up the good work

We eat out a lot and this was the best for ages. Fab food and great service. Not your usual cafe food. A++

Slow slow slow. Breaky served and still no coffee. Waitress was very apologetic and nice. Breakfast ok but nothing to write home about it. Don't dislike but wouldn't be our first choice.

Amazing service. Amazing food. More than amazing coffee. Definitely making the trip from melb again just to come here for breakfast.

Left hungry

Best coffee in Torquay! Staff are happy and friendly and I love it!

Well I hear the coffee is good but I won't be going back to find out ... Ordered eggs on toast with sides, and they came on the smallest piece of 'toast' imaginable, it was dwarfed by the 2 regular size poached eggs, which had been poorly (if at all) drained thus rendering what I imagined started as a crunchy piece of lightly browned toast utterly sodden. How anyone gets these basic wrong i am unsure? And if you are getting to the end of the loaf would you not use 2 slices instead of 1? Totally underwhelming experience.

Great spot. Visited for breakfast on a weekday. Great coffee, friendly service and tasty food. Menu descriptions maybe a little verbose but if that's the worst I can say of a place then they are doing alright! Very enjoyable visit and will definitely return. The coffee 'bar' in Torquay has definitely been raised...

This place delivers every time . No risk coffee .

Coffee and breakfast was amazing , we went back 3 days in a row

Best coffee, food and service in Torquay. Makes the cold early morning surfing trips during the winter worthwhile. During the summer it's a relaxing haven after hours at the beach. A little piece of Melbourne with friendlier service.

Yum. Great food, great coffee, great decor - Melbourne feel down the coast.

Amazing coffee, excellent service, yummy food. What more could you ask for.

Delicious coffee, probably the best on the coast. Haven't eaten here yet but can't wait.. Lets hope the foods as great as the coffee!

I love the idea of the haloumi fritter dish, however felt it was really greasy. Is there any chance of grilling the fritters? A nice meal, but weighed down by the oil. By the way, I'm no weight watcher, just a bit to greazzzzy!