Rest Bay Cafe Bar in Bridgend

Ordered lasagne, beef burger, ham,egg & chips, soya latte, 3 hot drinks. £55 Plate delivered containing garlic bread and a portion of chips, which we obviously assumed was part of our order, as the lasagne came with garlic bread and the other 2 meals included chips. We expected the rest of our order to appear straight away, but it didnt and, as the food was starting to get cold we queried where the rest of our food was with 2 members of staff. There'd been a mix up, waiter said this wasn't part of our order, but we could keep them and the rest of our meals would be along shortly. The chips and garlic bread were cold by this time anyway. Then another member of staff appeared. Thought he'd come to apologise for the mix-up, but instead he asked me to "accompany him to the cash desk" to pay for the garlic bread and chips that had been delivered to our table by mistake!- as if we were criminals fraudulently taking food that we hadn't paid for! Joke customer service

Sunday lunch stop at the beach. Tried the surf shack takeaway van that is below the cafe. Food not great, I’ve never known cheesy chips that had slimy sauce on them that didn’t taste of cheese (that had been microwaved prior to serving). The fish goujons was basically fish fingers. Waited an age to get the food as it was badly run by two teenage boys who didn’t seem to have a clue what they were doing and seemed to be doing each order one at a time rather than pre-empting and cooking what orders they already had. Exacerbated by them having a chat half way through with the manager/owner. It wasn’t even busy so no idea how they cope when it does get busy. Overall bad expensive seaside American fries!

The prices should ensure an excellent experience. But food was not excellent and glasses not properly washed. The glass fronted balcony should be pristine, given the prices, but birds have left their mark (for quite some time). The men's toilets were a disgrace. Disappointed - a few changes here and there would justify the prices they charge

Lovely view on a nice evening that was it!!! I called in with my daughter she wanted an iced coffee I just wanted a normal one, I was told I could not have a take away iced coffee as they were too busy to make it what a joke I walked out. My daughter was fuming she went in and was told by the owner that we could have an iced coffee if we sat inside so basically they were too busy to put it in takeaway cup, we had a dog so we couldn't go inside. The owner also needs to learn some manners and not be rude, when customers are making an order you don't interupt you wait until they have finished. We went down to Mama Frans and it was lovely.

It would not be complete, after a walk, without a visit to this cafe. Staff are always welcoming and friendly. Really good menu, reasonably priced and food is just lovely. Always well presented and generous portions. The view from here is just amazing. Definitely recommend. Thankyou to all who work in this little gem.

I never leave bad reviews, but im afraid it was so awful I have to. The food took way longer than we were told and people who came after us got served before us. When we went to ask where our food was they brought it out pretty quickly and it was almost cold. Spent 9 quid each on a chicken pesto sandwich I was told was stunning but was nothing but. Mine was gluten free so wasn't expecting the world, but it had probably about a teaspoon of pesto on one side and was cold. My parter had the same and was told his stunning sandwich comes with lovely bread, but it looked like any old sliced bread you could get in the supermarket and again had barely any pesto.The chicken was also dry and obviously from a cheap £1 packet. It was extremely below standard for the price we paid,and only got it as we were told it was stunning. They did replace our chips at least which were nice, but for about 30 quid I feel completely ripped off. I would never eat here again after this experience. 18 quid for an unbuttered, unseasoned, dy, cheap, bland, cold sandwich worse than one i'd pick up in a garage.

We went here for lunch, and I could see right into the kitchen where the ‘chef’ was making my meal. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw that my meal was left under a hot plate that was left mostly off, and the top of the bun for my burger was just dumped on the side of the hot plate and wasnt actually on my plate! The bun was also touching some old order receipts (which in my opinion was also a fire hazard as it was actually on the ‘hot plate’), this is so unhygienic! There was also a dirty used glass right next to my burger bun. Disgusting, and especially as I had told the staff I had allergies, which were clearly not taken seriously as the ‘chef’ also picked my burger in his hand to place it on the burger. He then realised he forgot to put cheese on my burger, and he once again placed the top of the bun on the hot plate touching the receipts; I couldn’t believe my eyes. Needless to say, I did not eat the burger and gave it to a seagull in the carpark! I won’t be back!! Serious health and safety training is needed in this establishment.

Such an amazing place, with awesome views! Food was good, service was great. However we really want to say how especially wonderful the manager John was to us. We prearranged to meet there as a final wish for my relative who is terminally ill and John couldn't do enough for us all. He was understanding, considerate and went above and beyond to make this occasion really precious. We'll most certainly be back. This place deserves to be well supported.

Overpriced, my partner had full breakfast and I had poached eggs on toast. Which was supposed to come with avocado but didn’t. Meals are overpriced and not filling. Next day our child who shared breakfast from my partners plate, they both come down with food poisoning. Really put off going ever again

It’s a shame to read the negative reviews as I really couldn’t fault our experience. Having called in for coffee after a walk, we liked it so much we decided to return for breakfast the following day, prior to our journey home. It was very busy and there was a little wait for food but the young staff handled this efficiently and politely. I can honestly say the food was well worth the wait! My daughters both ordered the pancakes, my husband had the full breakfast and I had the eggs avocado which was genuinely delicious. One of the nicest meals I have eaten out in a long time. Would definitely return and would absolutely recommend.

A wonderful place to eat or have a drink. The manager and his staff are so lovely, and friendly and will do anything to accommodate their customers. The food is gorgeous, as are the cakes. I would definitely recommend this place.

Very disappointed when we visited after a couple of hours on the beach, yesterday. Looked forward to a drink, and bite to eat. We were 5 adults, with 2 dogs. Knowing the cafe isn't dog friendly (very unusual for the seaside), we went upstairs to order food to take to the outside tables; we were told that they don't do take aways, and we could get food at the kiosk. The "food" consists of crisps, biscuits, welshcakes and choc bars. Lol Not very suitable for a lunch time. Perhaps you need to take note of cafes like Francos in Aberavon.. as now they have a dog friendly section, they are always packed regardless of the weather/season.

Echoing other reviews of this cafe, the staff really are the ones letting this place down. Incredibly rude members of staff with next to no customer service skills. Everything is too much trouble and you really are made to feel like an inconvenience. So disappointing that a beautiful spot for refreshments is spoiled by shamefully poor management.

This place is great! We go there a lot. Manager is always welcoming, friendly and helpful. Staff are polite and work hard. Food is always good, as it can be busy - a testament to it’s popularity the manager and staff let you know if thete are slightly longer wait times for food than usual. The coffee kiosk is great- staff are efficient and polite. Surf shack is great for takeaway or snack. The place is always clean and a super location. Ignore negative reviews- staff are great in such a popular place. Evenings are beautiful there in the summer with outside balcony seating.

Amazing food Amazing service highly recommend... staff are lovely understanding and sympathetic Go for a beautiful unique experience 😊

I’m disabled. With a dog. No dogs. No take away soy latte coffee. We asked for paper cups to take our drink out. Far too much trouble for the manager and he would not show any reasonable adjustment. Shame on you and your treatment of disabled people.

Called in on chance for lunch (fish &chips), which was excellent & beautifully-presented. Service was quick and very friendly. Views over the sea are magnificent. We will definitely come again.

What a shame! it is very rare you find such a lovely building, in prime position, opened with the pomp and ceremony by the First Minister to be run by staff clearly out of their depth. This is the first time that I have written a negative review, I have been two or three times before to the cafe with family and felt the tension amongst the staff. Today however was on a different scale. Firstly we joined a queue to order and after queuing for a while one of the staff called out to say get a table number before you order. Now that seems obvious but with no instruction or notices, we left the queue and found a table. Rejoining the queue from the back and after 10 minutes managed to place the order for my wife and myself. On payment I was told that there was a 45 minute delay at the moment, I have to say that I was perturbed but being a lovely afternoon, we’d sit it out and enjoy the view. After a time, my wife went to the counter to get some condiments, while she was there she asked how much longer the order was going to take as we had been waiting a considerable time. As she sat back down at our table, one of the staff came over to us and forcefully told us that we were told 45 minutes when we ordered which meant that they still had 13 minutes to fulfil the order! I cannot understand how it’s in this mess, with a busy cafe like this, table service would relieve all their stresses. It is not possible to make a profit with the table that we occupied was tied up for more than hour for £23. Staff are the main problem.

Lovely views over Rest Bay and nice wine. This was an afternoon visit. Great location. And the wine is very nice. The food is also good when I visited before.

We had been for a swim in the sea so were looking forward to a bite to eat. My wife asked if they were dog friendly and the manager said we are friendly to dogs, however they can't come in. She then asked if we could order food to eat outside on the tables to be told no and to use the Costa on the front of the building which didn't serve meals. This place is at a prime location and has a monopoly on customers, but judging by some of the other reviews they don't seem to care about customer service.

Very disappointed with service. 6mins past breakfast deadline. Caffe not busy with Chefs clearly still cooking. Refused a simple toast request. Rude bar staff.

No dogs! Ok but you cant have food outside. Food shack seems to open when they feel like it. Out of 6 visits been open at most 3 times. Kiosk sells hot drinks, pringles only and a few chocolate bars.

Queued for over 20 minutes to then get to the front of the queue, to be told they were not serving any more hot drinks, wanted to order 4 lattes icecreams and snacks why didn't someone come out from behind the counter to tell us instead of letting us queue up very slow service. As a family we have spent a lot of money in this kiosk over time not any more 😡

Queued at the surf shack for 50 minutes before getting served, despite there only being 4 people ahead of us. Then an additional 25 minute wait for food (one burger). The staff were serving their colleagues food whilst customers had been waiting for over an hour. When the food eventually arrived it was awful.

Visited The Rest Bay Cafe at lunchtime and was pleased to see half of the tables available and no queue at the counter. I have a disability which means I can’t stand for long without fainting and was with my young child who is Autistic, non-verbal and can’t be left alone. I approached the counter at 12:23 to be told by the server that I couldn’t order food until 12:30. I should add I have been here many times and ordering a few minutes prior to lunch service starting has never been a problem. I explained that I had some disability issues to manage which meant coming back and forth and queuing would be problematic for me. She said with a big smile on her face “if we made exceptions for you, we’d have to make exceptions for everybody”. By this point there were only 5 mins to wait so I took a seat at a nearby table. At 12:30, someone from every occupied table got up and formed a massive queue to order which went all the way out of the door and down the stairs. Clearly everyone was in the same boat. I approached a member of staff and explained my predicament. I’m not able to stand for that long and neither can my child. I got the response of “there’s nothing I can do”. I asked for a quiet word with the manager. He came over and I again explained the situation. I’m not trying to jump the queue, I’m just trying to find a way to order food in a way that doesn’t involve prolonged standing. I can’t risk fainting when alone with a young, vulnerable child. The manager said these exact words “you’re a nice girl and very polite but we can’t make exceptions for people with disabilities, if we did that, we’d have to do the same for everyone”. I said “well actually no, people with disabilities are covered under the Equality Act 2010 and I’m only asking for a reasonable accommodation given that your cafe has imposed an unforeseen, (new) barrier to me today”. He refused to back down, citing that his staff are “only young, you can’t expect them to know about disabilities”. I suggested training is required all round as hospitality businesses have a legal responsibility to make reasonable adjustments for disabled customers. Given their repeated refusal to take my order I left hungry and upset. Upset that my son has to grown up facing such barriers and discrimination. Upset that the predominantly teenage staff are actively being trained to not accommodate disabled customers despite this being contradictory to the Equality Act 2010. We live around the corner from this cafe and locals keep places like this afloat through the winter. Needless to say we won’t be returning.

Lovely place. Been twice now and food excellent both times. Lovely skin on fries and great veggie selection. Was super full on sat but had a table after a little wait and all staff super helpful.

This venue is in a prime location and is lucky enough to be the only refreshment stop at Rest Bay so people don’t have a choice. The manager is unbelievably rude to customers. We waited over an hour for our food which was only a...

Fab food, beautiful view with friendly staff. We visited tonight two couples, the view is to die for looking over rest bay with panoramic windows....the food was fresh not expensive well prepared presented and cooked. The staff were friendly and helpful and could Not do...

The Staff are totally rude and think they are something special when they couldn’t pass an IQ test if they all joined in to do it. Lovely views, food average, staff are a disgrace and it’s such a shame if visitors to wales think we’re...

Popped in with friends hoping for an early lunch at 11.30. The location is fantastic and we had planned to spend a good hour or more over a light lunch while soaking in the views and atmosphere but......between 11.30 and 12.15 the café serves coffees...

Looks good, lots of cakes. Lovely view. My daughter has coeliac disease and I'd say that despite there being 3-4 different options for her on display, none were safe as they were uncovered next to normal cakes and with the same tongs. I didn't say...

Absolute rubbish. Unbelievable bad service. Order not carried out and money returned. Aggressive staff. Dirty and unsuitable for anyone with a disability. A disgrace.

Visited this cafe after a walk and wish I hadn't. The manager here is a disgrace. The way he spoke to one of his customers was embarrassing and made me cringe. He chastised her for ordering food and sitting outside. You could see she was...

I’ve been here on many occasions and every time the service has been exemplary. The food is fantastic and there is a great choice of non alcoholic and alcoholic drinks. The views are one of the best views in Porthcawl.

Not very good food. Had to recook mine as i found a hair in my food. Maybe should of read the reviews first. Such a shame as i really like the lunch menu. Waitress was very apologetic but the Breakfast put me of from going...

Checked on website opening times and whether dogs were allowed in. Noted that dogs were not. When we arrived we found a table downstairs outside. Looked at menu then I went into the cafe to order. Explained where we were sitting to be told that...

Popped in this morning after a walk, downstairs you can’t get food, upstairs you can get food but can’t take food away which is a dilemma with a dog as of course dogs are not allowed. From the look at the reviews you receive maybe...

Nice setting. Lovely views. Porthcawl prices... Ordered the 'Veggie Burger'...same price as my daughter's steak burger (£13.00). When it turned up it was a 3" diameter mushroom in a bun! Last time I checked, mushrooms are cheaper than steak!!

We bought a surf hotdog and were shocked at the poor value for money and the cheep food we were served, see picture below , this costs £5 !!! Shameful.

Beautiful location and views. But the food is really awful. The fish and chips was very poor quality. The battered fish was obviously frozen and made from reformed fish rather than filet. It was reminiscent of an 80s school dinner. Such a shame as there...

We visited whilst walking the coastal path. Very expensive, not good value for money. My tea came a cup of hot water and a separate tea bag. No milk, but a large jug of milk provided when I asked. No where to put the teabag....

First visit to Rest Bay. The cafe is in a great spot overlooking the sea with an outdoor balcony. There is a break in food service between 11.30-12.30. I thought there’d be a huge rush for food at 12.30 but it was very well organised...

Went for a dinner on a rainy and windy evening. Friendly service, lovely food and generous portions. All round good value. A very pleasant evening.

Lovely place….,went for breakfast, however, there isn’t much selection for children but buttermilk pancakes with maple syrup are always a winner! So we went, paid for parking and when ordering to be told we will not switch items, only take off….so we can do dried...

The place itself is lovely and this is the problem - they are secure in the knowledge that the view and location will pack people in. We have been many times for that very reason, but the service is usually not good. They frequently forget...

We met with friends on Friday evening. Arrived around 6.30. Not surprisingly on such a hot day there was no room outside for 4 so we occupied a window seat inside. We ate fish and chips, ham egg and chips x 2 and scampi and...

We don’t visit this establishment half enough. It’s on our doorstep but it’s a while since we were there last. Dropped in on the spur of the moment. Around 5.00pm Very quiet. The views are outstanding. The food is nice and the service was good....

Vastly overpriced, tiny cup of coffee more expensive than Tenby. Two small cups of coffee and two bite sized pieces of cake £13. Flask next time

First visit: I called at the Costa downstairs to be told they were closing but that upstairs was open and did takeaway. I had a dog with me but as I thought it was takeaway it would be ok. When I got upstairs they told...

Unlike pubs when closing time is last orders. Last orders is when they decide ! so I was refused drink at 8.25. Closing time is get out. I would suggest closing time is 8.30. And drink up by closing time.

Always call in here after walk along coastal path whether it be for food or just a coffee. This is such a friendly place and staff are so warm and friendly. Really good menu and great value and the food is just lovely, freshly prepared...

Visited on a very busy Easter Sunday. Great atmosphere, stunning views and brilliant staff. A special shout out to the manager John, who is always so welcoming and a vision of complete professional calm on what I’m sure was a challenging weekend! Definitely worth a...

No takeaway coffee despite having takeaway cups behind the counter, rude and indifferent. Second time we’ve been here and our last. Taking own flask next time. Can’t be making much money.

Went with my parents for a quick lunch. We tried to order but were told that they stopped serving food at 14.30. All signs and menus stated that food was served until 4. The menus were all still on the tables so we assumed we...

A great place to visit after a walk in the beach - fast efficient service - food was great! Will definitely visit again

On a cold day decided to park the car and pop in for a coffee, had the dog so that was a non starter, No Dogs allowed, thats fair enough, decided to join the queue for a take out coffee as my wife and dog...

This place is a must go to after a walk along the coastal path. Great location and the friendliest staff. The menu is great, as is the food and is extremely good value. Cannot praise this place enough, always lovely to call in for just...

Excellent sandwich with fresh bread and ample filling, with salad and crisps. Friendly service. Excellent view of bay. Plenty of outside tables. Clean toilets. Will definitely return again.

Really nice place and very clean and inviting for families... The menu looked a little bit overpriced but I suppose you paying for the location with the lovely view of Rest Bay.. Biggest problem for me is when my partner made the order at the...

Great staff ! Great fresh food ! Great location ! Great service ! We sat on the wonderful balcony overlooking Rest Bay on a sunny afternoon cant get better than this !

We ate lunch on the balcony on the first floor restaurant. It was a lovely day weather wise and consequently it would be difficult to beat the view. The food was good but basic but we enjoyed our lunch. It seemed well organised Covid wise...

Just visited wasn't aware drinks couldn't be taken downstairs as we had a dog. Waited an age in queue asked a number of times if they did takeaway..no-one replied, young girls unable to make eye contact or answer. Lady on check out lovely and working...

Lovely lunch on the balcony in fabulous sunshine overlooking Rest Bay. Good menu and great food for a cafe. Recommend fish goujons accompanied by lovely chips. Excellent drinks menu. Staff could not have been more welcoming. When the people at the next table had Aperol...

Had our brunch here last Sunday on the balcony overlooking the surfers. Rest bay itself very busy but managed to get a seat on the balcony. We both had the regular veggie breakfasts which were really delicious! Great staff, nothing too much trouble. 2 breakfasts...

Visited for the first time for lunch. Had a table on the outside veranda. Fantastic outlook on a sunny day over Rest Bay. Limited choice on the menu. The food we had was nice and fresh though. Had a steak burger and Fish Goujons ....

Visited twice on a Tuesday and Wednesday. On the Wednesday we decided to pop in for breakfast and a coffee. Too late for breakfast (our fault) so we had lunch instead. There was a mix up with one of our meals it the manager dealt...

Me, my partner and 4 year old daughter visited for the first time last weekend in the nice weather. Paid the car park fee in hope to have a nice lunch in the Cafe. We were greeted nicely and told could sit where we wanted...

Enjoyed a good meal here until I found a long black hair in my veggie burger..had to leave the remainder of my meal. They offered me a cake or drink but the intended first time out eating in over a year was ruined by a...

Amazing venue, a must in porthcawl, social distancing measures are perfect, friendly staff and owners!

Location second no none!( especially out on the terrace) friendly and helpful staff.Perfect place for a coffee,cake,sandwiches and more....after a long walk from Rest Bay to Morfa Beach .... Tiffany makes the best Cortado coffee,excellent...5 stars! My favourite to go place ,especially during this difficult...

Bad start having to queue on stairway for over 10 mins when people leaving cafe had to use the same staircase. This was high risk as staircase only about a metre wide!! When taken in, told l couldn’t yet sit outside (despite 4 tables being...

The view is wonderful from the verandah, the staff are pleasant and friendly but they do require a manager on site to supervise. The coffee I ordered was supposed to be a cappuccino but it was just a milky coffee. I returned next day with...

Went here for breakfast with my wife and 2 children. Premises were clean, very modern and the views were great. The menu was very pricey so I was expecting great things. Unfortunately the food was average at best. There was no children’s menu for breakfast,...

So disappointed with this takeout, waited again yesterday for drinks, witnessed 2 people ask if they'd forgotten their order, one lady taking 3 hot drinks back ,all of this while I waited for our flat white and hot chocolate,,,,,, don't order a flat white you...

Slow, had a long wait in a narrow non-covid friendly stairwell to find out if they did sandwiches to take away - this would take 15-20 mins for simple kids sandwiches so we opted for a piece of cake x 2 which was over £6....

Visited for lunch. No evidence of any special measures for Corona virus. Contact details were not asked for by the staff. Our order for sandwiches and drinks for two people took almost an hour. The balcony area was overcrowded, no opportunity to distance from other...

We decided to get some breakfast. The system and coronavirus measures were pretty good and we ordered 3 vegan breakfasts and drinks. It was a bit pricey to be honest at £28.00. Firstly they brought out vegetarian not vegan breakfasts but they were very apologetic...

We have given this place a few chances. We went to lunch but because it was 11.55 you couldn't place an order until 12 so had to just stand and wait. Then to get a coffee another time. During coronavirus season. No evidence of increased...

We frequented the old cafe here regularly but won't go back to this one. Firstly I am disabled and a lift goes to the first floor but when you get there the door is really hard to open - impossible for me as it is...

Called in for breakfast while my son was participating in the Porthcawl park run. Bacon and sausage sandwiches with coffees. Nicely presented, nicely cooked and pleasant efficient staff. We enjoyed the experience in lovely surroundings and watched the park run from the balcony. We will...

Went to the cafe today after a long walk around the coast. Was extremely unhappy when arriving at the Rest Bay Cafe. After waiting 15 minutes in a queue just to make a food order had to wait 10 minutes for coffees. It took 25...

At last I made it to the rest bay cafe. Customers need to understand this is not Malc’s cafe. Yes that was good of its sort. BCBC decided to upgrade the area and they are responsible for the building. Tenders went out and the company...

I don't understand why owners spend so much money on buildings, and so little money on staff and training. It was an absoolute disgrace in this unit. Young staff undertrained with no idea what they are doing. 40 x Minutes for a cup of coffee...