From the Bridge Mall, the Capri Cafe looks pleasant and even trendy, as the front section is nicely renovated.

The back, raised section has somewhat worn carpet but was well heated, as was the pleasant outdoor area adjacent to the toilets.

Sadly, physical appearances proved deceptive.

I ordered fish and chips.

Ten minutes after ordering, this was plonked down (and I mean 'plonked') on my table with no 'thank you' or acknowledgement from the teenaged or early 20s waitress.

It consisted of a largish fillet of fish that appeared to be a larger version of what frozen food companies like Birds Eye sell in supermarkets, together with fat chips and an incredibly unappertising 'salad' with shredded carrot, some lettuce and not much else.

For this main meal price of A$11.50, I could have ordered a 'burger with the lot' at numerous cafes or takeaways in Melbourne, and it would have been far more appetising and well presented.

If this is the standard of food Ballarat residents accept, their cafe proprietors need to travel by train 90 minutes to Melbourne to see how food should be presented in an Australian setting.