Many years ago, my father suggested that as far as restaurants in Perth were concerned, patrons could either enjoy a good location, perhaps with a view, or a good restaurant - but never both.

I like to think he is wrong, but the evidence in support of his argument is certainly mounting. My experience last Sunday at Barchetta forms part of that evidence.

On Cottesloe Beach, Barchetta offers a fantastic view of the ocean. Seated outside on the balcony, as my friend and I were, the beach environment was intoxicating. I would be pushed to think of a better place to be at 10am on a Sunday morning.

American marketing guru Seth Godin once asked "when did you last recommend a mediocre restaurant?".  You might go to a mediocre restaurant if it is convenient or cheap, but you would not be inclined to recommend it to a friend or colleague.

This is exactly how I feel about it after going there with a mate last Sunday morning. It was just mediocre.

Having to stand in the hallway while a table was found for us was uncomfortable, but not a big issue.

The service was not bad, but there was nothing especially good about it, either.

The staff were friendly and having several staff ask for our order was only mildly painful.

The menu, while limited and unexciting, was acceptable.

The fruit toast my friend and I both chose to consume was, well, it was made from fruit bread. Coles sells it, too.

The two pots of tea I had were your standard brewed tea, not exceptional, but certainly drinkable.

My friend was not excited, but was happy with the coffee.

The prices were as you'd expect from a café on Cottesloe beachfront.

The fact is, there was nothing really wrong with this café, but there was nothing really right with it, either.

Just the evening before I had been to Bib and Tucker, where I'd become disappointed that I had eaten so much that I could not have dessert, but agreed with my companion to return soon to try them. I am keen to go back.

On the other hand, I would go back to Barchetta if invited, but I would not go back by choice unless I lived over the road, which I do not. There was nothing wrong with it, but there was nothing other than the view, especially right about it either. It was mediocre!

With a little more care and attention, it could have been great. With a little more care and attention, the owners could have increased the prices and repeat business rates simultaneously. But they didn’t.

The owners were happy with mediocre, a sad trend among restauranteurs in Western Australia, possible explaining why there are only three or four in the Top 50 restaurants in Australia.

Go to Barchetta if you are hungry and like looking at the ocean. If you like something better than mediocre, go somewhere else.