We had an adequate dinner here. Nancy very much liked her arugula salad (I didn;t get a taste) and…read moreher pumpkin risotto. I had whjat purported to be a Thai beef salad, and although the greens where very nice and the beef well prepared, it was not discernibly Thai -- no lime juice, no fish sauce, no spiciness, and no cilantro. Nice salad, but not an accurate menu listing

This was a great place for us to stop at while visiting the Waitomo Gloworm Caves. We got here…read moreright as the cafe was opening, which was probably a good thing since we didn't make a reservation but we were still able to get a table since we were early. I would recommend either making a reservation, or getting there early because it's a pretty small cafe and the dining room can fill up really quickly. Their parking spots out front is also pretty limited, so getting there early ensures that you have a place to park without having to circle around and find street parking. We got one of their salads and their fish and chips and both were absolutely divine. I loved the freshness of their salad and their flavor combination. The citrus dressing really tied it all together. The fish and chips, as a staple in NZ was so fresh and crispy here! I truly enjoyed it. The table next to us got the mini lamb burgers, and if I had more stomach space, I would have loved to try that too since it looked juicy and mouthwatering. The views in this place was also really great and and I truly enjoyed my visit.

We had a very reasonable lunch here yesterday on our way to Waitomo., It was pretty different…read morefrom what the Lonely Planet described, but that is on the guidebook, not the restaurant. (weak beer list, for example) I had a plate of ribs with barbecue sauce, while my wife ordered sticky chicken. She was, I am sorry to say, a bit mean to the restaurant -- she has asked whether the sticky chicken was spicy, and was told that it wasn't. Then when it arrived, she expressed her discontent but repeatedly refused their offers to bring her something else. What really impressed me was how persistent but the waiter and the manager were in trying to make things right with her, despite her refusal to accept that. New Zealand nice meets midwestern stubborn.

The best meal I had in New Zealand! The pork belly bowl was absolutely delicious. It was so fresh…read moretasting and the pork belly was perfect. It wasn't greasy--it was airy and the perfect consistency. I keep saying perfect because it was just perfect! The toastie was also so good and the fries were tasty! The service was warm with plenty of drink refills. It's the perfect stop after a long day at the glow worm caves!

One of few places that are good at both lunch and dinner - Elixir Cafe . This time the treat was a…read moredinner menu item cooked for lunch. Pan-fried fish with #Lyonnaise potatoes, charred capsicum purée, tomato salsa, pickled fennel and capers' popcorn.

This place is famous for it's Mince on Toast. If that sounds like it might float your boat check it…read moreout. The service this time around was pretty crap though, we had to go up and get our own menus and were looked at weirdly when we asked for another drinks menu. There were no high chairs which is a pain when you have a toddler. Weirdly there were a lot of toddlers in this establishment as well, and I bet every parent there thought the same as me! Last time around at this place I do not remember the service being so poor, so it may have just been an off day! When i came to the menu this time New Plymouth however I chose to branch out and get something more "exotic". Southern Fried chicken and Waffles with Louisiana style Hollandaise was the pick. It came out and looked the part but the waffles were soggy the chicken was good the Louisiana style Hollandaise was relatively flavorless. So all around underwhelming really. Although this time around my experience was underwhelming this place is generally pretty good. Like I said at the beginning if fancy mince and toast is the kinda thing to float your breakfast or brunch boat I suggest you call in and visit these guys, that's the local go to dish and always a winner!

Best cafe I sampled in New Plymouth. Slightly out of the main shopping area but worth the visit…read more Awesome counter of delicious fresh salads, sandwiches, fritters, pies and so much more on a great menu. Huge emphasis on fresh ingredients. Clearly lots of people agree because the place was packed and buzzing. Quirky atmosphere and decor, including the staff uniforms. And to top it off, great coffee

Best breakfast I've had in a loooong time…read more The decor is your American 50's fare, the service was "old fashioned" too, they were super friendly and really accommodating despite the packed house. The cabinet food had me salivating and I can tel I'm in fur a good meal anytime I find myself tempted by the cabinet food. I was not disappointed. I ordered a big breakfast of which I could not fault. If there's one place you eat while you're in Taranaki make this the one. Get in early though because you're not the only one who knows about this little gem!

I have been here twice, both times for coffee. Once in the late afternoon and just now, when I was…read moreone of the first customers right when they opened. The servers are polite & friendly and they certainly do a brisk business, though it should be noted that each visit was because no other coffee place was open. Returning to the coffee, since it is a coffee cafe I anticipated a full flavored, delicious brew. While it wasn't bad - meaning not burned, bitter or stale - it offered little in terms of good taste. Pretty much along the lines of what you would get at McDonald's.

Lunch catch ups combine pleasure and purpose. Love working from the local cafes, tasting their…read moremenus, drinking their coffee and observing people around. On the photos #cabinetfood from Chaos Cafe

Very cool spot right on the Tasman sea. Beautiful view. Great food enjoyed the fish and the…read moreseafood pasta dish. Wine may have been opened more than a day. The gentleman was not overly friendly. The place is unique. Still had Christmas decor up. Not sure if we will revisit again.

European tavern style food, super fresh and tasty fish and veges. This place has a cosy atmosphere…read moreand a great look to it. There are great views of the water and surrounding beach and often there is wildlife to look at through the windows we can listen to the sea and the sounds of the elements outside. Our eggs were poached perfectly!

A delightful contemporary themed cafe with great indoor and outdoor seating in a private courtyard,…read moreadjacent to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. They serve great coffee and plenty of tasty treats to choose from either their a la carte menu for breakfast, brunch or lunch or from their cabinet selection. The service is always warm and friendly and the wait-time not too bad!

Very pretty interior, and very bright! Lots on the menu, and quick service! They also do takeout…read moreand eat in. The wine glasses are adorable! I didn't have a problem on Saturday but did on a Sunday getting a table around noon.

Standout service. Efficient and very warm and friendly…read more Perfect place for a coffee and scone!!

Amazing place downtown. Delicious food. Very friendly and helpful staff. Felt very welcomed. Had…read morecomfortable seating inside and out. Gonna make this place a regular stop.

Brunch at The dept. - lamb burger in a charcoal bun with sweet potato chips. Parpadelle pasta with…read moreprawns in creamy sauce. It felt like sitting in a New York corner bar, watching the world rolled by, enjoying trendy food and good coffee. And all that with NZ warm and generous service.

We decided to check out Centre City Shopping Mall for a quick detour and spotted Lush Cafe and…read moreGelato while we were walking around inside. Hello second dessert spot. We dropped in on a Friday afternoon (around 3:00pm). Most customers were ordering either coffee or gelato. They use Ozone Coffee Roasters as their bean supplier. The interior has one of those hipster neon signs and incandescent light bulbs to match. The main display case is filled with sandwiches, toasties, salads, lasagna, penne pasta and pastries. There's also a gelato case that has 9 homemade flavours to choose from. Love the self serve water dispenser that was filled with lemon and mint leaves. There's two menus up on the wall. Gelato, milkshakes, juices and alcohol round up the dessert and drinks. For food, there's breakfast/brunch options, burgers, sandwiches and salads. - Affogato ($5.00 NZD) - this was advertised on their sign outside which caught my eye. The espresso was nice and creamy. The scoop of vanilla bean ice cream was perfect. I don't drink coffee but I liked the affogato. Worth trying out their gelato.

We love the style in this place, the food is yummy and our favourite filling is salmon, and the…read moredouble omelette is the best in town. The food is creative and colorful. The staff have happy smiles and the service is great with small waiting times. We like the location and enjoy the experience of coming here.