Normally my biking Friend and me go to Karori Park cafe most Saturday mornings after a bike ride up Makara Peak. I decided to try Cafe on the Square on Sat 10th Sep. I ordered eggs benedict with mushrooms + flat white for $21.
So disappointed in service, the young man who took my order had to re ask what coffee when already I spoke clearly & slowly…obviously he did not have my undivided attention as most barrista do. He did not welcome me when he took my order – a simple “Hi” would cost $0.00.
The young lady who brought over my coffee, then my food, DID NOT even say one word, she just put the coffee and food on the table and walked away. Very DISAPPOINTED.
The same young man actually went up to a couple and asked if they were on holiday or something as they spoke with a small english ascent – maybe he thought they were a visitor for the rugby world cup.
Neither of these young man/lady had any service skills.
I WILL now go back to the friendly staff at Karori Park Cafe …..

We went there last Sunday for brunch. We had to clear one of 3 empty tables. The door was propped wide open; very cold, and the sun was blinding; it would be difficult to find a table where this wasn’t the case. Very small and cramped; we were squeezed in next to the toilets (out of order) and a kids’ play area.

When we placed our order, the lady came back and said that our food would take at least half an hour. It did! – and then they had got one of the meals wrong. They replaced it without quibble, but this meant that we had to wait even longer – and sit and watch each other eat! Meanwhile, kids were running wild..

The food was excellent. My eggs Montreal were perfect, and my husband’s full breakfast was also delicious: good quality ingredients and beautifully cooked. We forgave everything! Other people’s meals all looked lovely as well.

If you want a good nosh and don’t mind being uncomfortable, do try it. For a leisurely, peaceful Sunday morning brunch – don’t even think about it!

Great friendly and accommodating staff – always willing to go the extra mile – I am gluten and lactose intollerant and this cafe has the best gluten free orange cookies in town and very happy to make my coffee with the milk I provide – top marks for customer service

Does buying a takeaway coffee & custard square count as an experience? In my somewhat limited life it does… I bought both today and was given lovely service by a very committed barista who consulted me closely on the amount of chilli I wanted in my coffee. I felt relaxed just leaving the joint. The custard in the square could have done with a little more (vanilla) flavour, but am otherwise very happy.