I really nice Cafe, top notch food , service and surrounds, will be back.

This is the cafe you go to for great service, especially since they have hired a new guy at front of house who is so switched on! He’s fast, friendly,and has a great manner with customers and knows precisely what is going on in the restaurant/cafe at any given time. I hope you are getting paid heaps as you are a real asset! The food is always great – the slices are a little large and clunky for my liking – maybe the size could be cut down a little and keep the price the same as they are very reasonable compared to other cafes in the area. Hot chocolate is variable which is a pain as I would go there more often if it was consistently rich with lots of foam. However, these guys have their act together though and offer a High Tea on Sundays (way cool!), and artist/owner painting on Saturday evenings (quirky and fun!), and live music at times as well.

Coffe, food and service is always great

Have been coming to Barista now for a long time and it never fails to give me the best cafe/restaurant experience in Palmerston North.

Staff are so friendly and welcoming which is complimented by the inviting atmosphere. Service is always quick and efficient and you can’t help but feel you’re being given “special treatment” being a regular.

My most favoured aspect of Barista cafe is the wonderful selection of gluten and dairy free options. I am both gluten AND dairy free and thought I could never enjoy a good brownie, cake or slice again. Thank you so MUCH barista for allowing me to enjoy eating out again without feeling like its a hassle!

I don’t know if I went to Barista on a bad day, looking at all the other reviews, but I ordered a flat white thinking I was in for a great coffee given the name of the place.

My coffee arrived in a cup smeared with food on one side and the milk was very frothy with giant bubbles. The coffee was burnt and I ended up with coffee grounds in my mouth on the first sip.

I left without drinking the rest of it as I was in a rush, but now wish I had sent it back and given it a second go. Unfortunately the experience put me off trying the food, but hopefully one day I will head back to Barista and find out I was wrong and just caught them in a bad moment!

Arriving in Palmerston hungry and tired on a cold, wet holiday Monday evening isn’t good for the soul. We didn’t expect to find much open but when we found the chip shop on the edge of town had run out of fish, we crossed our fingers and drove to George Street.
Shining like a beacon were the lights of Barista. Tentacles of music and conversation reached our ears and as we opened the door the warm atmosphere hit us. We were seated straight away and provided with water and menus.
Steve (the owner) took our order for drinks and recommended a Pinot gris I hadn’t tried before. Even though the place was packed (and he’d made over 300 coffee before lunchtime!) he took the time to chat.
Our food was hot and nicely presented, the salt and pepper prawns are to die for and the rocket salad was zingy and fresh. The crème brûlée (my personal benchmark) was fabulous and a gorgeous way to end our meal.
We’ve been to Barista for lunch and coffee before and it’s always been busy, but to find it has atmosphere in the evening and good, quality food makes this place rock!
We dined out the following evening in an up market (with prices to match) Wellington eatery and we both preferred the food and atmosphere at Barista.

Agree with other reviewers, this place is really special, new owners deserve a pat on the back and a busy cafe, well done!! Very consistent menu, great warm and proficient service, nice eclectic décor and delightfully kooky owners. I would place this establishment in the top three places to dine in Palmerston North.

We went to Barista yesterday as it was my birthday. I ordered the beef salad and my friends ordred the steak and fish. We were all very happy with our meals. My salad was the best I’ve ever had (no exaggertion!!!) Atmosphere great. Service awesome.

Good food, fun atmosphere, great company. I think the best food so far in Palmy.

My favourite cafe/bistro place in Palmy

My husband and I have eaten here 4 times, and each time it has been exceptional. The roasted garlic & whipped butter on the ciabatta bread is to die for! And the mains are cooked to perfection. We eat here every time we are in Palmerston North.

Have been going to Barista since it opened. Has fabulous food, a nice ambience, friendly staff etc. My partner and I eat there often and take visitors both from Aotearoa and overseas – feeling confident that they’ll enjoy their meal. They often get quite smart with unusual little additions e.g currently got Maori potatoes and have had pikipiki, freshwater crayfish etc. as a nice NZ touch. Would recommend to the Palm North local or visitor as a definate good place to eat. Tino reka te kai! Penny