We called into the Fat Pigeon Cafe on our way North, as apart from needing a good coffee, the place looked attractive from the road and busy….always a good sign. We loved our coffees and the muffin and savoury scone were to die for. On top of this really important stuff the cafe also proved to be very honest and efficient. Silly me, I left my laptop (they have free wi fi), would you believe it, on the table and didn’t realise I’d done this until we were nearly at Auckland. I phoned them straight away, they were prompt, polite and patient, and we organised a courier delivery. Thanks Fat Pigeon. I’ll be spreading the word.

Just after Christmas we went through Piopio and stopped at the Fat Pigeon. The queues looked daunting, but they seemed to be moving so we waited. We got our order, and were shown to a table. My husband began clearing it as they were very busy but a very pleasant young woman came along immediately and cleaned it. I had not ordered a coffee as I like it with my meal and thought the queues would make that unlikely. However we got our meals amazingly quickly (and they were beautiful) so I went back up – fewer people by then – and ordered a coffee which came very soon after.

We were so impressed. Considering the crowds we thought Piopio’s café compared VERY favourably with the one we stopped at not long ago which had been voted best in the country a couple of years ago, and where we were given the wrong food at first. The Fat Pigeon was excellent, thank you.

It’s interesting reading these comments that there seems to be no middle ground with it! The food wasn’t expensive for what we got – just middle-of-the-road prices. Lovely food.

My husband and I eat and/or have coffee at The Fat Pigeon every weekend; we think they do a fabulous job. There are times when they are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of customers on holidays or weekends, but the cafe has been a great benefit to Piopio and the food is very good, baking superb.

We agree with Cathy [below]We travelled specially from Hamilton to dine at TFP as we thought it was just what Pio Pio needed Nice environment, good menu and concept but honestly for the prce we would expect to not have to eat our meal surrounded by the leftovers of the previous diners. YES had to ask staff to clean the table and take away used dishes.
Looking around we also noticed that every occupied table had leftovers from previous diners around them… I have worked as front of house in cafes and the mess was not appropriate, appreciated or necessary with
that number of VERY grump staff.
Also the presentation of the food has to be addressed,
The main meal being crammed onto a side plate, Should have been on a big plate . The salad [if that is what you would call it ]should have a dressing with it and or chutney etc.
The friendliest thing was the cat.
We also have never reviewed before but felt compelled to as we where so disappointed. may I suggest that you lift your game otherwise you will not get repeat travellers!

Look we had only heard good things about The Fat Pigeon, and its a nice environment, menu and concept (I like the child friendly) but honestly for the price I would expect to not have to eat my meal surrounded by the leftovers of the previous diners.
Looking around I saw that every occupied table had leftovers from previous diners around them… contending with flies and mess was not appropriate, appreciated or necessary with that number of (grumpy) staff.
I have never reviewed before but this time have felt compelled to. Sorry TFP, you guys really need to step up your game or the good rep will go!

This is our local and have always had wonderful food, coffee and service. They are especially child friendly with child friendly food, baby changing facilities, toys and a playground and park just across the footbridge. A great stop for a snack, meal or just a coffee

We regularly go to the Fat Pigeon en route to Taranaki and have enjoyed it. However, recently we had appalling service. We waited over 20 minutes for our coffee having finished our food and when we asked where our drinks were the waitress was incredibly rude. We will be going to Bosco in Te Kuiti in future!

we had our first stop at the fat pigeon cafe last weekend, and were impressed with the foods and the coffee, well done!
would like to have seen a nice fat pigeon photo on the wall rather than European canal scenes and sparrows.