beach cafe

it was a sunny monday and over the years we had been many times before, the food was always good not cheap but worth it for the experience, and even for a summer weekday the place was usually pumping.  alas that has all changed.  the food is not as good as you could make at home, the salad would be more inspiring if you simply opened a bag from the supermarket.  i had to enquire, was it under new management.  yes, and we had been served by the owner himself.  i believe the menu has changed twice in 6 months, there is no sign of the previous chef in the kitchen.  the prices have risen if anything but the portions and quality have been reduced.  this was such a favourite place for many people from christchurch, it is such a pity that the new management could not build on that because the venue is still perfect but one would enjoy a picnic in the park opposite more and still be close to the sea.

it's been a while since my last visit and this place is just not what it used to be. i used to love coming here as food was so good. this time it's a different vibe, arrogant staff and ordinary food. eggs bene used to be served with delicious hash browns, not any more. food looked more like a pub grub. eggs were overcooked. not sure if i want to go back. shame as used to be my fav place on sundays.

i took my partner for breakfast here last saturday.  i had the grill which was huge and the smoked mushrooms with eggs and home made muffin were very tasty. coffee is great too. really enjoyed it.

came here for a brunch. service and food were average. very disappointed with the amount charged for a simple scrambled eggs on toast with a coffee. was charged extra for gluten free toast - this was not advised on the menu or by the waitress until paying (didn't mind paying a little extra though the amount charged took the mickey). charged around $23 for plain eggs on toast with coffee. wouldn't return.

great food and friendly service. we have been a few times and have always been happy with the food. tried their new menu last weekend and really enjoyed it. highly recommended.

not impressed, waitress failed on all occasions to listen to dinners instruction.  food average contrary to the amount of dinners dinning . not impressed with the compressed potato fried,  in which they called it a hash brown. not value for money 2/3 of my meal remained on my plate unacceptable.

i came here with my nanny, we ordered the porridge made with soy milk instead and eggs benedict with salmon. the eggs benedict needed quite a bit of salt added to it unfortunately, eggs and salmon were cooked well and hash browns were delicious as usual. cooked well, just a tad bland.
the porridge was underwhelming. it came with prunes, sugar crusted lemon skins, pistachios and sugar. the porridge itself had no flavoring, no spices, no sweetness. it was just bland. this combined with lack of toppings just meant that the meal got boring quite quickly :/
i think it would be a smart move to provide at least one vegan dish, even if it was just a topping variation to the existing sourdough bread.

hubby surprised me with a birthday brunch at beach cafe this month. got there at about 10:40 am. three of us had the eggs benedict, trying each of the varieties with smoked salmon, bacon and rainbow chard. one of us had the crushed roasted pumpkin on sourdough, caramelised onions, hazelnut brown butter, marinated feta. only the latter selection was delicious. the eggs benedict, we three agreed, was lacking in flavor. i needed to keep salting mine. i don't know if it was the hollandaise sauce that was lackluster but it certainly tasted like something was lacking. the coffees were lovely but the biggest downside was that we felt rushed. maybe it was because it was a saturday and they are pretty busy on the weekend, i don't know. anyway, a tall waitress kept coming over to clear away dishes and asking if we wanted anything more. she did this twice, which made us wonder if she didn't hear us the first time or if she was hinting that it was time to leave! anyway, the crunch came when, at around 12:20 pm, she said, "i'm sorry but this table is booked for lunch and i really would have thought you'd be we'll and truly gone by now." how rude is that? we had only been there about 1 1/2 hours. in other cafes, you can stay as long as you like but obviously, there's no lingering at beach cafe. we would have been more kindly disposed to accept that we had to leave had she had more class and kindness in her service approach. our total bill came to nzd 94.40 for four brunch items and four coffees. was it worth it? no. the food, except for the vegetarian selection, was mediocre, and this tall bossy waitress ruined it for us with her unbelievable rudeness. it left a bad taste in the mouth and spoiled a birthday brunch. we can put up with average food if the service is friendly and excellent. but mediocre food combined with high prices and shoddy service??? no way. we were really sorry we went there and don't plan to go back there again!

ok place the food was good prices was $$$$

this place never disappoints, had breakfast here heaps food always fresh service always great.

lovely setting and yummy food.
unfortunatley the service could be alot better.
i have been here a few times and each time, the staff member iv dealt with (a man in his 40's) is particulary unfriendly and quite rude.
its a real shame, as despite being very expensive it is a lovely cafe but good staff members are the heart and soul of a good cafe.

i am very impressed by this place. slick and modern but also inviting and accommodating. lovely outdoor area, great kids set up, excellent coffee, very good cafe food and fantastic service. if you want somewhere to take the family for a casual brunch this place is perfect!
ps i wasn't paid for this review!

great food, recommend the eggs benedict especially, great selection (almost too big for a cafe!) great location, great for kids, great service ... just great!