castle rock cafe

must be one of christchurch's best-keptcafesecrets. a little off the beaten track in an industrial area of heathcote valley, but well worth a visit. the service was fantastic. as soon as we arrived a friendly waitress brought us menus and took coffee orders. the coffee was excellent - decent strength and smooth taste. the food was brilliant as well and delivered very quickly. i had the apple cinnamon oat pancakes with berry compote, greek yogurt and maple syrup. they tasted great and it was a pretty hearty breakfast (i almost struggled to finish the last bite). my breakfast companions' eggs benedict also got two thumbs up. i also appreciated the quiet environment (the background music was kept to a low volume).

looking for a child-friendly lunch spot near the gondola, castle rock popped up on our radar. tucked away on a back road in an industrial area, it really is a hidden gem. it definitely lives up to the child-friendly rep - upon entry we were offered our choice of three different types of high chair!
the food here is hearty, comfort food style meals but provided plenty of choice for both the vegetarian and lactose-intolerant members of our group. coffees and shakes were generous serves and well-received. service was quick and friendly, although the number of customers flying through meant that we were not revisited after our meals were brought to the table.
i have two little nit-picks with the place. first of all, the interior of thecafeis packed with tables leaving very little room to move around. leaving strollers in the car if you can would be a wise choice. secondly, despite having lots of both indoor and outdoor toys, the doors are easy for toddlers to maneuver and the outdoor area is not fenced, making it harder for parents of toddlers to relax completely. while we'd definitely return, thecafeis perhaps best for those families with non-mobile infants and those with older children.

oh my goodness, the food is to die for!

the atmosphere is great and the setting is perfect. they've got a beautiful little garden hidden away too.

they've been nominated for bestcafein nz this year and i can see why. i'll be back, over and over.

what a place.

we went to the castle rockcafefor brunch today. we go out for lunch every day and expected this to be another wolf in sheeps clothing. what we got was friendly, professional service where the customer is king. we got the sirloin steak and hubby had a filled bap. i was asked what kind of cheese i wanted, i chose blue and was fronted with a very pretty plate that was loaded with flavour and freshness. the bap was generously filled with fresh ingredients and was good value as was the philly cheese sirloin. the coffees were just right, well made and the right temperature.....too many establishments are serving lukewarm coffees that quite frankly are no reason to expect repeat business. thiscafeis deservedly busy and is now our new local. highly recommended and deserves it's accolades.

we come to castle rock every wednesday. i look forward to our visit days before. this is my happy place. this is the bestcafein christchurch. why? great prices, great coffee (supreme), best of all, amazing service that's consistent. this place is a must.

good food that is rustic and simple but also very tasty, the coffee is great and the atmosphere is a rustic surrounding adding the comfort to your experience and to further the experience the customer service is spot on they are friendly and cater to your individual needs. would recommend thiscafeto anyone.

absolutely amazing coffee and food! i drop in everyday morning for coffee and go for lunch at least one a week. fantastic service, in fact the best service you will ever get anywhere! beautiful artwork too amy!! i highly recommend thiscafeas the bestcafeto go to! you won't be disappointed. you guys at castle rockcaferock big time! i'll be back as soon as my wrist has mended and i can drive again or when one of my friends will bring me!
arohanui

we have never had a disappointing visit here!! it is by far the bestcafein christchurch!! awesome service, amazing food and really good coffee. child and pooch friendly too :) would definitely recommend thiscafeto anyone, especially for breakfast (they have the best mushrooms!!) or if you're wanting a new 'local'. i am a vegetarian and they cater any meal i want to suit my needs. it also has a cute outdoor area, good indoor/outdoor flow and a cool vibe. love, love, love castle rock :)

this is the bestcafein christchurch and you know it before you even walk in. on the door they say no bikers.

absolutely awesome - we revisited one of our favourite local cafes only a few days after the earthquake. there they were open and serving fantastic coffee, fresh food and lots of love up to everyone who walks in the door. the weekend breakfast menu is good qualitycafefood - eggs and trimmings all round (the mushrooms were fab), fresh breads, pancakes for the kids - just what the doctor ordered. this place is an oasis, treat yourself.

the first time we visited castle rockcafeand we are big fun of you now!
great food, very friendly and prompt serving, and great price too!
still hard to find out thecafewhich kids and parents both enjoy, but here's the one!
we're definitely highly recommend to friends and coming back again soon. great work guys!

we feel lucky that our office is handy to thiscafeas they have great food, great prices and great staff. we even go there in the weekends for brunch as we know we wont be disappointed. very highly recommended!

i've been to thiscafenow at least four times and each time have been delighted with the food, the excellent service and the child-friendly atmosphere. toys for the children, colouring in pictures and pencils and the food is well priced.
a hidden gem!