songbird cafe

this is the second time i've visited, and had the same kind of experience. the barista drinks are fine. the food is not great. it's quite pricy, which i could forgive if it were tasty or had bigger portions. the slice of quiche i had today was tiny and didn't have any seasoning. it's a shame since thecafelooks nice and there aren't many options like it nearby.

visited thiscafetoday, first outing since lockdown.
upon entry, made sure to read covid-19 posters and instructions to follow on visit. filled in form for contact tracing, then waited to be seated as instructed by sign. stood there with my newborn and toddler for a good while, watching staff walk back and forth right in front of me with no acknowledgement at all, finally decided to stop a waitress and asked if i was to wait or just find a seat, she didn't really acknowledge what i asked and just grabbed menus and ushered us to a table.
served a glass with half the top of rim missing(cracked off), very dangerous.
all adults received food except my toddler, which we had to chase up. maybe next time, use a notepad when taking an order so you don't miss anything out.
word of advice, a smile and a simple hi goes a long way when anyone walks through your door. customer service 101

lovely venue and staff were helpful although a bit slow. i would not recommend to anyone who is concerned about price or value for money. a concern mainly spurred by their songbird salad offering. a poorly dressed and tasteless collection of  leaves and a scattering of soft grains, i added a protein for $5 but it still made for an expensive and unmemorable light plate of tasteless food, at $23 x three and a couple of freak shakes for the little girls (great looking shakes) and chips, there went $140.
i do expect i will only return for coffee and cake if at all.  the playground next door is a great draw for the grandchildren.
i think thiscafemay struggle with return customers.

stopped in today to try thiscafefor the first time as it is local to us. the pear & ginger muffin was amazing with a light crunchy top and not overly sweet. the coffee was disappointing - i asked how many shots were in an xl and was told only 2, so i requested 4 shots. i was charged for 6 which the barista queried but no offer of a refund for the extra double-shot was offered (i don't really mind if the coffee is good, but i do think they should have offered). my 4-shot cappuccino was very mild with no richness of coffee that you expect for the strength requested. not sure what brand of beans they are using, but if you like a strong flavourful coffee this isn't the place. the layout is very nice, good vibe inside and a light bright welcoming space. i will be back to try to cooked menu - just a shame about the coffee!!

popped into this newly openedcafefor lunch today and was really happy with the service, food and atmosphere. really coolcafewith an excellent kids playground adjacent. limited parking around the back so just park on the road.

excellentcafelocated in takaninis new suburb of waiata shores. friendly staff. delicious food and fairly priced. lovely clean and new. there is a nice rustic interior and beautiful seating areas outside.

thecafewas modern. the service was poor and the food wait time was way too long! two couples left due to the timing. during our time awaiting for our food, we watched everything unfold. tables were unwiped after the removal of plates, cups etc. other tables that had people already gone, waited 10minutes before it was cleared or cleaned. 5 waiters & 1 male barista. when the food finally came ; it was beautifully presented but the chips were cold & hard to chew, the bun was rock hard. no knives & forks, we had to source them ourselves. really a shame, was hoping for better after the prices i paid!