starfish cafe & bar

absolutely shook. first glance this place was all right to me like any other cafe. me and my gf went in to order somefoodafter a walk on the beach for a quick meal before we headed home but man. i looked at the prices and thought "oh yeah,foodmust be good here" we ordered the eggs benedict. she had the bacon and i had the salmon. to my surprise, the eggs benedict was average or just below. the cibatta bread was hard to cut into, the egg was too over done and the meals were just way too overpriced for their taste. the only thing i like though was their milkshake, i think it was the mango milkshake that made this a 2 star for me.

went for lunch a couple of weeks ago. almost wanted to leave when i got to the counter. no greeting at all from the bored looking waitress and could see right in into the bombsite of a kitchen, looked as though dishes hadn't been done for a while! they didn't have my first choice of the salmon so we both got the fish and chips. waitress kind of wandered off leaving us unsure if we were meant to take the table number or were we could sit. went outside then decided it was too cold so found the upstairs tables ourselves.foodwas good value for money but the rest needs to sort its self out!

lovely staff,foodcame out in good time, was told to take a menu and a waitress would be up shortly but they must have forgotten so we had to go back downstairs to get our order taken but they were very apologetic. very good location

tasty! i got the salmon and an earl grey tea, and both were very good - the salmon had a sweet chutney that was a touch too sweet for me, but that’s the only problem with thefoodfor me. the tea was nice, pretty standard.

prices are standard for brunch/cafe fare, i wouldn’t be upset to come back at all.

brunch @starfish.cafe today and omg did not fail to disappoint as usual. service was a 10/10 coffees were perfect and didnt burn my mouth which is always a bonus when your about to eat something this delicious!

i had the mexibowl and i didnt realise it was vegetarian until it came out and my sister told me.... but i didnt miss the mince, just made me feel a bit healthier haha. this was packed full of flavour with heaps of herbs, and a nice big helping of fresh crunchy mixed salad greens and cabbages kale etc on the side. the avo was so fresh and nice and chunky so you know its legit not the shit out of the frozen packet. 10/10 yummmmmm

the others had the salmon omelette which is just a safe delicious choice and never fails to take youbtofoodheaven. good for those #lowcarb or #glutenfree people. other dish was the smashed avo on paleo toast with smoked salmon and eggs.

not one of us had any complaints or negatives about any of this.... such well priced and top quality food, i'm glad i don't live any closer or i'd be in danger of having a permanent chair in this cute wee cafe 😍🤤🤤

@starfishcafe
overall rating: 10/10 🔥

we ordered: dr feelgood trio 💪$23.50. so worth it because it came with poached eggs🥚 on toast🍞 + chia seed pudding + green goddess juice🥦🥒🍐🍏 ! added hollindase sauce for $3 to make it into an eggs bene🙌🏽. polenta fries 🍟 $10.50 were yummy but probably a little expensive. unless you’re in love with polenta fries would recommend the normal ones. mocha around $5 ☕️and mermaid latte🧜🏽‍♂️ $7 which was quite peculiar but super pretty🧜🏽‍♀️! twice cooked agria fried potatoes 🥔 $18.50 was basically an eggs bene but with potatoes. definitely filling and yummy . everything was so delish and fresh and aesthetically pleasing 😍. what more do you need in a brunch?!

average price: $25 incluing drinks ☕️

vibes: chill brunch at the beach on a sunny day 🌞

parking: free parking along the beach 🏝 or side streets 🚘

negative: quite busy so kind of cramped inside but no biggie! 👍🏻

loved: outdoor seating options ☀️ friendly staff 😃. located right by the beach 🏝 .foodpresentation is 10/10 👌and so many healthy options 🌿! lots of choices on the menu too! woo 😍

been twice for breakfast andfoodwas great and service was quick. great location by the water front so all and all a great spot for a coffee and cake.

we were looking for something a little bit delightful with some nice seafood for a early evening meal in st clair. this appeared to fit the bill. it's not obvious when you enter but there is a dining area upstairs as well and this was a more inviting environment that the downstairs area so i was pleased.  

there were a number of times on the menu not available that evening - and i would ratherfoodbe fresh or not availably - but it limited choices and an inventive chef i though could have created a couple of substitutions as specials. the dish i wanted came with skinny fries so i was pleased when i asked if it could be replaced with thick cut fires (which were featured on another dish) that this was not a problem.

thefoodcame quickly and was really well presented. i really wanted a sparkling water and was surprised that this time was not stocked.the wait staff were a little hit and miss but none of that would prevent me giving this place another go if we were in town.

located right next to st clair beach, starfish is always bustling with energy! i have been here on numerous occasions, usually to get away from north dunedin, and love the bright beach vibes of this super café. it is somewhere that you can take your grandma for brunch or a place that you and a mate can go to for a quick coffee. something that i love is their "beetroot latte" & "tumeric latte"; how pretty, creative and tasty!! i have tried many of the dishes on their expansive menu and have never been disappointed. also, a special shout out for their beautiful interior. the only downside would be that it is on the pricier side of café food, however i do feel that it is really good qualityfoodso is still worth it - @gastrogeeny

first time: we had breakfast early. was ok food, coffee ok, daughter liked her smoothie. nice place though we didnt feeel it was that clean on the day we were sitting outside.

second time: we had drinks and nibbles. great service. good price and thefoodwas yum. the decor and relaxed ambience inside and out was very nice.

third time: came with the kids again for drinks and snacks. the service was consistent, helpful, attentive, and friendly. everything felt clean, thefoodwas good.

fourth time: came for our first evening meal. again the service was excellent, not over bearing but friendly and helpful. asked if our meal was ok berfore we finished them. both of us had the grilled salmon and we both agree it is the nicest and most memorable meal we have had in a long time. beautifully cooked salmon with a delicious range of flavours and textures - was totally yum!

you will regularly find me at starfish cafe sipping on a coconut milk mochaccino.

the place is wonderful, cafe-styledfoodmade with quality ingredients and customer service is great. the cafe is strategically placed in from to the beautiful st. claire beach.

recommend this to anyone and everyone who is passing by the greater dunedin area.

beautifulfoodat a very nice location. friendly staff that made the lunch an enjoyable experience. i have traveled a long way to get to this part of the world and felt it was worth it just even to be at this restaurant.

starfish always provides nicefoodwith a great vibe!. the breakfasts are amaze balls, try the breakfast stack.. its a winner. love the renovations. love the coffee, love the atmosphere. always great!

we went for lunch to check out the new setup there. the line to order went super slowly however thefoodcame out quite quickly once ordered. nice coffee and really good burgers. we had a nice spot in the sun as well. nice atmosphere however now i'm slightly burnt :)

me and my friend went here for lunch and enjoyed some really really delicious lunch!! service was great too and thefoodcame out in less than 10 minutes! all in all a really great place!