Longboat Cafe — Restaurant in Fingal Bay

I don’t like bagging small businesses trying to make a go and employing staff but I was mad as hell with the service and one employees attitude that they gave me no choice. This was our first visit to Fingal Bay, went here two days in a row “what a difference a day makes”. First visit, lovely lady very friendly and helpful when I realised I forgot my card and only had a bit of cash after a walk to Shark Island, don’t worry she said bring the balance tomorrow, we were $1.50 short, 5 stars for her!!

Next day we bring back the $1.50 owing and decide to order take away of 2 flat whites, toasted sandwich on the way home. After reading the paper outside for 15 mins no coffee or food. I go and sit inside in plain view hoping to get our order soon. The girl making coffee stops and has a good long chat with a friend not concerned about the backlog making me and everyone else wait longer. After another 10mins I see her making 2 cappuccinos that I didn’t know were ours. I clearly ordered flat whites. I said no thanks I don’t want those, I don’t like chocolate in my coffee. She smugly shows me the docket and says well I made you what was on your order, I said you better ask the other waitress, I didn’t order that, I get a snarly look. She asks can I scrape the chocolate off, I said no I don’t like chocolate taste, another dirty look. She makes new coffees, very quickly mind you, yes I get another filthy look. The lady who took the wrong order apologises. After more than 30mins+ waiting I walk out and say to the coffee girl I don’t appreciate the dirty looks when I didn’t do anything wrong and have to wait over 30mins.

She had the hide to say in an offended manner, don’t you dare speak to me like that. Are you serious girl, get a better attitude, work faster or get a different job. If u see a young blonde girl making coffee take a wide berth! - 4 for our 2nd visit, so 1 🌟 in...

Longboat is the one and only Cafe along the waterfront at Fingal Bay. As such, the location is perfect, but the lack of competition it a problem.

Longboat had outdoor tables baked in sunshine, takeout tables by the beach, and more tables inside. It's located almost literally on the beach and thus is blessed with an incredible location.

The coffee was sadly underwhelming. There was almost no flavour to speak of (and I had both takeout and dine in a few hours apart), and latte art was average. I will say that the decaf tasted much better, so maybe their regular blend just needs dialing in.

The food was good quality, but expensive. Without any local competition there's really no reason for them to lower their prices, but the price of their pancakes for example is frankly extortionate for 2 small pancakes.

The staff were very friendly, highchairs were available and there was plenty of parking.

If I was in the area I'd go back, but only because there's no...

Edit: It seems like my initial review was a one-time thing because when I went back a few months later, the staff had zero knowledge of which items contained dairy and only offered me minimal modifications of existing menu items. It was a completely different experience. I would proceed with caution if you have any special dietary requirements :(

My partner and I are both vegan. When we arrived at the cafe it turns out there had been a menu change and the options we had planned to order were no longer available. The staff was so helpful and knowledgeable, suggesting modifications for us. They knew exactly which products in the kitchen contain animal products, even reassuring us that they use vegan butter by default. They prepared a lovely mushroom poke bowl and mushroom burger on toasted sourdough instead of a milk bun. I’d definitely recommend this place based off the beautiful food and...