La Vista Cafe & Restaurant — Restaurant in Ōrākei

Vegetarians unwelcome … I normally speak easily and kindly of Auckland spots and businesses

Ok alright here we go !

We arrived a little earlier than our booking … We were told you’re supposed to be here at 7:15 pm by an almost teary 🥹 waitress

Who was while trying to accomodate us ( 6 empty tables and bar leaners available ) told but a senior waiter to shut up

What a welcome Should have left then

Then we were promptly asked about water Then we decided to stagger our order This was understood

Had to ask for second round of drinks tho ( we were thirsty )

Mains arrived To our complete and utter disappointment

Simply let down

But then the following was in no other way describable … poor

We when asked how we felt about our food … late in the piece , too late to remedy … said how disappointed we were in the vegetarian dish

Bland

We were then told

It’s not supposed to be a fun dish It is steamed broccoli “Chucked together “ !!!! With Spanish rice

Mmm mmm what a description

But then told We should have ordered Seafood paella If we wanted flavour

How unaccommodating to vegetarians

The waitress then said

I like it I can’t see why you didn’t

So we asked for all the remaining dishes to be doggie bagged ( as we do as we don’t believe in waste …more of a habit ) A second waiter put all remaining dishes in one take away container … it look fit for a pig

Then at the cash register

The owner When I said “ my wife was unhappy with the food “ Said “ I am unhappy “

Gone out for dinner To be told I off for arriving 7 mins early Had a Wellington that more resembled a good sausage roll with too much garlic A vegetarian option that was bland and a poor attempt Then upset the owner for sharing ideas on our choices - that should have been sea food paella To be insulted by a plastic saving attempt of multi dishes in one take away box

The place was visually entertaining and warm on a stormy night

But

Re visit …..can’t say we will

Recommend …. Only...

We were visiting from Melbourne, Australia for a week and came across this eatery by chance. As we were craving Fish n Chips after having some pretty tasty ones in Paihia, we decided to lunch here. We chose seats outside as it faces the sea. The fish n chips was really bland and tasteless. The batter was really thick and there is probably only $2 worth of fish in it, though the meal cost $20++ (refer attached photos which is all the batter!!!). We both took one bite and left most of the food untouched till all the waitress walked past us and asked what's wrong with the food. We nicely provided feedback to them and I believe they spoke with the female owner. She came out to our table and asked the same question, whats wrong with the food. When we told her the fish n chips batter was too thick, tasteless and bland, even with sauce it was really hard to devour, she became very defensive, condescending and agitated. She retorted "this is how we cook it in NZ, have you tasted fish n chips before. No one complaint about our fish n chips and it is very popular and we will continue to cook it this way!" When I went to pay, she felt bad and decided to refund us one fish n chips, I said No you dont need to, but she said she just want us to be happy. I said you asked for feedback about our meal so we gave you feedback. Its up to you to take it on board or turned defensive. Suggesting to customers they have not eaten fish n chips before and it is how it is, definitely not a good service recovery strategy. Even though she only charged us for one fish n chips, her attitude was a big turn-off. We loved fish n chips and have them almost every month in...

UPDATE - 30/03/23

Since posting this, they have responded to the IG message on 29/03/23, saying "sorry you got sick" but further went on to say "we are not going to argue with you whether it was food poisoning or something else that made you feel bad" then further ranted that they prepare seafood all day long and it probably was not food poisoning from their establishment, they went on and on about how they have receipts, etc. Either way, they got my $122 dollars and in return I got the worst food poisoning of my life along with a totally insincere and horrible apology. They should be happy I reported it to them so that others don't get sick and not the ministry of health!

We dined at this restaurant on 27/03/23. We ordered the Mariscos Plato (Seafood Platter with Bread & Dips). 3 hours later both my husband and I were throwing up, etc. We spent the next 36+ hours in excruciating pain from food poisoning. (Vomiting, chills, fever, body pain). 2 days later and I still cannot keep a single thing down. I reached out to La Vista via Instagram as that account is active and was left without any response. With a bill of $122, I definitely was not expecting this outcome. I've noticed the owner really laying into people leaving 1-Star reviews. I urge you to check that your seafood is not spoilt, undercooked or violating any food regulations. This was such an unfortunate and horrible experience for us. It's really sad because all we wanted to do was share a meal together as it's not something we...