El Cafe — Restaurant in Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community

I come to Paihia every year for 4 years and I am used to stop at El Cafe for the warm atmosphere, the friendly service, the good iced coffee and food. However, I came back this year for my yearly treat at El Cafe and left disappointed. The waitress was just ignoring and not acknowledging our presence at all. Then as we sat down she asked :" are you guys alright ?" Like we were not supposed to be there..there was no one in the cafe and after waiting for 7 minutes we finally realised it must be counter service so we went and order. I must say the waitress was very kind to locals and regular but rude to any new customers. The food was still good tho, and so was the iced coffee. But I won't come back for the poor service, I loved El Cafe for the atmosphere but it's all gone. So disappointing.

Note: something small but I also loved the Spanish music they used to play, but now only an old radio with various music plays and I think it's not as charming. That would be nice if everyone is treated as a local upon arriving that's all.

Edit: the answer of the owner to my poor review...

El Café has the best, most authentic South American flavors I’ve tasted in all of New Zealand!

I am from Southern California and am used to good Mexican food at every corner, and that’s the one thing I miss in NZ. We stumbled on El Café after returning our rental bikes across the street. Hot and tired from our ride we were only thinking about a cold drink but the menu looked so enticing we ordered the pork quesadilla in addition to our banana smoothie and iced latte, que rico! The flavors were so fresh and just the right amount of heat. We made a plan then and there to return for breakfast on our last day in Paihia —how had we only just discovered this place?!

The next morning we were lucky enough to meet the chef and ordered his recommendations for brekkie: cubano sandwich and huevos rancheros. Again, perfection!

The food isn’t the only star: the cafe is also really cozy, comfy seats and themed decor; there’s wifi; and a clean toilet! Definitely recommend El Café and hope to...

I visited this spot during my Northland trip. I was in Paihia for three days and my accommodation was very close to this restaurant. But, I never visited this place. The outside El Cafe board was never appealing to me at all to try anything here. Before heading to Kerikeri, I stopped here for a coffee and quick breakfast. I must say, this little place is a hidden gem! I fell in love with the interior and the concepts. Whoever designed the interior has done it with utmost care. The concepts are great! The wait staff was very kind, polite and had great customer service skills. The food was amazing and the coffee was great. I gained a little knowledge about the Maya civilisation from the books kept there. Our final meal on Paihia was too good! Would definitely visit this place next time I visit Paihia abs would highly...