Cafe Awa — Restaurant in Bay of Plenty

I had to come back and do a new review. Big change from 1 star to 5 stars ✨ Complete transformation. Gone from one of the worst places to eat to the best. Eaten there four times this week, and will be back, was so impressed with there service, quality of food and how clean the place is. Very very impressed. All I can say is wow wow wow. Big meals, great prices and super friendly helpful staff.

To be honest, I really wanted to like this Cafe, such a great location. But its just not that good. Staff that just seem lost, forgot my order, and when prompted, was told two minutes. Few minutes later when it arrived, microwaved to the point of lava, soggy undercooked dough bottom, uncooked bacon, was far below what I was expecting for the price and not as described. Yes, I did say something and got full refund, but the food should never of left the kitchen. Coffee was ok, nothing special. Overall, this wasn't my first time here, but...

The smashed avo and Korean chicken salad are brilliant. I know smashed avo is as common as muck on cafe menus, but the combination of spiced beetroot relish, feta and roasted seeds lifts this one way up there.

This place has become a real regular for us. The staff are all friendly and very lovely and you always get a very genuine welcome.

The coffee can be a LITTLE hit and miss, but that's me just looking for something to stop me sounding like I'm lovestruck by the place. It's rarely a 'miss' and like anywhere else it depends on who's making it. Elliot and Richeala are terrific baristas and work most days so you're not likely to get one of those 'misses' 😁.

Fresh chilled water, up to date newspapers and magazines, comfortable and breezy inside or out, quiet and immaculately clean, a lovely menu and a very good range of cabinet food. You really can't ask...

Had a visit from family members 2 Brothers and 3 Nephews and decided to head out for breakfast, had recently read that The White Island Rendezvous had changed it's name to "Awa" ( water translated from Maori) as this facility overlooks "Ohine Mataroa" ( Whakatane River) and gives exceptional views of "Moutohora" (Whale Island as called by Captain James Cook in earlier times) and my Domain as Harbour Master here for 25 years felt it was very appropriate to show off to my family (Whanau), we were all blown away by the exceptional service and the quality of our Breakfast and the wonderful coffees. We had chosen to sit on the 2nd floor dining area which mean't the waiting staff had a greater challenge climbing stairways and everything arriving in fine form hot and nothing spilt. I cannot praise or recommend thei venue enough....