Fools of Desire — Restaurant in Canterbury

Our experience at this cafe was profoundly disappointing from the moment we entered. The bartender, who appeared exhausted, greeted us or did not with an odd look. The venue was disorganized and untidy, which should have been our cue to leave.

We decided to try this place as it had received favorable reviews and came recommended by the salon where I get my hair cut. Despite the positive feedback, the reality was different. The tables were cluttered with dishes and glasses from previous guests, and the staff seemed overwhelmed and fatigued, possibly due to being short-staffed.

Our order included two cheesecakes; the first was the wrong variety and was excessively dry, while the second was under-set and overly soft. The banoffee toast was poorly prepared, and my traditional breakfast was equally disappointing. They even had a chef who could not cook eggs.

We considered ordering drinks but were put off by seeing staff carelessly place clean cups near used ones, so we decided against it.

When a staff member inquired if we were satisfied with our meal, I expressed our dissatisfaction. They attempted to address the issue by offering vouchers, which I declined.

We left the restaurant feeling regretful about the...

F.O.D. (Fools of Desire) is a quirky name for a quirky cafe. We were standing outside wondering when the very attractive young woman beckoned us inside. Believe it or not, it was my wife who decided to go in. (I guess I'm getting old!) The cafe was larger than it looked from the outside. I examined the menu with it's very hard choice of items. There was something there for everyone. I waited there for service, but no one came. That was when my wife pointed out that orders were done at the counter. I ordered creamy mushrooms on rosti and they were amazingly good. Jocelyn ordered smoked salmon, but having just come from a stint of working for NZ King Salmon, she loved everything on her plate except the salmon. The smoked flavour was too subtle after the Simon she was used to. The waitress generously offered her a complimentary sweet to compensate. The meal and the service were excellent and the cate name fits the decor. Try it I think you'll like it, if you can get a table. It's a busy little place. Down a lane in Rangiora, and not to be missed if you're in Rangiora and...

Fools of Desire in Rangiora is a real gem. The interior design is eclectic and artistic from the moment you walk in, flowing seamlessly from the café space right through to the toilets. Industrial touches are softened with greenery, colour, and stunning wall art (which is also for sale), making the whole place feel creative and inviting.

The food is fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented, and the coffee is excellent. The staff are friendly, welcoming, and add to the relaxed atmosphere. I also admire their inclusive workplace culture, employing people with disabilities and showing real commitment to the community.

The only area I’d love to see improved is the menu — simplifying it a little to make ordering easier would make the experience even better. Everything else is artistic, thoughtful, and a joy to experience.

Located in Conway Lane off High Street, it’s the perfect spot in Rangiora for great food, coffee, and a unique, artistic vibe....