Sentinel Cafe — Restaurant in Hamilton

Been here twice and been very happy both times. The decor is a good balance of clean, fresh minimalism vs urban feel yet the atmosphere is relaxed. The coffee is faultless and flavourful, and the food is an extended brunch menu with reasonably traditional fare done well, using quality ingredients. We don’t normally go for them, but we tried a couple of ‘bowls’ which were a good mix of healthy ingredients with lots of flavour and importantly we felt satisfied and light after finishing them. The staff all appeared happy which is a good sign, and despite not having a high chair they didn’t at all mind us having our baby there. As the exceptional cafes in Hamilton seem to be ephemeral (they change owners within 6months to a year of opening, and the quality rapidly deteriorates) I would say get in quick and try this place while it...

I stumbled across this cozy little café while exploring Hamilton and it’s easily one of the best breakfast spots I’ve visited in New Zealand! The coffee was exceptional—smooth, rich, and perfectly brewed. I had their scrambled eggs with avocado & halloumi on sourdough and it was fresh, flavourful, and beautifully presented. The staff were incredibly friendly and made me feel welcome from the moment I walked in. The ambiance is warm and inviting, with lots of natural light and a relaxed vibe. It’s clear they take pride in using local, high-quality ingredients, which is a big plus for me. If you’re looking for a great place to start your day, this is it! I can’t wait to return next time I’m in the area....

A great place for a “treat yourself” lunch. The coffee comes in cups that are nice to drink out of. A finer ceramic than many places. They do batch brew as well as the usual coffee styles. The menu has a brunch/lunch feel. They have weekly specials and make seasonal changes as well so there’s usually something exiting on offer. The staff are super friendly. The decor is really nice and it’s well laid out. This is not a quick/fast place to eat, on a whim. However, they will take orders for you to dine in via phone or email, and it works well for those short...