MÓN — Restaurant in Hawke's Bay

We had a post work evening meal for 7. It was perfect from start to finish. Tables arranged, water chilled and jazz music on! Josh and the chef looked after us like family. The food - again perfectly flavoured, and presented well minus any ostentatiousness. Even my Asian colleagues complimented the menu choices. Had a very fragrant Thai Jasmine Green curry - highly recommended. The rice was soft and just steamed to the right temperature. Plenty in a portion and we took home for the next day too. The prawns, chicken and every item looked yum. I have not had such lovely veg spring rolls yet. Plenty of veg options too.

Cafe: has been my fav for months. Try the savoury muffins, quiches, wholemeal bread and for a slice of luxury, pre-order the extra buttery brioche loaf. Once your kids taste the cookies here, you’ll return again and again. Did I say Mon is also very good value.. All in all, 6 out of 5...

Sadly their coffee is a equivalent to tea. Weak and milky. Couldnt taste the coffee with the cappuccino or lattes. Dont think they use local coffee, they should. Vegetarians arent bland, so why should the food you're making and serving be?? We are a vibrant bunch who deserve the same respect as non. Also, I had egg shells all throughout my little 'muffin scone quiche thing. Full of eggs and no seasoning. Am really disappointed with this place. Looks hip, yet doesn't quite adequately show it in the food and bev they serve. As for the young staff, not very forthcoming, unsure how to treat the older generation, very quiet to be in customer service. In their own world. Do I want mine heated? Yet, just dont use the microwave, what do they do? Yep, microwaved it. Just get an air fryer and be done in the same time it takes in another gadget, just so much more amazing. Try it...

Sadly my old review below no longer applies. Mon has joined the relentless list of cafes in the Bay that offer small portions and low value for what is simple cooking with mostly cheap ingredients. Just paid for a small lunch that cost me the same as a filling complicated meal for dinner at a restaurant. I do wonder if there's a deal between cafes in the Bay around High pricing for simple food, business rent/expense is way cheaper here than in the cities, but the value at busy Bay cafes is far below that of Welly, Auckland, ChCh, Hamilton, etc... Perhaps if they didn't close so early and had real hospo hours like the rest if the planet.

Food is good, and also not tiny portions like their neighbour Bay Expresso, and most other cafes in the Bay. Walked away not still hungry, which is a welcome...