Maina Cafe — Restaurant in Hawke's Bay

I feel like I am living in the twilight zone reading reviews for this place. Not to be a grouch but just as a warning for people that are used to high quality eateries, the food is below average I hate to say. Possible we caught them on a bad day perhaps but even looking at other reviewers pictures it seems about on par with their photos.

The inside space is nicely decorated but too close and crowded for me, noise factor also was a sensory overload.

I had a salad that was inedible. I think they must use that "lime juice" that comes in a green bottle from the supermarket and has a weird cordial like taste. It permeated every mouthful of the salad in the most unpleasant way. Cook on waffle fries wasn't good (you know when your chips are cooked so much its just like crunch and grease??) and partners bacon seemed deep fried with toast overdone. Also, partner ordered an apple juice and was given a plastic bottle to carry to the table without a glass or straw which hmmm maybe thats okay. Was a bit random though not to even have a glass.

Sorry not to rate it higher, I just wanted to give people fair warning not to have too higher expectations.

I would say style over substance all in all. The man serving and making...

Really nice place in the heart of Havelock North. I visited Maina when staying in town over New Years. First time for a coffee and croissant for a quick breakfast and second time for brunch with friends. The inside decor and atmosphere is very classy, though can get a little loud during a full house. If you are dining in, when you enter you will need to grab a menu and locate a table. Once you know what you would like to eat you then make your way up to the counter to order and pay for your food. A full service bistro would be nice but I think the casual style really suits the area. The food really surpassed my expectations, being made and presented to a very high standard. The coffee was very nice as well. Maina serves a variety of people from families, younger people, older people and anyone in between. I think Maina really reflects the laid back, friendly community spirit of Havelock North. Will absolutely be back again, and next time I would like...

Went on a public holiday (QE2 memorial day) for lunch. Seemed to be the only place open. They were very busy. Had to queue for 10 minutes or so to get in the door. Once in we ordered at the till and sat down. Coffees arrived within minutes. Food was also there quickly and mine was superb. 5 grain toast, pesto, tomatoes and avocado. Sounds simple enough but it was one of the tastiest things I have ever eaten in a café. Friendly staff, great service. Little touches like: I needed one more tumbler for our water. I pointed out the tumblers needed replenishing. This was done, but as well, the extra glass of water was delivered to the table - you might say "big deal", but many people in the workplace are conditioned to do what is asked of them, period. This guy went that little bit further.

Highly...