Fat Camel Cafe — Restaurant in North Island

We've eaten here a lot over the years and it's our popular lunch place when we visit Whangarei, and a cafe we've recommended to many friends. In the past, we've found it a tasty and economical choice with a real culinary difference. Sadly, our latest visit was a bummer. Our waiter had only been working for 4 days and couldn't tell us anything about the menu. We usually get a large sharing plate of vegetarian goodies and some snacks, which does it for the two adults and two kids, who basically just eat the chips and pita bread. But this time we couldn't find any such plate, so we ordered a humus platter with falafel balls ($24.50), fries ($12), extra haloumi and drinks. The humus platter turned out to be entree size and in our opinion, vastly overpriced. Ditto the fries, which at $12 for a less than generous serving was very disappointing. I get that food establishments are doing it tough with rising costs and that they're finding it hard to find good staff, but this was a special outing for us and we felt really let down. With this kind of food adequate guidance is necessary but we felt almost abandoned, and with a large-sized hole in our wallets and still hungry. Consumers like us are feeling the cost-of-living crisis too and despite the challenges, cafes have to provide a positive experience for their customers, or they simply won't survive. We certainly can't afford to go back to our old favourite for a while, and don't feel...

I wish everyone well in the world. So I offer this feedback with the hope that this restaurant has the chance of restoring its former fame and integrity.

I ordered a takeaway meal of a cheese bóreka, pickles and dips. It cost $42 so it was a significant cost for a takeaway for one. I especifically let the staff know I cannot eat raw onion and therefore did not want any tabouleh or anything else that had raw onion in it. I was flabbergasted when I got home and discovered one whole platter had been smothered in baby pickled onions. That is to say perhaps 15 little onions rolling throughout the dish.

I was exceptionally disappointed because attention and care are a big part of your heritage and tradition. That is also what we as diners come to you for. So is genuine homecooking. So I was astounded that your pickles platter was made up of commercially bought sun dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, gherkins etc - straight from a jar. Not a grandmother’s recipe, or grace of hand, in sight.

I would love to see a little more love and pride in what you do the next time I come back. I adored your baba ganoush but the total experience fell far...

I've dined at the fat Camel many times and always come away with a great experience.

This weekend Idan and the Team surpassed themselves! I booked the "function room"for my beter half's" big birthday celebration. Idan took care of everything. Following a brief meeting where we discussed food options and numbers i turned up on Saturday lunchtime with birthday girl.. the guests were hiding round the back (Thank you Mark and Tereza for coordinating!) and then everything went like clockwork. Staff turned up to take drinks orders, food was brought out on platters and distrubuted across the tabled (all nicely organised for our guests) and all we had to do was anjoy the food, the atmosphere and the drinks - and did I mention the food?? Wow! the party boxes I ordered were just awesome - and great value - check them out on the menu. Tiina had the best time and I felt like the hero for organising it, but in reality it was the Fat Camel team that made it all...