Monica's Eatery — Restaurant in North Island

Came here for a celebratory dinner and was somewhat let down by the fair to middling food we had.

We started with the gnocchi which was not much more than mashed potato blobs in a melted butter soup (not sure where the burnt butter or sage were in the mix but we couldn't taste it). A real let down for this pair of gnocchi fans.

I ordered the pea risotto and it was fine but very very bland - I had to season it the whole way through while eating.

My partner ordered the lamb ragu papardelle, which had to be sent back as the pasta was cold. A new dish was brought out quickly and was good and hot.

Our waitress for the night was an absolute delight, very attentive but didn't hover. She was the real star of the night (just in case the manager's read these, she had shoulder length blonde hair - please give her our compliments).

The place was really, really let down however by the chefs in the kitchen yapping away the whole time. It completely spoiled any ambiance we had hoped for and really made the place feel more like a gastro pub - which is really the level the food was too if I'm honest. It was also most uncharming to hear the chefs loudly celebrating when they were informed we didn't want dinner...

It was similarly disappointing to hear the chefs speaking disrespectfully to the lovely waitress we had. Both my partner and I have worked in hospo over the years, and there is nothing worse than a 'difficult' chef. To us, this is what seemed to be the case - a chef/chefs that were a little too big for their boots, thinking their talents are irreplaceable (based on this night, they're certainly not), and stroking their ego by treating other staff badly.

We might come back for breakfast sometime, but wouldn't recommend for a...

Lovely light and modern decor, friendly staff. Small peak view of the sea from corner table.

I ordered a flat white and meal with potato rosti, poached eggs, spinach and mushroom on half a muffin.

The food was so salty it was awful. Nobody came to check I was happy with my meal.

I tried to ascertain which part of the meal all the salt was in by tasting one different thing at a time.

The rosti was salty. The muffin was the saltiest! The mushrooms and spinach also too much salt. I passed on my feedback which was well received and the waitress said she would inform the chef.

My flat white was so full to the top of the brim, that drips dropped onto my white pants which I attempted to clean with a serviette dipped in my glass of water. It failed and I was unable to wear them for rest of my 2 day stay and were the only pants I had with me. Very annoying!

I wanted something sweet to get rid of the salty taste. I ordered a small piece of chocolate brownie. It was served with a spoon and unsweetened greek yoghurt which was too sour to eat with the very sweet rich brownie.

The brownie crumbled into smitherings making it impossible to eat. I had to pick up bits with my thumb and finger to consume any. Once again nobody came to check I was happy and bits of brownie trying to get it off my fingers with a wet serviette dropped onto my pants too 🙄

Not a great start to my recharge break away.

The coffee was also mediocre in flavour.

I went to pay my bill and was charged for the salty meal.

Apparantly this place was rated a local's favourite 🤷‍♀️ Not if you're a foodie, I wouldn't rate it at all apart from the decor and...

Nestled in the heart of the city, "Monica Eatery" exudes warmth and charm from the moment you step inside. The ambiance is a delightful blend of modern chic and rustic charm, making it the perfect spot to unwind or catch up with friends.

The coffee itself is a true delight, with each sip delivering a burst of rich flavor and invigorating aroma. Whether you're a fan of a classic espresso or prefer to indulge in a creamy latte, Monica Eatery has something to satisfy every palate.

Beyond the beverages, the attention to detail in the decoration is evident. From the stylish furniture to the soothing color palette, every aspect of the design contributes to the inviting atmosphere.

But the experience at Monica Eatery goes beyond just great coffee and aesthetics. The food offerings are equally impressive, with a diverse menu that caters to both breakfast and lunch crowds. From freshly baked pastries to hearty sandwiches, each dish is prepared with care and precision.

And let's not forget about the staff. The team at Monica Eatery is not only friendly and welcoming but also incredibly attentive. Whether you need a refill on your coffee or recommendations from the menu, they are always on hand to ensure your visit is nothing short of exceptional.

In summary, Monica Eatery is more than just a place to grab your morning brew – it's a destination where every aspect, from the coffee to the decor to the service, is crafted to perfection. Whether you're a coffee connoisseur or simply looking for a cozy spot to relax, Monica Eatery has everything you need for a truly...