The Glasshouse Cafe — Restaurant in North Island

The Glasshouse Cafe, located within Wellington’s sprawling California Home & Garden store, promises a charming escape with its lush greenhouse-inspired setting.

As a first-time visitor, I was drawn in by the inviting blend of indoor and outdoor seating, surrounded by plants and garden decor — a serene spot for a coffee break. Unfortunately, my experience fell short of the idyllic atmosphere.

Arriving just after 2pm, perhaps too close to closing time, the cafe felt rushed and understaffed. Despite my partner’s previous enjoyable visits, this trip was a letdown. The cakes, which we waited an unusually long time for, arrived disappointingly stale, as if they’d been sitting out for days. The coffee, sadly, tipped into over-extracted acidity, making it nearly undrinkable. While I’ve since seen glowing reviews praising the cafe’s usual quality, I can’t ignore the stark contrast with my own experience — it felt like catching them on an off day.

That said, the ambiance alone is worth acknowledging. The airy, plant-filled space and relaxed outdoor seating area are undeniably appealing, perfect for garden lovers or anyone seeking a tranquil pause. Service, though slow, was polite, and I’ll cautiously chalk this up to timing rather than apathy.

I’m open to revisiting The Glasshouse Cafe — maybe earlier in the day, with fresh bakes and a properly brewed coffee — to see if this was just a fluke. For now, though, my first impression leans more toward “meh” than “magical.” Proceed with tempered expectations, and aim for peak hours to maximize your chances of a...

very disappointed, we normally get great food and service. Our Sunday visit was appalling, while I appreciate you are operating under tough conditions at present service and kitchen staff attitude was totally unacceptable. We ordered coffee, slices and cooked food, coffee and slice arrived fairly quickly. Cooked food finally arrived to find that one dish was incorrect, it belonged to the table next us, the 2 ladies got to eat their meals while the men waited.They had been waiting 2 hours to get their meals. Waiter apologized for the mix up, they needed to rush through 2 big breakfasts, only 1 was delivered to the long waiting table. Other people where being served their food while I was still waiting for mine!!! Went and asked for a refund after nearly 1.5 hours from order being placed, went home and cooked my own lunch. Kitchen staff seemed rather angry, not good when your customers can see it, Got refund and left hungry. Looking at other reviews this seems to be a bit of a pattern, I would think twice about dining here. We certainly...

It took half an hr for my food to come, and even then I had to ask. This is the second time thats happened. The cafe was half full, and it wasn't a complicated meal (just wedges). The staff are very nice, but that doesn't make up for it. I saw another table where people were looking fed up, an another where half of the table had finished food before he others were even served. Also, of the people in the cafe, only one had removed their coat- everyone else kept their cards/fleece/jacket on. Because it was cold. The staff need to pay attention to this. There were no water glasses on the stand where the water is either. I think they need to check that their back of house resource is sufficient to serve...