Miners Rest Cafe — Restaurant in Northland

Underwhelmed...

Having read great things about this place from other google guides I was keen to take a look for myself. The trouble with having high expectations is that the come down can be a real drag....

First off, the welcome. There wanst one! Not unless you like the sour faced chewing-a-wasp look? At first I thought she was just having a bad day but when she livened up with the locals I couldnt help thinking that visitors werent so welcome.

The coffee - ok I guess. The food - passable. Big portions thats for sure. My son had the pancakes with maple syrup except that it was golden syrup (the waitress swore blind it was maple syrup but with my sweet toothed internatiuonal palette there no hiding!). Poached eggs, over cooked.

All in all the experience was ok and the price acceptable but it wasnt the wow I was expecting from the reviews.

Truth is there are other better places for brekfast in Whangarei without driving all that way for less. If I'm going to hand over my hard currency I atleast want to feel welcome!

This may be a sensational place to go in Hikurangi (?the only place) but next time I'll be staying in the town basin where the brunch is the same price,...

Whenever I stop in for coffee, it's never the same. The coffee can be bitter and the milk burnt. Ask for soy, good luck. 50/50 chance they will have it when you want it.

Food is average, big portions good value for price, however poached eggs were over cooked.

Customer service is very poor, and in need of major improvement. Worker sits at the table outside the door smoking while everyone is trying to eat their meal. So after walking through the cloud of smoke at the entrance, you get to the counter to a sour face lady with a bad attitude who doesn't want you there.

For a small community and few shops, you would try to atleast make visitors feel welcomed. Specially when the community are trying to spice up Hukurangi and bring...

I recommend a visit. I've not been a caramel square fan but couldn't resist & boy was it nice. It was freshly done. Not too sweet..melt in your mouth. I believe most of their cakes if not all are made there. Nice iced chocolate & chips were very good. The meals looked good & generous. A pleasant atmosphere..open & sunny. A nice spot to be on a cold but sunny day. Not an up market cafe but well worth a stop in for simple basic tasty food. I forgot to add: there is a great 2nd hand place next door..more antique pieces & bits which is very tidy & well set out. I'm sure you'll find something you'd...