Aqaba — Restaurant in Palmerston North

Popped in on a Sunday late morning for brunch. We had heard good things about this place and we love getting around and trying a few new places. The atmosphere when we came in seemed a bit dark and the place did look a bit tired. Nevertheless one of the staff greeted us promptly, and assisted us with getting seated. It was about the only positive thing we really could mention. Without having to post something for the sake of it we would've much rather follow up with the staff on the day, however no one checked back in with us after the first greeting. Coffee was undrinkable and most of the table didn't even finish their drinks. Really bitter in taste, really felt if the coffee shots were not run through fully. I guess the red flags should've been when there was no latte art. Not trying to be judgemental but it simply was not good. Food was approximately 20mins after drinks arriving and we got a mixture of the big breakfast, eggs on toast and the Philly sandwich. The sandwich was actually was pretty decent. Sadly, most of the table didn't eat a majority of their food. Either it was cold, overcooked or just poorly constructed. Fried eggs we're crisp underneath with firm yolks. Poached eggs were cold and hard. Scrambled eggs were burnt and well done. Really think the kitchen team lack the skills in order to run a service. Fries we're reheated, and that was obvious because fresh fries were thrown over old cold fries that were still sitting in the bowl. The Philly sandwich came with fries and half were cold. We understand some times things don't work out. We would've preferred to have rectified this on the day but no one came back to check in on us. Sadly, I don't think the food was made fresh and the kitchen team really let down the establishment! Either they don't care or couldn't be bothered that people would come out to support their business to pay wages. Don't think...

Really amazing hospitality and service from the team, they took time to set up a colouring table for our tamariki, served our babies dinners alongside the starters, as the rest of the meals came out 1 of the team brought out some toys for the kids to play with while the adults ate, then followed with the kids sundaes. We had a party of 17 almost half were children so the attention to cater to them didn't go unnoticed and made our evening relaxing and enjoyable for all. The hostesses were both kind, patient and respectful. They had also situated us in an area that was comfortable and spacious not an easy thing for a party this big. Overall loved the hospitality and atmosphere. The Kai, chefs did a great job at getting everything out together, plating looked great. Looking over our table everyone seemed very happy, there were a few starters followed by our mains. A few mains were on the smaller side, in saying that next time I will be opting for a starter, main and dessert to really get the dining and Kai experience. Unfortunately I didn't think of that while I was there so that's not on the establishment for that 1 where as my partner would've liked more for his main. The kids portion sizes were good and all seemed happy with their meals. Only small critiques over the table, main size is a little small, potatoes with the lamb was a little bland needed a bit of oomf and a bit more gravy, everything else was great, the sauce with the tacos is really yummy. Regardless I loved our evening there for me it was a great night out with our whanau. It was a slow night which I think added to the easy flow of our time their, only 1 other group and a couple. Great evening, thank you to the whole team you all did a great job. Ka...

We had low expectations going on friends experiences, however everyone's food was okay or better -we were a party of 14. My margarita was disgusting, it arrived half an hour after I ordered it, tasted like it was a mixture of petrol and salt, I managed a few sips, my wife surprised me and got it down without throwing up. Her cocktail on the other hand was thick with sugar and raspberry cordial -I guess if you're eleven you would like it. The service was erratic, some drinks and food arrived within ten minutes, others arrived after half an hour -with profuse apologies for the delay. Two people had fish and chips, I thought that was a safe choice, one was three large pieces and chips and salad. Mine was three small pieces - from frozen fillets, batter was a little oily, the chips were excellent, crisp, hot salt and herbs and spice, by far the best I've had all year. Salad was okay. In conclusion everyone was happy with their meals, bottled beer was fine, not so noisy as many similar eateries, staff were trying to make the experience as good as possible, probably needed lots more staff especially in the kitchen. Would I return, well the food was okay, service okay, beer fine, so as it's quieter and cheaper than...