Baklawa Cafe (Shefco) — Restaurant in Puketāpapa

We waited 40 minutes for our order in an empty restaurant, no explanation and no apology.

When we came in ~1pm there were only a couple tables already finishing their meals. We ordered and waited, our interaction with the staff was pleasant, and we were looking forward to our meal as we've heard great things.

Maybe 20 minutes minutes later another group orders and is seated. Another 10 minutes later food finally leaves the kitchen! But it wasn't for us, it was for the group that came in after us. So we asked the staff if our order is still coming and they said it'll be another 5 minutes. Ok, we wait, another 5 minutes pass and still no food. At this point we've had enough, we get up to leave and ask for a refund.

Initially they were willing to refund the full amount, including the paywave transaction fee. But when it came to giving the money (in cash) another staff member refused and was giving us attitude, saying it was our choice? Yeah, true, but as a business providing a service, nothing was delivered, no communication on why our order was so delayed and not one apology. At this point we had to explain everything again and they finally revealed that the order took so long because our order didn't reach the kitchen (in a restaurant with only 2 groups?). Ultimately she refunded the full amount and gave us some of the food that was (finally) prepared for free, still with the bad attitude.

It was nice of them to offer at the end, and for what it's worth, the food was really good! But it's unfortunate that our experience was ruined by such poor service and appalling attitude. All they had to do was explain what happened, apologise for their mistake and we would have been...

Just had buffet dinner for the first time Best cooked items were of chicken. I don't know the name of dishes. Stuffed chicken brest and one more chicken dish look like grilled plus slow cooked. Salad was so so not extra ordinary or anything to compliment at You guys to improve the meat diahes which were of not good taste. Probably new cook for meat manue. Sweet diahes were of disappointment for me. It was like eating sugar. Come on it was baklawa and one salmonella sweet full of sugar. While eating i fet like eating sugar only shoukd have tast as well but NOP And It's winter need hot drinks instead of cold one. Arabic QUAVA is cheap, economical and tasty as well. Can improve anterior with decor, plain white wall don't appeal. No water at table :( My first experience of Arabic buffet and it was not WOW but so so :( Yes cold drinks were included for free which is good. No naan only cold pita bread Imagin my shock $25 per person is a good deal for buffet but need something special or at least good in it in order to get the customer visit again at least twice. I don't think I will visit again for this buffet No wonder why it's once a week No hard feelings but need more improvement if you want to run on daily basis. Yes customer service was good. Place was spacious and comfy. Had high chair for kids. You got good place and attract a lot of customers if do something...

What a find! This place is an absolute gem💎 The lightest fluffiest wood-fired breads I’ve ever tasted and they are $1 for two. The mana’ish lamb will blow your mind - a light soft flatbread with minced seasoned lamb with what I think are tomatoes and onions - it has the most beautiful delicate yet rich flavours which are perfectly balanced. The falafel is crispy yet so soft inside - served piping hot. My favourite though is the Dolma - soft rice and spices made with beautiful olive oil and vinegars. The vine leaves are lush. The hummus is a little smooth for my liking but it’s the Lebanese style. You can get gorgeous Turkish coffee here too. This really is the best Lebanese food I’ve ever tasted. The cafe itself is humble - canteen style with local community feel and the staff are nice. It’s spotlessly clean and they have little touches like iced water and napkins on the table which I love. Everything is fresh and hand made. They also have a huge range of sweets, pastries and Baklawa of course! It’s my new favourite eatery on all of Auckland. The one star reviews I’ve read are all from people who come here and order westernised English food (why?) or rude people who are impatient and misunderstand the style of café. Ignore them and check...