Catalyst — Restaurant in South Island

Catalyst is my #1 go to place to eat in Dunedin. Having lived here my whole life, I've always battled with what Cafe's to recommend to friends when they are down to visit as nothing is very stand out. Catalyst provides a stand out service, and an extraordinary menu that caters to people of all variety. They are very great with any food allergies or dietary requirements. I love to park up here to do my work emails as the cafe provides a calming yet vibrant atmosphere where I feel inspired to stay and do my work. Their choices in suppliers is impressive as I see they use local sources for all of their food. Most impressive, is their coffee beans from Kokako, which are my all time favourite. Catalyst is the only place I know in Dunedin that does my beloved Matcha latte, as an Auckland resident myself - I couldn't believe it when I saw this on the menu here. I have also seen Catalyst's social media promoting beach cleans and other corporate social responsible activities which is really impressive. 10/10 would recommend. ps: their granola is the best in this city...

This was my 3rd visit over the years to Catalyst, and it still failed to hit the mark.

We were booked in with a table of 6, our waitress was really nice and professional, no complaints there. It would, however, have been good to know that there was a nearly 50-minute wait for food.

For 3 at our table that ordered anything that came with poached eggs, they were presented with undercooked eggs, and most of everyone's food was lukewarm.

Food was pleasant on the eye, but that's where it stopped. Brunch meals (ranging in price $27 - $30) came with 1 small piece of soggy bread (spare it). The coffee is, so far the most expensive (LB - $5.70, small F/W $6.20) I have seen in Dunedin, and it's not good coffee.

To sum up Catalyst, it would be to say it is overpriced and underwhelming. I will not be rushing back...

I tried out Catalyst whilst visiting Dunedin last year for work and it was incredible so i thought i would come again. Unfortunately, i believe management has changed hands, and now it was one of the worst experiences i could've had. The staff seem extremely overworked and struggling with demand, there must be a new chef alongside the management change because none of the food came out at the same time, a all of it was cold and the portions are much smaller. The changes that have happened have ruined a once great place, so i will not be returning. We spent around 40 dollars per person, and honestly, it was up to the standard of a 10-dollar place. The one and only good thing were the staff, they were lovely, but unfortunately still doesn't make up for the terrible changes that have occurred under the...