Willow Cafe — Restaurant in Upper Harbour

Absolute best place I've been to for quite a while! Obviously due to lockdown there hasn't been much opportunity, yet still for my first time coming here I didn't leave disappointmented, not even in the slightest.

Price is a difficult thing to judge, for one because this is New Zealand, everything is always expensive compared to overseas; secondly, some locations simply cost more to set up shop in... which undoubtedly makes it harder to keep competitive.

However quality on the other hand is easier to judge, and makes that extra $5 either worthwhile or regrettable; a good quality cafe will make up for their pricey options with a satisfying experience and a bad cafe will depend on an optimistic customer to keep their review score decent.

This cafe is one I'd recommend to friends and family, and I feel is a jewel worth supporting through these troubling times. I really wouldn't mind paying that extra $5, not that they're super expensive, but simply because they're worth the price they charge.

I left being very impressed by their latte art on a mochachinno, which also tasted as good as it looked... but also impressed by the food and overall experience I had. I wouldn't want them to be cheaper if it meant sacrificing the quality and standard they've set for themselves.

And that's why I give them a 5/5, I'll be sure to revisit here again, take photos, and update this review when I can; but I hope you'll at least visit here once, and their milkshakes while expensive, was well worth the sugar fix I never thought...

Terrible service! I went through with my wife and two boys yesterday. I ordered a "big breakfast". I asked to leave off the sausages and bacon (I explained that I could not eat pork), then I asked to add one egg and one slice of toast. They first brought a normal breakfast with the pork and no toast. I explained the order again and 10 minutes later they returned with the same thing. I explained my order again and 5 minutes later they said they did not have 5 grain any more. I said any other toast was fine and 10 minutes later they returned with a normal breakfast again. Eventually the fourth time they brought the correct order less the extras... I asked for the extras and when I started eating I saw the poached eggs were cold and so were the mushrooms. When the extras arrived my family were ready to leave and I had not eaten yet. The manager avoided our table and when I tried to get her attention she looked busy and went the other way. I will not go back and will not...

The food was nice (we had eggs Benedict and the Willow breakfast), but the menu looked pricey overall. Hot chocolate was fine, but they charge more for almond or coconut milk compared to the soy surcharge. I also tried their Strawberry tart dessert, which looked amazing, and tasted nice, albeit the custard was a tad disappointing. The main let down for us was the service, which seemed a bit impatient, and made us feel as if we were a huge bother being there and asking questions about the menu. We did not enjoy the atmosphere on the day we visited, but the food was nice, just expensive. Also, a note for smokers, there is no covered outside smoking area and they do not allow vapours in their covered outside space. Carparks are located in different spots throughout the carpark, so ask the staff where they are if you cannot find a free one right in front...