Hahei Beach Cafe — Restaurant in Waikato

Wouldn't recommend wasting your money here. Today on my partners lunch break we rushed down to our nearest cafe to grab lunch. We were second in line and served at good pace by a really friendly server. but we sat there for 20 minutes waiting for them to get our food out of the cabinet and give it to us. By the time they gave us our food , my partner had to go back to work. I ordered the breakfast bap and the smoked chicken sandwich. This is the second time Ive ordered the bap, the first time the bun was rock hard and I thought I would try again today as I thought the bun would be at least fresh this time but it was solid and stale tasting. The chicken sandwich was warmed which I did not ask for ? Who eats a warm sandwich? No one! It's not a panini, it's not a burger, it's a SANDWICH. supposed to be refreshing ? Also the lady who was warming our food was moving at snail pace.and grabbing one item out of the cabinet, placing it in the warmer and walking away to busy herself while the warmer was going. And then returning for the next item. We ordered 2 pies, 2 sandwiches and a breakfast bap. How hard is it to complete a simple task ??!! I'd like to remind the staff that your customers are not ALL tourists! Some are locals who work in the area and don't have all day to sit and wait for their CABINET FOOD. I asked if they do ice chocolates and the server turned and asked someone else who retorted "there's no ice left so no" Didn't even offer me an alternative or apologise or anything! It's a blistering hot day I suggest you maintain your ice stock.

Furthermore, everything we ordered tasted disgusting. The bap was horrible and soggy on the inside encased in a rock solid bun. The smoked chicken &haloumi sandwich was horrible because they warmed it and our lettuce went all wilted and gross , the chicken tasted like very strong fish. The pies were bland and flavourless. I had to go home and put mint jelly all over it to taste something other than fried lamb mince.

In total we spent almost 60 dollars and were VERY DISSAPPOINTED!

i wish I could...

Food isn’t the problem here, it’s ok.

But looks like many have experienced the rudeness of the owner and poor service here, he’s known for being obnoxious, especially to tourists (as mentioned in another review below).

Wouldn’t hold back on yelling and telling you to get out if he didn’t like it.

Warned by several locals in Hahei, but had to go there several times due to lack of options.

Staff are a mixed bunch, a couple were pretty clueless, but it’s hard when you’re a casual part-timer.

Don’t worry such nastiness is a rarity among Kiwis, and the rest of Hahei is just splendid!

Highly recommend Pour House which is just 30m away, sharing the same car park, everything is good and they definitely make you feel warm and welcome. And there’s Coastal CO-OP, as well as Gourmet Food Cottage.

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I got a response from owner telling me to be kind. I was. I didnt abuse ur staff. I expected good friendly service and good food.and i didnt get that. WHY? Whats hard about that. What does it cost ur staff to di their jobs better than what they are. Reviews are a feedback, take that on board . I have never and will never review anyone unfairly. I only state what my experience has been, so the time u have wasted on coming at me, go talk to ur staff to treat the ppl that do make the time to cone into ur business , so well that not only do they review well but come back. You knw i wont because u just showed me how much value u put on customer satisfaction. None apparently. The only recourse customers have is to review u, honestly. I did that. U want better reviews...provide...