Kefi — Restaurant in Waikato

So good we came back 2 days in a row! We got take away drinks on our way to Lake Taupo, and got a cinnamon scroll to share, very kindly warmed and cut in half for us, even in two separate boxes. Working in hospitality myself, I know what a pain in the backside it is to cut something in half to share, but the extra step in having it in two boxes was kind. The cinnamon scroll was incredible and we wished we had got one each instead. Green smoothie and peanut butter shake were so so good, and different flavours from what you'd find at other cafes.

We decided to make another day of it at Taupo and stopped here for lunch again, and got the lamb flatbread and poutine. Super tasty! Husband said the poutine was yummy, but could have gone with a fresh element on the side, like spinach or cucumber. A critisism which we probably could have remedied ourselves by asking for a small side salad from their impressive extensive range in the cabinet display. I forgot to get a photo of our food, because I was too eager to eat, but I got a photo of our empty plates instead. We ate every bit of it!

The display and choices of sweets was impressive! It was the end of what looked like a busy service day, so it was picked over, but it had the glorious remnants of salads and savoury options as well. When waiting for our take away, I took inspiration from the salads for when I plan my own week when I get back to work in a couple weeks.

Only let down overall was the general service. The ladies who served us today and yesterday were friendly, others seemed tired and over it all. To be fair, it was later in the day, and it's the holiday season. Tourists, busy...I get it. I'd probably be in the same boat myself. Hope you all get a decent break...

Our food came out after twice as long as being told when ordering. After watching several tables receiving their food, and a server coming to wipe our (foodless) table down and take a coffee away that wasn’t finished, we decided we better chase our order up. I was greeted by kindness when the front server thought I was beginning an order. Then a short sharp “it’s right there” was my only reply when asking how much longer. Unfortunately, the wait was for average food. Over cooked beef and burnt chicken. What makes it worse as the person who ordered their food in front of me while waiting to question where ours was, was eating at the same time as us. Go figure?! Leaving the premises I noticed everyone else was getting a wave and a thank you for coming. Nothing for the customers who really just wanted a small sorry thrown in there. Overall: poor customer service with some...

Kefi just got better. They've opened up the new connecting buiding that's been renovated and it's very tasteful and warm. Especially now, in winter time. Kefi is one of my favorite places in Taupo to grab a coffee, lunch/brunch, or just enjoy a delicious slice of cabinet dessert. There's an extensive choice of gluten free and keto dietry choices available. Their salads are always amazing, as are the treats. There's complimentary water, sparkling or chilled on tap, and the service always comes with a smile. You can sit outside under shade umbrellas on a sunny day or inside if you prefer. The old Kefi space adjoining is now under renovation, so expanding the inside dining area, and they will soon accommodate even...