Tasca — Restaurant in Waitematā

It was after 3 during the week. First waiter was polite & pleasant. Gave order, eggs benedict with mushroom side order, at $5 extra. The cafe manager then came to table to say they were out of mushrooms and would I like vegetables instead. (I agreed mid flight in conversation.) Eggs benedict consisted of two overcooked eggs swimming in hollandaise sauce ..hard centred eggs benny are simply a no no surely?....there was poor service from this point, in delivery of food at the tables. I had to get up & ask head waiter where my side order was, when I had nearly completed the meal. He told that it was on its way, no worries....Really casual and unapologetic even though I had to get up and ask. The lack of prompt service to the table did not seem to worry him whatsoever. They arrived:-a few fried carrots beans, peppers and courgette. The main meal near finished. At the time of bill payment it seemed very expensive which I queried. I had been charged $14 for what I thought was a substitute for mushrooms which were only $5. The manager was again arrogant and unapologetic in the queying of this. I said I would not have got them had I known price difference. He put responsibility onto me saying I had read menu earlier. I should have been told at the time the order was taken! The offer of vegetables sounded like a substitute for a $5 side order of mushrooms. Of course I assumed they would be the same price. They were suggested as a replacement. Rather than create a scene I left, but the experience was highly disappointing. The food, & lack of courtesy or care from this manager were very disappointing. It felt like a rip off. Whilst as the cafe has a nice vibe, sadly I do...

Really disappointed cause the place has a great atmosphere. I ordered the corn fritters and had to a expensive extras like bacon and avocado and glad I did as the serving was not a main size. Two, rather rubbery corn fritters that were quite small, bacon that was overcooked and a $7 half an avacado that was going brown. It was an expensive lunch disappointment. I would be cautious when ordering the food, nearly $60 for 2 corn fritters, burnt bacon and half and avocado? Nah mate you can do better surely. My friend got the prawn paella?? And it basically was coloured fried rice (yeah I know, it is Paella) but some of the prawns must have crawled off the plate on the way to the table. Pity, it's such a great atmosphere, maybe just order fries? The mojito was good and the service was quick. There were a lot of us but the food does not match the standard of service or atmosphere and that's important, that is...

We have been going to Tasca for years. The food and prices are good. The Beef Cheeks are Devine. Ambience is cosy and welcoming

Update - Had coffee and snack for morning tea. Coffee great and hot. Counter food was a nice selection. The staff here are always very nice and friendly. Good vibe to the place. Reasonable prices for dinner compared to many other places too

Update 2 - Oh dear what has happened here. Got some Paella and it was very disappointing. Little rice which funnily enough is the cheapest component. The white fish was dry and odd tasting, 3 overcooked mussels and a prawn. This was a dish that was supposed to be for sharing. $42 for a very basic dish. The staff (not older chap) were very nice as usual and I will continue to go for coffee but dinner...