Beach Babylon — Restaurant in North Island

If you find yourself in Wellington with a yearning for a place where the vibes are as splendid as a sunny day on the coast, make your way to Beach Babylon! I'm not one to lightly throw around five-star reviews, but this beach-themed cafe is a vivid splash of California cool in the heart of NZ's capital, and it more than earns every single star.

From the moment you set foot inside, Beach Babylon sweeps you off your feet into a realm of retro beach chic. With quirky decor that could make the dullest day feel like a summer escapade, this eclectic spot is an Instagrammer’s dream—think of it as a montage of the best beach holidays, but with an unmistakable Kiwi twist.

What's a beach without mouthwatering refreshments? The menu is a treasure trove of gastronomic delight, packed with flavors so fresh they could rival the sea breeze itself. The standout for me? The "Babylon Bowl" - a heavenly heap of wholesome goodness that'll make your taste buds do the hula. And if you think that's the pinnacle, wait until you indulge in their coastal twist on classic cocktails - sipping on a "Salted Caramel Espresso Martini" here is the embodiment of bliss.

Service at Beach Babylon is more than just order-taking and food-delivery—it’s like catching up with old friends. The staff members are the epitome of warm and friendly, boasting the kind of genuine care and attentiveness that many establishments aspire to but few achieve. They're quick with a smile, a suggestion, and an attention to detail that makes every patron feel like a VIP guest.

This haven isn't just for the bipedal. Pooch parents rejoice, for this place is as dog-friendly as they come! Furry friends are not merely allowed but celebrated with water bowls and ample pats, making it a perfect pit-stop after a frolic on the nearby Oriental Bay.

All in all, Beach Babylon is more than just a cafe—it’s a mini holiday, a friendly 'how-do-you-do,' and a culinary hug, all wrapped in one. Whether you're a local in need of a staycation or a traveler seeking a slice of Kiwi paradise, the doors of Babylon are open to bask in its beachy goodness. Don’t just take my word for it, dip your toes into their sandy paradise and taste the vibrant life of Wellington's...

I recently visited with high hopes of enjoying their Wellington on a Plate offering. Unfortunately, my experience left me extremely disappointed and dissatisfied. From the poor service to the underwhelming food quality, my visit to this establishment was far from enjoyable.

The first issue arose with the service. The waitress took an unreasonable amount of time to approach our table and take our order. Frustrated by the delay, we were forced to seek assistance at the counter. It was disheartening to learn that the Wellington on a Plate dish could only be served to those who had booked in advance. This lack of flexibility and failure to communicate this requirement clearly was a letdown.

Since we were unable to try the festival dish, we resorted to ordering from the regular menu. We opted for the corn frittatas and the royale burger. Unfortunately, both dishes fell far short of our expectations. The corn frittatas lacked flavor and were disappointingly bland. The royale burger was a disaster: the patty was overcooked, resulting in a dry and unappetizing texture. Every component of the burger seemed lacking in quality, leaving a lasting negative impression.

To make matters worse, the burger left an unpleasant aftertaste that lingered long after leaving the restaurant. It is disheartening to pay for such low-quality food, especially considering the premium prices charged by the establishment. The lack of attention to detail and the failure to deliver on taste only added to my frustration and overall dissatisfaction.

Given my experience, I regretfully cannot recommend to others. The poor service, combined with the subpar food quality, creates an unsatisfactory dining experience. I hope the restaurant management takes note of these shortcomings and makes the necessary improvements to ensure a more enjoyable experience for future patrons.

It is my sincere hope that my feedback is taken constructively and that the necessary steps are taken to address the issues...

I generally try to avoid this place like the plague as it is horrendously bad, but today was the last straw. Arrived with my 6 year old today at lunchtime and immediately had to sift our way through people everywhere standing around not exactly knowing what or where to go. I've figured out the easy way to recognise staff at this place. They're the ones that push past you with an entitled attitude doing next to nothing expecting sympathy for being busy. A year ago cafes would've dreamed of having customers. Now it seems customers are their nightmare. Inside Beach Babylon is pure chaos. There are no organised queues. You are simply expected to know where to stand to get a table or even get anyone's attention. Then some young lady barked at paying customers to line up. I asked if we could order takeaways. She said to line up like everyone else. I asked her to at least be friendly if that would be ok given none of us can read their minds. She proceeded to grab my shoulder and spin me around demanding I tell her how she wasn't being friendly. It was at this moment my son said 'Dad I want to leave'. Even my 6 year old son knew this was wrong. Beach Babylon is only in business because there's a handful of options on Oriental Parade within a 200m radius. Otherwise....this place would likely close....