The Harvard Cafe Rand Airport — Restaurant in Gauteng

I recently visited this establishment with local colleagues and friends, hoping to enjoy a morning breakfast that would showcase the best of the area with an incredible view. Unfortunately, our experience was far from what we expected or what is reflected in the online reviews.

Upon entering, the atmosphere was unwelcoming—cold, with no staff in sight. We initially aimed to sit in the outdoor section, but given the cold and foggy weather, we opted for a secondary glass-enclosed space inside. However, we were not greeted or seated by any staff member, leaving us to wander around in search of assistance.

When someone finally appeared, their approach was indifferent at best. We were told we could sit wherever we wanted, but the lack of guidance or warmth from the staff made the experience uncomfortable from the start. It took another 15 minutes before someone came to take our order, and even then, the service was lacking. The server was difficult to understand and offered no flexibility or alternatives when we asked about menu items. For example, when we inquired about substituting a cappuccino for the drip coffee included with a breakfast special, we were met with a flat, unhelpful "no," without any attempt to offer a solution.

This pattern continued when we asked about options for a child in our group. The server bluntly stated that pancakes were not available, without offering any alternatives, such as waffles, which were on the menu. Basic customer service principles seemed entirely absent.

Adding to our frustration, when I inquired about a ceiling heater, the response from the staff was vague and unhelpful. Rather than checking or offering to bring a portable heater, I was told, “I think it’s broken.” To make matters worse, when we were finally told there might be a warmer seating area upstairs, the staff argued among themselves about whether such an area even existed.

Ultimately, our experience was marred by disorganized, uncommunicative, and apathetic staff. We left without eating, deeply disappointed that what should have been a pleasant breakfast turned into an exercise in frustration. It’s unfortunate that such a lovely opportunity was overshadowed by a complete lack of customer service. I hope the management takes steps to address these issues, as the potential for a great experience is there, but the execution...

This morning my partner and I decided to go for breakfast. When we got there we were greeted with a warm welcome and seated at a table. We were then told about the buffet special which we both decided to go for (R99.00) which included eggs (fried and scrambled), toast, bacon, baked bean, boerewors and roasted tomatoes as well as bottomless tea and coffee. I then asked if they had decaf as I can’t have caffeine in which he replied no. We then proceeded to join the buffet line and were shocked to see the lack of variety in the breakfast (at least have some sort of potato and a different kind of sausage and some mushrooms). We had had breakfast the previous morning in Pretoria and paid R40.00 for two eggs, three rashers of bacon, chips, tomato and toast with a free cup of juice, tea or cappuccino. There were a whole bunch of covered food and so I was curious to see what else there was to add to my plate but was moaned at by the main server that it’s all the same food that is already out… after that we sat down and tried to get a waiter’s attention to order some juice. Eventually after waiting for a while we went directly to the manager to order. After eating we were ready to order the bill and go but our waiter was still nowhere to be seen. We then got up after waiting 30minutes and paid at the front. My overall experience this morning felt like I was at a mess hall getting rushed made food while being moaned at by the lunch lady… I wouldn’t recommend going to the buffet but their normal sit down menu is...

When arriving for our Christmas lunch our table was given to someone els made booking in November already After telling the manager we will leave and my mom wanting a table asap we got one after a long wait.. BUT

That was the only bad experience I need to give credit to our amazing waiter that took us under his Wing and looked after us. 2nd Started was not good but the buffet that was served was amazing no one can complain about the food. It was delicious warm and sooooooooooo much of it. Nothing run out the food that was put on the menu was there and dam delicious the food made up for the table issue and the waiter was great too.

Play area there was a young lady that entertained the kids and made sure the parents can eat while kids had fun . That younge lady even run around jumped on jungle gym and even chased the kids my daughter was entertained then the exstra from you Harvard Cafe to paint children faces and get a magician to entertain the kids later he was Santa well done on a successful Christmas buffet

Food was outstanding and worth it 10/10 Service from waiter great 10/10 Booking services Need some work miss organized 2/10 Management: quicker services would be good and not organized making clients wait 1/10 Kiddies play area: younge lady great 10/10 Bathroom: female toilet on the left side not locking or even have a lock...