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Reviews for Catalina Cafe

by David B.
19th May 2013

This place has the feeling that it could be fantastic, open, airy with lots of outside seating and parking. All this along with an attractive menu and cabinet food.

While the coffee is great both dishes we had were very bland. We had the chicken sandwich from the cabinet and the risotto balls. Neither had any real taste and did not standout. I think the chef needs to taste the food more.

Not worth traveling any distance to find, however driving around the old base is interesting.

by Lynn C.
29th April 2013

Had the big brekkie which was delicious. Loved the tasty sausage which was included. Had a great walk around Hobsonville Point to work up an apetite for a gelato in the afternoon – yum. Definitely worth the trip from Auckland City. Took some of the yummy lemon tart home for my Aunty. If you go in the weekends you can visit the farmers market as well.

by Jan O.
28th April 2013

We had so looked forward to a Sunday morning breakfast here, then on the markets and a walk. So underwhelming, and such a disappointment. Had checked out the menu on their website the evening before, but upon arrival, was told the menu had changed….just like that! We both had very boring, tasteless poached eggs on what was supposed to be toast. The warmed up, out of a plastic bag, bread, was no where near being toast. Soggy warm bread more like it! After visiting the market, we are sure none of what we ate came from the farmers market! Staff were not that interested or cheerful. Overpriced, but the coffee was okay, just! Unfortunately we won’t be returning in a hurry.

by Gina M.
4th March 2013

Really disappointing considering the owners history with cafes etc. Coffee is not good and takes ages to get to you. Been twice now to see if it was a once off and it wasn’t, always arrives after food. Ordered broiche French toast first time and it was yum, second time ordered salmon eggs bene. Only saving grace was the smoked salmon which I’m sure they didn’t smoke. Had raw spinach on it which wasn’t that nice and bagel was soggy. Fist time had a mocha and it was like mud, tried again second time and it was just ok. Bad tempered staff. Lovely location and farmers market is a savings grace. Would recommend just going to farmers market for breakfast, it’s a lot cheaper. Also most of the people giving this place a good review have never reviewed anywhere else, a little suspicious if you ask me.

by Gail
14th February 2013

This cafe is in a good location. I have been there a couple of times and at best have found the food very average and the prices a little high for what you get. My main gripe is the flies that were there, there is nothing more off putting than sitting eating lunch and seeing flies crawling on the upturned cups and cutlery that people are going to use to consume their meal.
We were there last week and on top of the counter were a few plates with muffins, these had covers on them which didn’t match the size of the plates so flies were able to get under the cover and one was having a lovely time crawling all over the muffins. It’s highly unlikely that we will be going back, such a shame. Do the owners of these places not read the reviews, it would seem not!

by Michelle N.
10th February 2013

I ordered the Eggs Benedict from the breakfast menu at Catalina Cafe, and specifically requested no Hollandaise sauce, as I am allergic to dairy.

My order came and I discovered the cook had added the sauce, discovered no sauce was requested, scraped the sauce off and turned the poached egg upside down….presumed to mask the Hollandaise sauce on the underside.

Bad service, as my order was not to my standard, a health risk and therefore not a quality meal. I did not enjoy the food.

by Willie F.
20th January 2013

Well I’m not sure what cafe other people went to, but the catalina cafe that I’m sitting in , using their free wi-Fi to post this review, rocks!!
It’s mobbed here today! The market is on and the new primary school is having an open day, so there’s heaps of people around. We just ate a fantastic Catalina breakfast each and a coffee, delicious!!! The staff are not grumpy despite the heat today and the numbers through the door. Top marks guys, our first time here and I’ll be back!!

by Kat G.
5th January 2013

This cafe is in a great location, especially if you have children as there is a playground a short walk down the road. The food is generally good, but can sometimes be a bit inconsistent and is overpriced for what it is. The thing that puts me off wanting to come back regularly is the owner who seems to be constantly having a bad day. Sour service takes the shine off this place.

by Victoria M.
28th November 2012

Underwhelmed. Surly blonde lady on the front counter not bothered to make eye contact – bought 3 drinks and got one stamp on the coffee card (?) luckily the cafe environment is very nice and right next to a great park, unluckily the coffee was merely average.

by Hannah D.
26th November 2012

Always very busy, takes forever to get anything. Last time I went took almost 40 minutes for my food to arrive and then had to ask where my drink was. I ordered the beefsteak tomatoes and cheese. My toast was burnt and dry. At least the pesto was home made.

by Linda M.
27th October 2012

What can I say about the Calalina but awesome!!!!!! The staff are always friendly with a smile on their faces, the service is more than good for a cafe, the food is always delicious. Nothing to moan about apart from the fact that it is really busy at the weekend, which surely has to be a good thing. The ladies even remember my very specific coffee order…….. Mmmm maybe I am drinking way too much coffee! Either way, highly recommend Catalina and consider myself lucky that it is my “local”.

by lara w.
16th August 2012

Have been here for coffee a couple of times and brunch once before. Every time the lady serving behind the counter is curt and borderline grumpy. The food here is in my opinion overpriced. I had the French Toast with Bacon. Two pieces of brioche arrived, which were very nice, and bacon on top. However the whole lot was knee deep in maple syrup which drowned everything. Its as though someone poured the syrup and the lid came off mid pour and flood the plate. The whole meal was so sweet with syrup. There needs to be something else other than toast bacon and syrup. ie. banana or something. Would definitely not order this meal again. Was a rip off and whilst liking maple syrup don’t like eating a whole syrup soaked meal. Paying over $20 for an average coffee and a substandard meal isnt value for money in my opinion. Won’t be rushing back and if i return will only get coffee and will give the food a wide berth

by Rob K.
14th August 2012

Site says ‘Yes’ to reservations. Tried to book 10 people for lunch on Sunday – ‘sorry we don’t take reservations after 9.30am’. ‘Why not’ I ask. “Well, if all the tables are full, we will have nowhere for our walk-ins” is the reply from Karen.

Fuzzy logic….prefer a coffee customer to a lunch patron. Mmmm. We wont bother again.

by Michelle B.
27th July 2012

Lovely setting, the ladies serving arn’t the friendliest people around. But the food is good compared to other places in the area. Their pizzas are so good!

by Mel
12th July 2012

We met friends at the Hobsonville market and decided to stop in on the way to the playground for a hot drink and a snack. We had a delicious caramel slice, a licorice ice cream, my husband had a hot chocolate (which was fine) and my friend and I both ordered Chai Lattes.
They were the worst chai lattes we had ever tasted. Watery and flavourless with a horrible spice burn at the end of it. Neither of us could finish our drinks, they were that bad.
the service was unfriendly – they were busy but that is no excuse for the grumpy demeanors and curt tones.
I would like to give them another go as the food was lovely but I certainly won’t get a chai latte!!!

by RAYMOND L.
24th April 2012

Called in Sunday Morning to Catalina Cafe, after picking up My Wife from Airport.She is a” Tea Drinking Nut”.It was the first time she had been there. I have been many times since it has been open . The Cafe was as great as always.The Tea,Coffee,Food and Staff were Great.We will be returning many times in the future.Some People Just Expect To Much and give very little in return. Hey But who am I to judge.I am no Ponsonby, Parnell Snob.

by walksinauckland.com
26th March 2012

Wonderful location. great place to stop at after a walk around Hobsonville Point. Good food, great coffee, great service.
http://walksinauckland…

by Mel W.
12th March 2012

If you are going to go for breakfast on a Sunday, it pays to get in early (which we did), as Catalina is buzzing by 9am with the markets on as well.

My partner had the grill and it was HUGE. Nice, fresh ingredients, and well cooked, he was really happy with it.

I had the Eggs Benedict, and again, was really happy, the only thing I feel they could improve on is maybe doing a homemade Hollandaise sauce, am guessing it was from a packet as was VERY thick and cold, on a lovely hot meal, like the sauce had been in the fridge.

Coffee was good, love the “Love Shack” blend from Matakana, and we buy it from the market regularly.

Staff were not overly attentive (being a cafe we didn’t expect table service), but friendly and polite.

We would definitely be back, good work Catalina

by ann s.
11th March 2012

Very surprised to read some reviews here! as a regular cafe visitor around Auckland I can honestly say they make the best french toast around , went there this morning with my family and thought it was really good!! will be back.

by lynn m.
26th February 2012

A totally tasty brunch with a glass of fine vino amongst the trees with Dj’s spinning records on sunday and the market across the road …roll on mellow sunday vibes..

by Libby H.
19th January 2012

Wayne, Rachel & their professional team catered for our wedding last week. We had 60 guests who commented positively on the experience. The canapes, pizzas, salads & drinks were served by efficient & friendly staff & enjoyed by both children & adults. Staff went out of their way to make sure everything was taken care of smoothly and with no stress to the bride and groom. The setting up of the venue including the music and the microphone was taken care of by our Hosts and we had absolutely no worries about anything at all. The food was delicious & the wines were served beautifully. Unfortunately it was very windy so we were unable to take advantage of the outdoor area, but there was plenty of room to accomodate our party. 60 guests enjoyed themselves, which, in my mind outweighs the negative reviews about our local cafe. The reason we chose Catalina for our venue was because we have always had good experiences when dining there. Friendly, welcoming staff, good food, reasonable prices etc. See you this weekend for our coffee!!!

by merian a.
16th January 2012

Excellent spot, the surroundings are very nice and the cafe itself is great too. The food was nice but a little pricey

by Terri C.
13th January 2012

Myself and two colleagues decided to go here for a casual Friday lunch (as you do). I was a bit reluctant after reading previous reviews, but I was pleasantly suprised. We all had cabinet food, which is the best selection I have seen for quite some time. We had Risotto Balls (x2) and Mini Pizza. Flat White and Hot Chocolate arrived within a minute of sitting down (and was hot). Cabinet food well priced. My only thought is that it was not very busy, and would be interesting to see how they were on a busy weekend. Definately recommend.

by CelesteReviews
30th November 2011

There isn’t much choice of eating establishments out this way, so we thought it was time to check out Catalina Cafe for brunch last week. A lovely spot, with good service, but overpriced.

The husband thought the big breakfast was the best he’s ever had (especially the potatoes), but at $24 it was a tad overpriced.

My spinach & ricotta omelette was incredibly rich and way too big to finish.

You read a more detailed account at http://celestereviews…. – including photos of our meals.

by Rachel
18th October 2011

Catalina has the most delicious food if you like the sweeter treats like I do!! The coffee is OK…Unfortunately they are let down badly by their staff in terms of service. I go practically every week to meet up with some other ladies and have a good chin wag. Today, the woman serving was down right rude to my largish – 5 adults and 5 kids group and offered no help what so ever in terms of helping to accommodate us. Each time we visit we bring a couple of new local people along to try the cafe. You would think that Catalina would treat regular customers in a friendly welcoming manner if they wished to keep them. It would be good to see a bit of competition at hobsonville point as it might make them lift their game. My husband and I both work for large organisations in the area and I will now hesitate to recommend Catalina to my friends.

by Natalie H.
14th October 2011

Sadly really disappointing. It’s a nice environment, but the food was stale and all bread with miniscule filling and not cheap! The coffee was dreadful. I was so wishing it would be good

I think with the lovely setting and decor they could do so much better with their food and offer much better value for money.

by lisa
30th August 2011

hi we go to this cafe all the time food is yum and the staff are really nice its sad to see that people can be so rude im sure if you have a problem they would sort it just ask we love ya catalina

lisa, david and our for kids

by sarah g.
30th August 2011

I have visited this cafe on a couple of occasions. I find the food OK (but overpriced) and the coffee lukewarm. Yesterday I payed $8.50 for a tepid coffee and a scone. By the sugar there is a bowl of marshmellows. I handed one to my little 2-year old to be told in a very curt tone that the marshmellows were for the coffee only NOT to be handed to children! Well, sorree!!! I thought that after paying $8.50 a single marshmellowwould be on the house. Shame on you catalina. I will not be back (and neither will my family and friends)

by rebecca
24th August 2011

I live around the corner from Catalina Cafe in Hobsonville and have been here a few times now since it opened – every time it has been terrible. They’ve hardly changed their menu since they opened, the coffee is very average and it is really, really overpriced for what it is – the big breakfast is definitely not worth $24. I’ve had the brioche french toast a couple of times now, both times served with freezing cold (and I’m assuming canned) fruit on top which cooled the toast, not nice and wam and “poached” like on the menu. A tiny, tiny Belgian biscuit costs $3 something, another total rip off.

Have also had a savoury scone from there – it was stodgy and not even cooked.

Catalina could get away with their extremely high prices if they had good food and coffee, but they’re below average in both. I’m assuming the only reason people go there is because it’s the only cafe in our area. If you go on a Sunday, just go into the Hobsonville Farmers Market

by sara t.
13th May 2011

lovley setting, kids loved the play ground, yummy free range eggs, good music, nice staff, hot coffee, charlies ice cream i will definatly be back.

by Lynne H.
1st May 2011

Tried this cafe just once with my husband & found the service to be mediocre, the coffee “warm” & the food average,(when it eventually arrived!)overpriced & certainly not anything spectacular. I can’t believe these people are experienced cafe managers, they need to teach their staff how to smile too. We certainly won’t be returning.

by KirstyT
17th April 2011

Decided to try a local cafe for brunch. Read reviews before coming here, and thought to try Catalina Cafe anyway. Ordered eggs bene w/ bacon for myself, and french toast w/ bacon and maple syrup for my partner with coffee. Coffee arrived after 20mins (1/4 coffee and 3/4 froth) – luke warm at best. Food arrived after another 25mins: eggs bene had a few egg shells, yolk was hard, had a tiny piece of bacon on one toast slice with no bacon at all on the other. Partner was not impressed with french toast – pitiful to look at: two pieces of toasted bread with piddly bits of overcooked bacon scattered on top – no banana, hardly any maple syrup. Would have complained about meals, but scared we would be waiting 45mins again. $40.50 for the rattiest breakfast I have EVER seen. Very disappointed.

by Anne-Maree M.
13th April 2011

I love this place!!! The food & coffee is awesome and up to Auckland CBD standards. Who else apart from the “side of the road mobile coffee guy” on Hobsonville Road can one get a coffee – and on trying both many a time on my commute to Albany – I must say Catalina wins outright with consistently good coffee (plus a better atmosphere). On the couple of times I have dined here for breakfast I have never been disappointed, I love the eggs bennie!!. Highly recommended.

by Tony S.
13th April 2011

I was shocked to read the other reviews. My wife and I have spent many a weekend at catalina. Always great service and very consistent food, the salads are awesome!! Having worked and lived in Melbourne for many years, this is without a doubt as good as it gets….don’t change catalina!

by Emily
29th March 2011

Nice decor and good location for locals, but average food and terrible coffee.

by Emma83
9th February 2011

Have been here twice and food has been great. Excellent caesar salad and cheesecake, prompt service and good coffee. Will go back.

by Nikki B.
1st February 2011

not very impressed, the food was well below average, had no flavour, extremly small portions with extremly high prices, the coffee was below average and the service the same, not very friendly, we stood at the counter for about 5 minutes before they even acknowledged us when it was quite obvious we had already looked at the menu.
would not return and do not recommend others to go there

by pete
5th January 2011

I took my son for a drink after school and we both ordered a Spider, regrettably, it tasted like straight syrup. Not a fan of the prices there either.

by Chelsea A.
28th December 2010

Food is overpriced, service is average, ambience leaves a lot to be desired. I ordered the french toast and it was made with a weird kind of bread, the egg wasn’t cooked all through and the bacon was fatty. Tasted really bad. Wouldn’t return.

by Adele
18th December 2010

My husband and I decided to visit Catalina Cafe this afternoon for a late breakfast. We had been past a month ago and noticed the new cafe. The building and surroundings look very nice, the layout inside is also nice with the large table to one side but is very noisy with the wooden floors and with the noise from kitchen it makes it very hard to have a conversation so we decided to sit outside. We approached the till to place our orders. My husband is a big breakfast man and was a little disappointed that they didn’t offer one but you are able to build one, at a cost! The lady behind the till was not very helpful when he asked what he was looking for, she could have really up selled but he had to put it all together himself. There were no suggestions coming from her. I ordered the French toast. We also ordered coffee & hot chocolate. We took our seats outside and waited. Drinks didn’t take to long but were luke warm at best. When the food eventually arrived we couldn’t wait to tuck in. Husband was very impressed with the toast but that was about it. We both had bacon on our plates which had been cooked to within an inch of it’s life. The only hot thing on his plate seemed to be the tomatoes which he burnt his mouth on. Overall we weren’t very happy with the place & after paying $50 for two dishes & two drinks we feel a bit ripped off.

by SHAUN S.
7th December 2010

For a couple who have extensive cafe experience I am shocked by the lack of customer service. I expect when my partner finds a hair in her meal that she would at lease receive an apology. I returned the meal to the counter and pointed it to one of the management. She picked it up and returned it to the kitchen for replacement. Neither her or her business partner approached us with any form of concern or interest. I appreciate that this can happen at times hence not drawing any real attention to it at the counter. For them to offer no apology shows their total lack of appreciation for their customers. Maybe it was a timely insight of their arrogance and over blown ego. It is amazing what a five star rating can do for a cafe which in my mind had so much potential. Unfortunately the brioche with bacon that came out with no maple syrup to be found on the bottom slice of toast and the brioche with poached fruit that consisted of a couple of pears on bread that was not brioche just added to the disappointment. I have given it one star just because of the location and because of the times I had visited where I had no reason to doubt the professionalism of the management. It is amazing how quickly an Establishment can forget the fundamentals.

by Cricket
1st November 2010

Lovely light, airy space – but Catalina is expensive for a suburban cafe, the coffee is average (delivered with slightly snotty service) and so doesn’t really seem to provide value for money. Really disappointed as we held such high hopes for it! Won’t be going back.

by Siobhan F.
24th October 2010

love the decor here! the ‘spider’ and the’smoothie’ were not that good though

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