Reviews of Cafe Esplanade. (Coffee Shop) in Palmerston North (Manawatu Whanganui).

Cafe Esplanade

660 Reviews

240 Comments

Coffee shop

Cafe

1 Palm Drive, West End, Palmerston North 4410, New Zealand

Description

Information of Cafe Esplanade, Coffee shop in Palmerston North (Manawatu Whanganui)

Here you can see the location, open hours, popular times, contact, photos and real reviews done by the users.

This place has good reviews, this means that they treat their customers well and you’ll feel great with their services, recommended 100%!

Map

Open hours of Cafe Esplanade

Popular times

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Reviews of Cafe Esplanade

R.

A couple of weeks back my young family, wife and I visited Cafe Esplanade for lunch. We're from an area of Auckland that's obsessed and snobby about it's cafe food culture. While ordering we were made aware of a 25 min wait, which is a bare standard minimum at any time of day in Auckland let alone the lunch period. We were satisfied with meal portion sizes, presentation and costs. We enjoyed the range of gluten free food on offer, professional service, and overall cleanliness of the outdoor area. There's an atmosphere of genuineness at Cafe Esplanade that's fast becoming obsolete in the main centres of NZ. Keep up the great service.

D. T. B.

Great service and a awesome place, the small birds that you hear singing around you is also enjoying the meal with you.

A. M.

Came in for lunch, had the beef burger and corn fritters. The food was average for the price we paid for it. There are many other places you could go for a nicer lunch. Have been here many times for the coffee and drinks and have been pleased every time. Coffee is always great. Staff were happy and helpful, with quick service. Highly recommend for a coffee or drink and something from the cabinet.

T. R.

We had a wonderful experience. Staff made us really welcome, and set up a table for special needs. The food was delicious. What a treat to have onion rings in our burgers which was pleasant surprise. Well done team.

S. M.

The fries were perfect, the beef burger would have been perfect without the onion rings. The staff were friendly, the iced mocha was good, and unlike some reviewers I did not find the prices excessively high. We will definitely be back

T. D.

We went to the Cafe for High Tea to begin a hen's day/night and it was amazing. The staff went out of their way to ensure all food/drink requirements were met but the highlight was definitely the range of food, presentation and quality of the High Tea. Totally recommend this Cafe for one of the best High Tea experiences we have had. with thanks Tanya

D. Y.

Got Americano and a slice for afternoon tea ! Great atmosphere during the summer time. Also serves tip top and kapati ice cream on the other side. Tried the waffle and it is not worth $16.90 for a flat stale chewy waffle .... cheese scone was dried and chewy as well. Recommend just a morning tea here and not a proper meal.

H. R.

Thanks team. The cafe was constantly busy the whole time we were there yet you somehow managed to deliver as always. Appreciate you all and your efforts.

S. C.

So good! I visited on a lovely sunny day and it was such a relaxing nice place despite it being a bit busy. They surprisingly had a table available and the food was awesome. Really worth the visit.

J. D.

A lovely place for a morning of group chat and laughter, busy but not too noisy. I liked the "old house" feel to it. Over-enthusiastically friendly girl on the checkout. Lots of art on the walls to look at. Water available. The table waiter was careful and courteous. The carrot cake was delicious but I'm not a fan of eating off a chipped plate. Elegant non-matching china cups and saucers for the tea. Large pot of tea for one - I got 3 cups out of it.. lovely. The order number was not taken away when all served which is an annoyance. The senior staff/owner? sitting by the door doing accounts farewelled each one of us in our group with thanks as we left.

L. T. A.

The customer service is warm and friendly. Wide variety of food choices in beautiful surroundings. The Eggs on Toast was a huge portion (we added hashbrowns) Really enjoyed our dining experience 👌🏽

P. B.

Very nice food, lots to choose from. Inside and outdoor tables. Great surroundings with the many trees of the Esplanade. Loved it!

C. S.

Really good staff, attentive, fast, unobtrusive. Lovely setting with both indoor and outdoor seating, good range of food, several vegetarian options.

P. N.

Really awesome cafe with a really neat atmosphere in amongst such a beautiful park in Palmerston North Central.

A. S.

Beautiful garden setting frequented by ppl young and old especially for breakfast. Highly recommend.

K. L.

Really nice little cafe, very friendly staff...I ordered a hot chocolate and was lovely! Eggs benne for breakfast, was also very nice.

L. J.

Will definitely return. Gorgeous old villa set in a beautiful park amongst gorgeous gardens. Enjoyed the high quality service and food. Excellent coffee. Superb atmosphere.

T. A. W.

Cafe Esplanade has been my 'go to' for 9 years now. I've seen changes in staff - and weather, but what hasn't changed is the high standard of care and consideration shown to each and every person who comes through their doors. That level of care and consideration also goes into the plentiful food cabinet & menu options available - there truly is something to suit almost every dietary requirement and budget. They also do their best to keep prices competitive considering the recent national hike in food costs. During the cooler months the fire adds to the cosy indoor atmosphere and during the warmer months the outdoor seating arrangement is like being hugged by nature - the area is surrounded but not crowded, by trees and other plants - and the chitter chatter of Sparrows, Blackbirds - and the calling of Tui and / or the quacking of Ducks and their chicks nearby (and sometimes table-side!) gives the overall outdoor experience something for everyone ie a place to just deeply exhale and catch up with oneself or with friends or colleagues or with the kids. Check out their new website - and call them with any questions or to make a reservation. There's wheelchair access - and within the grounds plenty of free parking.

J. O.

Great place for break after a stroll. Ice creams are great and accessible. Some of the staffs are friendly & welcoming. But please be mindful of the time as when it’s closing time, an angry staff would come about roughly stowing away chairs & cleaning up to remind you’ve overstayed your welcome!

J. W.

The Cafe Esplanade is another of our favourites. It's location within the Victoria Esplanade Gardens is ideal. Nothing bets a great cup of coffee after a walk around the park. The staff have always been excellent as is the coffee. Sometimes, it can be busy just on opening time at 10am so we have found it better to go in the early afternoon.

J. L.

Really lovely food and set up well for scanning in etc 😀

L.

Wonderful, helpful and friendly staff who went out of the way to make a special occasion perfect. Nice selection of slices and savouries.

D. P.

Lovely setting. Arguably the nicest place for a cafe in Palmerston North but it doesn’t live up to its potential.

L. A. B.

Great food good price. Great quite location.

Z. G.

Nice ranquil setting. Great food and Ice Creams too A regular stop for many years now

j. b.

Awesome service , fantastic food , defitnley recommended and will be going back again 💜

M. R.

Nice breakfast. My grandson had chops and toasted. Nice , friendly.

A. M.

Great customer service. Had my 5 month old with me staff where great assisting me. Lovely coffee and brownie was delicious.

J. S.

Nice spot to have lunch. Then a lovely walk through the gardens.

M. B.

A nice classical building for an afternoon tea, coffee or just an ice cream. Great staff.

F. L.

Good location, good food. Little bit pricey for what it is

k.

Lovely setting. Nice walks. And great for the children

Z. S.

Food & drink was great. Friendly & accommodating staff 👍

B. C.

Good variety of gluten free and dairy free. Nice setting in the park. I had the corn fritters they weren't that great my partner had the chicken salad it was ok looks like they had a lot tempting slices in the cabinet but overall a bit over priced for what was on offer

J. C.

While I have always loved the food here (weddings, birthdays and family get-togethers it is the staff and management which make this a stand-out venue. Palmerston North has an absolute gem here <3

S.

Had a yummy Thai-style curry. Coffee made by Rachel was excellent. Owner Mark came to greet us, which was a lovely touch. They have friendly staff and an impressive range of gluten-free and vegetarian options. I'll definitely be back.

M. W.

Went with my mum and my little sister for lunch here today. Overall my experience was very good. I got the bacon and egg pie which was delicious and the ham and spinach brunch stack which was okay just needed a tad of salt and also got the feijoa juice. My sister got the waffles but was disappointed it wasnt fresh strawberries and her icecream had melted before she got her plate. My mum got the panini which she said was good but got the side salad which was only mediocre. Overall it was a nice lunch out, the venue was nice and my experience was lovely. I will be back for the b and e pie

j. l.

Only ordered drinks as had to get to work pretty quickly, long wait. Cup was all stained inside obviously from tea which is normal, also normal to check and clean. Not overly busy. No spoons with tea. Attention to detail.lacking

T. G.

Very nice cafe with the added benefit of being within Palmerston's best park. Great place to meet up for a date and then move on to a walk through the park.

S.

Great Menu choices.Beautiful ❤❤❤ setting and friendly Staff.My only gripe having said nothing with tomatoes the side to my meal was tomato based.I will return though.

D. T.

Lovely staff, can handle difficult customer situations with a smile. Welcoming to disabled people and nothing is too much trouble. Any special requests handled quickly and professionally. Difinately recommend a visit.

J. H.

Awesome place great food an staff very polite 😁

K.

Friendly staff and nice beverages.

S. W.

Always good food and great staff. Beautiful surroundings to. One place to take a visitor to Palmy.

C. C.

Excellent coffee good customer service great indoor:outdoor seating only thing food a bit expensive but not a problem will go back again

K. “. R.

At certain rush times there can be quite a wait, but with indoor-outdoor seating options it's quite a nice wait. The options are basic but the snack food is nice. I have yet to try their hot food options but there are some choices to cater for various dietary needs. Service is generally friendly and it's ok for kids. Takeaway or sit down : )

B. M.

Enjoyed corn fritters. Different and yummy

A. C.

Have been here a few times. I've cream is well priced and plenty of choices. Serve size varied greatly depending on the staff member who serves. Have not had food here, drinks are great.

S. M.

Presently this spot is under the level 2 conditions. They doa great job of service and speed. A beautiful setting and fresh food and good coffee.

J. B.

Nice place, the outdoor setting is good. Expect to WAIT.. even for a coffee and no eats. Nearly 20mins to get 2 cups. Ended up asking for cups to go. Nice coffee but warm not hot. Staff were very nice really friendly.

D. H.

Great food. Wedges were nice and crispy. Chicken grilled sandwich was really good, creamy mushrooms were delicious and creamy though a bit light on flavour. Hot cakes and berry smoothie was average.

J. M.

Such a pity they don't let responsible dog owners bring their pet into the court yard area like other cafes do. Nice coffee/tea though

A. G.

This afternoon's attempt to get an ice cream for me and the dog I was walking in around 26deg's was an exercise in frustration due to their confusing signage - except for the last sign on their door... "Sorry, we're closed."

T. S.

Wasnt happy with food on last visit but gave it another try today. Food was beautiful and well presented. Keep it up!!. Nice lunch

D.

Great selection of food for everyone

C. D.

Okay food, good coffee, great setting. The setting really makes it.

V. J.

The staff were really quick at serving and acknowledging when I walked in. Smoothies are really good.

K. m.

When I mentioned that a bird was nesting in extractor fan they told " me" to contact the city council. So if you wish high standard cleanliness. It is not here. Nice location, good coffee.

S. T.

Friendly staff good range of products

L. C.

Service was great, lovely people. High Tea was lovely, huge variety, almost too much. Possible improvement would have been less sweet and a few more savoury items. All very good though.

S. M.

The only cafe we have been to doing level 2 properly and with great service, awesome food and proper iced chocolates in a glass! Thankyou to the staff for making sure we are all well looked after and safe. 🤗

J. O.

Lovely staff, feels as though you meet friends here but the staff are friends too. It's relaxed and the food has a good range with great coffee. Thank you.

Q. K.

Food ok, noisy with broken tables and chairs, could get more value for money elsewhere

L. M.

It was wonderful to see so many gluten free options. Thank you!

V. T.

Great spot. Food is good, not great, but good. We often sneak out to this spot over lunch and the atmosphere is fantastic.

R. L.

Fabulous coffee, food to suit everyone.... even budding vegans!, wonderful helpful staff and all set in the idyllic Esplanade. A must go..... one of my favourite places!!!!

C. K.

Always very good. Like the Lemon honey and ginger hot drink.

L. H.

Average food. Ordered bacon tomato mushrooms hash brown Bacon soggy and not crisp served with boring white bread, one plain tomato, mushrooms ok. Hash browns were nice and crisp. Won't rush back

Y. J.

Great place for coffee and ice cream, the food is ok.

E. R.

Great coffee nice snacks and friendly service. What more could you want? We love the decor but we know it might not be to everyone's taste.

V.

Yum food and pleasant atmosphere

M.

Service was a little slow. Still looks the same from the last 6 years ago.

J. G.

They got some of the best chips iv had in a while. Keep it up Also the new hours are 10am to 3pm and not 2:30pm as they have posted

C.

Ate our food before the cup of tea arrived! Seems coffees gets priority! Lovely setting though.

M. B.

An expensive café at a nice park location. They seem understaffed each time we're here so expect a 15 min wait for your coffee on a regular weekend. The food is very good.

P. A.

Quiet lunch on a sunny winter Saturday. Great Cafe food.

J. G.

Good food ,awsome view

M.

Good all round Cafe. Consistent standards of food and service.

S. D. M.

Great place for a coffee and meet some old school friends

D. W.

A great place for lunch with a frend. Food is excellent and in a beautifull setting thats hard to beat in Palmy.

R. E.

Good food and splendid atmosphere with friendly staff.

C. L.

Lovely setting in the park, nice food and good service

S. B.

Really nice spot in the beautiful Esplanade. Great kids play area close by and pleasant spot to sit, drink and eat. Walk through native bush or the rose garden.

S. S.

Good food, decent price. Lovely location and great atmosphere in here.

W. B.

Very good coffee. You don't get much bacon with the bacon and eggs.

J. H.

Great location .... Good enough coffee Glass teacup wasn't clean, & the teapot had some residue under the lid which could easily be wiped off

G.

Excellent service. Heaps of parking. New girl really friendly and efficient!

n. o.

Great but the vegetable soup had barley in and we don't like barley sorry Scottish visitors would come back service was very good

C. M.

Great service although order was wrong, they were buisy though. Coffee tastes good

M.

Tasty milkshakes and lovely outdoor area

L. O.

Set in the esplanade gardens it's a lovely spot on a hot day. The eggs bene is delicious too!

B.

Great food and great coffee! Highly recommend Cafe Esplanade

J. F.

Relaxing family friendly style cafe, good for just a coffee/milkshake, good meal options available too.

P.

Nice place. Relaxing in esplanade

d. W.

Awesome coffee and food and lovely staff

A. H.

Great sitting area, with ducks. Great for kids. I would give it five stars but I feel they are overpriced a bit.

C.

Very good coffee

N.

Have just had a wonderful afternoon at the Esplanade Cafe.. a farewell afternoon tea and the owner/staff couldn't have been more helpful and cooperative. Thanks to you all..

G. D.

Good range of yummy food at good prices. Big change in menu since I was last there.

D. S.

Lovely setting but need more staff on to cope as weather improves. Had to wait quite a while for food.

L.

Solid food at a solid pace. Great vibe.

J.

Nice place, very relaxed environment nice scenery

L.

Nice place to brunch. Esplanade an excellent place to unwind too, heaps to do go check it out.

D. A.

Great place to go to staff very helpful and look after there customers

G. M.

Lovely friendly cafe very nice hot cup of tea, an lovely to have it in a China cup

G. O.

Great place to dine with family & friends. Beautiful scenery surrounding this location. A must place to go

K. L.

Great food and coffee. Beautiful place and really lovely staff.

I. S.

Enjoyable food. Outside seating in fine weather. Service mediocre

M. C.

Great food and friendly service.

C. N.

Always top service & tasty meals.

T.

Nice clean and tidy. Friendly staff. Yummy food and drink

Q.

We always enjoy stopping here, coffees are good and their food just as good!

R.

Very slow serve.

J. L.

Good family venue with a nice outdoor area and a lot to do in the park. Also nice food!

D. N.

Great value mocha $5 for a large cup is fab... I will be back

B.

Good for kids, handy to esplanade. Decent food and drinks and super convenient.

B.

Reasonable food options and coffee was okay. They charge 50c extra for takeaway drinks

T.

Nice day to chill outside and have a drink

a. m.

Fantastic cafe, great coffee, food and top class service in a great location

D.

Very busy at the time we arrived just after lunchtime. Great atmosphere.

I. L.

Nice food, nice atmosphere and lovely and cool with air conditioning

d. r.

Good place to have an ice cream with the kids. Haven't had a main meal yet

N.

Very cosy. Nice food ,set up and friendly staff.

C. G. F.

Good food, great ambiance.

B.

Some of the food was a bit expensive but otherwise a lovely cafe with friendly sevice

f.

It is always extremely busy, so it can take some time to get service but the staff are lovely.

A. A.

improved menu reasonable coffee standard prices for café food

L. G.

Great food..even when you r on a restricted diet

H.

Very homely had fire going, excellent staff, good coffee

J.

Lovely setting excellent food, coffee & staff

S. P.

This place is ok the food is a bit average coffees were ok the staff are friendly

S.

Had a lunch today pork roast. Could have been hotter but was tasty.

D.

Great food and friendly staff Well done guys :)

l.

This is a lovely cafe has inside and outside seating lovely views around it.

R.

Great cafe, nice ambience, and they do a yummy iced coffee.

B.

Great place for a quick icecream or a bite while you're strolling through the esplanade.

L.

Great place to meet up with friends

S.

Great for a break and for a ice cream coffee

J.

Good place for what you go here for ... Coffee, munchies and a comfortable place to sit & talk.

P.

Really fast and friendly, also based in an amazing spot. Thank you

g.

Pretty expensive for what it is

G.

A little pricey for my preferences. Can also be unpleasanty loud at peak times.

J. A.

Friendly staff, good food, beautiful setting.

S.

Really sweet place to drop in for a nice cup of tea

C.

Great cafe, perfect for an icecream on a hot day!

J.

Fresh food and a clean place nice staff.

L.

Lovely food but took an hour to get it !!!

D.

Wicked selection in a top location

L. L.

Beautiful setting, fantastic food and drink options

H.

Excellent coffee, from a barista who knows how to make what the customer wants.

G.

Great food, great venue, friendly staff

M.

Good place for quiet lunch or a cup of coffee.

Z.

What a great cafe. A perfect view.

L.

Great food, great service and a wonderful location.

d. h.

Nice food a bit slow with it but otherwise ok

S. G.

Nice food and atmosphere

S.

Had a group of 12 who went for lunch, food took ages to come out, orders wrong but told they were right.

X.

Good coffee nice people

C.

Warm and inviting cafe 🙂

P.

Food needs to change...park looking great

G.

Great service

B. K.

Delicious ice coffee great setting. 😊

L.

Excellent customer service... With smiles...Would recommend to anyone.

D.

Great coffee and cake. Lovely building.

N. B.

Loverly. Great friendly service and terrific food

G.

Great food, great venue, great atmosphere.

C.

Meal was great. An awesome chef

D.

Average food for the money.

t.

Good coffee

D.

How about your Coffee shouldn't that be included in your Menu I should think so WHY isn't it.

L.

Really popular cafe in the park.

G.

Very expensive

L.

Wonderful lunch

S.

do a fantastic ginger crunch the best of Manawatu

D.

A great place to go with the whole family

G.

Ice creams are quite generous.

V.

Misunderstanding about latte order but cheerfully rectified

R.

Great coffee while the kids feed the ducks

B.

Amazing

D.

Great staff,service and food

W.

The standards remain

R. A.

Very helpful with my food allergies

P.

Nice food with friendly staff

C.

Great food and service.

A. d. L.

Seriously OTT with CV19 arrangements

C.

Pricey food but nice

J.

Very pleasant and confortable cafe

M.

Great gluten free options

M.

Beautiful and quiet with beautiful Bush and gardens

R.

Coffee was very well done.

S.

Good will o back again

A.

Good gluten free options

R.

Cosy place around beautiful gardens

J.

Great service and fabulous environment

C. T.

Great place to relax !

c.

Nice food

B.

Good place to go with young children

K.

Lovely Food and Drink

T. B.

Interesting building in a beautiful setting

M.

Very nice moccachino and cakes, paninis etc for.morning tea etc

P.

A great place for lunch etc

T.

Nice place for lunch while in the esplanade

C.

A great afternoon at the PN Esplanade

s.

Nice food and service

C. J.

Nice cakes and coffee

C.

great food and coffee

J.

Great spot

c.

Great Ice creams

J.

Excellent coffee.

E.

Going down☹️

D.

Good good but at akld prices

D.

Coffee was ok

H.

Nice little cafe

D.

Nice icecream

M.

Love this cafe

B.

Good food.

G.

Happy

R.

Friendly service

C.

Excellent service

W.

great coffee

J.

quaint with nice staff

A.

Very

R.

Food cold

D.

Various food....

Z.

A bit drafty

s.

Great food and atmosphere. Staff were fantastic.

W.

(Translated) Located in the park, the environment is praiseworthy! (Original) 坐落在公园里面，环境是嘴赞的!

L.

S.

(Translated) Cherry-blossom viewing is amazing! (Original) 花見すごい!

E.

d.

M.

Z.

D.

D.

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