Rotorua's 'best cafe' revealed

Capers Epicurean is the best cafe in Rotorua, according to a New Zealand restaurant critic who says it stands out above the rest.

Capers Epicurean on Eruera St has been named Rotorua's best cafe in Cafe magazine's 2011 New Zealand Best Cafe Awards.

Chief judge Michael Guy said Capers stood out above the rest and was "incredibly consistent" in all areas of products and service.

"Their food was fresh and well made, there was the whole deli experience - their passion really comes through."

General manager Tracey Haxton said the team at Capers found out about the win on Wednesday when they received the latest edition of the magazine.

Miss Haxton said the news hadn't quite sunken in.

"It really is a great boost for the staff," she said. "We try so hard to be consistent in all areas."

The cafe won the prestigious award in 2009 and Miss Haxton said staff at the cafe would strive to continue to be the best. "It is just a great achievement," she said. "It is great to be recognised."

Mr Guy said Capers had great attention to detail.

"There isn't a lot of change in the cafe scene in Rotorua and Capers is a cafe that just produces consistently good coffee and food."

He said it was a big achievement for the same cafe to win the Best Cafe Award more than once.

Mr Guy said the quality of coffee was a big factor.

"If people don't have a good cup of coffee they won't bother going back to that cafe a second time."

He said Capers was also very family friendly.

"Some cafes make you feel like you can't come in with children but at Capers you can go in and make yourself at home."

Mr Guy said a lot of cafes in Rotorua needed to improve their standards especially ahead of the Rugby World Cup.

"A lot of places really need to up their game," he said. "Restaurants and cafes need to be consistent across the board. It is not just about good coffee, it's about good food and great service."