MEAL WITH A VIEW: Locals enjoying the views of Lake Tarawera at the Landing Cafe. PHOTO/FILE
MEAL WITH A VIEW: Locals enjoying the views of Lake Tarawera at the Landing Cafe. PHOTO/FILE
You would be hard-pressed to find a better view for a meal than at The Landing Cafe at Lake Tarawera.
Nestled on the lakefront about 20 minutes from Rotorua, the scenery alone is worth the trip. However, with an extensive menu and friendly service, this cafe stands up as adrawcard to making the drive out there. The weather was not the best when we arrived, but we were still able to sit comfortably and remain dry outside under the covered deck and enjoy the sight of the lake and Mount Tarawera.
-The Food: It was breakfast and there were plenty of options to choose from. I had eggs benedict while my 5-year-old son feasted on the generous serving of porridge - a breakfast favourite when eating out. It came with the usual accompaniments of milk and brown sugar but he was equally impressed with added bonus of the small jug of cream.
My poached eggs were cooked to perfection with the yolk slightly oozing, the bacon was crispy and the wilted spinach with Hollandaise sauce on a slice of ciabatta topped off a well-rounded eggs benedict. The additional hashbrowns were tasty. The cafe also offer an equally extensive lunch menu which includes soups, Asian-style spring rolls, a selection of pastas, open sandwiches and a children's menu. Various pizzas are made on site and a full list of entrees, mains including venison, roasted duck, and fresh fish are offered in their dinner menu.
-The drinks: The child's apple juice was apparently "very tasty." The coffee however was a great accompaniment to a full breakfast. Using Caffe Aurora beans, the flat white had a robust and smooth flavour. The cafe is also fully licensed with an array of New Zealand and Australian wines on offer, as well as port/dessert wine, beers and spirits.
-The service: Was friendly, very efficient with minimal wait time for our meals. The cafe offers a casual setting to sit and enjoy the view and the staff contributed to the relaxed atmosphere.
-The prices: Very reasonable. The porridge was just under $10 and the eggs benedict was on average with other eateries at $18.50. Meals range from $5 through to $45 for the main dinner meals. There is plenty on offer which is sure to suit any budget.
-Overall: The Landing Cafe is great with a group of friends or equally perfect to have a solo meal or cuppa. Its relaxed setting and great food is the perfect match to admiring the stunning views.
