Cafe Review: The Office Cafe and Restaurant

PHOTO BEN FRASER

If the lack of empty carparks out front is anything to go by, this Tarawera Rd cafe is a favourite for those living on the eastern side of Rotorua or making the most of the outdoor activities on offer in the nearby Redwoods or lakes.

After being closed for a while last year, it was taken over by Angela Kane who has set about making a few changes to the restaurant including lightening up the interior and changing up the food a bit.

With plenty of seats outdoors to enjoy the good weather, there's also some funky little private office spaces inside for people who want a bit more privacy as well as a kids' room to keep the younger ones occupied.

On the Sunday we went the place was buzzing with a steady stream of people turning up.

The food is a mix of cabinet food including savoury items and sweet treats, but they also have a breakfast/brunch and lunch menu.

It's ordered from the counter and brought to your table.

The menu is reasonably conventional with something for all tastes, with items reflecting a bit on the outdoorsy theme from the adjoining Outdoorsman Headquarters. We tried the Weber Open Chicken Sandwich and the Smoked Chicken salad - both tasty options for a Sunday lunch.

We couldn't resist the sweet treats afterwards and the caramel macadamia slice went down a treat (perhaps a little to well - our waistlines probably wish we hadn't discovered this).

The service is reasonably quick and with a smile. The cafe was particularly busy on the day we went but meals still were out quickly and the staff didn't seem rattled by the midday rush.

The drinks are right up there with some of the best coffee we've had. We'll have more next time but they've also got a good range of other hot and cold drinks, and are licensed.

The prices are a good range to cater for all occasions, from the cabinet food, which is cheaper, to the mains. The two of us were able to get main meals and a coffee each for around the $50 mark.

Overall we are impressed. We'll definitely be back to grab coffees and there are plenty more sweet treats we've got our eye on.