Cafe review: Third Place Cafe

CHILD FRIENDLY: Third Place Cafe is hard to go past with a young family. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

For some mums, answering the question "wanna go out for lunch?" can bring a wave of fear.

If you have no choice but to take your sproglets, choosing the venue has to be a strategic move. It has nothing to do with food either. Most kids are happy with a juice, bowl of hot chips and tomato sauce. But pick a cafe that's not child friendly and your lunch could be ruined.

Third Place Cafe is one of the favourites for me and my miniature entourage.

It's roomy enough to accommodate my massive double stroller for baby twins and it has a little play room to keep the 4-year-old amused. For those wandering toddlers, the room has a lockable gate. Bliss.

So the kids are happy, what about the adults?

The food

Thankfully Third Place Cafe isn't just a bowl of chips. The food is fabulous. It's perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch or just morning teas. There is the delicious range of cabinet food (mmmm the scones) to choose from as well as a brunch menu.
I opt for the Homemade Potato Hash Stack and go for bacon over salmon ($17). It's clearly a favourite as my friend orders the same thing. The portion is generous and the layers of grated potato and crispy cheesy thingy are yummy. Next time, I'll be tempted by the Mumble Jumble Krushed Kumara ($17.50). The mix of chorizo, bacon, egg and caramelised onion sounds too good.

The drinks

There's a great selection as you'd expect. My friend tells me the coffee is great and I'm satisfied with my smoothie.

The service

The best thing about this cafe is the staff. They all seem so happy to be at work and there's always someone waiting to serve you no matter how bustling the cafe is.

Overall

Third Place Cafe has always been a favourite and this occasion didn't disappoint. It burst on to the cafe scene seven years ago and has kept its reputation even through an ownership change two years ago. It has it all, including a small outdoor area to soak up the sun. With arguably one of the best views overlooking the steaming Ohinemutu Maori Village and Lake Rotorua, this cafe is one of the best in our city.

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