Sluurpy > Restaurants in Kaikoura > Cafe Encounter

Review Cafe Encounter - Kaikoura

Hamish Pringle
On the advice of our travel agent New Zealand In Depth we went to Cafe Encounter ten minutes early on the morning of our dolphin watch tour. Good advice! Just after we’d ordered the place was full inside and getting that way on the patio. The staff were very friendly and competent despite the pressure. Muesli and scrambled eggs were excellent. We went again the following day, having checked out the breakfast offer at our hotel next door. Their muesli mix wasn’t as good. And those hotel silver-domed food warmers signified pre-cooked rather than freshly scrambled eggs. At Cafe Encounter the service and food were again very good despite, or perhaps because of, the high traffic generated by the Encounter business. The team is used to dealing with large numbers of covers under time pressure, and their skills are well-honed. On our return from whale watching (spotted a rare Blue Whale!) we asked to be dropped off by the South Pacific Helicopters courtesy car at Cafe Encounter for lunch - delicious quiche and salad, plus chocolate and blueberry muffin. We’ll be there for breakfast for the third time tomorrow!
Elizabeth D
Nice cafe: plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. Food was tasty.
Dave H
Great coffee and Chicken Pide was excellent. Friendly staff and a great spot in the sun. Were told it was the best brunch place in town and it was pretty damn good.
Ash Gibson
I tried the pulled pork burger with fries one time and the salmon filo today, was sad the kitchen closes early the bus was late back due to the traffic. Which meant missing out on buying hot soup or chowder and fries etc... but the food I've had so far from here was nice, a bit of a high price, I'd say somewhere in between cheap and expensive. The staff are a not very friendly or seem grumpy. Anyway nice Cafe, thanks.
Ash Price
I didn't visit for the dolphin encounter, but I did visit for the cooked breakfast. A regular stop when we are in town and the service and quality of the food never disappoints. Dog friendly as well.
Paul Donaldson
Often call in, and often with young Grandchildren, Friendly staff (threatened to put caffeine into our grandchildren's fluffy's lol). Good quality food, clean restrooms.
T&G Ratahi
The Frech toast was delicious, the big breakfast wasnt as big as I expected comparing it to others weve had on this trip. Still a decent sized meal just not what I'd call big. Coffee was good. The chocolate coated spoon for the hot chocolate went down a treat with our 7yo
katerina peuka
Really enjoyed that place, been there few times and always been great. Guess the best is the view when the weathers nice. Good range of food, tasty coffee and you could enjoy glass of wine if you feel like it. Staff in the whole area friendly and helpful. Thanks for that
Elroy 0kada
Loved the food! Beautiful location with plenty outdoor seating for a hearty summer breakfast.
John Hudson
We did the dolphin encounter twice it was that incredible. Couldn't get enough. Two days of swimming with dolphins was an absolute dream.
Ilya Genkin
We tried their Seafood Chowder and Mussels in white wine cream sauce and both dishes were great. Very fresh and tasty. Seafood wasn't overcooked, but was cooked just right. Coffee was very good as well. Staff was friendly and promptly and serviced all dishes quite quickly. They have a nice outside area with ocean view and parking just outside. Cannot comment on the other dishes, but if you want to try local fresh seafood then this place is certainly the one you can try.
Biji Leskova
Great coffee.We had surprise with chocolate spoon. Its near a beach, so its up to you if you take it out or stay inside.
Dino Li
good location, good foods, nice service!!
J
Fantastic service, amazing views, delicious hot chocolate that comes with a chocolate covered spoon. I highly recommend to anyone passing by Kaikoura!
Derek Lewis
Nice Cafe with good selection, prices, and food. Had the seafood chower and a berry smoothie. Delicious,!
Teresa Bowe
Delicious salmon filo in the cabinet and a well priced menu as well. Great view of the water from cafe and very clean toilets.
Tania Palmer
Delicious breakfast for both kids and adults. We really enjoyed our meals. Coffee & smoothie was so yummy ! Slices were also good. Staff were not overly friendly but also not rude.
Ken Sharon Hail
Lovely position overlooking the bay. A nice place to sit back with your coffee & watch the world go by.
Michelle Jones
Went here for breakfast Seafest weekend. We were after a hearty meal as youd expect and with a 4.7 average review, were looking forward to it... then the meals arrived. Quantity and quality not worth the $20 price tag.. THEN find out the prices are hiked up by $4.5 a meal for event weekend! Sorry but if you up the price, up the quality.
Angela Larsen
Very friendly staff, beautifully prepared food and very yummy.
Gwenda Kendrew
Great views; nice food; great location; plenty of tables!
Dayna Barnett
Delicious food great clean eating areas and friendly staff!
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