Beach Cafe

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Address

16 Beach Rd
Waimairi Beach
Christchurch
Region: Canterbury
Licence: Fully Licensed
Cuisine: Café
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Contact

Phone: 03-382 8599
Website: www.beachcafe.co.nz

Open

Opening hours in winter:
9 am to 3 pm

Opening hours in summer:
9 am to 5 pm Monday to Thursday
9 am to 10 pm on Fridays
8 am to 10 pm on Saturdays
8 am to 5 pm on Sundays.

Comments

The Beach Cafe is located at Waimari Beach in Christchurch and is one of Christchurch's best cafes with our exciting modern cafe style lunch menu complimented by our traditional breakfast menu and fresh homemade baking from our in house baker.
The Beach Cafe is full licensed with a range of great New Zealand and Australian wines, beer, spirits and cocktails.

Coffee Supreme supplies our fresh roasted beans from which our award wining Barista makes a coffee that perfectly compliments our beautiful food.

The Beach Cafe has a great environment with indoor and outdoor seating to cater for all seasons and heating for the colder months.

Menus

6416_Beach_Cafe_Winter_2010_Menu.pdf

Overall DineOut Score based on 35 reviews

Total		7.1
Food		7.3
Dessert		7.5
Presentation		7.2
Service		6.1
Environment		7.7
Toilets		7.2
Child Friendly	Extremely

Review by: ChrizBee (6) on 20th August 2010

Total		8.9
Food		9
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		9
Service		10
Environment		8
Toilets		7
Child Friendly	Yes

We arrived at Beach Cafe on an extremely wet and windy Wednesday in August. It was 1150 and we both fancied breakfast and hovered outside in the cold reading the menu to spot what time breakfast was done and dusted. Breakfast was served until 1130 so we thought we were 20 minutes out of luck. Not so!
A delightful lady came outside and suggested we might like to go inside and peruse the menu in the warm and dry. 'Thank you, but we were rather hoping for brekkies and we see we are to late!' Not a problem, she replied, most of our breakfast items are still available.
In we went. Menus were brought immediately to our table, drinks were offered, whilst we looked through the menu - breakfast of course. We both decided on Big Beach Breakfast. This consisted of grilled bacon (perfectly grilled, just the right amount of crispness); Sausage (slightly spicy); Portobello Mushrooms; Potato Cakes; Roasted Vine Tomatoes (ripe and full of flavour - despite it being winter, I bet they were NZ grown however); and Free Range Eggs (poached perfectly). Despite it's size my partner and I completely cleared our plates. The breakfast came with toasted bread and butter that was at room temperature - just right.
The English Breakfast Tea was made with leaves in a teapot and the Flat White good.
Our waitress was attentive, checked if we needed the heat pump turned down and was absolutely delightful. A perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness.
Fortunately today the place was free of females with their enormous strollers and unruly children!
When it was time to pay, our waitress noticed me waiting at the back of long queue of hungry diners waiting to order and called me over to the cash desk to save me waiting. Again, very attentive.
I said in my previous review that I would wait until I had an Entertainment Book voucher before I returned. Well, it's now used, but Beach Cafe will now feature frequently on our brekkie hunts - it really is awesome.

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Review by: Rufus [DineOut VIP] (69) on 11th July 2010

Total		8.2
Food		N/A
Dessert		8
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		9
Toilets		N/A
Child Friendly	Extremely

Been there twice recently for coffee and desserts. The coffee was very tasty, the desserts (brownie and pumpkin tart) were both very delicious. The savoury muffin was also good.
The environment is great being close to the beach, good outdoor environment with great facilities for children and on a sunny day it is a nice place to relax.
Main courses and breakfast recipe looks good but maybe more expensive than elsewhere.
Great place for a relax with nice hot drink and cake before or after walk along the beach or trip to playground across from the cafe with family.

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Review by: DaveArmstrong (1) on 26th June 2010

Total		8.6
Food		9
Dessert		8
Presentation		9
Service		8
Environment		9
Toilets		8
Child Friendly	Extremely

This has been our local since it first opened and we go there every week, often more than once, for coffees, lunch and brunch. Its a bit like "Cheers" where everyone knows your name and we have always found the staff friendly and efficient.
The food is always good - really like the new lunch menu which has quite a bit of variety (Try the Platter, which was awesome)It's in a lovely location with a good mix of indoor and outdoor seating - nice decor on the inside.
Dog and cyclist friendly - great place for a coffee or lunch after a walk along the beach.

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Review by: Linda loo (19) on 19th April 2010

Total		8.6
Food		9
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		9
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A
Child Friendly	Extremely

Once again a girlie lunch was called for and I picked this place. I had heard good things. We loved it. We couldn't decide so the waiter was only to happy to recommend. I had the chicken salad' I was rather hungry and when he suggested I wasn't sure but when it came out it was a mountain of yum. Awesome flavours. My girlfriend had the fish of the day which was lovely. Lots of good food. Will return for sure and will pass the good word on. Cheers guys

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Review by: ADS (1) on 13th April 2010

Total		7.1
Food		8
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		9
Service		1
Environment		10
Toilets		9
Child Friendly	Kind of

This used to be my favorite christchurch cafe by far! I love the environment & the food is always great. The service has always been good but the last 3 times i have been have now put me off probably forever. The owners obviously want the cafe to be child friendly hence the fabulous playground & change table in the toilets so when I became a mum i was excited to have outings to my fav cafe! We have had wonderful service from all the friendly ladies however one male waiter has ruined it every time with his unhelpfulness & obvious dislike of mums n bubs. Enough to put me off going back :(

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Review by: theironchef (3) on 2nd April 2010

Total		8.0
Food		9
Dessert		8
Presentation		7
Service		7
Environment		8
Toilets		6
Child Friendly	Extremely

We've had lunch at the Beach Cafe about a year ago, thought we'd pay a visit again since the weather's been so great and they have such an amazing outdoor area. we were really impressed this time. They've changed the menu since our last visit, this time we had fish of the day and crab cakes. Snapper was delicious and really fresh, crab cakes just like they should be-with real crab meat. Service was fine, our waitress was really friendly and prompt. Coffee and cakes were awesome. We'll be back for sure!

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Review by: andypandypuddingandpie (4) on 19th February 2010

Total		8.1
Food		8
Dessert		8
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		9
Child Friendly	Yes

Its been a year since my last visit to the Beach Cafe and there have been some changes to both the menu and the layout.
I tried a new menu addition, Pork Belly that came on a bed of potatoes and steamed veg and it was outstanding in presentation and taste. The coffee was good again and I tried a gluten free chocolate fudge tart from the cabinet that just melted in my mouth. They were quite busy but the service was prompt and pleasant. Once again consistent quality food and service.

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Review by: NMMum (47) on 13th February 2010

Total		6.8
Food		9
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		1
Environment		7
Toilets		8
Child Friendly	Extremely

Such fabulous food such terrible service. Not the first time we have dined here but may be the last. Similar to other comments you are unsure if you should sit down or go to the counter on arrival (we had always booked in the past). We went to the counter, were told we could sit anywhere and given some menus. We grabbed a table and the place slowly started to fill up. Those around us were promply brought water and served while we were ignored. It was clear that we were waiting as we had nothing on the table but a pile of menus. After 15 minutes I went to the counter and asked if we had to orderd there. She reluctantly said they could come to the table. All orders taken including 3 cold drinks and a fluffy. 15 minutes later I asked the waiter to follow up on our drinks and was told they were coming, another 10 minutes later followed up again with someone else who asked what we order and I advised the above then 3 cold drinks were delivered and we checked the fluffy was still coming, yes was the reply. We were brought water which was plonked on the table but no glasses where forthcoming..... The other waiter came back with our food (yes food here but still no drinks) SIGH. He said that the fluffy wasn't on the order, hang on the other waitress said it was still coming..... I explained this and was told well they are short staffed (obviously but hey not my problem)they were no where near as busy as times I have been in the past. On a brighter note the food was excellent!!! I had roast chicken salad which was YUM YUM the place has also had a decor upgrade and has a lot more seating available. Finally we went to the counter to pay and the waitress who was follow up on our fluffy served us. When we said what we were paying for she replied there was no fluffy on the list did we ever get it. Umm yes thanks but obviously not because you followed it up. I really like this place but bad service is such a frustration for me that I am not sure we will go back.

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Review by: Toni G (53) on 11th January 2010

Total		7.4
Food		7
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A
Child Friendly	Very

We recently visited Beach Cafe for lunch during our Xmas/Year holidays and really liked it. A good selection of wines by the glass, a decent choice of lunch options including salads and pizzas as well as popular dishes like fish and chips. We opted for the fish and chips and really enjoyed it. The only thing which let it down was that the lovely battered fish was resting on the dressed salad which made the batter a tad soggy but luckily didn't spoil it too much. We also enjoyed a couple of glasses of wine at our table which was situated a little out of the way of the rest of the busy cafe - it was perfect for us!!! We will definitely be returning.

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Review by: Mwa (3) on 24th November 2009

Total		6.9
Food		7
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		6
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A
Child Friendly	Yes

2nd time around, loved it. Food and environment!

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Review by: chch (42) on 11th October 2009

Total		7.2
Food		7
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		8
Environment		7
Toilets		N/A
Child Friendly	Extremely

A great place to eat on a balmy summer day. We arrived on a sunday at 11am. It was over run with toddlers and mothers. We changed tables 3 times to avoid the sun and ended up under the verandah but were met with two mothers and 3 toddlers who took over the couches and another two tables. Was not too much of a problem. Service was prompt and food was excellent. Coffee was excellent and the lime macaroons are pretty spectacular.
It could do with some more shade outdoors .
We will return.

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Review by: ChrizBee (6) on 16th September 2009

Total		6.2
Food		7
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		6
Service		4
Environment		6
Toilets		8
Child Friendly	Very

We arrived at Beach Cafe about 1130 or so, on a fairly cool and overcast Wednesday. There were a few people seated inside and a few hardy souls outside braving the chill of an easterly wind.
It wasn't clear if one ordered at the counter or take a seat and wait to be served. (On a recent previous visit we took a seat and were looked after immediately.) We waited about for 10 minutes, being ignored by the three waiting staff. It was apparent we hadn't ordered as the table was devoid of plates, either full or needing clearing away. One of our party eventually caught the eye of a staff member and he quickly came over to take our order. I mentioned to him that it wasn't clear as to if one ordered at the counter or not. His reply was vague: 'If we don't know your here, we can't serve you.'
The order was taken for two coffees and a tea. The tea was served in a tea pot (often a rare sight these days), and was good. The flat white was OK, not special. The guest with the Latte didn't comment, but was clearly enjoying it.
Two or us had Eggs Benedict with bacon. The dishes came with a generous portion of crispy bacon and a very good sauce. The addition of a leaf or two of lettuce was odd - the leaves were covered in sauce and quite unnecessary. The Eggs Benedict was tasty - although somewhat cold when it arrived at the table. The third member had The Works breakfast and this was devoured quickly, the poached eggs were good. There were also mushrooms. sausage, toast, bacon and tomato and a delicious onion relish. The addition of whole small boiled potatoes a strange addition to the mix.
We passed on dessert, paid the bill and headed off. I think we'll avoid the Beach Cafe on a Wednesday lunchtime - it appeared to be a sort of Plunket Rooms packed to the rafters with pregnant ladies out for a Latte. We don't have another voucher from the Entertainment Book so probably won't return until the next book comes out!

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Review by: Ronda (1) on 28th August 2009

Total		8.1
Food		8
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		9
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		N/A
Child Friendly	Yes

Friendly atomosphere, waitress abit flustered.
Beautiful lunch Chicken and Mango Beach Bun, really enjoyed it. The only thing wrong with it was it had too much sauce with it. (I think it was beetroot).
Definitely recommend and would go back.

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Review by: nicola13 (3) on 12th July 2009

Total		8.9
Food		9
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		9
Service		9
Environment		9
Toilets		8
Child Friendly	Extremely

A really nicely laid out spacious place with a casual yet modern vibe about it, loved the gas fire wall features! delicious food, excellent, friendly, prompt service will definetly be back!!
highly recommend the banana pancakes

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Review by: Mwa (3) on 7th July 2009

Total		6.4
Food		7
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		5
Service		6
Environment		6
Toilets		N/A

Had a lunch meal here with a workmate, can't remember the name of the salmon dish I had but it was very lovely. Has that 'family' vibe to the place. Would dine there again.

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Review by: nulli secundus [DineOut VIP] (194) on 3rd July 2009

Total		8.5
Food		9
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		8
Service		8
Environment		8
Toilets		8
Child Friendly	Extremely

You know when you are at The Beach Cafe when you see the children's classy playground and the two dog bowls of water close by , for although this has been developed into a trendy restaurant it also specialises in keeping the wee ones happy along with their canine friends.
I started with a big frothy moccachino on this cold mid afternoon.. This one comes with a full size Whittaker Bar ( you have the choice of white or dark chocolate ) thus making the experience not unlike being in Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory ! ...then the Seafood Chowder, home made with crusty toast. The Chowder was swimming with an aquarium of fish and very filling . For mains I had the Crab Cakes which topped with grilled prawns and aoli and chilli sauce were delicious. What with the soup, a deep dish of depthy delights, the crabby crab cakes full of minced crab meat, along with 2 large pottles of homemade tartare sauce I was in seafood's Atlantis !! Additionally came the curly lettuce salad with red cabbage stringlets and more prawns ! 6 in fact slightly singed and just asking to be eaten !. Perhaps having the soup first was a mistake...the main designed for those with energetic appetites ! and I duly moth-balled the Whittaker Bar to take home for supper !!
I have been here for lunch before but this time it looked busier , bustlier, and a lot more prosperous...and it was then I found the secret ... New owners ! and I duly met the new owner a Ukranium lady...a further delight ! and perhaps the reason why my meal had so much flair . The piglet-like sounds of the many children was slightly disturbing but I was in mummy-land. Along with the serious diners it thus gave the place a warming atmosphere and a realisation of how lucky we are to live in NZ
...so like a beached whale I dreamed back of times gone by when my own children were young and thinking how great it is nowadays that good cafe/restaurants like this can embrace the children and the mothers can come along for the ride ( and the delectable array of food ! )...really really well worth the visit right out there at North Beach

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Review by: Mr Lu [DineOut VIP] (383) on 14th June 2009

Total		7.0
Food		7
Dessert		N/A
Presentation		7
Service		7
Environment		7
Toilets		7
Child Friendly	Very

An icy easterly, autumn wind was unceremoniously stripped of its all consuming dominance once the doors to this beachside restaurant were opened and the cosy, congenial, colourful all embracing interior was encountered.
A less than eclectic mix of customers (all young mothers with their babies and toddlers)were enjoying some peer group time at several of the larger tables and a most excellent display of “Buy Me” cabinet foods fluttered their edible eyelids at me in a most flattering fashion. I sensed I was going to enjoy my time here at the beach and in the Beach Cafe as the titillating combination of colour, vibrancy, attractively presented food and welcoming ambience gave me that virtual injection of good cheer much needed on this day.
Good but not excellent service saw my friend and I looked after well. Drinks were prompt in arrival, followed soon after by my order of soup of the day, a wholesome, aromatic, strongly flavoured, lingering brew of good body and fine consistency.
The earthy flavours of real Canterbury mushrooms in my main course, combined with a sizzling swatch of spices and the crunchy, toasted ciabatta, marinated feta and poached egg on top acted as a calming relaxant. This, of course, was a short-lived escape from reality as I couldn’t leave the premises without my obligatory long black, a stimulant of known strength and effect.
I’m well past the bucket and spade stage and so am very pleased there’s an alternative to playing in the sand. Next time I go to the beach I am sure I will be looking for a knife, fork and spoon to play with just west of the North Beach sandhills.

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Review by: Pare Tangaroa (1) on 20th April 2009

Total		9.5
Food		10
Dessert		9
Presentation		9
Service		10
Environment		9
Toilets		N/A
Child Friendly	Extremely

Loved how the place, had its own children play area so that the adults were able to enjoy their meals.
Fanstasic food and service, very happy with the Cafe

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