Restaurant Review: Elizabeth Cafe

Elizabeth Cafe, 247 Cameron Road under new ownership. Photo/file

New ownership makes this cafe a new favourite with Annemarie Quill

The buzz
Since its opening in 2012, this popular central haunt has lived up to its royal name, picking up many awards as well as loyal courtiers in the form of regular punters.

In the ANZ building of bankers, realtors, accountants and workers, there are many 'suits' having business breakfasts and lunches, but as well there are tourists, mums and bubs and ladies who lunch.

Positively humming, it pays to book if you want lunch. I love the variety of seating, from more formal tables, to outside terrace tables, to cafe style dining, big tables where kids can spread out, or sofas where you can kick back for your caffeine fix.

There's an open airy atmosphere which means you may say hi to a lot of the Tauranga crowd who regularly pop in. It's a place to be seen and hang out rather than intimate dining, with the Pop Art decor proudly pronouncing its hipster 'look at me' vibe.

Queen Elizabeth is referenced in the colourful cartoon panels. But this is no stuck up royal palace - the waiting staff are down to earth, super-friendly and even laughed at our jokes. New owner Philippe, who recently took over the cafe, is often there chatting to customers and it's clear he is devoted to his customers' needs. So are the waiting staff who importantly understand the potential need for speed in lunch time dining or breakfast meetings, or will pick up on cues when you want to linger longer.

On the menu
Breakfast is available all day which is perfect for today's workers who increasingly are moving away from strict eating times of old. Who doesn't want smashed avo on wholegrain at any time of day, or the 'Full Elizabeth' of poached eggs, rosti, cheese kransky, mushrooms, bacon and grilled Turkish bread. For both breakfast and lunch you can choose from the cabinet or menu. The cabinet has a steady stream of 'to go' clients getting their coffee and muffin fix, and there's also tempting baked goodies, wraps and paninis. Lunch has a range of Mediterranean inspired options from lighter salads to more hearty pork belly. There's a kids' menu with appealing items like half bacon bene, or waffles with bananas and carmelised syrup, or lamb cutlets and chips.

I'll have
Smoked fish risotto with three cheeses, soft herbs and Bubba Gump shrimp salad. Deliciously smoky and fishy. It was rich and creamy but not overpowering, but comforting on a sunny Tauranga winter's day.

She'll have
Steak sandwich of grilled scotch fillet, rocket, creamy feta, chimmichurri and fries. She declared the steak tenderly cooked and we both agreed the fries were the measure of a good cafe, chunky and crispy and oh so moorish.

To drink
We joked that we are no 'ladies who lunch' who lightly nibble on a rocket leaf.

We are hungry working mums so with our steak and fishy cheesy risotto we decided it needed a lunch time vino too. I chose the aptly named Fat and Sassy chardonnay while she opted for a Mills Reef sauv. There's sparkling wines and champagne, reds, whites, beers and cider. Elizabeth uses Organico brand coffee beans from Karajoz coffee company and also has organic tea by Love Tea. Sparkling or still water is offered at the outset of the meal.

The verdict
A Tauranga favourite under new ownership, this queen Elizabeth looks set to reign in town for more years to come. Reliable, friendly, with an urban buzz that will make our new Auckland residents feel at home and delish food. Since doing this review, I have already been back three times, so that is saying everything.

the details
Elizabeth Cafe
247 Cameron Road,
Tauranga
Tel: 07 579 0950
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am- 3pm; Saturday and Sunday, 8am-3pm.