Cafe review: Columbus Coffee Rotorua

Columbus Coffee in Rotorua.

When it comes to eating out in Rotorua, we seem to punch above our weight with delicious options.

I'm almost annoyed I've found yet another nice cafe to tempt my taste buds. This time it's Columbus Coffee in Central Mall.

The cafe was opened in May 2013 by the same owners as Columbus Coffee at The Hub in Whakatane. It struggled with construction around it until the mall was completed in June last year.

Now with the added attractions at the mall - including Glassons next door - it's a thriving business.

For the "suits" who work nearby, including bank staff, lawyers and office workers, Columbus provides a quieter and classier option than the mall's food court, yet the prices aren't over the top.

The food: I ordered the Columbus Breakfast ($19.50) which consisted of two perfectly poached eggs, two breakfast sausages, bacon, a massive field mushroom, tomato, slice of ciabatta bread and the yummiest potato rosti I've ever eaten.

My friend put me to shame and ordered the Paleo Breakfast ($19) which included a similar massive mushroom, two perfect eggs, avocado, smoked salmon, steamed spinach and tomato.

For health nuts, this is a fantastic option to have on the menu.

The drinks: I had just walked an hour in the forest so thought a vanilla smoothie was justified. Packed with refreshing vanilla icecream, it was a real treat. My friend (who again put me to shame) ordered a flat white and was oohing and aahing over the quality of the coffee.

The prices: The blackboard menu is varied with the most expensive item being $19.50. If you're pressed for time and money, there is delicious cabinet food to choose from.

The service: Meals were delivered snappy and with a smile.

Overall: Columbus is not just any old coffee shop. Perhaps the best part about the experience was getting a seat outside with a note on the table politely asking the customer not to smoke. There's nothing more off-putting than getting a seat outside at a cafe only to be joined by all the smokers.

Good work Columbus, I'll be back.

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