Capers Cafe + Store

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#18 of 217 Restaurants in RotoruaCafe, Contemporary, $$ - $$$

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Capers Cafe + Store

Review

At a glance

Open until 7:00 PM

, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Website

+64 7-348 8818Improve this listing

About

Capers has a passion for providing our customers with food that is good for your body, soul and for the planet. Fair-trade organic coffee beans and new zealand artisan deli products, sustainability is at the top of our priorities. For over two decades, the Capers Cafe + Store team have been making and serving wholesome foods, great coffee and edgy teas from Noble & Sunday and Libertine Blends. Whether it's a catch-up with friends, weekend brunch, business breakfasts, family outings, food on the go, or a dinner date - we have got you covered with our friendly team providing a great experience.

Features

CUISINES

Cafe, Contemporary, Healthy

Meal types

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Drinks

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

FEATURES

Accepts Credit Cards

American Express

Family style

Free Wifi

Gift Cards Available

Highchairs Available

Mastercard

Serves Alcohol

Street Parking

Takeout

Visa

Wheelchair Accessible

Wine and Beer

Location

1181 Eruera Street, Rotorua 3010 New Zealand

Street Parking

Does this restaurant serve alcohol?

Yes

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Hours

Suggest an edit

Open until 7:00 PM

Sunday

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Monday

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Tuesday

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Wednesday

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thursday

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Friday

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

Saturday

7:00 am - 7:00 pm

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4.4

1,144 reviews

Excellent

664

Very good

337

Average

Poor

Terrible

Janet Keen Artist Teacher

Rotorua4 contributions

Upmarket, professional, always updating and always fresh food with lovely tea and coffee.

Jun 2023 • friends

This is a superb place for good coffee, quality food and it has a lovely modern, warm ambience. Capers has outstanding cakes. I've had the red angel cake about ten times. It's addictive. The icing is so nice. It has cute little gold balls on the top. I have had the kid's breakfast frequently and it's more than enough to fill me up. I go to Capers often on a Monday after a meeting by myself and write poetry while sipping English Breakfast tea. I like to sit up on the tables next to the windows. I know quite a few people who go there so it's quite friendly. I never feel awkward eating there by myself. Capers is a very successful cafe. I always recommend overseas visitors to go there and they are never disappointed. Capers change their menu frequently and their salads are always crunchy and fresh. My husband and I are very fussy about food because we like cooking. Their soups are always tasty and warm in winter. Their muffins are generous and they are happy to give you extra butter if you need it. Their carrot cake is always consistently tasty and Graham loves the large variety of cheesecakes. I see Capers as my "go to" cafe and it would take a lot for me to change to any other on a regular basis. I always think that Rotorua is very fortunate to have Capers. It has been a visionary place from Day 1. Long may they continue to be so..

Written 19 August 2023

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Philly Angus

We LOVE being your "go to" - thank you for sharing your kind words and thank you for sharing your experience with others. See you again soon! Philly + the Capers Team.

Written 20 August 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jason F

72 contributions

Nice food but watch out for seagulls if sitting outside

Jan 2023 • couples

When we arrived, it was almost noon on a Wednesday and packed - initially there was nowhere to sit but we managed to get a table outside which we were OK with. I had a full breakfast which was very good and a mocha which was nice. The reason I haven’t given 5 stars is that the tables outside are susceptible to the hungry seagulls - the table behind us was vacated and the birds immediately pounced and finished off any left over food. It was almost 10 minutes before anyone came to clear the table even though a staff member delivered food to another outside table during that table. We took our plates in when we were finished to avoid the same thing happening.

Written 11 January 2023

Philly A

Hi jasonfE7253HG Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback. Yes, those seagulls are a pest and when we're busy like we were on the day you visited it's a balancing act to ensure that tables are cleared immediately. In saying that, we will share your comments with the team to see if we can clear tables a little quicker and also look into some seagull/bird control measures. Happy New Year, Philly + the Capers Team

Written 15 January 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LauraHu22x

Auckland56 contributions

Amazing brunch!

Nov 2023 • couples

Myself and my partner came and ordered the waffles and the French toast. It was hard to find a table at first but we only had to wait 10 mins or so. Staff are really friendly and the food was amazing. Really filling and delicious, and the food in the cabinets looks great as well.

Written 29 December 2023

Philly Angus

Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback! Stoked you decided to wait - our Waffles + French Toast are customer favourites for sure! I will share your review with our amazing team! Hope to see you back again this summer!

Written 7 January 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

ChrisandWill

Rotorua District11 contributions

Breakfast portions abit stingy & food overcooked

Jan 2023 • family

We regularly visit local cafes on Sunday and decided we'd try Capers as weve been in for lunch a few times and been happy with food & service. This time we ordered from the breakfast menu, all of us having potato rosti included in our meals, we all noted they were the smallest potato rosti's we have ever gotten and felt for the price and the size of the rosti's they could of atleat added 1 more. When the food actually arrived on our table we were surprised at the portions considering the price, and one of us left looking for somewhere to buy more food because they had overcooked the pork & eggs. The eggs seemed like they had been hard boiled even though they were apparently poached and the pork was too tough to cut with a knife. Most of it unedible except for the tiny potato rosti's. No body checked to see if we were happy with our meals or needed anything and we couldn't complain because there was a long que of people at the counter that seem to keep growing as time went on. I think there are better breakfast cafés than Capers. Would still visit for lunch but never again breakfast.

Written 23 January 2023

Philly A

Hi ChrisandWill Ekkkkkk - this doesn't feel like our normal high standards! We wish you'd brought this to our attention while dining with us - as we would have 100% remedied this for you and your group. We are well known for our breakfast | brunch | lunch menu and it usually hits the spot. Could you let me know the day and time of our visit and which table # or where you sat in the cafe and we'll look into this for you further? You can email me at hello@capers.co.nz We look forward to seeing you for lunch again soon. Philly + the Capers Team.

Written 30 January 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Esuru

1 contribution

Slightly Overpriced, Friendly staff

Dec 2023 • friends

Prices were a little expensive and the food did not warrant the high price tag. We ordered the Eggs Benedict, unfortunately the eggs were over cooked and not runny. Furthermore, all other items were slightly overpriced, for instance the big breakfast was $30 which is $5-$10 more than what I am used to coming from Auckland. However, staff were very friendly and accomodating and provided a good customer service experience.

Written 14 December 2023

Philly Angus

Hey Northstar50811123297 Our prices reflect the current cost of food in New Zealand - our menu prices need to reflect that, otherwise we can't stay open. We still believe that our dishes provide value for money using quality ingredients, including our big breakfast that comes with bacon, eggs any style, kransky, potato + herb rostis, creamy mushrooms, thyme marinated tomato + ciabatta toast $29.9 We would have loved to have fixed your overcooked eggs for you, that's a simple request to one of our friendly staff. Philly + the Capers Team.

Written 17 December 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jane N

14 contributions

Rude staff member

May 2023 • solo

I often pop in for a toasted sandwich for breakfast on a Sunday morning. Today, for the first time, I encountered a rude waitress. When she brought my toasted sandwich over, I asked if she could please get me some cutlery. Her response was, "You didn't get it yourself?" I apologised for not getting it myself. She got a knife and fork (no napkin) and plunked themon my table, then walked off, ignoring my thank you. The lady sitting at a nearby table comment to me on how rude the the waitress had been. There are stations around with cutlery, but no clear signs to say that customers need to get their own cutlery. I was also not told this when ordering. It was just after 9am and the cafe was virtually empty, so the staff were not particularly busy. I like Capers' food, but there are lots of other nice cafes around. There is no need to put up with rudeness.

Written 24 June 2023

Philly Angus

Morning Jane Thanks for taking the time to provide your feedback on your visit with Capers. We don't tolerate rudeness either and will be looking into this further. Jane, could you let me know where you sat in the cafe at 9am on Sunday? You can email me at hello@capers.co.nz Thanks Philly + the Capers Team

Written 27 June 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rox T

1 contribution

Let down by customer service

Dec 2022 • family

Visited on 31st December for a takeaway coffee. Waited 25 minutes for 2 x coffees and 2 x fluffy’s. At no point were we told there would be a wait which I would expect for a takeaway coffee of over 10mins, or were we updated whilst waiting. When asked was rudely told that there were a lot of orders. When coffees came I asked if there was sugar in them as requested and was told there would be if ordered. I asked if they could check as didn’t want to drive away and find out they didn’t. They checked and came back with our receipt and said ‘sugar wasn’t ordered’ this was incorrect but I was made to feel like it was my fault when it shouldn’t be a problem to add sugar. Definitely the worse customer experience I received on NZ holiday. Disorganised and let down by an extremely rude staff member. Nice coffee though.

Written 2 January 2023

Philly A

Hey roxannet2023 Happy New Year. Apologies for the delay in our reply and also for the customer service you received. This is definitely not what Capers is about - we pride ourselves on great food, great customer service and running a well oiled cafe - we've been doing it for over 21 years now. Can you remember the name of the person who spoke to you? We will ensure that this is discussed with them and all our staff to ensure that we're delivering on our standards. We're stoked you loved your coffees! Feel free to email hello@capers.co.nz if you have a name or have anything else to add. Philly + the Capers Team.

Written 15 January 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Twix_Axle

Wellington44 contributions

10/10 brunch + coffee!

Nov 2022 • couples

Absolutely loved our morning at capers! There was a bit of a line to order at the counter, but it moved very quickly. The decor was really nice and it was all very tidy and clean. There was an amazing array of really delicious looking cabinet food, both sweet and savory. I ordered the eggs Benedict with bacon and spinach and it was 10/10 bang on perfect and delicious! (I'm a big bene eater and this is one of the best I've had in nz !) Also came with 3 eggs which I've never seen before, so bonus. Perfectly cooked poached eggs too and the hollandaise was spot on. Hubby had the big brekky, which he said was 8/10. Coffee was good, and the berry smoothie was also great. They have a good little kids play room in the corner and a lovely gift shop too with lots of really nice goodies, we picked up some bits and pieces for family for Xmas. 10/10 would recommend and we will 100% be back, Capers will be my go to now when in Rotorua! (Ps they also had a great kids menu, not just chips and nuggets!)

Written 26 November 2022

Philly A

Hi Twix_Axle Thanks so much for taking the time to leave your feedback! We're stoked for your perfect 10! We LOVE our Eggs Bene too! We look forward to seeing you again on your next visit to Rotorua! Philly + the Capers Team!

Written 27 November 2022

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lakisha Hartstone

Opotiki6 contributions

Great food, big meals, friendly environment.

Jun 2024 • friends

Had the Waffles with fruit, icecream and pistachio crumble for breakfast, it was delicious. I asked for extra banana and was satisfied with the extra they provided. Also had the sticky date (which was GF) it was also delicious. Very good value for money as it was massive I had to share!

Written 15 June 2024

Philly Angus

Thanks for your wonderful feedback!

Written 30 June 2024

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

MistyW79

Rangiora177 contributions

Fabulous food and service

Jan 2025 • family

We ended up visiting capers three times in our week in Rotorua, not once were we disappointed. Food was fresh, delicious, staff were awesome, options are huge! Coffees are small but we will defo be back on our next visit.

Written 11 January 2025

realife2015

Rotorua23 contributions

Consistent real, delicious food.

Jun 2021 • none

I go there weekly for coffee and cake, also often for breakfast. Service is always prompt and helpful, with tables being cleared and cleaned quickly with small additions/alterations to an order never a problem. They make the best cakes in town, always fresh and from scratch, although asking for them to be warmed a little is a good idea ( they are in the chilled cabinet). They have a wide variety of quality drinks, also. Quality is assured at Capers.

Written 17 June 2021

Philly A

Thanks for taking the time to provide a review @realife2015. Our cake cabinet is hard to resist!

Written 21 June 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jon D

Watford61 contributions

Great restaurant in Rotorua

Dec 2023 • couples

This was a fabulous find - a great restaurant, chilled, authentic vibe, really good menu and fantastically fresh, tasty ingredients. We had breakfast and lunch here - just brilliant. Really nice, friendly staff too!

Written 17 December 2023

Philly Angus

Hi Jon D Thanks so much for joining us and for your glowing review! Enjoy your travels. The Capers Cafe + Store Team.

Written 21 December 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Rutland Auckland

Auckland265 contributions

Great breakfast

Jan 2023 • family

Much better than last time. Well done Capers. This was our fourth trip to Capers - and a noted improvement on our last visit. Heartily recommend the Eggs Benedict with Belly Pork. The apple waffles were superb. The salami omelette was fantabulous. Capers - some feedback - please add some plain toast + jam to the kids menu.

Written 21 January 2023

Philly A

Thanks so much for your feedback and your feedback on the Eggs Benedict, Apple Waffle and Salami Omelette. Feel free to ask for Toast + Jam with the team, they can easily accommodate requests like these. Hope to see you for visit #5 soon! Philly + the Capers Team

Written 22 January 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Yong S

Auckland96 contributions

Yummy continental breakfast

Sept 2020 • couples

We ordered the granola breakfast at Capers which was yummy. However we were slightly disappointed with the tiny bit of coconut yoghurt and of seasonal fresh fruit. We felt the Turkish toast could be exchanged for a healthier grain bread 🍞. I think they did social distancing between tables using potted plants and food parcels. Very creative!

Written 5 September 2020

JackieB

North Shore109 contributions

Deliciousness

Jan 2023 • family

We had breakfast here before leaving Rotorua and it was well worth the visit. Staff were friendly and approachable. Plenty of space and seating available. The waffle was so yummy! We all enjoyed our visit and it was topped off with purchasing a few goodies from the store before leaving 🤭

Written 13 January 2023

Philly A

Thanks so much for this delicious review jackiie88. How good is the Store, so hard to resist treats from so many incredible New Zealand Artisan producers! Philly + the Capers Team

Written 22 January 2023

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.