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Ritual Espresso Cafe
Review
About
We are the locals choice of cafe with a deli cabinet full of freshly made salads,frittata, crepes, and more. There is a full range of breakfast and lunch options from our blackboard menu. We also serve freshly made muffins, scones and a selection of slices and cakes. In all cases there is a good selection of gluten free options.
Features
CUISINES
Cafe, New Zealand
Meal types
Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
FEATURES
Accepts Credit Cards
Highchairs Available
Seating
Table Service
Takeout
Wheelchair Accessible
Does this restaurant primarily serve Healthy cuisine?
Save this restaurant
Hours
Closed now
• Opens at 9:00 AM
Sunday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
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4.3
351 reviews
Excellent
193
Very good
102
Average
33
Poor
13
Terrible
10
632jeanettem
Lower Hutt68 contributions
Apr 2021 • family
Stumbled into this place when our first choice was too busy, and so glad we did. Gourmet chicken sandwich was one of the best we’ve had and really appreciated that the server offered us an extra plate for sharing. The ritual crepe and hot cakes were also top notch. Good, fast and friendly service and liked the decor too.
Highly recommended.
Written 24 April 2021
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.
Chris H
Thanks heaps for your review. Glad you liked us
Written 17 January 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robyn F
Newcastle331 contributions
Sept 2022 • friends
I was hanging out for eggs benny and was not disappointed. The Eggs Montreal had hot smoked salmon, spinach on potato gratin plus perfect poached eggs and topped with the best hollandaise. Yum. Another of the group had blueberry pancakes which were also delicious. Great coffees and some choices from the freshly baked goodies in the display for later finished off our visit. A big thank you. Yummo. (No photo because we had already eaten half.)
Written 2 September 2022
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.
Kate S
Invercargill59 contributions
Jan 2021 • family
Staff able to clearly & confidently advise the menu items that are gluten free. As well as this the top shelf of the cabinet was all gluten free. The coeliac in our family chose from the menu as well as having an iced chocolate that she commented was really tasty. Great to have another option for a family with dietary requirements. To top it off the food was enjoyed by us all & the coffee hit the spot too.
Written 17 January 2021
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.
George K
1 contribution
Feb 2024 • family
Went for brunch , waiter/ order taker would best be described as sarcastic , bad mannered and full of himself , pushed his luck with an offensive remark.
If I could replay the scenario again I so wished I had just walked out.
Having relayed the scenario with friends I understand that the individual has a habit of being obnoxious .......
Unfortunately that set the tone and the food was imaterial .
Written 24 February 2024
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.
Chris Hadfield
Thanks for your review. It helps remind me of the great variety of people out there. Everybody has a certain manner about them and unfortunately not everyone likes or understands this. However most people are tolerant and understanding and then there are people like you that have no understanding of this concept. We are in our 17th year and have a fantastic relationship with all our regular and 1 off customers and it is the culture and atmosphere that brings them back. It’s a shame that you won’t be one.
Written 26 February 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andy M
13 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
We had breakfast at this cafe on a previous trip and it was very good and we said we would return. We were disappointed on our return visit our poached eggs were like bullets , all crumbly,dry, and falling to bits. Not a cheap breakfast.
A bad day in the kitchen perhaps.
Written 9 November 2024
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.
Chris Hadfield
Thanks for your review however I wish you had spoken with one of the staff. I have to admit that I don’t think I have ever seen crumbly poached eggs and it would have been useful to have known so that we could talk with our suppliers
I trust you will return and make yourself known so that normal service can be restored
Written 15 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ashleigh M
Tweed Heads221 contributions
Oct 2022 • couples
We had travelled from Dunedin to Wanaka which was quite a long drive. Upon arriving we were looking for somewhere to have a late Brekky after our hike the following day. This place was close so it won the vote. On arriving we got a table on the sidewalk, we love to people watch when in new places. Quite a busy cafe with a good food menu. I ordered the porridge and my husband had the bacon and eggs. Food was delicious and served piping hot and fresh. My tea was great but my husband said the coffee was only ok. Gentleman serving wasn’t very friendly and didn’t seem interested in making our visit an extra good experience. The following morning, a Sunday, we were looking for a breakfast spot before travelling back to Christchurch. We both decided whilst the service was below average, the food was good enough to go back. To our surprise, the cafe didn’t open until 9am so they missed out on our money. Can’t believe for a tourist destination that no cafe is open for breakfast until this late hour. So grateful to be from Australia where cafes are open from 6am 7 days a week.
Written 23 October 2022
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.
Chris H
Thanks for your comments. If you had any idea what it has been like trying to survive the last 3 years and the struggle it has been to stay open, retain staff and not go broke then you wouldn’t have made any of these comments. It was a crazy busy day and as with all other hospitality venues we had run the day short staffed and we were all exhausted so I apologise for not being as friendly as you would have liked. I don’t know what it’s like in ‘straya’ but here in NZ we have been struggling to find staff in order to operate normal hours. Also both me as the owner and my staff live and work here for the lifestyle and getting the work/life balance correct. So opening at 6am does not fit with that desire! We prefer a more relaxed life and we all work in the cafe for the enjoyment of meeting customers over a leisurely coffee or meal. We are not in it for the $ so have chosen to open the kitchen at 9. We have been doing so for 15 years and you are the first to moan about it. I politely suggest that your next holiday is taken back home and then we will all be happy!
Written 25 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah C
Ferndown71 contributions
Jan 2023 • family
I love this cafe, coffee is the best anywhere. I don't live in Wanaka but visit each year and I look forward to returning each time.
The scrambled eggs and bacon on a bagel is divine. I love the reuben sandwich from the cabinet. In fact the cabinet food always looks so good and tempting.
The staff work hard and service is fast.
Best cafe in Wanaka.
Written 4 February 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.
JulzKer
United Kingdom253 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
Wouldn’t recommend this place at all. In a town that relies heavily on tourism and has been hit hard by Covid you would expect better service. Wouldn’t you? The staff were less than helpful and practically threw down our drinks onto the table. We couldn’t be made to feel more unwelcome if they tried less! The coffee was so bad I couldn’t drink it. Won’t be going back and won’t recommend.
Written 9 February 2021
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.
Chris H
I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy your visit however I can categorically say we would never throw your drinks on the table. If you’re coffee was not up to standard the most helpful thing to do is bring it to our attention so the problem can be rectified
Written 11 February 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
skyyef99
Queenstown4 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
Coffee is good, however when the managers are the worst. Not only did we watch him snap at his employees wasn't hospitable, very snarky, made some quite rude comments. Just didnt have the time of day for customers or employees. Walk around the corner to Big Figg, Relish or Fedeli - anything is better than this.
Written 13 February 2020
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.
Amos Q
Honiara106 contributions
Aug 2020 • family
Absolutely lived up to expectations! Great breakfast brunch food, excellent variety and coffee that hit the spot. Eggs bene for me big breakfast for him. The place was buzzing and I’d definitely return, thanks for a great snapshot of wanaka hospitality
Written 8 August 2020
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.
ChrisH195
Thanks so much
See you again soon
Written 9 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Christopher M
125 contributions
Mar 2025 • friends
Best coffee in Wānaka. Great place for breakfast. The go to coffee for the locals do you know it is good. Great friendly staff with good banter.
Written 11 March 2025
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.
Chris Hadfield
Thanks so much for your comments. We strive to be more than just a cafe. It’s about quality food and coffee but also making it a fun place for both customers and staff
Written 12 March 2025
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Isaac
Swindon9 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
Really unimpressed. Had the Ruben sandwich which was incredibly overpriced for a very mediocre sandwich. My friends smoothie, was small, warm and over priced. Staff weren’t friendly and relatively standoffish
Written 17 December 2024
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.
NatureExplorerGal
United States4403 contributions
Nov 2024 • solo
I had the Eggs Montreal, which was an eggs benedict type breakfast that came with smoked salmon on a potato gratin bed, It was very good.
Written 14 November 2024
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.
Chris Hadfield
Thanks for your great comments
Glad you enjoyed your food
Written 15 November 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debbie G
Auckland Central29 contributions
Jul 2024 • solo
Came for a light lunch. As a coeliac, it just makes it a bit tricky. This cafe had lots of options in the cabinet. Yummy. Recommend esp as the coffee was good too.
Written 16 August 2024
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.
David G
Auckland61 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
We had a fantastic experience at Ritual. The management and staff were outstanding and accommodating on a 'very fresh' morning. The service, coffee and food were excellent. We had to go back the next day ;-)
Written 14 July 2024
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.
Chris Hadfield
Thank you so much for your review. It’s great to know that you had a great experience. Hope to see you again soon
Written 16 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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