THE REFINERY, Paeroa - Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews

Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?

Yes

No

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Details

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PRICE RANGE

$10.00 – $20.00

CUISINES

New Zealand

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch

FEATURES

Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Free off-street parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

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4.5

239 reviews

Excellent

155

Very good

61

Average

12

Poor

7

Terrible

4

traveller#01

195 contributions

Best toastie I have had to date

Nov 2019 • none

We stopped off at this cafe on our way to visiting Karanghake Gorge for lunch. Walking in, for those who have been to London, it has a very Shoreditch type vibe with its decoration. We ordered initially a toastie each, fortunately just before the kitchen closed at around 3pm, choosing the Chickachi (chicken and kimchi) and the Reuben sandwiches. The Chickachi I was initially reluctant to order, unsure how the kimchi would taste but I instantly didn't regret it, enjoying hands down the best toastie I have had thus far. We followed this up with a coffee and tea and a slice of cake to share which were also enjoyable. I left sad the kitchen was closed, wanting to order another toastie as it was so good, whilst taking a picture of the menu/ingredients so I can recreate it at a later date

Written 5 January 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.

K buchanan

3 contributions

Ruben and coffee

Jul 2020 • none

Although this was chunky steamed or poached corned beef and not thin sliced spiced piled pastrami, it was incredibly flavourful (best corned beef I have ever had) and the sandwich was delicious. Staff was really nice and service was so fast even though the place was packed. Warm fire burning, such a huge space and yet it was so toasty warm and cozy. Wanted to eat breakfast here on two separate trips to the area but needed to eat at 8:00 to make our travel timing work, and it does not open until 9 am. The bench top and cabinet food looked amazing as well and look forward to trying more of their food in the future. Will reroute our Auckland drive to include this cafe on all future trips. Wish we had done it years ago.

Written 4 July 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.

RachelleHod

Brisbane139 contributions

Mothers Day Magic

May 2021 • family

On a very rainy Mother’s Day we met at Refinery to have lunch - it was very busy but we quickly found a table for 6 of us and the server came to welcome us and said if he could help in any way let him know. I asked if everyone went up and ordered could they wait and I would pay at the end, there was no problem with this. The food for all of us was lovely and the coffee delicious- my mum loved it!

Written 8 May 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.

Anka

Ruakaka1 contribution

Really disappointed

Jun 2020 • couples

Reading all these great reviews we are really puzzled.. We must’ve picked worst meals from the menu and our waitress must’ve had bad day... My partner and I stopped in this place for lunch on our way to Mt Maunganui. I selected noodle bowl and my partner went for the other bowl with chicken plus 2 coffees - all up $47. This place was packed. We grabbed one of the tables. A girl approached our table and started cleaning it up spraying cleaning product all over us and then leaving table all wet. Coffee was nice, but when our food arrived unfortunately it was one huge disappointment for both of us - it was cold and completely bland.The only reason I went for noodle bowl is because I love noodle. The rubber I had in the middle of my plate that looked like noodles was absolutely impossible to eat. Nothing on our plates had any taste whatsoever, even the sauce! Left extremely disappointed and feeling ripped off. Waitress serving us was really gloomy and unfriendly. Definitely wouldn’t come back to this place

Written 27 June 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.

Lisa B

New Zealand220 contributions

Oh Dear what's happened to this place?

Mar 2021 • none

Always stop here for the famous Reuban sandwich , a true delight but the last visit was disappointing. The woman on the coffee machine was irritable with the staff and customers after an incorrect order had gone out. I couldn't see the usual menu on the board but we were in a little bit of a rush and only wanted a snack from the cabinet anyway. As the staff looked to be struggling we decided it best not to add to the coffee baristas stress. The girl taking the order, which was very simple... a brownie, croissant and 2x ginger beers rang it up on the till and proceeded to put the paper order in the line. Now I don't work in the food industry but the time it took to ring it up and print the order and then speak to the irritated coffee woman about another customer was ever so much longer than it would have taken to simply grab the treats and hand em over. SOOOO slow, really poorly executed. Should have taken no more than a few minutes. I guess we got them on a bad day but the atmosphere was cringe worthy. If you don't like your job then find another one, customer service is paramount when it comes to food. Smile!

Written 25 March 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.

Kushla R

338 contributions

Beautiful cake

Jan 2020 • none

The last time I was here was for lunch a year ago with the family. It was so lovely. However this time we stopped for cake and a chai! I ordered the berry shortbread cake. I have no idea how they got the shortbread so soft and delicate yet still held together beautifully. It was delish! The chai came with a cinnamon stick which was a nice touch. The garden setting is so quaint. I love it here.

Written 7 January 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.

Twc622

Auckland Central109 contributions

fabulous place to sit in the sun and eat

Mar 2022 • none

Highly recommended place off the beaten track with wonderful outdoor dining under the apple trees and its ivy covered buildings. Great coffee and food but interestingly the repeated cups of coffee were also spilt on arrival! The Croatian sardines with sourdough( sadly not the 5 grain bread as advertised as I think it would have given better texture) was lovely and well priced. Definitely seek this place out if you are in Paeroa- even if not on a sunny day!

Written 20 March 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.

Diannemh46

Whangarei224 contributions

Lunch

Dec 2019 • couples

Had lunch here as it sounded good. Good selection of food to choose from, we chose from the display. Drinks and deserts arrived before our main meal. The quiches were nice and good warmed up. The cheesecake was delicious but hubby found the carrot cake a bit sweet. Quite expensive but nice food.

Written 31 December 2019

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.

Colleen A

Matamata10 contributions

Cafe stop

Sept 2020 • friends

Guys had cycled from Waihi beach so us girls could meet here for lunch yesterday. Nice cafe, salads were great. Coffee lukewarm. Very disappointing to see on top of cabinet was food at face height not covered with anything.

Written 26 September 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.

Fiona S

Auckland64 contributions

3 Days of Creative Discovery

Oct 2020 • none

We have in the past always stopped for coffee and something to eat at The Refinery when passing through Paeroa. Now my husband and I have sold our house and being nomadic until we find our new piece of paradise in NZ. We have just spent 3 nights at The Reinfery AirBnB. Absolutely worth the stay, such a gorgeous stay in The Guardhouse. It was a wee walk back in time, but with the added comforts of a great bed, lovely linen, wifi and everything we could have wanted plus a beautiful garden. The coffee and food at The Refinery is fabulous. Highly recommended.

Written 3 October 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.

SBPB2014

Hamilton55 contributions

Must go to café in Paeroa

May 2024 • family

This is fast becoming my favourite cafe in Hauraki and Waikato region. The cafe is in large building and has has a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of space and room ( other cafes take note that we don't wish to be squashed). There is a great selection of casual food to cater for all pockets, taste and are good value for money. Their salads change frequently and inspire me to do some much better at home. Great food in such a warm atmosphere and wonderful staff.

Written 3 June 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.

Crayeater

Hamilton116 contributions

A great discovery so close to home!

Jan 2023 • none

How have I not heard of The Refinery before when I only live about 25 minutes away? It's great! When friends suggested we meet in Paeroa for lunch during the short week after New Years I discovered The Refinery in a hurried google search. The history on the web site was interesting, but the café itself is even better. The café was packed on the very stormy day and I had to hover for a bit to snag a table as others left. It's very 'brunchie' with menu items as diverse as sardines on toast through to the yummy pineapple, grilled banana, candied coconut and bacon on brioche I had. Even with a very long queue the staff were friendly and welcoming. We were warned there might be a 35 minute wait on our food but it arrived with a smile much quicker than that. We all loved our food, the atmosphere, and the people watching. Will definitely head back, the outside areas looked like they would be nice on a fine day.

Written 4 January 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.

Mary I

13 contributions

Best food, best accommodation

Mar 2021 • none

We visited the Refinery in Paeroa for lunch. Sat out in the sunny garden, a gorgeous place to eat. The coffee was divine, the food was fabulous, I even got sardines on toast, one of my childhood faves. We loved everything we ate, and took home some for later! In a couple of days we ended up back in Paeroa and stayed at the Refinery, partly because of the lovely food they served. The Gard's Cottage is a sweet place to stay, private, quiet, comfortable, clean and quaintly different. We can't recommend this place highly enough. Give yourself a treat, head to the Refinery!! Mary, Esta and Hilz.

Written 7 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.

Nicola P

Thank you! It was a pleasure to meet you-I hope you can come and visit again. Nicky

Written 9 April 2021

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

Lauren P

4 contributions

Yum food. Great vibe.

Jan 2022 • family

Great menu, delicious food. Good coffee. Loved the decor and the building. We chose to come here for breakfast whilst riding the Hauraki Rail trail because trip advisor said we should. Really glad we did

Written 5 January 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.

meryl m

24 contributions

Disappointing

Nov 2022 • friends

Friends visit this cafe often and raved about it, so was looking forward to having lunch there. Our group met at 12.00. Plenty of tables, quirky retro decor. We were intending to get cabinet food as we didn't have heaps of time. The savoury food was all gone, couscous salad was left and some huge fried egg and bacon filled rolls. Had my eye on one of the 3 muffins left on the counter. By the time it was my turn to order, the muffins had gone and the only other option was to order cakey/slice things. Someone in front ordered a toasted sandwich so I did the same. The lady taking our orders was very off hand. Coffee arrived quickly. Cheese and hamToasted sandwich arrived. Nice bread, but the cheese was some sort of orange plastic stuff. I was surprised that the lunch cabinet food was gone at 12.00. There were more people arriving as we left. Won't be back sorry

Written 4 November 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.

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