I don’t normally write reviews unless they’re a great experience but this was really disappointing so I hope my review serves to warn others. My bagel, which took nearly 40 minutes and cost $20 consisted of a teaspoon worth of avocado at best, and 2 small slices of tomato. When I complained they made me feel like I was making a scene over nothing and urged me to order bacon to make the portion bigger. Needless to say, we won’t be back.

Have been to this cafe on and off over a number of years when visiting Whangarei. Its a busy location attracting both locals and tourists. However, today's fare prompted a comment, even though I consider myself quite forgiving, given hospitality hard times. Creamy mushrooms on toast (what could go wrong), one of my favourites for brunch, so my palate knows what it knows. Sauce was a weird ochre colour, and upon tasting I said to my husband that I would put good money on a bet that the 'creamy sauce' came out of a cream of mushroom soup can. Creamy mushrooms is a no brainer..... cream, mushrooms, flourish of herbs, season. Report card - could do better. Didnt give a 'terrible' because a staff member wished me an amazing day and the requested chai really was extra hot.

In an absolutely gorgeous spot on the river but very average cafe. One of these cafes in this group on the river needs to break out of the mold and make fab food. Just seem all same same which is a shame.

The smoked chicken wrap was just ok, thank goodness for the quite nice chutney served with the rubbery tasteless pizza.
The milkshake were a good size & nice.
Service was just ok too. Not recommended from our experience for lunch.

Visited Riverside with 3 generations of family including 2yr old twins. From the moment we entered the Cafe the wait staff were right there offering to make up a table for our medium sized group with 2 highchairs alongside. The space was roomy, comfortable, and out of the way of other diners... suiting us perfectly. A big kiwi breakfast, 3 eggs benes, a serve of bacon & banana hotcakes, muffins and coffees were duly ordered and arrived a mere 10min later; we were impressed and delighted at the speed with which our meals and beverages were delivered from kitchen to table. Add to this, the delightful wait-staff, especially Imran (whose name we asked for), all were warm, welcoming, and nothing we ordered or asked for was a problem... Imran and team simply obliged, helping make our family brunch rather special, especially as it included grandchildren and great-grandchildren who travelled home to NZ from Perth and who we don't see very often. Anyway, bottom line is, the food was delicious, the service excellent, and the overall cost very reasonable. Happy to recommend Riverside Café for brunch or lunch, or just for the coffee. You won't be disappointed.