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loved this place,the food ,the gardens , the people, the photos and pieces of history displayed are fascinating ,all great and awesome coffee-they do …
Robyn Youngman
Talisman Cafe & Crafts
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I went to the cafe with a group of about 30 who were cycling the gorge. After ordering and paying for my meal I went down the stairs to join the group…
Chuck Bird
Talisman Cafe & Crafts
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I have been to the Talisman Cafe twice and have been appalled twice. Once is excusable, however the second time, I arrived with my two children, we wa…
Gail C
Talisman Cafe & Crafts
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Talisman Cafe & Crafts is open for Cafe. Talisman Cafe & Crafts serves Cafe dishes. Incorrect or missing information? Make a report, or claim the restaurant if you own it!Details
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7 Reviews on “Talisman Cafe & Crafts”
loved this place,the food ,the gardens , the people, the photos and pieces of history displayed are fascinating ,all great and awesome coffee-they do great celebration cakes too!
I went to the cafe with a group of about 30 who were cycling the gorge. After ordering and paying for my meal I went down the stairs to join the group who were waiting at tables outside. Unfortunately, I did not make it to the down on my feet. The stairs were wet and consequently very slippery. I slipped on about the sixth from from the bottom and bounced on my backside to the bottom.Fortunately, I was not injured but badly shaken up. I went back to suggest they address the problem by putting mesh on the wooden stairs something that is commonly done. There was no apology, no inquiry if I was hurt and no acceptance that the wet stair were a hazard.I certainly will not be going back. I will either go to the winery up the road or the Waikino Railway Cafe where the service is excellent.
I have been to the Talisman Cafe twice and have been appalled twice. Once is excusable, however the second time, I arrived with my two children, we waited approximately 12 minutes to place an order, not due to the woman behind the counter being busy, we were ignored, with not as much as an acknowledgement or smile as she came in and out of the kitchen. I am referring to the older slim woman who I presume is Leanne. Upon ordering menu options on the board behind the counter, we were told in an exasperated tone they had run out of most things. Being hungry and waiting for my husband to return from getting the car having cycled the cycleway, we persevered until we came upon something they had available and ordered a vegetarian nacho option, toasted sandwich and a coffee for myself. I am not kidding when I say we waited 3/4 of an hour to receive our meal. When our food arrived, I was not impressed. The nachos consisted of mixed vegetables mashed on corn chips which was disgusting and was hardly touched. The toasted sandwich was passable, however the coffee was undrinkable and I left it. I will never return to this place and endorse other comments that there are other options that far exceed this place. May I recommend the winery up the road, which we went to afterwards and had great service as one expects in this competitive market. I also recommend the Falls Retreat which has fantastic pizzas. I assure you, this woman is venomous in her attitude to children. Reading her advertising makes the place, her gems and garden sound appealing, the door was locked due to children entering the garden, the bridge unstable and the children were told not to touch anything – this is not indicative of hospitality . I am not concerned about the dog issue but it seems the signage is ambiguous, perhaps Leanne can take heed of what patrons are saying, rather than be defensive. I will continue to dissuade any people I come into contact from entering The Talisman. Having read the reviews, it seems a trend to be disappointed at The Talisman not a rare occurrence.
We have been to the cafe 2 times now, the first time we were served by a grim lady who did not greet or smile nor answer me when I asked for my scone to be heated and buttered, I had to ask 3 times each time she looked more annoyed. We had our food outside while the owners dog slobbered over us and annoyed us when having our food. Assuming that it was a dog friendly cafe we returned with our lap dog, ordered again to an unfriendly reception. The only time we were spoken to was when they delivered our food and was told, no dogs the owners dogs are the only dogs permitted on this site, this time there dog was tied up and it barked through our entire meal and could still be heard barking from across the road as we went on our walk.It is free to smile and say hi and it goes a long way in welcoming your guests and showing some gratitude for spending money at your cafe.We won’t be back.
I have taken groups of about 20 walking in the gorge for about 6 years now, never had a problem with the cafe EXCEPT for trying to cross the road with high speed traffic not giving a hoot about the safety of pedestrians, however this is a NZ wide problem with hopeless authorities going by the letter of the law, not common sense. Surely that area could be 50km/h, it wouldn’t hurt anybody except the most impatient of drivers?Although we have never tried taking dogs there, it’s disappointing to discover the anti dog approach. At least now I know, if anybody brings their dog along we will have to go elsewhere.
I love your pizza i reckon its the best in the world and you make much better milkshakes than me your garden was beautiful very pretty my Nana thought it was lovely as well, she really did love your garden.
I visited the cafe this morning for breakfast. Absolutely stunning. Great service and food beautifully presented. The prices were pretty standard and the coffee was good. The gardens were awesome, this place is a real gem. I am totally behind the owner’s no dog policy. Good on you Leanne for standing your ground. As a paying customer I would prefer there were not any dogs on the premises. They would spoil the atmosphere of this gorgeous place.Will happily return, and have already been spreading the word. Leanne, a big thank you for the no dog policy. I am pleasantly suprised by this. obviously I am not a dog lover. I am sick and tired of not being able to avoid them in public places. They are everywhere you look and go. Beaches, parks, peoples houses, streets, leaving their business everywhere. I know some are well behaved, and some owners are responsible, but not all. I am sick and tired of being barked at, sniffed and generally annoyed by dogs. And seeing owners treating them as equals, allowing then to sit on the couch with them and at dining tables. this really grosses me out. Unfortunately some dog lovers don’t take other people into consideration. They are oblivious to the fact that some people frankly can’t stand them. So thank you so much for thinking outside of the square and making my visit to your cafe a pleasant experience. cheers Leanne. See you next time Talisman Cafe.