Robert Harris Westgate

I don’t come out to Westgate that often because the amount of traffic out there bothers me, especially with all the constant road works going on at all hours of the day and night. But when you do, and if you’re out there for the day and going to get a bite to eat, I’d suggest Robert Harris. They have pretty decent food here and it’s quite cheap, you at least get good value for money. The only thing I would not recommend from Robert Harris is their ice coffees. They are bitter and watery and not very nice whatsoever, which is really disappointing because I love ice coffee. The store is quite nice, it looks like every other Robert Harris café in any other suburb, and the staff are usually pretty friendly. When I’ve come in on a Saturday it gets pretty busy with people out doing their shopping in the centre.

This is another one of those cool cafes that are scattered around the place.
There are a couple of them but I can only account for my experience with this Robert Haris café. And it wasn’t exactly the best.
The place itself is nice. Modern design and furniture.
That is where the perks stop for me.
I went on a busy sunday afternoon and I really just wanted to cool down with a nice cold beverage. And I admit I am a fussy coffee drinker but in a place that literally sells mostly coffee you must be expecting some orders to be fussy. Well the lady at the counter was shocked with my half strength soy order and gave me a odd look, like I was asking her to perform some crazy miracle. She even said to the person standing next to her «don’t worry I’ll do that order» as if it was something out of the ordinary. I think a lot of people drink soy now and half strength is nothing to fuss about, especially in front of the customer. Anyway she made it and it was the most pathetic drink ever. I had order a frappé and what I had gotten in return was a sloppy milky substance. It wasn’t iced it, was like chocolate milk and it was gross so I threw it away after a few sips.
Won’t be going back there again.

This is about the best place to eat if you find yourself shopping in Westgate. There are some rival coffee chains nearby but the food/​coffee is not as good as this place. Firstly, the coffee. It is generally of the high standard that I have come to expect in Auckland. The ‘small’ option is more like regular size so be careful if you order a large one — it’s likely to be huge! Can’t complain about the food either — it’s generally pretty good and the cabinet offers far more appealing food than you get in other cafes. The smoked salmon and cream cheese roulade is very good as is the veggie spinach and ricotta roll. I ordered a big breakfast from the menu which wasn’t that great so perhaps stick to the cabinet if you want a bite to eat. Service is prompt and friendly and finding a seat on the weekends is not a problem. It ain’t glamorous but doesn’t let you down either with its food and drink.