Reviews for La Patio Cafe & Bar

by Margaret F.
18th February 2012

After a wonderful night at La Patio cafe I suggested it to my son in law for his wedding anniversary and was shocked when he told me of the review below. I dined on the same night as the group below and was seated at a table next to them. I was absolutely disgusted at the arrogance and rudeness they displayed towards the staff. I was joined by some work colleagues after dinner who had been at the bar on the other side of the room and even they commented on the poor attitude of this group. While I cannot comment on any mistakes that may have been made with the group’s entrees I would like to say that yes, there were a few items on the menu that were unavailable but by no means was it anywhere near half the menu as they say. Also, I couldn’t help but overhear when they went to pay their bill and demanded a discount or else they told the waitress that she would not be getting a tip. When they were then offered their bottles of wine for free they refused as they felt it was not enough. While this group may very well have experienced some poor service they should have only stated the facts in their review and not resorted to lying. I encourage anyone thinking of dining at La Patio cafe to try it out for yourself. This was the first time I had been but thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be going back.

by Monica B.
16th February 2012

Incompetent is perhaps the best word to describe this establishment.

For a start, we’d pre-booked days in advance for 12 people and were pretty much the only people in the restaurant by the time we’d ordered, yet they’d already run out of half the menu.

It gets worse… Half the table got their entrees and when we enquired as to the other half we were told that the mains wouldn’t be served until the entrees were finished… Except we were still waiting on half the entrees! Then follow quite quickly 3 servings of chicken kebabs which had clearly been forgotten about on the servery, with the carpaccio (the easiest entree to prepare) served last!

When the half the mains came out the waitress went around doing her “Would you like ground pepper” act, so by the time the rest of the mains were out she’d felt her job was done and had buggered off. There were no steak knives for those with steak. Some plates were piping hot while others were stone cold. And we had to constantly wave down the staff for more drinks and top ups of water bottles.

The excuse of “I’m just the messenger” and “Sorry, there was a miscommunication” was not acceptable. This is supposed to be a high class restaurant – you would have got better service at McDonalds! We had VIP guests with us from overseas and this was really embarrassing. There was not even an offer of a discount on the bill – clearly because there was no one senior enough to make that decision. The duty manager was no where in sight!

This is the second time I’ve been to this place in the last couple of years. My first experience was none the best either – a red wine was ordered, but a white wine was presented. When this was sent back, the waitress was seen reaching for the wrong bottle of wine yet again! In that case we did get the drinks for free, but like I said…Incompetent!

Needless to say, we didn’t stick around for dessert.

An apology from the management and an offer of a second chance ain’t gonna cop it in this case – 2 strikes and you’re out!

Comment from Manager of La Patio Cafe & Bar 20/02/2012    Hide »

We are grateful for your feedback of our restaurant La Patio…    More »

We are grateful for your feedback of our restaurant La Patio Cafe’. This will help us make sure instances like this don’t repeat themselves.

If I can be of any assistance to you in the future please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Brendan Hapeta
Hotel Coachman

Thanks for your feedback, it helps us improve.

by JKrud
13th December 2011

Disappointing. The chicken salad was all lettuce and bugger-all chicken and the dressing was unpleasant. $13 for a piece of cake is also a bit of a ripoff.

Comment from Manager of La Patio Cafe & Bar 14/12/2011    Hide »

We are sorry that you did not enjoy your experience at La Patio. …    More »

We are sorry that you did not enjoy your experience at La Patio. We hope that will come in and give us a another chance soon. Just ask for Brendan, Luke, or Michael and we make sure that you are looked after properly.

by tom
18th November 2011

We had a great meal and the wait staff were so nice. I can’t wait till my next trip to Palmerston North. I saw someone else eating the Angus and I have to try it! My son 4 years old got a great meal with a wonderful dessert.

by fred
6th November 2011

Had another great lunch, good value and a free car park. Kids menu was unexpectedly good. My little one is always asking me to take him back. Fish and Chips or Chicken Nuggets for the little one including Chocolate Mud Cake for under $12.

by Aaron L.
14th October 2011

Have been several times and always been happy with the food, which is restaurant quality. Particularly enjoyed the lamb salad. Service is not perfect but generally decent. Nice atmosphere and good outdoor area for fine weather. Coffee is decent.

by Beverley S.
19th November 2009

The rudest Maitre’D in Palmerston North. Sir you should be looking for a job where you do not deal with the public. A group of us had the worst dining experience ever and would never go back.

Comment from Leonie H. of La Patio Cafe & Bar 24/10/2010    Hide »

We are very disappointed that you did not receive the service that…    More »

We are very disappointed that you did not receive the service that you expected while visiting La Patio. We hope that you will give us another try in the future, and if there is anything that we can do to resolve your dissatisfaction please contact us.

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