FoodLovers Restaurant Guide

Tomato Cafe

4_half star rating 38 reviews

Telephone 06 357 6663

72 George St
Palmerston North
Palmerston North

Cuisine:
Pizza, A La Carte, Cafe, Italian
Hours:
Sun - Tue 7am - 3.30pm
Wed - Sat 7am - 9.30pm
Provided by business

Overview

Tomato Café is fast becoming Palmerston North’s hottest café, offering a contemporary short order café menu along with quality cabinet food during the day and transitioning into a New York style Italian café in the evenings. Serving Pizza, Pasta, Seafood, Beef, Pork and Chicken classics. With a capacity of 120 with three distinctive indoor areas we are the perfect venue for a work group, private party or Christmas party.

Photos

Photo of Tomato Cafe
A Caesar Salad as served at TOMATO

More Information

Categories:
Pizzas, Restaurants, Cafes
Takeaways:
Yes
Parking:
Free Off-Street
Price Range:
Moderate, $15 - $25
Attire:
Casual
Good For Groups:
Yes
Good For Children:
Yes
WI-FI:
No
Alcohol:
Beer, Wine
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
Yes
Dietary Restrictions:
Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Meals Served:
Brunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Dessert, Dinner
Payment Types:
EFTPOS, Visa, MasterCard
Outdoor Seating:
Yes

Reviews for Tomato Cafe

5 star rating
by Erin
20th May 2012

Tomato is a fantastic cafe/restaurant which I believe should be held in high regard for its innovative decor – being bright, very ‘kiwiana’ and a dose of eye catching individuality bought into the hospitality scene!

It’s not just the presentation of the premises that brings me to the conclusion I would be more than happy to regularly dine here as I believe in not judging a book by its cover, so to enlighten those people who have not had a Tomato experience yet:

The Italian style cuisine is amazing. Portioned well, value for money and very gratifying. My menu choice had consisted of a yummy Garlic Bread (which just tastes that much better on ‘pizza’ base), Blue cheese and bacon pizza – total taste bud delight as the flavours worked perfectly with a lovely glass of Red Wine. This all followed by Creme Brûlée for desert which literally melted in my mouth and a latte – I’m pretty fussy on my coffee’s and will even be stopping here from now on yo get my ‘coffee to go ‘ on the way to work.
The service was also very pleasant which consisted of a lovely, smiley and very efficient waitress. I didn’t have to wait long between ordering and waiting to have food bought to my table, big plus to the chef! 
The atmosphere was enjoyable and I very much liked to the location, a great setting in the one of the busiest cafe streets in the heart of Palmy. 

Anyway, thank you Tomato, it’s nice to see someone taking a step outside of the square and offer people something new by all means. 

My experience will definitely be 1 that I intend to repeat!

5 star rating
by Rita
20th May 2012

Tomatos has the best food, coffee and atmosphere for any occasion.
It’s a great place to meet up with friends and we love going for a romantic meal for two including red wine and a beer served in a classic kiwi Quart Bottle that brings back some great memories! Here you can get the best gnocchi in town and warm chocolate fondant that is the best way to end a great dinner.
Stop in for brunch and lunch on weekends, our favourite pizza is bacon & blue cheese and the coffee is always excellent.
I’ve taken work colleagues for social and working lunches (one of which had to get out of the corporate environment so she could think straight) Tomatoes is just like a home away from home!
Sometimes they have private parties upstairs including events that support local businesses.
On a nice day enjoy the sunshine and a cool drink sitting outside at the quaint tables and chairs complete with checked tablecloths.
Be sure to check out the entertaining walls in the bathrooms you might just get a history lesson while you are there too.

5 star rating
by Jeremy
20th May 2012

Over time, I have been to a lot of cafes in a lot of places.

In my opinion, Tomato Cafe is one of the best I have had the pleasure of being in and it is my local regular.

Firstly, it is very clean and tidy (including and perhaps especially the toilets). The visual and acoustic ambiance is superb.

Secondly, the staff are very friendly and very professional. I have never experienced any difficulties with getting my order.

Thirdly, the coffee, which is what I personally rely on most to rate a cafe, is absolutely first rate. However the food is also just as good and represents excellent value for money. The range of Pizzas are particularly innovative and tasty.

If you live in Palmy or are planning on visiting here, I really recommend that you try Tomato Cafe for a great coffee and/or culinary experience.

Bon appetit!

1 star rating
by Sarah
15th May 2012

This place is great…until you realise the true nastiness of those who work there.
Just read the comments written in response to bad reviews by “James”. He personally attacks customers and calls them things. Not the type of place I’d want to go, would you?
Coffee is incredibly average, and the decor is so bright that it’s uncomfortable.
I’ll be going to Cuba St Cafe from now on.
No doubt that “James” will write something biting and nasty about how he doesn’t want customers like me in his cafe anyway, but with that attitude “James”, you can look to have no customers at all. I can go do a different cafe and it’s no skin off my nose, but if people start migrating away from your cafe in droves…well, let’s see if that lady you told should “stay home with her box of weetbix” is important to you then.

Comment from James P. of Tomato Cafe 15/05/2012   
I will assume from your post you are an immediate blood relative…    More »
5 star rating
by Aedan
11th May 2012

Hello I’m new to this but i thinking it times to give a review of place’s i eat when i go out ,

i walk past the tomato on my way to work and back when i finished work.

well gave in as the smell was so nice on Sunday morning last week after work i stopped in to try the Eggs Benedict @ $9.00 well it filled my empty tummy and i like it so much i will have to make it a regularly stop. possibly even take a date their

5 star rating
by linda
10th May 2012

Tomato cafe has become our new favourite place in town. My partner and i normally have the same bacon blue cheese pizza (amazing) and the Spanish chicken yum yum yum. Just recently we had a weekend brunch trying the bogan brekkie an avocado smash also amazing an a must have!! The service is always warm an friendly an the menu is well priced too, great coffee an good variety of cabinet food we always leave with a smile on our face and belly full of food. love this place

2 star rating
by Greta
30th April 2012

I went here with my partner for brunch, excited and just thought it wasn’t actually that great. It was really expensive for what you get.
He is a huge eggs Benedict fan and was disappointed and he almost always gets this when we go out for brunch.
I had the pizza and it was nice, but I have had better and it was smaller than I expected.
The waitress was great though even though at first we waited for ages to have our order taken and ages to get the food served.
We haven’t been back because it didn’t blow my mind!

Comment from James P. of Tomato Cafe 9/05/2012   
Dear Greta, Thank you for taking the time from your busy…    More »
5 star rating
by Thomas
19th April 2012

Shouted for first time by boss for work do, ordered waffles, first time, most amazing breakfast ever, sexy birds, amazing coffee and chilled relaxed enivronment. Never been anywhere so relaxfull, chill, quirky, and mean as. Keen to go back for some mean waffles and coffee, no place better to go!

4 star rating
by Elise
16th April 2012

Best vegan minestrone soup I’ve had. Wonderful and very filling too. Great place to chill and enjoy some great food and a coffee. Will be back again soon

Comment from James P. of Tomato Cafe 9/05/2012   
Thanks Elise, Heres the recipe for a rainy day (-: Sweat…    More »
5 star rating
by Katerina
12th April 2012

The highlight for me to this wonderful establishment was the warm, friendly welcome from the waitress as I entered.

I had a voucher for a pizza and sheepishly slid it across the counter, the waitress politely took it and said “great, no problem at all, let me show you to your table”. There wasn’t a series of questions etc as I’ve had from other restaurants/cafes in the past.

I decided to order the soup before my pizza and was rewarded accordingly, it was absolutely devine and the pizza was one of the best I’ve ever tasted. My son visits monthly from Wellington and pizza is his FAVOURITE, I can’t wait to introduce him Tomato.

I look forward to being a regular and am taking my partner for the first time for dinner tonight….YES!!! I can’t wait to see his reaction.

Well done Tomato!

5 star rating
by Pauline
12th April 2012

We went to the Tomato for lunch I had the beef and mushroom lasagne and my partner had the steak with blue cheese sauce. WOW what we got exceded our expectations we were made to feel welcome to the point of being in someones house. My lasagne was delicious the ragu rich and rewarding. My partner devoured his steak and the potato dish gratin dish was impressive in presentation. Would have had dessert but we were stuffed. Well done Tomato we will be back.

2 star rating
by F
4th April 2012

We were not impressed by the limited vegetarian selections for pizzas. Also, we found the pizza sauce way too sweet. The waitress was quite friendly.

Comment from James P. of Tomato Cafe 9/05/2012   
Thank you for your feed back, I’m sorry 25% of our pizza menu…    More »
5 star rating
by DavidC
25th March 2012

Six of us for dinner, my first time there, friendly service and good food.
Had breads then the flounder (asked for some bread to mop the yummy tomato sauce that came in a small bowl on the side) and finished with creme brulee and coffee.
The wine is incredibly well priced and the wine list puts other far more expensive Palmerston North restaurants to shame.
Will certainly be back.

4 star rating
by eelkje
29th February 2012

refined home cooking, with a funky twist.. Pizza’s are gorgeous and the flounder is superb. Waitresses and waiters are friendly and quick. Pricing is very good for the wonderfull quality of ingredients.

The deserts are to die for; my favourite is the creme brulee.. the best treat I have had in a long time.

The interior is light, cosy and funny, and the tables outsides are a lovely way to chill out ona nice evening with a glass of Chardonay..

5 star rating
by Brynn N.
29th February 2012

Tomato Cafe is excellent. The pizzas are the best in Palmerston North and use only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. I regularly meet clients there for meetings because of the unique food and great service. I can highly recommend Tomato Cafe.

brynn :-)
Owner of Spinning Planet Limited

5 star rating
by Cassie
28th February 2012

Have been to Tomato a number of times now. Have had the Caesar salad three times, and every time it’s as beautiful as the last. And that dressing – Amazing!

Also tried the gnocchi – absolutely delicious! And very filling!

The fridge is full of soft drinks that you can’t normally buy anywhere else, which makes visiting that little bit more special and not your typical cafe.

Totally recommend it – you won’t find anything else quite like it!

5 star rating
by Gerry K.
31st January 2012

Have been to Tomato Cafe twice and have to say that their Margarita Pizza is the best I have ever tasted. My 9 year old daughter enjoyed the pizza so much that she asked if she could have her birthday meal there in May, lol. The prices are reasonable, the staff friendly and I will definitely be back.

5 star rating
by joseph
29th January 2012

Wandering down George street one day i happened across a bright yellow building on the south end corner. The smells drew me in. My first impression was mainly about the eclectic ‘kiwiana’ theme until both staff behind the counter greeted me with a warm hello. I grabbed a coffee which was delivered promptly and with a smile.
With this first impression in mind I felt confident in organising some friends to go down for dinner.
We made a booking as it seemed like it would be a busy place and wouldn’t want to miss out. I tried the pepperoni pizza which left very little to be desired. the service was efficient and friendly complimented by a knowledge of the menu and produce used.
Since this time i have been back and noticed smalls tweaks to the décor and menu which are the hallmarks of a craftsman.
I am recommending this casual dining to any who enjoy the simple pleasures of good food with good friends.

5 star rating
by nathan f.
17th January 2012

Stopped in for a quick bite. Best scones of my life and amazing coffee to go… The staff were really friendly and the decor has a modern retro feel… definately the best looking cafe in Palmerston North.

5 star rating
by Shane
16th January 2012

I have experienced the Tomato café now on many occasions and have found the café to be excellent the food superb and service very good , there have been changes I have noticed taking place in décor and service and an eye to detail obviously taking place to make subtle improvements all the time . The food and coffee are fantastic and Décor very eclectic and I highly recommend taking the time to stop and experience this truly unique café. I have heard that the pizza is fantastic so will look forwards to trying this in the near future and the breakfasts are already one of our favourites in Palmerston. Keep up the great work Tomato!!

4 star rating
by Kate
10th January 2012

New years eve dinner. We had the caprioska and sausagefest pizzas. One came with olives even though we specifically requested no olives, however the staff were easy to deal with and happy to fix the mistake. Both pizzas were delicious and reasonably priced. The decor is interesting and we found the staff to be friendly and welcoming unlike some of the other reviews. The only dissapointment was the creme brulae dessert which was almost $10 (not too bad) except the presentation was boring and I felt like I could have whipped it up quickly & made it look way better at home. The top was warm and the rest was chilled & tasted average. Overall I wouldnt object to dining at tomato again but would try a different dessert.

4 star rating
by Becky
7th January 2012

The service was great and the food was too! The only things that I didn’t like was the fact that the table I had to sit at was covered in crumbs and leftover food, and the chai latte that I had wasn’t that great. The pizza is really good though!

5 star rating
by Louise K.
6th January 2012

Fabulous!

I was visiting family in Palmerston North over the Christmas break and was lucky enough to stumble upon a bright and cheerful cafe called Tomato. Nothing like this in Auckland, refreshingly progressive menu at astoundingly cheap prices. Most of the breakfast menu was available with gluten free bread at no extra charge and I was particularly impressed to be informed that the home made Italian Pork sausages were also gluten free. I also noticed the evening Pizza menu was available with a gluten free base as an option (I think there was a small surcharge on these but don’t quote me on it). I will definitely revisit next time we are down in Palmy town. Really clever decor (Kiwiana), really smart menu, and really nice staff. An easy 5 stars in my book!

Thanks very much

5 star rating
by Dave M.
6th January 2012

Just thought I should write a review as I’ve been to Tomato a few times now.

First visit, paid full price for Eggs Bennie. It was awesome! Perfectly cooked everything, and lovely Bearnaise sauce. And whilst I did pay full price, the eggs bennie at Tomato is one of the cheapest in town.

Next, had an eggs bennie at a ridiculously cheap price from a voucher site. Good in general, but bread was just slightly overcooked/too-crispy making it a bit of a pain to cut and chew.

Had a meeting there, had a lovely latte. Stayed for an hour and a half and didn’t get made to feel like I had to leave in a hurry.

Finally, went as a group of 4 to have some ridiculously cheap pizzas/beers/wines using an online voucher again. Food was great, and they happily replaced certain toppings for us as all of us were fussy! Great selection of premium beers, nice having a change from the usual Tuis and Exports. My only minor gripe would be we were told it was a $1 surcharge for premium beers and that changed to be a $1.50 charge upon paying- which cost us a whopping $1.50 extra in total!

Every visit the service was great.

Review would be 5 star, but due to the price inconsistency on the beers, and the eggs bennie overcooked bread I’ll be finicky and drop my review to a 4. Hope to leave a 5 star review in the future though. Next I want to sample some of their non-pizza evening meals..

–UPDATE–

Had a couple more visits. Lovely waffles and nice scone. Changing rating to a 5.

5 star rating
by Sergio
5th January 2012

Had a great meal yesterday at Tomato!

Brought the wife and all our kids (six of them!) and we sat upstairs where the bench seating was novel and practical for our family!
Using our vouchers, we ordered enough pizzas for the Army. And for the amount of pizzas we ordered, we weren’t waiting long at all. The staff were great with the kids, too. Our middle kid has her birthday coming up soon and asked if we could have a pizza party for her and all her friends. The owner said it wouldn’t be a problem to book out the upstairs for a kids party!
See you in a couple of weeks, Tomato!

2 star rating
by Lois F.
4th January 2012

dissapointed.

we had a voucher for a free eggs benedict (bought at half price), and bought a second at full price. Surprised came with bacon OR mushrooms OR… etc. Always come with all at other eating places.
So we paid and extra $3 each for mushrooms on the side. Only 2 mushrooms for $3?
Yes, the sour-dough bread was good, hollandaise sauce seemed homemade, and eggs poached nicely – but you’d expect that for $13.90. However the bacon wasnt the crispest, and again – the cost of the mushrooms!!
It was supposed to be an affordable brunch, but we still spent $25.90 for one breakfast, 2 sides and 2 teas.
Again, if we’d had even half a dozen mushrooms each (ie. a decent side-serving) it would have made the cost worth it.

we wont be back :-(

Comment from James P. of Tomato Cafe 5/01/2012   
I’m not sure where you have been dining? $13.90 is a very low…    More »
5 star rating
by kaydee
2nd January 2012

Awesome cafe! Decor is amazing, and the tomato vine mural adds a nice touch. The food is delicious and very reasonably priced, and the coffee is amazing! The staff are always friendly and efficient, and the general atmosphere is inviting, friendly and relaxed both during the day and at night. Tomato Cafe is definitely my new favourite place to go!!

5 star rating
by B W.
29th December 2011

Great pizzaz and spag ball i loved it………….
The staff are nice and the food is absolutely amazing……..
Awesome place to chill have a few bevies and a good meal with your friends and family……. Also great art decor around the place interesting love the coin counter……..

over all great experience

5 star rating
by TIGERJA Q.
28th December 2011

Hey guys you gotta check out this cafe…. its a real experience. Its bright decor oozes kiwiana ( I love the framed muldoon dollar bill and the piggy bank of yesteryear). Even going to the loo is a trip down memory lane (you could be in there some time). The staff are friendly and the service is good, but the food is great. All cabinet and menu selections are made fresh on site, theres something for everyone. My favs have to be the avo smash, any pizza (theyre all good) and the mussel fritters….. oh and the coffee is pretty damn good too. I’m a fan

PS They have the nicest cutlery :)

5 star rating
by Reenie
23rd December 2011

TOP QUALITY DELICIOUS OUTSTANDING FOOD AND GREAT VALUE FOR $$$ FOR WHAT YOU PAY.
Our experience was not ideal back in December 2011 when I first dinned in however thank you very much James (Owner) for your acknowledgement and along with your very accomodating staff in rectifying that situation for our family, we had a wonderful dine in experience with our young children today and the service was professional,warm and friendly well done Tomato! Top marks from us and we will be sure to return.
BEST PIZZA & SPAGHETTI & MEATBALL DISH IN PALMY! BEST CREME BRULEE & DESSERTS EVER! GREAT BREAKY ALSO!
Many thanks
THOMPSON FAMILY.

Comment from James P. of Tomato Cafe 28/12/2011   
We are very sorry to hear you did not feel welcome on your first…    More »
4 star rating
by Maarten B.
19th December 2011

good food, nice staff

prices are a bit high, but the quality is good, and so is the service

it will be interesting to see how this place develops

4 star rating
by caffeine w.
18th November 2011

Finally a place that serves up a decent coffee – and a soy coffee made without burning the milk too!
Great food, love the menu and cabinet selection, and the staff were great, although they could be a bit more welcoming to guests when they first enter the cafe. Definitely great value for money ,and the menu isn’t a replica of the other 30 cafes in town – so refreshing!
Keep it up Tomato :)

4 star rating
by Wilbur
17th November 2011

The rating above is an aggregate of the four (five) times I’ve eaten at the Tomato – from which you can probably already tell I’m a huge fan of the place.

Decor, pricing, atmosphere all top notch. The style is genuinely unique but not off-putting or strained. All the little details perfect.

Staff are lovely, although the occasional set of cutlery has been forgotten. A few members of the crew rank amongst the finest hospo service I’ve ever encountered.

Food, like most places, can be a little variable from visit to visit, but generally excellent. The day menu is good value for the most part, and every item on it is lovingly prepared and cooked, but it’s the evening menu that raises the Tom beyond the lowly aims of the competition. Whole flounder with a beautiful tomato and caper sauce; home-made pate to have with delicious herb and anchovy breads; specially made Italian sausage (from a secret and original Tomato recipe); beautiful oven-cooked pizzas… Definitely worth a few visits while you work through the menu.

Highly recommended.

5 star rating
by Kate
1st November 2011

Tomato is a great corner cafe with a cheerful retro-kiwiana theme. Bright decor and friendly, attentive staff. We have been here a few times now for lunch and dinner. The hearty Minestrone is perfect for dinner – fresh, tasty, hot and a generous serving too. The delicious Eggs Benedict are a must for brunch, numerous variations are available. Fast service – we have never had to wait very long for meals. Our little man loved his fluffy too. (free with adult purchase). Coffee and Hot Chocolate is served with a bite of fresh baked brownie too which is a nice touch. Will definately be making Tomato our new favourite.

4 star rating
by H T.
30th October 2011

Perfect place for a first date!

I’d heard of this place through a friend of mine who lives in Tauranga. So I popped in for an Americano in the afternoon. Very clean; the staff are friendly (and very pretty, might I add), and the coffee was perfect.

Then came back later that day for dinner with a lady friend of mine. Sat upstairs where it’s nice and secluded. We had the Pepperoni Pizza and the Sausage Fest and a caraf of very tasty Chardonnay.

Great value for money! And impressive decor.

~ Tim

5 star rating
by Marshall
30th October 2011

Decided to try this new place for dinner and wow was I impressed. The yellow decor seems really relaxing and the staff all smile which is great. I had the Spanish chicken pizza and my partner had Pan fried flounder, both meals came out quick and were delicious. Prices are very reasonable and the wine seems to be a steal. I will definitely be coming back again to try more. Two thumbs up tomato!

4 star rating
by Eamon
17th October 2011

Since the days of George Street Deli, this corner location, the best site in Palmerston, has been a cursed site with a rapid succession of half-hearted, un-original pseudo-attempts; this time is far from that.
FINALLY the site has been given a lick of love. Tomato, is a breath of fresh air in the Palmy cafe set; though still being finished, Tomato is open for business. According to the owner, Tomato will be opening nights and a lil secret surprise to come.
The theme is kiwi-kitsch decor, but there really is a kiwi feel. No false pretence. Quality seeps for every gastro-corner, even making their own sausages in house! Ozone coffee from New Plymouth has a unique “Tomato” blend in house via a beautiful big machine. The prices though!? So cheap!!!!! $12 bene even, no more of this $17 stuff. And quality is key to the equation according to the owner – that is why this place will boost ahead I think.
My coffee was great. Food looks great, service was A+, so welcoming and efficient. Palmy needs this place to ruffle so feathers again I think.
The only reason I didn’t give a five-star, is because I didn’t dine.
I wish them all the best and recommend the place to all. Especially big groups for evening meals, when they open for nights. The prices vs quality ratio screams success.
Enjoy

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