Bennetts Cafe - Mangawhai

I've always enjoyed Bennett's.... Good food, nice setting and holiday atmosphere. Consider twice tho before going there on a public holiday cos they get flustered when there's a crowd and your order risks getting lost in the clamour

Went with friends to lunch at Bennetts Cafe recently. There was six of us and we were late they stayed open a little longer for us which was perfect after the drive from Auckland.<br/ <br/ We had a simple and perfect lunch, salads and things from the counter display together with a bottle of local rose. Service was very friendly and good, coupled with a smile it would have been perfect.<br/ <br/ It was a sunny day so the girls went across the courtyard to get a homemade ice cream which is made we are told by Julie Buiso a very fine NZ cook she is too.<br/ <br/ The building itself feels like an Italian courtyard style village building Thank you Mr and Mrs Bennett for investing and creating such a wonderful place for people to come and enjoy.

I had a fantastic experience at Bennet's Cafe! The food was delicious, and the ambiance was lovely. It was bustling with people when we went, which added to the lively atmosphere.

How anyone can criticise this place is beyond me.The food is simply delightful and great value. The setting is incredible and so unexpected in a relatively small and out-of-the-way place. But best of all is the staff and in particluar the chef, Jenny. Nothing is too much trouble and spevcial needs are catered for in a caring and careful way.I just love the place. Long may it prosper.

Wow! On advice of friends we stopped in at Bennett's of Mangawhai to buy some chocolates for presents. It wasn't planned but we ended up having lunch in the cafe because we were so taken with the place. I ordered the best French toast I have ever eaten and my husband was impressed with his big bowl of mussels. He is still taking about the chips almost a week later. Mine just aren't the same apparently. The only disappointment was from him. He regrets not taking up the offer of a beer with the mussels since he has since tried the beer at the saw mill brewery in Leigh and thinks that would have gone down a treat. Instead he ate nearly half of the chocolates I had bought as gifts in the car on the way home. We will most definitely be back. That's a promise.