Initially we discovered this place while walking on the Te Araroa from Colonial Knob to my Kaukapakapa, and it was a godsend. Today we returned to try it for more than coffee. Food was excellent, prices great value, cheaper than city and suburbs, and there is no WiFi or Phone coverage, probably why the place lacks reviews. Highly recommended. Great country views and not too far outside the city.
It was a lovely long drive out to Saddleback Cafe.
The service was great! We went for breakfast and the prices were insanely cheap!!
Check out my Ig for more info, Wellymunchers 😃
Tonight we had a fabulous dinner at Saddleback Cafe, lamb shanks, pork cutlets followed by a shared coffee brulee dessert.  The food was  as in their words "simple, uncluttered but with a little city & country flair". I would also add cooked to perfection and tasting superb.  Supporting service was quick, efficient and very friendly. Overall a top experience that  compares very well to our previous dining experiences here.
Have been going to Saddleback for a few years but noticed the change of ownership not too long ago and was curious to see their new menu.
Having found out they are Beef & Lamb award winners and seeing the pictures & descriptions of their food I was very excited to visit.
We went one day for brunch and both ordered Eggs Bene. By far THE best EB we've ever had, not to mention the fantastic (attentive & friendly) service.
Decided to go for dinner for husband's birthday recently & try what was on offer. Utterly amazing, quality, creative & flavoursome food and exceptional service. Lovely to see the chef so relaxed and make the effort to talk to the clients. We were warmly greeted (by name!), given a delicious aperitif, and our dessert was presented with a Happy Birthday message written in chocolate on the plate.
There is nothing that can be faulted when dining here. Looking forward to our next visit greatly!
We had brunch. It was very nice. It's only 15minutes ride from Johnsonville. Nice place with a little stream and fresh air.
We thought we would go further a field and try this little cafe on a friends recommendation. The location is gorgeous, very rural, running stream and horses galore. The cafe is located above the saddle store. The menu is simple and has all the classics available (eggs benedict, b & E's etc). My partner had the big breakfast which had all free range produce, beautiful home made hash browns and a lovely chutney. I had the caeser salad with bacon, which was again full of fresh and tasty produce not to mention the home made croutons. The coffee was great and the service fast and friendly. They are fully licensed too so great for a wine on the deck on a hot day.
Will be back for sure to sit in the sun, eat some great food and take in the beautiful spot. They also open on the first Friday of each month for dinner which I can't wait to try. Great to see a rural cafe making fantastic food and providing fabulous service.
I love Saddleback. The dinner meals are exceptional and it's certainly not hard to see why they've won silver & gold beef & lamb awards. Both my husband and I had their surf & turf special for dinner and adored it. From the garlicky potato gratin to the salty and crunchy onion rings to the creamy bearnaise and of course the perfectly cooked rib eye it was just divine. Can't wait for our next visit, most likely an informal weekend brunch before we go back again for a birthday dinner at the end of the month. Wonderful, friendly service too. Love you guys!
Had a family brunch here. Lovely setting. I ordered 2 poached eggs on toast, and was disappointed when they came out like 2 bullets. Completely solid yolks, with an inch cube of butter just sitting on the toast. Everyone else's more complex dishes were fine. I guess they just forgot about my eggs. I was surprised the chef would still serve them overdone like that. I didn't send them back as it took quite a while for them to arrive, so I didn't want to delay everyone another 20 min. I will definitely be back again, but next time I will ask for runny yolks, and explain why. 😊 The staff were lovely.
Idyllic country setting. Well worth the effort of venturing down the Ohariu valley. Good value for money. I had the gf salmon and spinach eggs Benedict and kumara hash browns. It cost around $18. Well presented with just the right serving size. We had a child with us who enjoyed feeding the eels and ducks. A bonus is the small playground. While there were tables inside, we were able to dine outside. Tables were available with or without umbrellas, and there were tables in the shade.
We had a view of a wooded stream and riders going out on horse treks.
The only recommendation is that it's time the cafe accepted credit cards.
We have become a regular at Saddleback Cafe over the past 2 years. Cannot fault atmosphere, service and quality of food. You guys and your service is 100%. Have recommended and introduced to many people. Thank you and just keep doing what you do.
First time at Saddleback today. Actually blown away how nice it was. Food was great and kid friendly with the little play area in the corner. The chef came out to check how things were going. Afterwards, we bought a couple of eel packs (50c) to feed the eels in the stream. Our 3 yr old loved it. The garden reminds me of an old english pub garden which I think we'll go back for a lazy lunch and a couple of pints.Highly recommended.
This our spot!! Amazing food (try the Infamous Burger and the Lamb Shank) and Tina & Ervin are such wonderful people. We come every Friday with family and love it!
A great great cafe in Wellington! I love the awesome country view and super nice food from your guys. You will be always my first option for taking friends and families out for meal.
Great food and atmosphere in a great location. We come here often, especially with the kids who love feeding the eels
Great food and atmosphere. The only thing was that the person serving us wasn't that friendly
Great place to celebrate had 50 for birthday party food was very good service great no complaints
Great coffee and food and a great venue (winter or summer) but check opening times.
Really nice location and great food we will be back for more.
Good food, good location, attentive and friendly staff and reasonable priced.
Nice spot. Horse to view most times. Playground for the kids, sheltered.
This is my favourite cafe beautiful food great staff
Bradley Collins (Shazamamaman)
+5
Great food, great location and great service.
I love this place, cosy in winter, shady in summer.
Always top notch food and service
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