New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Cafe Hasan Baba Restaurant

by Moira L.
21st April 2013

Very average Had been here years and years ago and thought it must be good to have survived for so long. Our family of 5 arrived on Sunday night at about 7, and a large group had just arrived in front of us so the waiter seemed a bit stressed out.
Ordered our meals – great kids menu, but our older ones wanted to order off the main menu and the waiter was OK with taking an entree as a main.
Had garlic bread as starters which were OK, reasonably priced and tasty, while my husband had a salad which he enjoyed.
Unfortunately when our meals came out, the waiter had written down Vege Moussaka instead of Feast. When I asked for the feast, he said it would take a long time to make. I was very disappointed I had been looking forward to Dolmades, Falafel, Salads and stuffed mushroom. The moussaka was OK. I was hungry, but I remembered why I don’t like Moussaka.So I picked off the kids plates – the kids meal was huge (chips and a crumbed chicken schnitzel), my daughter had stuffed mushrooms which I didn’t;t get to share – she rated them 8/10 but would have been a 9 or 10 had she been hungrier! My son had chicken and rice which was OK but very peppery.
They gave me a discount on my main, but I was really disappointed to miss out on what I wanted. Made me grumpy and ruined my evening. Wouldn’t go back – no real ambiance, service average.

by Kathryn
30th November 2012

We have eaten here twice, both times with family and both times all the meals have been excellent. There is a good range of choice, and the food tastes great and is nicely presented. Our wait staff was professional and timely despite there being a large group also needing attention. About the only slight down is the noise level with such a large group – maybe some woven wall coverings would help absorb the noise. I would highly recommend this restaurant.

by Kathryn C.
27th June 2012

This is our favourite place to eat out, with a lovely atmosphere, the best moussaka I have ever had, and delicious lamb shanks! The young boys who have occasionally been our waiters there were delightfully polite and professional, really made our evenings there a charming experience.

by Paula P.
19th June 2012

We had our work mid year dinner at Cafe Hasan Baba. We were a group of 22 people and I had scheduled the booking as such. When I arrived to the cafe there were three separate tables arranged – I suggested that we’d like to be seated as one big group and they agreed this was OK. “We” made the adjustments to the table setting.
The food was OK – the lamb shanks were apparently very good. The general consensus was it was average. Whilst we provided our own wine – there were a number of non drinkers and we had to go to the bar and order our drinks – rather than waiter taking orders from the table.
The waiter was a very young professional young man whom was very polite and obliging – the women polite and courteous also. However – the older male front of house, who I presume was the man that I spoke to on several occasions regarding our reservations, was less than professional. I made enquiry initially on payment type and advised it would be by AMEX – it was agreed that would be OK. Until of course finalising the bill at the end of the night – he rudely said they don’t take AMEX – I protested this and reiterated that they also show on two websites this form of payment is accepted. Reluctantly this was agreed upon. Not once did he smile – or enquire if we had enjoyed our evening.
I had left earlier than some of my colleagues whom were chatting and finishing off the wine – apparently they were cleaning tables – sweeping floors and opening the doors and let all the cold into restaurant. The hint to leave was well received and the owners of Cage Hasan Baba can be assured we will not be returning.

by Nathan S.
2nd June 2012

No doubt the best Lamb Shanks I’ve ever had! Well worth the visit. A fantastic family vibe. Brilliant Chocolate cheese cake as well. Reasonably priced. Great Atmosphere.

by Linda F.
1st March 2012

Food was great, however we received a very rude reception on our arrival as the manager was not in favour of excepting our group because we were part of a ‘hen’s nite’. It was very disappointing as his judgemental attitude put a damper on our night out. We got a half hearted apology after our discussion with him when we left, some what early on a Saturday night. We pretty much got rushed out as they were closing up before we had finished our wine. But I must reiterate, the meals were great.

by Peter v.
1st January 2011

We took a group of 18 from our workplace to Hasan Baba hoping to have a memorable occssion. Hasan Baba delivered with good service and impeccable food! All were impressed and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. I rate this restuarant highly with both respect to dining quality, atmosphere and price. We will back again soon.

by Elizabeth M.
8th April 2010

We dined here this week on a visit to the Mount. Entree and mains were ok but the desert of Baklava was dreadful and not edible. Pastry was hard and chewy and obviously had been microwaved.
Before we had finished our mains the manager was taking in the billboard and getting ready to close – this was at 8pm!!!
Before paying the bill we mentioned our disappointment with the desert and asked if it had been microwaved. We were told very bluntly that it was the way they served it. The manager made no attempt to apologise, in fact he was very rude and we were charged the full amount. I am not surprised the restaurant was empty.

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