New Zealand Herald

Reviews for Circus Circus Cafe

by Stacee H.
13th October 2012

This business is a MenuMania SponsorOne of the Business' Favourite Reviews

Amazing Amazing Amazing!!! We head here every time we are in Auckland. Great atmosphere, service, the menu is broad and good value, the food is always consistently good. And possibly the best desserts in Auckland!!

by jack
9th May 2013

We been here few times during the weekend, it’s very crowded. Need to wait in the counter for ages to order the food. It’s good for a lazy day people.
I think Circus Circus is a little over-rated; the food is quite expensive too!

by Catherine B.
5th April 2013

I think Circus Circus is a little over-rated; the food is quite expensive (easy enough to charge on the weekend in Mt Eden though as everyone’s willing to pay for a brunch!) and a wee bit ordinary. If you’re looking for standard stuff (i.e. eggs, bacon, etc) rather than something adventurous and amazing in the culinary sense then this is a good place for you.
The desserts are nice (and generous sizes as well) and I’ve always found the service here excellent

by Amanda C.
31st March 2013

I went here with a friend for brunch one day as we had only ever heard positive things about it and we have to say we were extremely disappointed.

The food was below average and the wait time for over 30minutes for scrambled eggs.

I wouldn’t hurry back here.

I hear they do good cakes for dessert so maybe I will try that next time.

by Liv W.
21st March 2013

This place is so cool! I really enjoyed my pasta of the day for lunch. Delicious smoked salmon in a creamy tomato sauce with tasty red onions and bow-tie pasta, for about $17.

It was delivered hot and efficiently to my table where the side wall was opened up, so I enjoyed the view to the sunny outdoors, while I sat in the cool interior, where the ceiling is like a bright red circus-top tent – cool.

Funny feature audio playing in the toilets takes the novel Circus theme throughout the whole place.

Dry humourous banter from the waiter was just right for the relaxed feel of the cafe.

My one point of criticism would be that there were no vegetarian bread-based options in the cabinet… not a single panini, roll or bap to be seen, which would’ve been my first choice today. But lucky the helpful lady pointed out all the veg/fish options for me on the blackboard menu. And the smoked salmon pasta was certainly a very yummy choice.

by Lena
16th February 2013

I drive past this place nearly every day and finally dragged along the sister for some brunch. I ordered the baked crepe which is vegetarian while the sister ordered the pan-fried mushrooms on bruschetta, also vegetarian. The food took a while to come out to us but our window spot and the decor charmed and amused us while we waited. The crepe was fluffy and generously portioned, the sauce and filling were delicious. The sister wasn’t too impressed with her choice, saying it was glorified mushrooms on toast with some generic mesclun thrown on.

I’d say the food is a step above your usual café menu and the vibe of this place is attractive, I’ve even spotted a few Shortie Street stars wandering out of here holding coffees and treats from the cabinet. Good reliable food and a great place to stop off before some shopping in the village or the city.

Comment from Jonathan R. of Circus Circus Cafe 16/02/2013    Hide »

Hi Lena, thanks for your feedback – glad to hear you enjoyed our…    More »

Hi Lena, thanks for your feedback – glad to hear you enjoyed our crepes! We hope to see you in again soon

by Thelma & Louise C.
11th January 2013

Thelma: OMG banoffie was devine way too much for 1 sitting. Friendly staff nice atmosphere – yum yum yum

Louise: nomnomnomnomnomnom….
(waitress tries to take away empty plate). gggrrrrr

nomnomnomnomnomnom…

by Zan S.
5th December 2012

Excelent diner choice, well pressented. Very professional. reccomended to everyone. The service is professional. Very buzzy place. Enjoyed the service and ambience. It is an ammazing experience to visit the place.

by Thom
27th November 2012

Had the bubble n squeak – the one poached egg on top was dry and therefore made the whole dish dry – felt like tipping a can of baked beans into the bowl to make it nicer to eat

The salmon bagel – tiny, poorly presented and a huge disappointment to my wife who loves salmon bagels. Over toasted bagel was like a cracker (pre-done ?) and the salmon was on a small side plate and you kind of made your own bagel with some capers and red onion – Please just make a nice yummy bagel ready to eat with substantial filling to fill ones tummy for lunch. What was served was just not funny.

by Geoff
8th November 2012

Been there many times and always enjoyed our “lazy late” weekend lunches there. I like their cabinet food and the service is usually great.

Those of you reading this possibly sense a “but” coming and you are correct…

Our last trip had me thinking…we ordered from the cabinet as usual (lasagne and quiche) for my wife and I. I do wear glasses but we both noticed that the portion sizes were smaller than before (half?). The salad had also suffered a lilliputian transformation…

Plenty of servings in the cabinet, so……..? The prices were the same however. As they say: “You do the math(s)”…

I will go back but take my ruler with me next time!

Comment from Jonathan R. of Circus Circus Cafe 12/03/2013    Hide »

Hi Geoff, Thank you for your feedback! As all of our cabinet…    More »

Hi Geoff,

Thank you for your feedback! As all of our cabinet food is made in house it is inevitable that there may be a slight variation from one portion to another, however, we certainly have not changed the size of any of our quiches or lasagnes! In fact, we are baking some of our quiches as individual portions which are in fact bigger (and have pastry the whole way around!). Also, the salad has changed since your visit in November.

You are more than welcome to bring in your ruler and we hope to see you and your wife again soon

Many thanks,

Kent

by Chris B.
4th November 2012

Table for two at this cafe. First timers.

Overall, pretty good. Our brunch was well cooked and presented. Coffee very good. Staff generally very attentive and OK to deal with.

The cafe is pretty well decked out and is not boring. Good cabinet food.

Would go again.

by Barbara S.
25th October 2012

Not that many places where you can feel comfortable going in for dinner with 2 boisterous kids under 5 years old, but we’ve done it 2 or 3 times at Circus Circus and felt welcomed. The adults meals were excellent, the kids chicken nuggets and chips were okay, but the kids still talk about Circus Circus and had a great time there because they got to play with toys and books from the playroom area and they love the decor/lights and the lions outside. I’m sure we’ll be back.

by Kim H.
2nd September 2012

Have been to Circus Circus a few times now for brunch and it has been excellent each time. We came in yesterday morning- the place was pumping but despite it being so busy, the staff were friendly and helpful. Our meals came out in reasonable time considering how busy it was. My eggs bene was delicious and my partner had the mushroom dish which he raved about. This place is great, lovely atmosphere with fantastic food and service. Can’t wait to come back again!

by Sara H.
16th July 2012

This has been a local fave for years. The coffee is good (although don’t think its fair trade) and the cabinet food is good too, the menu changes but unfortunately not always for the best. I’ve had few things from the menu recently and thyve been very disappointing. I’m going to give it 4 stars out of years and years of good food and hope they get their act together soon.

by Shony
14th July 2012

Dined at Circus Circus last night with my husband and two daughters, had previously heard mixed reviews about the food but wanted to give it a go anyway.
For our entree we order garlic bread for the kids and beef skewers for the adults, lets put it nicely, there was more garlic than bread (we were scrapping of garlic pieces, too much garlic even for the adults) and the beef skewers were very mediocre.
For the mains we orders the special which was the pasta, that was ok, nothing really that amazing to rave about, also ordered the chicken which was meant to be served with a risotto (which the waitress didn’t tell me otherwise) as my 7month old would eat the risotto as her meal, instead it came on these grains with 5 mushrooms slices mixed through. For our 4yr old meal she initially order the chicken nuggets but were told the don’t serve fries on the premises all kids meals are served with salad, so we ordered Miss 4 a pizza thinking that would fill the gap from the non existent fries, but what was served was a small pizza that you would buy from the ‘leaning tower’ range of toppers, with added cheese and bacon.
For desert we order the creme brulee which was in the front display cabinet and which we were seated in front of yet it still took 20min to take out of the cabinet and serve to us. The brulee was dull and tasteless along with the piece of biscotti which tasted like cardboard.

When we went to leave we were asked how our meal was we replied with an ”mmmm” to which we got an ”ok great, well that’s …..”

Safe to say we will not be dinning here again and I would suggest to friends not to dine there either

by Juku
8th July 2012

Pro: atmosphere
Small con: staff

I love the theme of the cafe and the lovely details such as the circus playback in the bathroom. I have tried coffee there which was nice and also a sandwich which was also yummy. Unfortunately I didn’t see on their page or in the cafe if it’s organic and fair-trade coffee. It doesn’t mention anything else being organic or free-range, which would give them a fifth star. Staff could also be a bit friendlier.

Great to see the long opening hours!!

by David B.
5th July 2012

I drive past this place most days but have never been in as it always looks busy.

The omelet, the service and the coffee were all worth the stop. Parking outback.

If it looks busy it is worth the wait.

by Henry
4th July 2012

Went there with my mother and ordered a flat white and a pot of tea. The flat white had way too much foam for a flat white and was weak and tasted like watered down milk. My mum enjoyed her tea though the cup was not too clean. She ordered a muffin which we thought was decent. Place was packed as per usual and the drinks and muffin took at 5-10 minutes to arrive. Overall just a meh experience

by chia80
1st July 2012

Asked for a soy chai got cows milk yay awesome!!! Had baked beans great to see it come straight out of a can right in front of me and nicely splattered on the plate, the place was busy and the counter staff seemed confused. Overall don’t believe the hype.

by Nicky
10th June 2012

Circus has the best cakes and desserts! I will always go there for my sweet fix.

I Love their big slices of cakes – the carrot cake with lashings of cream cheese icing and the cheese cake is delicious! Also their caramel and macadamia slice is yum!

by Hannah
8th June 2012

I would say over a few visits now.. the place is a fun once in a while, but over priced in my mind. Supposed it is in MT Eden but still have trouble paying so much. Have had dinner which was quite good, and had a piece of the carrot cake with cream cheese icing. That my friends is actually very yum but overall not sure if its worth the hassle if its busy etc. I mean the decor is cool and unique but still unsure of why its so incredibly popular. Good hours? Consistent?

by Lucia G.
3rd June 2012

Lovely warm atmosphere last night, had great coffee, friendly service, the cafe was warm and filled with chatter, and the chocolate mousse was divine. A cafe you can always depend on to be consistently comforting.

by Pauline B.
3rd June 2012

I have always had a good experience at this place- great wait staff , and the kitchen elves who work in the tiniest space consistently produce great dishes, always piping hot and well cooked. I love the buzzing atmosphere here too.

by Diana R.
27th May 2012

We went to Circus Circus for breakfast as we had passed many times and it always looked busy which is usually a good sign. There was a queue but the counter staff seemed efficient and we didn’t wait long. We didn’t wait too long for our food either. Great food, just a pity the coffee wasn’t better.

by Juanita R.
19th May 2012

Friend recommended this place so I went there with friends twice for lunch and it was fantastic. Last week, we went there for dinner for my friend leaving party and we were disappointed. The service was slow and the next table to us had to leave. When the food arrived, it doesn’t look appetizing at all. I ordered roast pork belly. Wish they put a little bit green as a decoration to make it more inviting to eat.

Not going back for dinner but would still love to have lunch there again. Love the coffee though..

by SJK ..
22nd April 2012

In a nutshell? A general all rounder. Four of us arrived yesterday morning for breakfast (around 9am), the place was packed which is always a good sign. Found a seat in the glorious Auckland sun and ordered. Two eggs bene, one scrambled eggs and one poached eggs with baked beans with hot drinks. The food arrived quickly as did our drinks. The meals were perfect! Fresh eggs and lovely crispy bacon. Well done Circus, brill kai. The only downside for us? Two pots of tea ordered, two tea bags received. I just think in this time and age, when NZer’s have such a fondness for the local cafe for breakfast and good coffee, why oh why would we serve teabags? That’s the only let down for us with Circus. Have been there before when in Auckland and will try to get to get there again (when in Auckland again).

by Adeline
15th April 2012

Ive been to this place twice – and it never fails to impress me with the fact that so many yummy meals are actually produced from that wee kitchen that they have….!
Love the meals, the dessert selection is mind blowing (the summer pav, banoffie pie, choc mousse — all heavenly!) and the coffee is rich and strong. Love it.
Only gripe is that I hope some of the Asian male servers could smile a bit more. They seemed a bit rough and abrupt in serving us.

by Noe
6th March 2012

I enjoyed a lovely dinner here the other night. The place was quite busy when I entered, so that must be a good sign. The food was certainly very nice – I didn’t really like the dips that came with the breads for the entree, but the pasta of the day, which I chose as my main, was absolutely delicious and filling. The orange cake I had for dessert was also quite nice. The service we received the entire evening was great, and the waiters were all very friendly. Overall I had a good experience here and I would happily recommend this restaurant.

by Sara S.
20th February 2012

The old local, can’t beat the formula that they have: Good food + Good coffee + good service and a cute cafe, cant beat it. Menu changes slightly often so keeps us coming back. Also parking is not bad in Mt. Eden which is a luxury in Aucks.

by Cassandra
3rd February 2012

Absolutely amazing! Been to Mount Eden many times and this place has always been packed out, this tim we decided to try it and are so glad we did!
Staff super friendly and helpful!

Food was perfect, not one complaint from our table and dessert was just divine!!!!

We will definitely be back.

by Kathryn A.
3rd January 2012

After hearing so many positive comments on this cafe, I thought I simply must visit to see what all the fuss is about. Boy, I’m so glad I did. Came at a very busy time of day, nearly all the tables were full. The food came out promptly and looked magnificent. The staff really knew what they were doing and were definitely there to please us. Bacon bagel tower was delightful as too was my carrot cake. I will be back to enjoy this cafe again and again.

by Angel F.
2nd January 2012

Always a delight. Always delicious and the service is as good as it gets. My friend got the bubble and squeak and would not stop raving, I got the omelet and the two got the bagel tower. Berry Frappe was always delicious and can never leave without getting a slice of cake.

by Amy
18th November 2011

Limited menu and what we did order was shocking. Corn fritters had little by way of corn and tasted of dough. Salad was dripping in dressing and had little berry seeds in every mouthful that got stuck in your teeth. Not impressed. Not the first bad experience I’ve had here but gave it benefit of doubt. Will not eat here again.

by Neil
25th October 2011

Always consistently brilliant Coffee and Service. This place has been our local for years and never fails to deliver.

Food is consistantly of high standards and the menu changes every few months which is great offering variety and diversity to us locals. They do maintain the popular dishes for the old die hards who are not too keen on change (like myself).

Well worth heading in here no matter how busy as service is always very quick and staff friendly.

by Sam D.
23rd October 2011

Heard good things about this place and it always seems to be really busy.
However we were quite disappointed with the food.
Both ordered the sweetcorn fritters, the place was busy but the food came out in about 5 minutes. The fritters were rubbery and bland, there was no color on them and they had obviously just been ‘pumped out’.
Coffee was pretty average, the best thing about this place is the setting.
If I go there again I think I’ll order something simpler of the breakfast menu.

by Dine i.
19th August 2011

Went there for dinner, loved it!Ordered the soup it was great. It was in a bread holder, yum yum!!Main is OK compared to desert, we ordered the strawberry or blueberry cake, it was awesome! Would definitely go back to pay a visit. The place is very long and you would be surprised how big it is inside. The entrance is a bit too small though, not big enough as we walked pass the entrance a few times thought the entrance were on the side road rather than on Mt Eden Road.

by Kate
10th August 2011

Went for breakfast with a friend.

The place wasnt that busy.

We ordered out meal and coffee. The breakfast came first, and we had finished eating, by the time our coffee arrived….

The food was only OK, Ive had better. The coffee was the same.

I’d heard good feedback from this place, but every time I go its so disappointing.

by Angela W.
9th May 2011

Wow, what an incredibly busy, efficient and exciting place to eat. I have spent many hours visiting cafes around the world but this one stands out something something special.

Staff were fantastic, happy, friendly, efficient and above all professional.

Food was excellent and I could not fault any of the meals our group of 15 ordered. Everyone in our group had positive comments about their meals. Great balance and variety. Top awards to the Head Chef for an awsome menue to cater for all.

Coffees were great. Not to mention very quick to arrive at our table.

This place hums, great atmosphere and good sounds (not too loud either). It is a very impressive fine tuned team who produce fantastic meals and coffees.

Its a fantastic place to meet friends we have been back 4 times in the past few weeks. We will be making regular trips.

The best service I have experienced in a long time. I can thoroughly recommend you visit this place.

by Theresa C.
7th May 2011

I went to Circus Circus Cafe with my family for the first time today. The place is always really busy but luckily the cafe is actually a lot larger than you could see at the counter.

During the weekend they only provide the brunch menu which really limited our options but nonethesless we found something that we wanted to try.

I had a waffle with roasted peaches, berry couli, orange mascarpone and maple syrup. It was really good. I like the combination and especially the touch of orange mascarpone.

The other two mains, gourmet chicken burger and fritters were a bit disappointing. The portions were small and the food bland. I reckon they charged too much for their brunch.

To me this place is average. I can’t understand why it is always so full. It does have some good points however: the nice and energetic waiter, food arrived quickly and easy parking.

by RM Y.
27th February 2011

Nice for a ” one off’ but not memorable enough to return. Staff seemed efficient but had a first hand view of the timy kitchen and some very interesting goings on. Not special enough food but we enjoyed our evening.

by sarah
1st November 2010

Meh everyone seems to love this place but the food is extremely mediocre, expect to wait a LONG time for dinner. Nice decor, but not a lot else going for it.

by Leah
17th August 2010

I almost feel that I get conned into going here because of the great decor and not much else.. The coffee gets worse every time I return, which is a shame because Roasted Addiction make an amazing blend, which the baristas obviously do not make the most of.

by Nynette
10th August 2010

Average pretty much sums up my experience. I went again on recommendation from many friends. My first experience went poorly, late food, forgotten coffee the whole package – but i have a feeling it was a new waitress. A bit of an improvement, but they really need to learn to smile. Coffee was average, not fantastic. Atmosphere was good, still not a fan of the linear seating arrangement they have to one side of the cafe.

Go if you’re desperate for somewhere to chit chat – otherwise, especially evenings, late afternoon s- avoid. it gets haywirely busy. Also give it a miss if you’re like me and treasure service, good coffee.

by MJ
16th May 2010

Average indeed. Service was average – the only waiter I talked to was the busy, impatient one at the counter. If someone had approached me to ask how my meal was, I could have told them it was average too! Scrambled eggs were the WORST, my partner described them as the kind you get on an airplane.

With such a prime spot in Mount Eden I got the impression they don’t have to try hard to get their customers, and try hard they did not. Very disappointed.

by Blythe
22nd February 2010

Had a fabulous dinner at Circus Circus on a busy Saturday night. We arrived late (about 9pm) and were allowed our pick of the free tables.
We had the eye fillet and the baked stuffed chicken breast on mushroom risotto. The mains were delicious.
Unfortunately the desserts weren’t quite so impressive, but still ok. The cheesecake was gelatinous in its texture and appearance (mass produced looking), and the crumble topping was lacking in flavour.
The service we received from a pleasant young waiter was attentive and unimposing, with just the right amount of friendly. Really very good indeed.
Thanks for a lovely night out Circus Circus.

by mary
17th December 2009

went here to meet friends before heading on much nicer than 12 months ago coffee OK but could be better

by David
5th December 2009

Looks clean and presentable. Won’t complain about the food but could be improved – Its got the McDonald feeling to the place. I only stop there for coffee and chat with a friend that works around the corner.

by Cameo Y.
20th July 2009

Went to Circus Circus on the 19/07/09 for my birthday dinner.

Dinner was great! I had the Lamb Shanks while my partner opted for the Steak.
Service was great too – they even turned on the gas heater in the little room we were sitting in. Waiter attended us frequently to check up on how we were doing – This was awesome as he wasn’t overdoing it.

They didn’t show us our table as we made reservations, however we went for dinner rather late so there wasn’t that many people around. They told us to just pick a place to sit which was fine.

Definitely going back to Circus Circus!!

by Karen G.
2nd July 2009

Beautiful fresh red paint, Circus Circus has been spruced up. My favourite thing is the fact that you can find a table to your liking in one of many cosy little corners and alcoves. New areas have also been added onto it’s extensive meandering interior of polished wooden floors.
The heat lamps make it very warm on a winter day, and we found the staff to be very friendly and competent. The drinks/muffins were all good.
I’ll definitely be back to sample the food another day.

by Richard
22nd June 2009

Another Auckland icon that seems to have gotten old and tired. Place always has 20 staff. He’d be better off with 5 that could do their job properly. Sweet food has become bad in the last year. Used to be passable but not now. And don’t even get me started on the whole take a number thing!!

Time, once again, for new owners.

by Georgia B.
9th September 2007

This place is like the tardis! There’s more room inside than it looks from the street. Great food, service and friendly staff all make for a pleasurable dining experience brunch, lunch or dinner (I’ve tried each menu – and no, not all in one day!). You just need to bring the company and this place has it all.

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