Robert Harris Cafe

Rating: 3

We ate lunch here in June 2021.

Keto toasted sandwich
Polenta, haloumi, and vegetable stack
Carrot cake
Banana smoothie
Mocha

This is not the Robert Harris that you remember from 90’s trips to get a pie and ham sandwich with grandma. While they were established in 1952, they have really moved with the times, and are now offering a good looking selection of both cabinet and cooked food. The stack was nearing perfection, had the tomatoes been cherry tomatoes instead of giant chunks of grilled tomato, it might have even been perfect. Roast kumara and pumpkin on the side was inspired and delicious, especially with their red pesto. It was a good high stack (check yourself, Jimmy Cooks) and it looked great on the plate. The keto sandwich was made from nice, fresh ingredients, no criticism there, but the cake was a bit of a letdown. The icing was overpoweringly sweet and the cake itself was a little flavourless. Classic cream cheese icing would have been a huge upgrade. The banana smoothie was also flavourless but did have the right texture and temperature. The mocha was clearly made with nice coffee, but was very sweet and - serious points deducted here - had no marshmallows on the side. The whole thing was a slick operation, the interior was clean and modern, the wait staff was very friendly and attentive, and despite being busy the service was fast. Nice one, Robert.