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What to order
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Custard Square
This is by far the most frequently recommended item in the reviews, praised as legendary, the best in New Zealand/Hawke’s Bay, and exceptionally creamy with perfect flaky pastry.
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Seafood Platter
Described as "next level" and packed with a wide variety of seafood including scallops, salmon, mussels, prawns, and smoked fish, making it a standout savory choice.
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🥉
Avo Smash
Mentioned positively as a tasty cabinet/blackboard choice, with reviewers clearly enjoying it as a brunch option.
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4
Lamb Burger
Called worth the visit when paired with the famous custard square, suggesting it was a satisfying and memorable main.
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5
Mac & Cheese
Recommended by a reviewer’s daughter and noted as a favorite, indicating it is a well-liked comfort food option.
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6
Sweetcorn Fritters With Bacon
Praised for being a generous serving, with a large salad and plenty of dressing, making it a hearty and well-received meal.
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7
Scones
Called amazing and light, with a homemade taste, showing they are a popular and well-executed baked item.
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8
Date Scone
Specifically singled out as very light and tasting homemade, making it a recommended sweet baked treat.
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9
Cheesecake
Mentioned alongside the custard square as a dessert that looked and tasted every bit as good as it appeared.
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10
Orange Melt Cookie
Recommended as a gluten-free treat that was melt-in-your-mouth, light, and fluffy.
Details
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM to 3 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM to 3 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM to 3 PM |
| Friday | 8:30 AM to 3 PM |
| Saturday | 8:30 AM to 3 PM |
| Sunday | 8:30 AM to 3 PM |
About Serendipity Cafe
Serendipity Cafe is a cafe and breakfast restaurant in Hastings, New Zealand, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dessert, and catering. Reviewers consistently praise the custard squares, coffee, tea, and the wide cabinet selection, along with friendly service and generous portions. The atmosphere is described as casual and cozy, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and it is popular with groups, families, tourists, and solo diners. It also offers gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options, plus reservations for brunch are recommended.
Amenities
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great tea selection
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Solo dining
- Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
- Prepared foods
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked
What is Serendipity Cafe known for?
It is best known for its custard squares, which reviewers repeatedly call the standout item and describe as creamy, flaky, and worth sharing. People also mention strong coffee, great tea, and a broad cabinet of sweets and made-to-order breakfast and lunch dishes.
What dishes are most recommended at Serendipity Cafe?
The most frequently recommended items are the custard square, cheesecake, avo smash, sweetcorn fritters with bacon, lamb burger, and date scone. Reviewers also mention the seafood platter and mac and cheese as memorable choices, with portions often described as generous.
What is the atmosphere like at Serendipity Cafe?
The cafe has a casual, cozy feel with plenty of indoor seating and a decent amount of outdoor seating, plus a sunny patio area. Reviewers say it works well for families, groups, and solo dining, and the friendly staff make it feel welcoming for a relaxed meal or coffee stop.
Is Serendipity Cafe good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is NZ$20 to 30, and reviewers often say the portions are large and the food is worth the visit. People especially note that the custard square is big enough to share, which helps the value feel strong for dessert or a snack with coffee.
How busy does Serendipity Cafe get, and when should you visit?
It can get very busy at peak times, but reviewers say the queue to order usually moves quickly and food is prepared in a reasonable time even when the cafe is full. Brunch reservations are recommended, especially if you want a table for a group or family meal.
Is parking available at Serendipity Cafe?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Serendipity Cafe have vegetarian options?
Yes, Serendipity Cafe offers vegan options.
Is Serendipity Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes, Serendipity Cafe is good for kids.
