One of the things I HATE about living in New Zealand is how cafes always close at 4PM each day. What's even worse is when a cafe business not only lies about it's respective business hours of operation, but also have absolutely rude and clumsy customer service. Cafe Byzantium is such a business that LIES about it's business hours. Clearly posted on it's window is how it is open "Late" on weekdays, yet you can walk by here after 8PM on a Wednesday and it's closed. There was one time I attempted to walk in to order a coffee for take-away at around 4:30, the door was clearly open, but the rude owner yelled at me saying he was closed.
This particular owner is an absolute clumsy ass and definitely doesn't have any social etiquette in how to interact with people. Whenever I have walked by this cafe, I have noted people storming out murmuring how rude the service is here. And when I peer into the window, the owner is at the counter.
As for the food, it's rather mediocre. The one time I came to eat there, this owner told me, flat-out, "I can't deal with you for another 20 minutes" since he was backed-up. But you know what: There is a better way to address people than sparking them to suddenly leave! But I doubt he will change since he doesn't look like the type to hone or improve upon his professional skills.
AVOID this place at best. A recommendation better than this cafe is Little Algiers around the corner on Karangahape Road with a much more jovial, kind and gracious owner/cook. Little Algiers' food is tastier an less pricey! read more