We come from Kaikōura, so we weren’t sure what to expect, but at Verve Café in Gisborne, they absolutely blew us away. From the moment we walked in, they made us feel so welcome — that genuine, friendly East Coast hospitality really stands out.
The food was absolutely divine, we had a big breakfast and a surf n turf and let me say, youse have the best chefs in town! Me and my husband Hadley hand our compliments to the chef. Especially during a rush it’s not easy, but we had food within 10 minutes.
The service was warm, attentive, and relaxed in the best way. There was a young boy who was incredibly professional and on to it, while the young girl brought such a lovely, positive energy that made the whole experience even better. They worked seamlessly together and made sure everything was perfect without ever making us feel rushed.
The atmosphere was fantastic, the coffee was top-notch, and their customer service truly made our visit memorable. If you’re in Gisborne, Verve Café is a must — and these two rangatahi are a huge reason why. We’ll definitely be back next time we’re down from home!
Jaynee Goldsmith
Happycat2
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February 28, 2026
I love coming to verve, they always have nice food and yummy drinks. A maori lady (who i presume is the owner) is always so nice to me and always cheerful even when she is busy. However, I came in to buy my bagel and coffee and I got the rudest service from this older, taller lady who gives off a terrible vibe that she just hates every soul that walks into those doors. Like why work in hospitality if you have no intention of being hospitable. I work in a cafe myself and understand how stressful it can be when it is busy but when your at work you have to put on a facade to make customers feel welcome and appreciated. When you clock into work, its not about you anymore, you are being paid to be there, to be respectful and serve customers with a smile on your face, you're there to make money for the business not to get pissed at a customer for doing nothing wrong. The way she looked at me and disregarded my presence was so hurtful and I did not appreciate it. The owners are so lovely but this one older lady is so condescending, conveying a vibe that she is better than everyone else. I'm not sure what her name is but I have had multiple customers at my work complain about her service as well. She is the lady singing in one of the videos in your reviews.
Elise Maric
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December 29, 2025
Amazing place. Really friendly staff, great coffee, delicious food - such a good vibe!
Ruby Walton
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March 06, 2026
Forgot our order completely. Waited almost 50minutes for a pre-made toasty and 2 coffees. When we asked them about it they just asked what we wanted to to. Really really poor. This is the second time this has happened too.
SH_ Lux
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October 26, 2025
Amazing food
Definitely recommend
No public surcharge
Nice work team
We come from Kaikōura, so we weren’t sure what to expect, but at Verve Café in Gisborne, they absolutely blew us away. From the moment we walked in, they made us feel so welcome — that genuine, friendly East Coast hospitality really stands out. The food was absolutely divine, we had a big breakfast and a surf n turf and let me say, youse have the best chefs in town! Me and my husband Hadley hand our compliments to the chef. Especially during a rush it’s not easy, but we had food within 10 minutes. The service was warm, attentive, and relaxed in the best way. There was a young boy who was incredibly professional and on to it, while the young girl brought such a lovely, positive energy that made the whole experience even better. They worked seamlessly together and made sure everything was perfect without ever making us feel rushed. The atmosphere was fantastic, the coffee was top-notch, and their customer service truly made our visit memorable. If you’re in Gisborne, Verve Café is a must — and these two rangatahi are a huge reason why. We’ll definitely be back next time we’re down from home! Jaynee Goldsmith
I love coming to verve, they always have nice food and yummy drinks. A maori lady (who i presume is the owner) is always so nice to me and always cheerful even when she is busy. However, I came in to buy my bagel and coffee and I got the rudest service from this older, taller lady who gives off a terrible vibe that she just hates every soul that walks into those doors. Like why work in hospitality if you have no intention of being hospitable. I work in a cafe myself and understand how stressful it can be when it is busy but when your at work you have to put on a facade to make customers feel welcome and appreciated. When you clock into work, its not about you anymore, you are being paid to be there, to be respectful and serve customers with a smile on your face, you're there to make money for the business not to get pissed at a customer for doing nothing wrong. The way she looked at me and disregarded my presence was so hurtful and I did not appreciate it. The owners are so lovely but this one older lady is so condescending, conveying a vibe that she is better than everyone else. I'm not sure what her name is but I have had multiple customers at my work complain about her service as well. She is the lady singing in one of the videos in your reviews.
Amazing place. Really friendly staff, great coffee, delicious food - such a good vibe!
Forgot our order completely. Waited almost 50minutes for a pre-made toasty and 2 coffees. When we asked them about it they just asked what we wanted to to. Really really poor. This is the second time this has happened too.
Amazing food Definitely recommend No public surcharge Nice work team