Culture

20 Malcolm St, behind Student Health, 3/5.

Prices: Flat White: $4, Long Black: $3.50, Mocha: $5

Why I came here: Many of my friends had been urging me to try out this relatively new Dunedin cafe.

Atmosphere: Noisy, dark and a bit cramped.

Service: We were served quickly but it was initially rather confusing, with three of the staff trying to serve the queue at the register all at once over the same till.

Food: The highlight! I had a chicken roll for lunch which cost me $7.50, and my friend chose a date scone for $3.50. Both were delicious! I intend to return just to try the other items on the menu.

Overall: I’d heard an array of affirming appraisals before coming to The Food Department but, to be honest, my visit to the cafe did not live up to the hype. I can’t quite put my finger on what exactly it was that made our visit merely average as opposed to extraordinary. The place was packed around lunchtime, which I would generally consider to be an encouraging quality, however the external conservatory-like vicinity in which we were situated was squished and we could hear the conversations of those next to us without difficulty. Despite the coffee being rather mediocre, the food was the preeminent aspect of our visit. I recommend that if you’re going to come here, come for lunch in summer. I’ve heard that the outdoor area opens up when it’s warmer and people flock to The Food Department for a tasty bite in the sun.