If there was ever a cafe that exemplified the concept of friendly family-oriented service, it would have to be RiverStone at the South end of Otaki's main highway shopping precinct.

Run since late 2012 by husband and wife team, Brent Havis and Jeanine Cornelius, along with daughters Clare and Rebecca, the cafe has quickly become a favourite for locals and travellers who appreciate quality home-made food and an oasis from everyday life. It’s a place where you’ll get a friendly smile from staff and a chat if you feel inclined. At the heart of the service ethic is a desire by Jeanine and Brent to bring their own personalities to a cafe that they would love to visit regularly themselves.

The homeliness extends to the extensive all day menu and counter food, which is all cooked on the premises with recipes gathered from "someone's grandma" or a customer who has a home favourite. Slow cooking in crockpots ensures traditional flavours are evident just try one of RiverStone’s famous Gourmet Pies, Seafood Chowder or warming Soups.