Far far away in Henderson, a café is hidden somewhere off a cul-de-sac, and down a small road…read morerunning alongside the train track. The café in question here is Coffee Studio, located amidst the character buildings of the Corban Estate Arts Centre. Arriving 2pm, we were just too late to order from the main menu (the usual café options), but we were happy with their counter offerings. The vegetable frittata ($11.50), served with a root vegetable and blue cheese salad, arrived on a bright blue plate but the food itself was also full of colour: golden frittata, and vibrant reds and oranges dominating the salad. Though not outstanding, it was tasty and a satisfying potion. The carrot cake ($4.50) was a great accompaniment to a strong cup of cappuccino ($4). Personally I felt the cake on the dry side but the dollop of cream helped to offset this. The brownie ($4) was the unanimous favourite of the afternoon; a decadent delight that was incredibly chocolatey and slightly moist in the middle. The café's styling is worthy of mention: a small studio building decked out with chic art and retro furnishings inside, and vintage swivel seating outside. I also liked the handwritten chalkboard menu and the fact that all the food was garnished with a sprig of lavender (lavender shrubs everywhere surrounding the café!). Personal touches fully reflective of the bubbly team and the cosy, welcoming atmosphere. The food was solid, though probably not worth a drive halfway across town for. But if you're in the area, Coffee Studio is a nice stop to grab brunch, or a much craved coffee-and-cake energy boost.

This place is trult a hidden gem, who would've thought that such an amazing cafe would exist in…read moreHenderson. One day a friend and I decided we needed to take a walk and catch up on what was happening in our lives. On our walk we walked in the park then decided to walk through Corban Estate. We came to Coffee Studio and I was in love. The cafe had these amazing ceramic vases on the tables. I wanted to borrow the vases for my room but I couldn't. When we decided to walk into the cafe we were taken back to an era that we weren't born in. The place had a rustic feel to it. I ordered the best mango smoothie in Auckland. It was made with an actual mango and fresh ingredients before my eyes.

Came here on a Saturday morning. Very quiet, however the food was AMAZING! Limited menu, but the…read morefood is divine - definitely coming back for more.

Fine dining in Henderson! So impressed with the food, service, and truely charming front of house…read more Great wine. Child friendly (so rare to get great food with the option of dining with the whole family). A testament to Henderson's 'up and coming' status.

The food and drink an atmosphere are incredible! I had the mocha and the Mad Dog. Go try it!read more

This is one of those coffee shops that you wished you lived close by to. Trust me I know, because I…read morelive within walking distance of at least 5 (maybe more.) Their attention to detail and care was bar none. Toys and dishes not only catered to littles, but also served with kindness and delight. Their food was also delicious (sandwiches, pancakes, donuts, and muesli, oh my!) and especially loved the iced maple latte. We will be back and soon!

We were lucky on several counts. First, walking in on Mothers Day without a reservation and…read moresnagging a seat. Second, the food and service were first rate at this family run restaurant. Nothing flash, but a friendly welcoming environment. There is a good selection of vegetarian options and they were willing to respond positively to reasonable requests. We had the French Toast and eggs benedict.. Both were delicious and both provided generous portions setting us up nicely for a walk in the nearby Waitākere ranges. I was kind of miffed I did not see the tofu and avocado benedict option...next time.

unusual blend of kiwi food and Asian fusion. specials rotating…read moreimaginitiave cooking staff basic but polite Seems like a family business

Great food and service. Menu caters for gluten-free and vegetarian options available with a…read moreseparate kids menu. The food is very well presented with good size portions that's ideal for breakfast/brunch and lunch. My partner is coeliac as well as gluten-free and this is one of the few places she enjoys eating at. It doesn't have an online menu which would be helpful, the place would benefit with expanding to accomodate the growing customers. There are sufficient number of staff members and they are very courteous.

Who knew one of the best cafes would be inside a plant shop. This is one of my favorite places that…read moremy friends in NZ frequent, kid friendly too with a play area. The food and drinks are always fresh, the staff are so lovely. They offer a punch-card if you're a frequent customer for a free drink after 10 visits I think. I hope to return one day! Miss you Kings!

I admit when I went to The Falls recently for breakfast, I had no idea it was an award-winning…read morerestaurant. I just thought it was a cute old building on the edge of a nice reserve. Though this is true, it wasn't until I told my boyfriend I'd been there that I learnt it is famous. Having won awards for their quality meat and presentation, as well as peoples' choice awards including the 'Gold Plate' in 2012, The Falls is known to the majority of West Aucklanders as the best place to eat. I'm not sure if I would go quite so far as to say it was my best meal ever, but I did really enjoy my experience at The Falls. I sat out in the newly renovated courtyard with a pot of tea and a ham cheese and tomato omelette. The ambience was lovely, the wait-service was brilliant and the food was delicious - what more could you ask for? Tip: The Falls also caters for large groups and business meetings, and though I cannot say this from personal experience, I believe they would do a brilliant job at hosting such events and can't imagine anyone being disappointed with the food or the service.

I've been here for a special treat lunch and sat alfresco with a lovely view of the park. The food…read morewas brilliant and the service was first class so they don't get all of those awards for nothing! I have also been here for a special occasion booking, upstairs in the function room. This was an intimate space for our celebration and we were well looked after. Again the food - a three course meal - was outstanding and the wine list excellent. The Falls do great coffee any time of day, take out in the mornings but make sure to pay for parking in the adjacent 'pay and display' area as you would not want to be stung with a ticket like I was!

Café Cucina, of Coffee Kitchen, looks discouraging in the morning. Any café that only has it's…read moredoors slightly ajar at 9 am is going to look uninviting and start on the back-foot. But being along Henderson's main stretch of homeless/ hooligan territory, maybe Café Cucina has a well thought out plan. The café provides a quiet reprieve from the West Auckland suburb and a place to relax for a morning coffee. My coffee even came with a smile, a crumb of poppy seed biscotti and an ash tray- all without asking. That little bit of extra service in a clean and attractive venue makes for an enjoyable café. There are always ways a café can improve but Café Cucina are defiantly making an effort to provide a coffee retreat and helping to raise the bar of businesses in Henderson.

Little Sister is a fairly new addition to Henderson. With ex-Sweetie and Salvation Kitchen owners…read moreat the helm, it's got to be good. To be honest, I'm relying on a Viva article for the second part of that statement, because I only went to Salvation Kitchen post-sale and the coffee was bloody awful. Don't go. Sweetie, on the other hand, was lovely and just like Little Sister, its counter-top teaming with sugary treats - like a goddamn Willy Wonka scene. Impossible to resist. My husband had arrived on the hideously early flight from San Francisco last week (yes, he came bearing gifts, and the gifts he did not manage to secure I promptly ordered online), where he was hungry and in desperate need of New Zealand milk, coffee and more importantly, eggs! Given that Little Sister is only open weekdays, this was the perfect chance to #supportlocal and head somewhere I had been dying to try out. First problem: check the bloody details, Vanessa. Little Sister does not open till 7.30am. I had assumed 7am, so we hung out in the car park for 15 minutes like losers. There's lots of parking, with very definite 'Little Sister' named spots, so unless you're absolutely blind, it's quite clear where to park up. The morning menu was quite brief, and I wasn't offered another one to check out what they offer for lunch. That's not to say I'm offended by brevity, quite the opposite. As you may have noticed, I get terrible FOMO so I appreciate obvious choices. My morning meal was therefore a hearty one - pork and fennel sausage, perfectly crisp bacon, slow cooked tomatoes with just the right amount of sweet and tart, a wonderfully spiced (yes, spiced!) potato and carrot rosti, a very large mushroom that had been bathed (and appropriately drained, leaving the sticky and tangy remnants) in balsamic vinegar, and two glorious eggs with the most vibrant orange yolk. And, of course, a knock-out latte to wash it all down.

Wonderful little cafe with indoor and outdoor sitting. Mostly two tops but a few tour top tables…read more Pick up a menu on the way in, order at the counter and they deliver to your table. We had poached eggs and toast, cheesy scone and a jam and cream bonbon. All were excellent! I had a large flat white with a triple shot to see me through the day and am quite happy with it. They have lots of variety in the pastry case, I was tempted by it all!

I ordered the juicy steak and cheese with extra chilli. The bun was crunchy and the beautifully…read morejulienne style veges were fresh, crisp and refreshing. Generous amount of steak that was juicy, hot and full of flavour. Patr is made onsite and is creamy and rich without tasting too gamey. The loaded fries are topped with pulled pork, Kim chi and cheese, upsized for 2 people and so glad that I did because wow, they were delicious. Amazing service, family owned small business vibe. Service with a smile and pride. Definitely recommend and going back!

I love finding hidden gems in unlikely locations and this one does not disappoint. Great food and…read moregreat customer service. Place was super clean and bright. Person that took my order knew the menu and could suggest according to my taste. Food was made to order and super fresh. Will definitely be back.