Service was really slow here even though it wasn't too busy. It was a great place to stop for…read morebrunch. I got the maple French toast, I expected a more prominent maple flavor but it was still delicious. They had their own water station where you could fill a flask for your table, I thought that was pretty cool.

I almost feel embarrassed that this rad café has been in my own backyard for years and I didn't…read moreknow about it (in my defense it is located down a dead end industrial street but still, embarrassed.). Anyway, this week I set out to rectify my ignorance by visiting twice, first with my Yelp amigo, Kathy L and then again the following day. The café is in a pretty unexpected place, right next to the North Shore Events Centre. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the smell of freshly roasted beans. I've said it once and I'll say it again - cafés that roast their own beans make consistently good coffee. I mean, that's just my experience but I reckon 99% of the time it holds true. The Coffee Lab is no exception. Here you get to choose your own beans from their three grinders. We took the advice of the barista and went Sumatran, who told us "it had a hint of vanilla and is good served black." Perfect. Could my unrefined coffee palate taste the hint of vanilla, no, but was the coffee strong and silky smooth - yes. In fact, it was so delicious that I ordered the same thing the next day. I am yet to try their food but the slices look off the chain - just like nana used to make them! No doubt, I'll be back soon.

Fact-tree cafe is an unassuming, neighbourhood cafe located in a random block of shops right…read moresmack-bang in the middle of North Shore surburbia. You'd never know it was there unless, well, you knew it was there. Decor-wise it's pretty cute. A big wooden tree that doubles as shelves spans one of the walls, the coffee comes with heart-shaped teaspoons and they've got terrariums with plastic dinosaurs on the tables. The vibe is upbeat and friendly. You get the feeling that it's a favourite amongst locals and given it's size, would be packed on the weekend. As for the food, they've got an extensive brunch & lunch menu handwritten on those cool paper rollers. Unfortunately I was running short on time so I opted for their bacon and vege stack to takeaway. It came heated with a generous pottle of homemade tomato chutney. Flavour-wise, it was nothing new but it was pretty damn tasty. I'm not 100% sold on the location (...yet) but the breakfast menu looks to good not to head back for a lazy weekend brunch!

This is such a cute cafe, in such a random suburban spot!…read more Came here for a weekday brunch has my friend and I happened to both have the same day off. She loved this place as its her local so we headed down around 11am, it was pretty busy for weekday which was good but surprising. We snagged a table inside next to the counter. The decor is cute, fresh and light. Service was really nice and were asked for our coffee orders right away. Looking over the menu was hard as there were so many options that looked amazing. I decided to go for the salmon eggs Benedict on homemade hash brown as that hash brown sounded so good. My friend grabbed the chorizo omelette. The food took its time to arrive, but we were ok to wait as we had nothing planned for the day, maybe just something note! The food was delicious, and huge servings. The hash browns were my favourite part of the dish because they were so crunchy - definitely recommend trying those! The omelette looks massive and also came with some ciabatta bread. Overall the cafe was really good, a little slow. I will definitely be back!

You simply have to try this cafe. Variety of menu options and cafe atmosphere will provide even the…read moremost selective patron something to enjoy. Fun to find cafes where expectations from yelp reviews are exceeded!

I arrived at around midday for lunch at Bungalo with my partners mum and sister, with us also our…read morewee babies both under six months old. Great parking at the back of the building which is an old bungalow house converted into a cafe, of the same name! Clean and stylishly decorated inside and out, the outdoor patio/deck is perfect for a sunny warm day eating our meals. I ordered mince on toast off the menu at the counter, and was visually tempted by lovely sweet eats at the counter display- such as chocolate brownies and fruity muffins. I have to say the views out the back are lovely, looking back towards Auckland the City of Sails, and if you love a nice strong cup of smooth coffee you are sitting in the right cafe. A perfect spot to meet friends for a catch up also and they are child and baby friendly which is a plus. Delightful and Airy and sunny just a great cafe.

Yes I'm quite a fan of the Cafe Etage in Glenfield Mall, and usually will pop over with fellow mums…read moreand the babies for a coffee group if we all happen to be in the mall on a given Wednesday. I remember thinking what a super place to escape bedlam of the mall as we headed for some space and relaxation. There is lots of seating all around the open cafe, and they have baby/toddler seating as well. The coffee here is so well done, piping hot, creamy and chocolaty! If you're having a smoothie they are refreshing and zesty. The sweet treats at the counter are a tempting eye sore; I really enjoyed my lemon slice. The stuffed veggie grilled potato was also filling and moreish. The cafe staff are friendly and always serve you with a kind smile. I liked that there was enough space to enjoy a meal and not feel squashed in, although perhaps in peak time's they could get packed.

Afghan cookie was unedible and horrible…read more Custard is gritty in the custard tart. Paid good money, could eat it. As the manager of the store you must change your vendors.

Newly opened cafe with a light, spacious interior (hence the name). Easy to get to, from Onewa Rd…read moreofframp. Maybe you city folk will cross the bridge! Beautiful selection of sweet and savoury cabinet food plus a tantalising menu. I had a roasted veggie salad and blueberry cheesecake brownie combo for a bargain $10. I'm almost hesitant to let you all know about this place! I tried a beetroot latte (matcha and turmeric are also available). Unusual, and delicious! I've already made a lunch date to go back. Love this place.

Such a rare treat in the Shore, a hip new cafe in the Northmed complex. They serve the best coffee…read moreand comp one after you buy 5. I love their cabinet salads and energy balls. Plenty of new magazines to read and good people watching too!

I went here with the family. I ordered the chicken and waffles and loved it. Watch out Roscoe…read more All components were fresh and tasty. The other star of the show was the scrambled eggs. It stood no chance against my son. Beautifully cooked and flavorful. My wife got the sticky rice and my son the pancakes. Both were a bit sweet for my tastes but prepared nicelyand layered with fresh fruit. Worth a try.

Environment is pretty good, but little expensive. The food and tea are quite good, and service…read morethere is fantastic, I love this cafe!

I love this place. Definitely my favorite go-to café if i ever want fast service, amazing food,…read morefriendly staff and a peaceful meal. The staff also take the time to know their customers and greet regulars with joyful smiles. They remember my families takeaway coffee orders every time we go there. You should definitely check it out

Pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food they serve up. Fresh produce used makes all the…read moredifference; coffee is good too! Staff are also super friendly and attentive making it a very pleasant visit. Well done.

This place epitomises a "hidden gem." It's tucked down the end of a rather dark and dingy alleyway…read moreoff the main street in Takapuna (you know, the one with the dinky music shop and friendly shoe repairman). I must of walked past it a dozen times oblivious to the fact that it existed...shame on me! What I love about it is that, whilst the alleyway is rather grimy the space itself is anything but. You enter through a nondescript door at the end of the corridor into a beautifully modern, open space with fresh white walls and polished concrete floors. There is a huge black and gold coffee roasting machine as well as ample tables and chairs (and great magazines!) for you to enjoy your coffee in peace. What's also pretty cool is that they serve several different Single Origin beans and have examples of each on the counter for you to sniff before you buy/drink. When I went, I was in a bit of a hurry so opted for the coffee of the day but I am looking forward to going back and trying the different origins.

I was actually trying to find a quicker route from The Department Store to La Tropezienne when I…read morehaphazardly stumbled across this place. I think it was fate. Run by two Japanese sisters, Ark Coffee Company is dedicated to specialty coffee. There are no excess food offerings save for a few actually quite good looking cookies, everything is quite minimalist and spare and very much centered around the coffee itself, which shines. I tried the best Iced Latte I have ever had and that is quite frankly saying a lot cause I have guzzled a fair few in my time. All it was, was coffee and ice cubes and some sweetener but damn near close to perfection it was. And at really reasonable prices too. I have been converted, follow me to the Ark!

Hidden away in the waterside suburb of Beach Haven is a small restaurant slash coffee shop where…read moreyou can sit under the trees and enjoy life in the suburbs. Beach Haven and the surrounding area is in short supply of restaurants and other eateries, so finding a great place to catch a nibble and a cup of tea is great, and to find one as good as Café Patiserie is a true blessing. Across the road from the video shop and near the play park, most parents in the area can use this as a good excuse to meet other parents, and to make something of their Saturday morning or afternoon. I normally use it as a halfway stop when I take the dog for a walk, and the cafe owners are more than happy to put some water out for my pup. Now there's extra inspiration to take the family dog for a walk.

Don't be put off by how it looks from the outside. It is slightly run down and definitely looks a…read morebit tired. But all it needs is a quick little re-do and I think it would look bright and welcoming. Which is what it should look like because it's sure worth going inside! I came here the first time because it's the only place like it there in Beach haven. We went for breakfast and I was feeling rather hungus so I ordered the big breakfast. It was very impressive! Bacon, eggs, two different types of sausage, hash browns and toast. The sausages were the wow factor for me, and that's what kept calling me back. I have yet to venture from my usual big breakfast but I'm sure I will one day when the sausages don't seem so appetizing. I'm also keen to try some of their sweet things. The cabinet is filled with delicious looking treats! And I've also heard their authentic French Quiche is top notch.

For this place it's no longer a cafe but a Indian Cusine. I bought some butter chicken and loved…read moreit. I'm going to be honest the curry wasn't up to my standard in heat felt just about 60 degrees. But I still enjoyed it. Good service they even offer takeaways. Cheap and affordable 12.50 seems decent for butter chicken and rice. If you want to eat Indian I can recommend this place if you're in greenhithe.

I had an excellent mocha Frappe from here. The coffee hit was pretty strong but went down smoothly…read moreand the chocolate flavour wasn't too overpowered by the coffee. It came in a nice big takeaway cup just the way I like it. The café itself has a really cool feel inside. I love the big leathery booths and the mirrors all around. Gives it a kind of retro ish feel. The signs all around were boasting about the frappes and that's why I had to try one myself. I can be very fussy about frappes and iced chocolates because I like them a certain way and this was exactly what I wanted. After I'd started slurping I saw a certificate clinging to the window bragging about someone who is obviously a very talented barista. Siyang Wang was awarded Bronze for barista at the 2012 Culinary Fare. Pretty impressive stuff. Will have to try a coffee next time I'm here.