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.

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're been in NZ for 3 weeks for our honeymoon and this was one of the BEST meals we've had. Small…read morecafe, delicious treats, lots of coffee options. It's a small menu but I'm sure every dish is just as carefully crafted and mouth-watering as ours were. Highly recommend stopping in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!!

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

Hmmmmm......Four stars or five? It is getting close to five, Four and a half it is, and the half…read moremissing is only because of the chicken wrap that was a bit soggy... Corban Estate Arts Centre had been on my radar for a while to go visit, so earlier this week I made a lunch date with my husband at this cafe. I didn't quite know what to expect, from the cafe, not the date, as it doesn't really give much of a clue from the website or brochures, but I was very pleased to see, taste and purchase some great brunch fair for the two of us. Hubby bought the 'big brekkie' which came out with even more than we expected - get this - free range eggs on sough dough bread, ample marinated mushrooms, a super tasty (home-made?) hash brown with a touch of mustard, cooked tomato, pumpkin AND eggplant! He only just managed to eat it all with a bit of help from me; it is the best eat-in breakfast or brunch in Henderson! And If I recall correctly that meal was under $20. I got the cajun chicken wrap, also very yummy, but a bit watery which made it a tad soggy. My coffee was super duper, hubby indicated that his was only a-ok, which between us probably implies it wasn't quite strong enough. But I loved it! Now, moving on to the decor, that gets five stars for sure! Retro funk all out, bar stools, original art on the walls, and lovely, lovely wall paper. The guy serving was friendly and tried his best to be calm under a mini rush of people that entered at the same time as us (secrets out?). I also give this place five stars for not succumbing to the world of coca cola for sales - they had alternatives that are much more ethical, thankyou.

I don't hold high expectations for cafés in West Auckland; I know I'm not in Ponsonby or New…read moreMarket. I don't expect free chocolates on my teaspoon, I don't expect a glass of water to be poured for me. I don't even expect barista coffee. Still, I expect café staff to know what an espresso is. When a staff member, with arms dripping of dish water, is offering me a medium and large takeaway cup, and then changes to making who-knows-what in a cappuccino cup, I will be tempted to throw my hands up in exasperation. When an empty café (empty of customers or any decor) produces an almost cold, watery shot of "coffee", the likelihood of every returning is slim to none. The food isn't even worth describing let alone purchasing. The Café Police need to check Mia didn't forged her Coffee Licence or find it in a cereal box.

This cafe does appear to have questionable hygiene standards. I'm not sure how they managed to get…read morean A grade rating from the council. The cafe had plenty of flies, and the kitchen sink and bench was full of dirty dishes. There were wet towels on the floor moping up water from the leaking dishwasher. The bread on my sandwich was stale, which is what prompted me to walk further down the cafe and catch a glimpse of the sorry state of the kitchen. Doesn't inspire confidence, and I will be crossing my fingers that I don't end up with food poisoning.

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!

Great food & generous portions. The owners are lovely. I highly recommend giving this place a…read morevisit. Might be a little out of the way but definitely worth the drive.

Located in bucolic bliss, next door to Kiwi Valley is Pukeko Café. We like this place for brunch,…read morebut if you have just taken the kids for an outing through the Kiwi Valley farm animals, then pop in here for lunch or an afternoon snack, they serve dinner on Friday nights. Head Chef Luka Farac puts out delicious eggs Benedict. The kids love their homemade hash browns and either a BLAT or fish and chips. Hubby goes for a Pukeko burger, said to be legendary amongst the locals. The café is roomy and there is outdoor seating so it makes for a perfect special occasion venue if you are looking for that 'rustic' feel.

This restaurant has been around for ages and it still draws in the crowds, day and night. If you've…read moreever eaten here you will know why, the food is amazing and the atmosphere is laid back. Totally suitable to the laid back Westie lifestyle. We booked in recently for a family get-together and everyone from grandma to the five year old loved the experience. Surf and turf menu with plenty of kiddy meals to keep the littlies happy. The steaks are really great, the majority in our group placed such an order. I like the fire pit in the waiting area with the comfy couches, a nice place to have a drink if you are still waiting on your table.

Was at Tony's restaurant in Henderson just last night and had the worst experience ever! We waited…read morefor more then two hours for the whole Special Set Menu to be served and ended up having to take the dessert home (not normally allowed) because we couldn't wait any longer. To wait that long just for the food to taste like it had been zapped in a microwave is ridiculous. Entrees: Spare ribs were crispy burnt and black/dry on the corners then drowned in sauce, what was supposed to be Cheese and bacon wedges turned out to be just Wedges with the sour cream & salsa on side bowls to fill up the plate, Seafood Chowder was full of chopped up celery more then any seafood and not very creamy at all. Mains: Lamb shanks fell away easy off the bone but again drowned in yuck sauce that killed it, the spinach and mash again zapped in a microwave. Chicken supreme was dry and plonked on the plate with the sides looking like they were recycled from a previous meal, Eye fillet Mignon was probably the only best looking meal but failed as a 'well done request'. Children's Menu: Bangers 'n Mash was disgusting the sausages tasted off! peas looked and tasted like they were still frozen, mash had some kind recycled soy sauce spread over it, Ice-cream Sundae looked like mock cream with a line of chocolate syrup. The Manager on duty at the time came over and demanded we pay for drinks on top of the Special Set Menu because this was part of the conditions, this was addressed after we were half way through our meal!! Very unprofessional in front of our whole family blaming and cursing the waiter and scared our kids that she stood over, she apologized after but doesn't excuse us having to put up with the whole ordeal for more then 2 hours!! Disappointed. Especially after we found out the Owner is also the Head Chef.