One Flat White & Brunch
Auckland Cafe Guide

Welcome to our Cafe Guide. If you are in central Auckland you will only ever be a few steps away from a cup of many Kiwis favourite coffee - the flat white. If you want food to match, below are our recommendations for a few cafes as well as some restaurants and bars.

To eat out on $10 visit Tumeke Auckland on $10 to find out where to get an Indian curry and beverage for $10, who was voted Best Foodcourt 2009 by local Metro magazine, where to get pizza by the slice for $5, and more.

To keep the guide brief we have used the abbreviation “WYSEH” (Why You Should Eat Here) to highlight what we consider to be the best reasons for dining at a particular venue. We hope you enjoy eating out in Auckland as much as we do and if you would like to make a donation to the "One Flat White & Brunch" fund you can do so at any branch of the "I Don't Think So Cafe!"

Cheers
Rachael & Mike
Updated March 2010

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Select a suburb: Central city, Devonport, Kingsland, Mission Bay, Mt Eden, Mt Wellington, New Lynn, Newmarket, Onehunga, Parnell, Ponsonby
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Central City
Benediction, 30 St Benedicts Street, Newton
WYSEH – It's a local Newton favourite with an industrial feel that has plenty of seating (it looks small from outside but there is a spacious dining area upstairs and outdoor seating). Service is efficient and car parking is free, a bonus for central city dining. The friendly staff serve up generous portions of garlic & rosemary field mushrooms.


Brew on Quay, corner Quay Street & Britomart Place
www.brewonquay.co.nz
WYSEH - If you are a beer fan you will find beer from around the world here. The interior is divided into different rooms and you can sit beneath chandeliers for a quiet chat (as long as it's not too busy) or head upstairs to the outdoor area. They're offering $10 express lunches every day in March or choose from the all day grazing or main menu. Check the website for the schedule of live music and events. PS - If you are interested in visiting Brew Pubs in Auckland and around New Zealand that serve locally brewed beer visit Brew Pubs for some suggestions.


Cin Cin On Quay, Auckland Ferry Building, 99 Quay Street
www.cincin.co.nz
WYSEH - We enjoyed everything on offer at Cin Cin - the table with the view, the top shelf service and most of all the food. Salmon and lamb were our choices from the menu and both dishes were cooked to perfection. Dipping donuts in chocolate sauce was a sweet finish. Visit Cin Cin's Promotions page for their current specials like the $27.50 two course lunch special available every day between 11am - 5pm.

Danny-Doolans, Viaduct Harbour
www.dannydoolans.co.nz
WYSEH – Never Ending Nachos anyone? Unlimited nachos (til you burst) for $70 (ends 10pm) or The Bollocks, nachos for two for $20. If you don’t order never ending nachos you won’t leave hungry, food portions are generous. The meatararian in the house recommends the steak sandwich. Order a Full Irish Breakfast from 11am daily ($18.50) and a summer promotion gives free Internet with your pint.


El Faro Spanish Tapas Bar, Elliott Stables, Elliott Street
www.elliottstables.co.nz
Walk down the cobbled lane at Elliott Stables and into El Faro for delicious and inexpensive tapas. WYSEH - Thursday & Friday nights tapas are $5 all night and between 5-6pm, Monday to Friday get 25% off all drinks. Open Monday - Saturday, 10am - 10pm.

Invito, 7 Bacon’s Lane, (Chancery)
www.invito.co.nz
Offering a mix of Italian and Mediterranean food Invito is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. WYSEH – Outdoor seating is available and Chancery is car free. Invito is just one of a few cafes adding to the lively café scene in Chancery and from time to time they offer free coffee with every breakfast purchase.

Lenin, Princes Wharf
WYS(Drink)H - This Russian themed bar has plush booths inside and plenty of seating outside for your comrades. A window inside gives a cool view into Minus 5 Ice Lounge next door and ofcourse there is plenty of vodka to be downed here. Opens midday, closes late.

Mezze Bar, 9 Durham Street East
www.mezzebar.co.nz
WYSEH – Mezze Bar is a spacious, relaxed, inner city wine bar/cafe that has food for any time of the day - brunch, main meals, tapas and mezze, sweet treats from the cabinet and desserts.

Orbit Restaurant, Sky Tower, Victoria Street
www.skycity.co.nz
WYSEH – The view from the revolving restaurant. Book a table for brunch ($35 per person) on a Saturday or Sunday from 10am - 3pm, see the website for the menu. You are able to stop at the Observation deck on the way down so at $35pp it is well worth the trip. A recent edition is the Kiwi style Orbit High Tea, served Saturday & Sunday, 2.30pm - 4.30pm, $30pp.

The Northern Steamship Company Brewbar, 122 Quay Street
www.macs.co.nz
This is one of a few Mac’s Brewbars in Auckland. They serve up pub grub like Mac's beer battered fish n chips from $16.50 and pricier main meals. WYSE(or Drink)H - The décor, it’s quirky - 70’s style upside down lamp shades for lighting and a unique approach to picture mounting, and there is plenty of seating. Open for lunch, dinner and til late.

Waterfront Café, Maritime Museum Building, Hobson Wharf
www.thewaterfrontcafe.co.nz
WYSEH – Real water front dining and a lovely spot on a sunny day. The Waterfront Cafe is a good lunch time option as they serve up big, tasty sandwiches like the Creole Rub Chicken with fries. Brunch is served Monday - Friday until 12 noon, Saturday & Sunday until 5pm. The cafe is open from 9am until late, 7 days. Happy hour drink specials 4pm - 7pm week days, $5 beer, wine and house spirits.

Devonport
Stone Oven Bakery & Cafe, 5 Clarence Street
WYSEH - All of the food is made on the premises and they serve flavour filled (and cheap) sandwiches and rolls as well as a full brunch menu. Stone Oven is a firm favourite with Devonport locals and on weekends it is over flowing with people and baked goods. Open 7 days, 6.30am - 5pm. Tip: If you are interested in art cross the road to The Depot Artspace and see what's on display.

De Fontein Belgian Beer Café, 75-79 Tamaki Drive
www.belgian-beer-cafe.co.nz (see the website for other Auckland & NZ locations)
WYSEH – You can sit on the balcony and look out over Mission Bay. The one kilo pots of mussels and fries with homemade mayonnaise from $19. On Sunday afternoon they often have live jazz visit www.defontein.co.nz to check for events and specials like Kids Dine For Free Monday to Thursday before 6pm (1 per adult main course).

Masala Indian Restaurant, 97A Tamaki Drive
www.masalarestaurant.co.nz
WYSEH - Masala could well be one of the best value dining options in Auckland. All mains are $10 Monday - Wednesday nights. A $10 lunch special including beverage is also available 7 days. Sit on the balcony overlooking Mission Bay and be charmed by the sweet service. Check the website for Masala's other Auckland locations.

Mission Bay Cafe (formerly Mecca), 85 Tamaki Drive
WYSEH –  Signs have changed and mezze has been added to the menu but you can still get coffee and cake (like the refreshing lemon and poppy seed) throughout the day at the new Mission Bay Cafe. Brunch, lunch and dinner menu also available. Opens early, closes late.

Portofino, 71 Tamaki Drive
www.portofino.co.nz
WYSEH – For reasonably priced Italian food and top shelf service in the heart of Mission Bay. A selection of vegetarian meals are offered and there is currently an "under $20" lunch deal. Even if you dine in the evening prices can be less than $20 - the delicious vegetarian dish Rigatoni Portofino (pasta with sundried tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese and garlic with panna sauce) is $19.90. Open for lunch from 11am. See the website for the menu and the other Auckland and New Zealand locations.

Reef Bar, cnr Tamaki Drive & Patteson Avenue
You will find the Reef Bar upstairs next to Ruan Thai restaurant. WYS(Drink)H – The view over Mission Bay from the balcony bar and the reasonably priced drinks (probably the cheapest you will find in Mission Bay) - $5.50 for a DB Export Extra Cold. Reef Bar has a general pub quiz on Tuesday (arrive early to get a seat), free WiFi has recently been added to the menu and currently there are $5 beer and wine specials on Thursday nights (March 2010).

Ruan Thai Restaurant, cnr Tamaki Drive & Patteson Avenue
www.sawadee.co.nz
WYSEH - For the delicious taste of Thailand on Tamaki Drive. We started with a coconut prawn entree and finished with the Gai Nuan Nang (yellow chicken curry with banana), aroi maak maak! Service is top notch.


Santa Lucia, 51 Tamaki Drive
www.santalucia.co.nz
WYSEH – Pasta is homemade and the menu includes salads, pizza, risotto and fish dishes. Tap your feet along to the live entertainment in the evenings while you are indulging in their fine food. A lovely interior means it is just as pleasurable to dine inside as out. Open 7am til late.

Mt Eden
Chapter, 442 Mt Eden Road
www.chapter.co.nz
WYSEH - You are in the market for some romance fiction and a good cup of tea. There is a small seating area, a library of loose leaf teas and romance fiction available for purchase, as well as cakes and savoury treats in the cabinet. Open 7 days.

Circus Circus Cafe, 447 Mt Eden Road
www.circuscircus.co.nz
WYSEH – You can’t be as popular as Circus Circus without serving up the goods. The service has been impressive given how hectic this place has been when we have visited for brunch, we can't rate it highly enough. Open 7 days from 6.45am for breakfast (breakfast served until 11.30am), lunch, dinner (served from 4.30pm) and cakes and treats in between.

Mt Wellington
Eve’s Pantry, Sylvia Park mall, 286 Mt Wellington highway
www.evespantry.co.nz
WYSEH – You’re missing grandma's homemade treats - chocolate éclairs, yummy slices and bright fruit tarts. If you need a cake for a special occasion you can also get one made here. Eve's Pantry is a casual, inexpensive cafe and popular for both eat in and take away lunches and snacks. Visit the website to find their 8 Auckland locations, there is also an Eve's Pantry in Tauranga.


Hollywood Café, Lunn Avenue, Mt Wellington
WYSEH – You are looking for a quick lunch to take away or eat in from a casual and extra cheap cafe. There are many Hollywood Cafes in Auckland but the brand new one in Mt Wellington has to be one of the best. Parking is free and right outside. If you buy an espresso coffee before 11am, choose a muffin for free.

The Flying Moa, 65 Lunn Avenue, Mt Wellington
www.flyingmoapub.co.nz
We like the décor here - the moa and mower wallpaper is a distinctive touch. The Flying Moa is a popular spot for after work and weekend drinks. WYSEH – The dining/drink specials offered most days of the week, eg. Tuesday night get dessert for $6, also check out the $12.50 lunch specials during the week. See the "What's On" section of the website for meal deals. Free parking.

New Lynn
Acacia, 4 Todd Avenue
WYSEH - You get a chocolate fish on the side with your coffee of choice and they serve up mellowchinos - a mochachino with marshmellows. Blueberry hotcakes with fruit and yoghurt are good value at $11.50 and there is a good selection of dishes to choose from. Service is friendly and thumbs up for the clean and bright bathrooms.

Bricklane Restaurant & Bar, 5 Clark Street
www.bricklane.co.nz
WYSEH - You're out West and looking for a stylish place to eat or have a drink. They're currently offering a range of super specials (March 2010) - "Sweet Tooth Thursdays" - half price desserts; "Pasta Night on Wednesday" - from $15; "Two For Tuesday" - purchase any main and receive a free entree OR dessert; and $15 lunches, visit the website for more information. Open from 11am Monday-Saturday, from 10am Sunday.

Newmarket
Baci Lounge, Rialto Cinema Complex, Broadway
www.bacilounge.com
This cozy bookshop/café offers paninis, gourmet pies and sweet treats and it's a good place for a pre or post movie snack. WYSEH – The décor and general feel of the place - take a seat on one of the throne like chairs. You get a free cup of coffee with every book you purchase. Proceeds from the Baci Lounges (there's also a branch in Brisbane) help fund literacy programmes for primary school children. Baci Lounge is a few steps away from the cinema and open late, Monday - Saturday 10am – 9pm and Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Bodrum, 2 Osbourne Street
WYSEH – The atmosphere – a slice of Turkey hidden in the back streets of Newmarket. The Belly Dancers – Friday and Saturday nights, check what time they will sashay through when you book. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 6pm til late.

Cock & Bull, Cnr Kingdon Street & Khyber Pass
www.cockandbull.co.nz   (check the website for other locations)
WYSEH – The Cock & Bull is a large pub big on service, food portions and English charm. They brew their own beer – a Buxom Blonde goes perfectly with their traditional fish n chips according to their menu. If you order something from the brunch menu expect the portions to be significant. They have $10 lunch specials and "two for one" cocktails are available from 4.30pm-6pm during the week. If you don’t think you will make it to the Raffles Hotel in Singapore have a beer or a cocktail in their long bar instead. See the website for their gig guide, menu etc. Open 11.30am til late.

jones the grocer, 143 Carlton Gore Road
www.jonesthegrocer.com
WYSEH – It feels like you’re dining in a gourmet food stall when you eat here. Cheese fans will like the walk in fromagerie. You can order brunch or lunch off the menu or select delicious fresh food from the cabinet. Jones the grocer also has food products sourced from around the world and has stores in Australia, Singapore and United Arab Emirates. Open 7 days.

Lone Star, 8 Kent Street (other branches in Takapuna, New Lynn & Manukau)
www.lonestarsteakhouse.com
WYSEH – You are hungry! Lone Star meal portions are BIG as are their slices of cheesecake. Mains cost around $30 and dessert $12, a reduced portion option is available (and recommended) if you are not a big eater. A busy (and often noisy) family friendly dining option.

Nuffield Street Brewbar, 23 Nuffield Street
www.macs.co.nz
Nuffield Street Brewbar has changed its menu and now has a range of Asian influenced dishes like Pad Thai, Duck Pancakes and Pork and Ginger Dumplings. WYSEH – Like The Northern Steamship Company in the central city this bar is uniquely decorated, and service has always been excellent.

Nutmeg Organic Cafe, 29 Remuera Road
WYSEH – Are you looking for a cafe where your eggs and bacon are both free range? If so, Nutmeg will deliver, they also offer a range of gluten free and vegetarian dishes. The cafe is small and often busy with regulars. We found the portion sizes a bit on the small size but we figure we might as well care about our waist lines as well as the chickens and pigs. Open til 4pm week days, 3pm Saturday and Sunday.


Onehunga
The Library cafe, 55 Princes Street
www.librarycafe.co.nz
WYSEH - This cafe will appeal to book lovers as the building was originally a Carnegie Free Library and it has retained a separate reading lounge with shelves full of books. Food is sourced locally and is organic where possible, allergen free food choices are also available. There is a range of cabinet food as well as brunch/lunch options that can be ordered off the menu. Open Monday - Thursday, 7am - 5pm; Friday, 7am - 6pm; Saturday, 9am - 4pm and Sunday, 9am until late (visit the website for details about the Sunday dinner menu).

Parnell
La Porchetta, 161-171 Parnell Road
www.laporchetta.co.nz
WYSEH – You are looking for a family friendly pizza restaurant that offers a lot of choice but doesn't cost many lira. La Porchetta will be opening a new restaurant in New Lynn in March 2010.

Strawberry Alarm Clock,  119 Parnell Road
Named after a psychedelic rock band of the same name this brightly coloured neighbourhood café is popular. WYSEH – It is possibly the only place in Auckland where you can get a banana, maple syrup and bacon panini with fresh fruit on the side - $11. There's also a courtyard out the back. Check the sandwich board in front of the cafe for their specials.

Chocolate Boutique Cafe, Shop 1, 323 Parnell Road
www.chocolateboutique.co.nz
WYSEH – Aside from the deliciously obvious you can also have dessert at the Chocolate Boutique Cafe – pavlova, chocolate cake, ice cream sundaes and more. Indulge in a charming setting for a reasonable price. Open 11am - 10pm, 7 days. If you would like to visit more chocolate shops on your travels visit our Chocolate Shop Directory.

Ponsonby
Agnes Curran, 179 Ponsonby Road
Tucked around the corner on Franklin Road, Agnes Curran's is a small cafe with an equally small menu and a leafy picture window looking onto Ponsonby Road. WYSEH - The chocolate lamingtons with jam, cream and chunky coconut sprinkles served with tea in a china cup. Baguettes, gourmet pies and a couple of hot dishes are also on the menu and there are interesting bits and pieces displayed and often for sale. You will find something to read on the communal table.


Cafe Bliss, 286 Ponsonby Road
www.cafebliss.co.nz
WYSEH - Behind the modern and busy cafe area there is a lounge where you can relax with a book or newspaper. The staff were efficient and friendly. We haven't road tested it but there is a new tapas menu available from 4pm Wednesday - Friday. Open 7 days from 7am.

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