When I think of Mairangi Bay, I think of the very popular cafe across the road from Bay Cafe which…read morehas won previously a cafe of the year award, so to visit the smaller of the two, much less appealing to the modern eye was a bold choice, mainly due to the amount of people seated across the road on a Sunday afternoon. At Bay Cafe, they have quite a bit of seating inside with small tables surrounding one large rectangle table, and then outside there are two tables which suit warmer days. The coffee my dad, partner and I ordered was fantastic, so I can't argue with the barista skills here. As we were only after a light snack, we opted on a few homemade sausage rolls, and a few date scones. The rolls, were ok, could have been possibly crispier to the bite as one would expect, but filled the gap. The date scones on the other hand were amazing! Full of fruit, and was done to perfection! So I must recommend them, the cheese scones however definitely not as nice and lacking that scone like bounce. The service is kind, and they have amazing quick service so I would recommend popping in for a morning or afternoon coffee.

I'm usually one to go for the underdog! So in Mairangi Bay I may opt out of coffee at Papermoon and…read morerather head across the road to Bay Café simply because Papermoon is always packed and Bay Café is, well... the underdog. I have to say they do OK. But only just OK. Their only real step up is that they are open on public holidays when the other cafes in Mairangi Bay are closed. And I think this is probably the only time they nab all the Bay's locals. Their food is sufficient and their drinks do the job, but there is nothing about this place that makes it stand out from the crowd and it does look a bit run down and dreary. It could use with a boost as the location is great and I do think this wee café has some big potential.

Heads up, the only seating is outside so if the weather doesn't support this arrangement, you'll be…read moregetting your order to go. Mustard Kitchen is a small hipsterish shack located a few minutes walk from Kingsland's cafe scene but this is not just another cafe, Mustard Kitchen has different on the menu, it caters to the conscious consumer. Coffee is supplied by Kokako, organic fair trade caffeine which is a major draw card for me. They also have a good fridge and sell good beverages, no coke here. The juice board is impressive, made from fresh produce, with dairy free options available and jars of vegan bliss balls and cookies can be found at the counter too. They even have a Tommy & James Nice Block freezer, which is a little dangerous knowing how close that is to my house. I love the coconut ice cream. The cabinets are full of vegan, gluten free chia puddings and Bircher muesli served with fruit compotes and coconut, mean as looking pies and sandwiches, and an assortment of baked goods in vintage wooden crates. They also have a kitchen menu. When you come to pay your bill, you'll hear your total and think you were under charged, you weren't. Mustard Kitchen's prices are about 20% less of what you'll pay at say The Fridge or Shaky Isles 10 minutes in the other direction. That should spark your interest to pay these hipsters a visit if you haven't yet...

I was in the neighbourhood so I thought I'd stop by after reading its reviews…read more I bought a pie which was tasty maybe a tad on the salty side & I must say was a small pie! I spotted the muesli tubs which I thought were ridiculously overpriced $7 plus for what looked like 3/4 tablespoons full of muesli - maybe it was extremely delicious but seriously stingy size for the price. The variety was ok but I've been to bakeries where there so much delicious choices it's hard to decide.

This new kid on the block is not just a cafe but gift store and art studio as well!…read more Filling the large space that used to be occupied by a produce store, Antidote has plenty of seating, both indoor and out. Although I haven't ventured into their art studios (yet) i've heard they are beautiful with loads of natural light. Classes range from sewing and knitting to life drawing - to enquire send an email to info@antidotecafe.co.nz Food-wise, focus seems to be on fresh, healthy and wholesome! There's plenty of savoury and sweet cabinet food including a number of gluten-free and dairy-free options. Although I have only tried their coffee so far it was pretty darn good. Neither bitter, nor weak and served at just the right temp. So why only 3 stars? Well, when I visited (a couple of weeks after opening) they seemed to still be getting the place in order - there were empty fridges and unfilled shelfs. The space just seemed too big for them to fill, which killed the atmosphere a touch. That being said, i'm looking forward to heading back when they are more established and maybe even getting creative at an art class or two!

Very different to my first visit. No other patrons, coffee was OK, Decor is run down, sofa covers…read moresplit with un-clean tables and cigarette buts in ashtray on one table. On the up side plenty of space. I saw two children about 10-14 years working in the kitchen.

A solid coffee establishment. Seating inside and outside. Free wifi (with minimum $2 purchase)…read more Great pies, sandwiches, sweets and savories. Attentive and friendly barristas and servers. Prices are fair. What more do you want??? Large cappuccino, $4.80; Large American, $3.70; Sweets average $3.75.

I am writing this review solely on 1/ Peppermint Chocolate slice, yes it was yummy but so…read moreincredibly sweet that I think I almost gave myself diabetes in an instant. 2/ Staff; young girl, quite friendly but was off in a daze a bit, this may also be because she was obviously new, I was observing them for a while as I had to line up in a queue. The girl needed to get her supervisor as she wasn't able to complete her transaction. Supervisor was busy in the bathroom but came and helped quickly but with distractions of her own. It wasn't a relaxed vibe, but I am not judging this as a fixed fact, just as a first impression. The venue is spacious inside and would be good for groups.

I was in the Birkdale area this afternoon, and on my way homeward bound I decided to pop up to the…read morecorner of Verrans Rd, they call this Verrans Corner. Verrans Espresso and Food is the only cafe on this corner. I arrived right around lunch time, and there were a handful of other cafe guests but not what you would call packed. I ordered an Iced Coffee and a Melting Moment cookie; which arrived within less than 10 minutes of my ordering- a smooth rich iced coffee was refreshing and revitalizing, and my melting moment had a kick to it, and was inner iced with passion fruit- delish! I had a scan of the counter food, which had laid out panini's, sandwiches, slices, cakes, quiches and pies to reheat if needed; and there is also a menu with traditional favorites also. They have lovely kind service. You have lots of seating provided, out the front ,inside on tables or couches, in the middle dining lounge or even out the back on a wooden deck overlooking Birkdale. All very cute and homely, I noticed there was not much noise other than, conversations or a passing car.

Came here for a late lunch with a friend who was back in Auckland from Otago Uni. Got the Smoked…read morechicken/ cranberry sauce, camembert cheese tramezzino from their cabinet. Came on a nice, toasted panini bread with poppy seeds and jam packed with the thin sliced chicken with melted cheese and tomato slices. Small portion of salad on the long white plate with a small bowl of relish on the side. Ordered a flat white in a cup also- which was decent. Their menu did look promising so need to come back to get something off it. Friend was happy with her blueberry smoothie- which was nice and seedy, after trying a sip. Loved the interior- like a house with a comfy looking couch in the front corner and small steps up to a slightly raised level with lots of tables and chairs. Cool colourful stained glass windows at the front and short staircase down and around to the outside for bathrooms. Loved their shelf with colourful tea cups and magazines along the banister. Very casual, homely feel. Definitely worth a look in.

A fearsome knight in shining armour guards the door to this cafe, which makes it incredibly…read moreenticing. You walk in and the decor is very eclectic and filled with little trinkets. When I used to have classes across the road from here at the Kenneth Myers Centre, I always used to snab my morning coffee from here. The lady who owns the place is incredibly nice, and gave me a stamped coffee card when I became a regular customer to say thanks for dropping by 2 or 3 days a week. The food here is nothing particularly special, but good for a quick snack. I wouldn't suggest dining in though, as sometimes the workers talk quite loudly and it's very distracting. There's a nice park nearby if you need a good seat :)

This isn't a bakery in the sense I would use the term. They're simply selling premade pies and…read morepastries, and they're the typical ones you'd expect from any such place. Pre-warmed pies with gluey fillings. The grilled sausages were okay. I sure wouldn't go out of my way for this place. You can get the same stuff just about anywhere. And no soap in the loo.

Everything looked and smelled delicious at Whenuapai Bakery…read more However having heard about their 2012 Gold in the Bakels New Zealand Supreme Pie Awards I headed for the pie counter. Category winner, Steak and Cheese, is the pie I ordered, at $4.00 it is a little beauty. The pastry is delicately flakey and perfectly crisp, the filling is perfectly flavoured and balanced. Well deserving of its Gold accolade. There is a whole range of other pie flavours like bacon and egg, potato top, chicken, mince etc and you can bet they would also taste delicious. You can order main meals from the blackboard menu if you prefer non counter fare. Their range of sweet cakes and treats looked fabulous, in all a great place to grab a bite. If you are not on the run, then relax in the restaurant as they have plenty of seating and it is clean and modern.

When I manage to get to this place I consider myself very lucky. Situated in a small group of shops…read morein suburban Glendowie, with interesting opening hours, as well as a limited amount of quality food - all these elements make that first bite well worth the wait. The ambitious flavours combine for some of the best pies you will ever taste, particularly the beef and red wine, and I think a venison filling also. The goods are all freshly made, a reminder of the difference that 'fresh' can make, notably the pastries. The coffee is some of the best around and the shop decor could make you wonder whether you are in seaside France. Parking is simple and a chat with the charismatic owner (I think his name is Tony) will leave you feeling well satisfied with your culinary experience.