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.

Little Sister is a great little find out in Henderson - West Auckland. After going with a friend…read morewho currently resides out there, she informed me that there is no other place like it in the area. I can see why the hype was high, with it being near full on a Friday lunch. We both actually ordered the same dish, but again with the lack of the menu options that didn't contain eggs, I swapped the eggs for avocado. The dish was good, but I think it just lacked flair and seasoning. It was just a small step away from being that much better. Also, the menu item is listed as a mushroom stack, so it implied that it was more like mushrooms on toast, so I wasn't quite expecting one large portobello mushroom, however all was cooked well. I also ordered the green smoothie - sorry this may have real name which i can't remember, it was actually really good but was not cold! It just isn't quite the same when its not cold, I suggest they add ice, or frozen banana. The cafe is chic and modern, the service could use a bit more training, just with their communication skills and acknowledgements but overall it was pleasant and I think it's a stepping stone of what can come of Henderson. Rating Food: 7.5/10 Service: 7/10 Value for Money: Good 91 Central Park Drive, Henderson Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 730am-3pm

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!

Super delicious. They have fluffies for kids which are just warm milk with cocoa sprinkled on top…read moreand a marshmallow. I had the spicy labneh with two poached eggs. It comes with spicy bell peppers on delicious toast. Super good! Service is great and quick. They have free WiFi. Also the almond croissant is the best. The best Jerry! Oh and it also has a great kids playground right next door that the kids can play at while you eat! It's not completely closed off so small kids would need supervising. My kids (6 and 4) didn't need supervising. Plus a changing table in the bathroom.

Good food.But service can do better. Very slow. They pick on who to serve. Servers no energy at all…read moretaking orders. Took us 30mins waiting for someone, until we got up and just walked out. Hopefully this will change.

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!

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.

i highly recommend this breakfast spot in Auckland. it has a hippy vibe and we were welcomed with…read morewarm greetings and smile by all of the staff. both the coffee and food were amazing. the place is always packed so make sure to come in early to get a table.

Fantastic place, went here several times for morning coffees and a breakfast. Great vibe and great…read morecoffee with great staff. There are inside and outside seating a with great menu with varies coffee and baked good plus breakfast. Love my avocado bread and of course cappuccino. Just perfect for the morning. Staff are friendly and nice. The place is not that big but well layout with plenty of seating in different style from bar seating to couch setting, to table to window seating and outside. The decor is mixed of everything you can imagine a with plans which work well. Love it.

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.

Recommended by a friend from Houndstooth Coffee in Texas, this place does not disappoint. Delicious…read morecoffee with incredible, friendly service.

Tucked away, inside the fruit and vege section of Ponsonby Market is Eightthirty Coffee Roasters…read more This place is tiny, yet they roast their beans on site, which I think is pretty cool. Want to know what else is pretty cool? I figured out that if you buy a coffee from a roastery your chances of it being bloody great increase exponentially. Well, at least that's what I've found and Eightthirty is no exception. They seem to hit the nail on the head every time. Rich, perfectly extracted espresso and velvety smooth milk. I only wished I lived closer! If you like coffee, you need to get here ASAP!

It's said that oil is Liquid Gold but they…read moreWould be wrong. That Gold lies in this Spot. Crumb. Smelling the Aromatics In the Air and the Coffee Created a Meditative Serenity unparalleled. Yes it is an experience. From the puppies Sleeping, To the 'Woke' Staff I am Falling in like. Fast. And yes the Pastry is 'Perfect'. I'm reading this In my 'Best' NZ accent. And failing miserably. If ever in a Crumby mood, Go for the Gold and 'Get Happy' (shoutout to the Cure). And don't leave a CRUMB behind.

I was a big fan of the previous incarnation but i've got say I think Crumb is even cooler! There's…read morestill the beanbags outside to mooch on and killer coffee but inside they've moved things around to better maximise the space and have added in a bench seat under the window. Don't get me wrong, it's still tiny but no longer claustrophobic tiny. Those sandwiches too.... delicious! Try the mozzarella and salami on focaccia - it's a winner.

Convenient for us as we were on tour…read more Nice lunch, ambience, and we would return

That local cafe - where they know your name and can predict your order!…read moreLovely staff, food and atmosphere - perfect for a Sunday morning catch up with friends. They are only too happy to make changes to their menu to suit tastes and dietary needs. Some healthy options... Always fresh Ingredients - and damn good coffee.