The "Bhead locals" told me this was the place to go. When I decided to trust them and ventured…read moretowards it I thought it must be damn good as it lives just down the way from Bakers Delight! That's some serious competition for a little old bakery. As it turned out the locals were right. This is a quality bakery. My weakness for those super unhealthy wiener-hot-dog-and-bun-in-one things was well satisfied! I think they're just called hot dogs but I thought I'd try better describing them. Everything else here was also up to scratch, sandwiches and slices and all. I guess it is safe to always trust the locals!

Its funny after we moved to the area, my mum and I visited Birkenhead shops and we wanted somewhere…read moreto have a cake and coffee, I wanted to come here and my Mum was like what about that place and this other place. But we came here and she loved it, the lady serving was a little rude or maybe stressed but that didn't deter us, we came back for more. So after the first visit I have been back 4 times, twice with my mum. Its hard to choose which sweet treat/cake to buy, as they all look so good, so each time I have tried something different and haven't been disappointed yet. This bakery is a German inspired one, but the owner Chris (who is very friendly) has worked all over the place and has now opened this great place. You will find all sorts here, cakes, chocolates, fudge, bread and also nice coffee. What's also great is how reasonable the prices are. So I was very impressed with this small but well worth a visit German cafe, where you can either eat in at or just grab and run. Oh and its also had the seal of approval from my German friend.

I was overjoyed to find OTT cafe in Birkenhead one afternoon, as I strolled by on my way to the…read morevideo store. Located on the corner of a busy roundabout in Birkenhead, you get a nice picturesque view of the village as it moves around the front. I could not resist the home made German chocolate twist pastry, done in a traditional style of course, which was sensational, and beats my usual fave chocolate croissant any day. I was happy to meet the owner the day I arrived a very happy German man by the name of Chris, as I have researched after he is a very well trained pastry chef of seventeen years. The cafe is full of wonderful treats, they serve amazing coffee, wholesome and delicious bread and the most fabulous pastry this side of Auckland Harbour Bridge. Please make this a marked stop on your journeys north.

I used to come here all the time with my sister to choose nifty decorations and baking materials…read morefor cakes. There's anything and everything you could ever need for cake-making and if you kit yourself out here your cake is sure to look damn good (even if it doesn't taste so good). I came in here just before St Patrick's day and found a table full of green goodness! St Patrick's themed cakes and cupcakes must be on the menu for some keen bakers. Of course I had to meander down to the far end of the shop where the cabinet of little chocolates lives. I decided I'd only allow myself to get one little treat so it seemed an impossible decision choosing what to get. I asked the shop assistant what she recommended. Apparently the hazelnut cones and strawberry filled choccies are the most popular. I knew it. The hazelnut cone had been my first instinct - always go with the gut when you're choosing chocolate! So that is what I got and it was incredible. I had to control myself with all my possible power not to shoot back into the store on my way back up to buy a couple more!

From the owner: Cake Decorating supplies with Chocolate, Lollies and Fudge to tempt your taste buds.read more

I just had a beautiful blueberry muffin! My stomach was grumbling and I was trawling through the…read moreshops forcing myself to shop. I couldn't take it any longer so decided to grab a quick bite. It was hard to resist the amazing looking cakes behind the glass. And even the pies were looking great. But it was only 10am and neither would come close to a nutritious breakfast. My closest bet was a muffin - not really that healthy but it would have to do. There were quite a few different little muffins sitting on the counter so i asked what flavours they were. Each muffin was a different flavour and they all sounded delicious. There were cinnamon ones and double berry and of course. I the lovely man who was serving me was very friendly and took me through each of the muffin flavours pointing them out. I decided on blueberry because I thought it was the safest bet. It was pretty scrumptious! But next time screw breakfast I'm getting a cake.

Milford, look at you! Yet another city-side eatery has opened up shop on the Shore and I couldn't…read morebe more excited. Bread & Butter are well-known for their authentic European-style breads and drool-worthy cabinet goodies but they also have a full breakfast and lunch menu. I went recently for lunch and was impressed with the diversity, from French toast to salad to fish tacos! I opted for their quinoa and haloumi salad and added chicken. It arrived prompty and was a generous serving. No skimping on the haloumi - BIG tick! As for the rest of the salad it was lovely and fresh but there wasn't much quinoa. I also wish they'd roasted the beetroot rather than boiled it but really, these are minor issues. The service was friendly and efficient, despite how busy they were. It's a big space and I think they're nailing it considering they just opened. Looking forward to heading back and sinking my teeth into some of their baked delights!

Super impressed with yet another quality cafe opening on my side of the bridge. Right in the main…read morestrip of Milford and popular with the locals right from the get go. All their signature loaves for taking home and a tempting array of sweet things to choose from. This Bread and Butter Bakery has that same quirky styling, with oversized eggbeater light shades and an eclectic wall of baking pans, artfully arranged. There's lots of seating inside and a few spots on the footpath outside. I was tempted by the individual beetroot and chocolate cakes in the cabinet, but opted for a menu item instead, settling on the fish tacos. They were freshly prepared and presented in soft homemade tortillas. They were good, but maybe a little pricey at $18.50.

Here she goes again with another bakery review. We picked up a late lunch here the other day, on…read moreour way out to Beach Haven. The place is unassuming and doesn't leap out at you in a promising or tempting way, in fact we only ended up coming in here because I had to visit the pharmacy next door. So I was surprised to find that their pies are excellent. I'm a stickler for a good pie, so I know my stuff. The butter chicken one was a monster, I was almost intimidated when I took a bite. Creamy filling bursting out of the thing... tastewise, I think I detected chicken stock or some such ingredient that was a bit unexpected, but it was still delicious. My friend had a steak, bacon and cheese, which I took a bite of before he wrestled it back. It was the 'good' kind of steak pie, with dark, thick gravy and succulent bits of meat. And we followed with a piece of ginger crunch each. It looked lacklustre but was actually delicious. The base was super crumbly and buttery, which I love. I couldn't help noticing the big mirror installed at the back of the store, directly opposite where customers stand... and wondering if it doesn't affect their bottom line. I can just imagine customers gazing wistfully from the mirror to the pie cabinet and back again, ultimately settling for a diet coke ;) (jokes, jokes)

We LOVE Scratch HQ! Stopped in for a quick bite and boy were our tastebuds thrilled! You order at…read morethe counter and the staff brings your food to the table. The staff were friendly and efficient. Grab a bottle of water from the side board and dig in! The open seating lends well to large groups or one on one chats. There is a nice outside eating area as well.

Scratch is self titled... this place is magic. From the spices to the flavors this place focuses…read moreon on quality and flavor. There's so much care in the food and the ambiance is fantastic. One of the best places in Auckland in my opinion. The people here were patient and kind. I rarely repeat restaurants when I travel and having had the lunch I'm coming back for the eggs Benedict I saw and I'm giddy!