589 Mt Eden Road,
Mt Eden
Auckland,
1024
(09) 638 9676
The ViewAuckland Review
Vibe
Bright and sunny Art Deco with a 1970s retro nod to your uncle’s place in Pakuranga. The combination of spearmint walls, vintage mirrors, wooden floors and framed Elvis, Rod Stewart and Abba album covers is a brave one, but trust us, it works.
Service
More proof that it’s only café staff in Ponsonby and Herne Bay that occasionally take themselves too seriously. Across town in Mt Eden’s Next Door the welcome is laidback and friendly in a classic Kiwi kind of way.
Drinks List
Good coffee, a stellar selection of teas, and the shall-we-come-back for lunch attraction of a concise winelist and Stella on tap courtesy of the associated Bowman’s restaurant just next door.
Highlights
Classic brekkie and brunch fare, but with the touch of curious foodie owners. Most items are organic and free-range, and the smoked salmon hash cakes with a poached egg and chipotle Hollandaise ($18.50) is zingy way to start the day. One of Auckland’s best granolas plays support with the addition of freeze-dried pomegranates ($11.50).
Most Surprising Dish
The curiously named ‘Johnny Roll’ ($12), a Kiwi meets Brit treat with bacon and egg in a bap, topped with HP sauce. Maybe one for the Coro St fans.
The Bottom Line
A great new addition to Mt Eden’s café scene that proudly shows off the professionalism and experience from Bowman’s restaurant just…er…next door.
A Reason to Return
The lunch menu. Crispy pork with peanut caramel, watermelon, shallots and snow peas ($18.50) and the retro thrills of a prawn cocktail with iceberg lettuce and Thousand Island dressing ($18.50) sound like a good excuse for a lazy New Year’s lunch.
Next Door Cafe at Bowmans has been reviewed by 2 users