2 / 237 Tamaki Drive,
Kohimarama
Auckland,


(09) 528 8335

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When I told a friend that we'd meet them at Cafe on Kohi for Sunday brunch, they texted back 'good luck with that'. I'd heard stories of COK (apologies for the abbreviation) being a table-free zone on weekends, but hell... we were hungry, I needed a C for this alphabetical journey, and the sun was shining - we wanted food with a sea view, and there isn't much south of the bridge that could offer that.

The signs weren't good on arrival - a long line of people at the counter was matched by the long list of people waiting for tables on the clipboard of the flat-out head waitress. We were told 20 minutes, given a vibrator (again, apologies) and popped across the road to sit out the wait on the sea wall. We got a nice surprise when we were duly buzzed 10 minutes later and seated outside (TICK!) with waters delivered straight away (DOUBLE TICK!). Coffees came quickly and were great. Given that it was so busy we ordered our food quickly, expecting a wait. The wait never happened. We got our meals within 10 minutes. Amazing.

Given that up to that point it'd been a not-so-healthy weekend, we both went for the Big Healthy breakfast. Imagine the usual big fry-up without the fry but all of the enjoyment. Apart from two perfectly poached free-range eggs, you also enjoy salmon gravlax, vine tomatoes, buffalo ricotta, avocado, cress and pain cereal toast. Usually big breakfasts disappoint in size, but this was magnificent. Everything was plentiful, especially the salmon which was delicious when drizzled with the lemon wedge which accompanied. I cannot remember a more satisfying breakfast dish that didn't end with me feeling utterly guilty. It almost made me feel better for not being squeezed in lycra walking a small dog (which everyone else in Kohi seemed to be doing).

I'm seriously impressed with Cafe on Kohi, and I can see why others have vouched for its greatness. It has the view and the food, but it also has fantastic helpful staff who actually give a damn about your experience. The flat-out head waitress still had time to chat when paying the bill, saying 'you have to come back and visit us again'. Don't worry - we totally will.

The details: 2 / 237 Tamaki Drive, Kohimarama. (09) 528 8355

A Flat White costs: $4.50 (eek!)

Must Try: The Big Healthy - a great alternative to the usual fry-up