32 Jervois Road,
Ponsonby
Auckland,
(09) 378 4573
The ViewAuckland Review
Fusion Cafe is jam packed and I suddenly fear we might have to find somewhere else to brunch on Jervois Rd. But luck is on our side, a table just big enough for two right near the back door is free, so we quickly claim it.
Once settled in I soon realise the cafe’s self-proclaimed family friendliness isn’t just talk to tick another hospitality box. There are families everywhere, and outside kids are busy entertaining themselves in the sandpit and fenced backyard while parents talk endlessly over coffees and nurse even younger siblings on their knees.
Inside there is a toy and children’s book basket which is constantly being racked through by more youngsters. But it isn’t like the play area at MacDonald’s, it’s happier. See Fusion Cafe provides and welcomes families with menu options like soldiers and runny eggs, but it’s still adult enough to serve green salad with smoked chicken, smoked fish pie, multi-deck toasted sandwich of bacon, egg, a whole avocado sliced, and lots of greenery and all the usual brunch favourites featuring bacon and eggs.
You could even meet up here, kids in tow, for a quiet wine with friends and no one would tut as they walked by.
It was more lunch time than breakfast time when my partner and I arrived so he had the hearty smoked fish pie, while I tucked in to a salmon scramble of scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and ciabatta. Add a pot of English breakfast tea and hot chocolate and our small table was soon full of plates, cups and saucers, cutlery and the Sunday newspapers.
Although more prospective patrons passed through the cafe searching for a table constantly opened the back door to double check the patio area - letting in a gush of very cold air which constantly hit me in the face and my partner in the back - it was still a very enjoyable morning. We were never rushed by the amicable staff so we stayed well after our plates were cleared to enjoy the morning and unpretentious vibe at Fusion Cafe.
The cafe is busy, honest and serves good fresh food. It’s probably not the best venue for ladies who lunch, but it is popular with everyone else and one could easily lose a sunny afternoon in the back garden.
Fusion Cafe has been reviewed by 7 users