55 Princes Street,
Onehunga
Auckland,
(09) 636 7292
The ViewAuckland Review
Vibe
Due to a breakfast meeting in the smaller more intimate library room, we were seated in the main dining room which according to their website 'exudes fun and vibrancy'. Not on our visit, where the room exuded freezing temperatures and the smell of bleach. Nothing like sculling back a Flat White whilst imbuing wafts of Handy Andy.
Food
I admire the sustainable organic values which the Library Cafe cherishes, but surely that should mean that the food has a head start in the taste stakes? The big breakfast which arrived was totally sub-standard, with tasteless eggs, crunchy beans and watery roasted tomato (which I'd asked to be taken off but arrived anyway). The eggs benedict with bacon was ok, but nothing special and the pancakes were again good, but by no means exciting. And boy it's expensive! $22 for a big breakfast, $19 for mince on toast! I know it's organic and / or free-range but still...
Drinks
Average coffees which were mildly warm at best.
Service
Non-existant. We waited for 30 minutes for our breakfasts, despite being the only people there. We had to ask for the heating to be turned on, despite it being obviously freezing and no mention was made of the cleaning product smell permeating the cafe.
Highlights
I wish I'd seen some. If you're an organics fan, then they certainly practice what they preach, but you might find the taste lacking.
The Bottom Line
The Library Cafe is in a great venue, but on our visit at least was let down by dull food, indifferent service and a complete lack of atmosphere. It's been big-upped by the Herald recently, but I wonder whether we actually attended the same cafe. No return visit on the cards.
The Library Cafe has been reviewed by 5 users