Dreamers Cafe — Restaurant in Albert-Eden

In the competitive world of culinary arts it seems that every chef and their dog wants to be the one that reinvents the wheel. To be the one to discover that new flavour. Call it ego, call it delusion - it doesnt matter. To them, it's about getting their personal "brand" on the market.

Unfortunately, instead of the hoped-for overwhelming cascade of interesting and unique dishes, our taste buds are assaulted by culinary mediocrity from cooks without a clue. So many (too many) go against the grain, trying their dearest to be different, that the market is now saturated by intensely average meals.

And then I found Dreamer's Cafe on Great South Road. Walking in, I was greeted with some of the loveliest service I've recieved in a long time - a beaming, wonderful woman at the counter that did all she could to make you feel at home. And home, or homeliness, is the exact image they're going for.

A quaint, gorgeous little place; the walls are adorned with fabulous baubles and knickknacks which would no doubt remind you of grandma's.

When you arrive, the first thing you need to do is go and take in the menu prices. Just take it in. Enjoy it. Relish it. Appreciate the fact that your wallet wont be crying out in agony as you open it. The food is the cheapest I've seen from a cafe (which initially concerned me), and is great on a budget.

But they don't compromise quality for price. I ordered the Eggs Benedict ($13.50) and when my plate arrived I was blown away. Not by the complexity, not by the varied and unique ingredients, but by how traditional and true it was. I recieved, for the first time in forever, an Eggs Benedict after ordering and Eggs Benedict. A simple arrangement: hollandaise sauce (deliciously tart), poached egg, crispy bacon, and an english muffin to carry them, topped off with two hearty slices of tomato on the side.

I also ended up ordering a steak and pepper pie, and a coffee. All were made to perfection.

There was no spinach, no bagel bread, no ciabatta, and most importantly: no bloody spinach. It was perfect. All I could ask for. Simple elegance.

After eating here, I am certain this place deserves to be on Metro's Top...

We will never come back!! We ordered one mochaccino and one flat white in two different sizes. We got them mixed up and one of them was cold, when I went to owner and told her it was cold , she warmed it in the with the steamer instead of making a new one, FIRST MISTAKE, Next we ordered a cake with cream on the side, the cream , was not a cream but rather a liquid cream that was not whipped and was runny and awful, Our order of Avocado and chicken toast was forgotten and after 15 minutes we inquired and a cold and only partially toasted sandwich with few pieces of chicken and avocado arrived, there was no spread, no mayo, and it was dry and inedible, this was the last straw. The owner made the most ridiculous excuses as to why the toast (which wasnt toasted) is like that. We asked for the money back, and will never be back..... By the way, we were the only customers apart from another couple, so, I dont want to imagine the service and the quality of food if it is ever full. Its a shame, as this place have great potential but has a tired look and the owner and service suits that same...

Yay Pranee is back from her 4 month trip back home to Thailand. Still the best toasted sandwiches in Auckland with the warmest fantastic service and food in an amazing environment. Pranee has been serving up the best for 25 years...and has a loyal following of customers. Best bacon and egg toasted sandwiches, crunchy bacon on the edges and perfectly cooked eggs. Gorgeous garden, dog friendly, perfect for meetings with little spaces tucked away. Pranee is from Thailand and runs this little Cafe like she's welcoming you to her home. So worth eating here. Very relaxing and breakfast is delicious. Outstanding coffee! Dog friendly, Pranee loves her dog guests. Perfect space to come and enjoy. Update. Had the roast beef, cheese and onion toasted sandwich 🥪 this...