Hello Stranger — Restaurant in Howick

I was disappointed. When I go anywhere new, I always check the menu, the parking, online reviews, and the seating. Based on this I will make a decision. I was happy with all of this and decided to meet up with my friend whom I have not seen in 2 years.

When I got there I was told that due to staff shortage, they are only selling burgers and cabinet food. This is not what I wanted, at all. I specifically checked their Facebook to see any updates, and the last was 5 days ago about only being able to make coffee (not other hot drinks), so naturally I assumed it's business as usual. Having come all the way from Glen Eden, and my friend having come all the way from Karaka, we thought we would just have to make it work.

I was very shocked that their $16-$20 burgers do not come with chips, and it's $6.50 for an order of chips!! This is now much more than what I initially planned on spending, especially for something I didn't really want.

When I tried to order a Corona, which is one of the 3 beers on their pared back menu, I was told they don't have Corona. By then I was quite upset with the whole experience and wish we had rather left.

Then we ordered coffee and cake. My coffee was cold.

When it came to paying, I was told that I have to pay separately for the food, and for the coffee and cabinet food, because apparently it's 2 businesses operating on the same premises. The gentleman asked "if that's OK". Well it just had to be. What was the back up plan if I said no, it's not OK, because he also added that they have to do this to "stay legal".

I was wholly unimpressed with the entire experience. The food was OK, and the carrot cake was really good, my friend liked her vegetarian burger.

EDIT: you must have me confused with someone else. We were just two, not a group. I don't know Woolfeys, and we didn't want/ordered...

Went here for a Breakfast date with my hubby recently. First reaction was the the place is pretty! Loved the flower decor on the gray wall, I feel it is very instagrammable. It is very spacious as people have said so it wasn't hard to move around. The staff were nice and friendly and were quick to serve us. We appreciated that their menu is online so we already knew what to get before we got there.

We were sad we didn't get any coffee/tea/hot drinks (I was donating blood so I opted for a fresh juice instead)

I had the Benny with Salmon. The serving is very good, substantial and filling. Definitely worth the price for me due to quality and quantity. The presentation is pretty. Overall, I feel that it needed to be seasoned more but I am appreciative of the fact they leave you to season to your tastes (I like it a little more salty than normal I suppose). Nothing a little salt can fix which were handy on your table. The poached eggs were beautiful, hollandaise was mild and creamy, polenta was nice and crispy on the outside but soft inside. They didn't serve any bread with it, instead they served something which resembled a shoestring potato hash. Great crunchy texture. The House smoked salmon was beautiful and went very well with the rest of the dish. It was all very balanced to me.

Hubby had the Brisket Patty Burger. Holy cow, that patty was cooked to perfection, a beautiful medium rare. Slaw was a bit too much for him (He's not much of a vegetable lover ;P ) but I liked eating it on the side. Not much of a fan of the tomato relish, but it did go quite well with the burger when we removed some. Fries were beautiful and they were kind enough to offer us some ketchup if we preferred that instead of aioli.

Thank you for the wonderful first experience, we will be...

'Hello Stranger' offers a brunch experience that is as satisfying as it is memorable. From the moment you step in, the service is impeccable—attentive, polite, and efficient. The staff ensures your table is promptly set with that first refreshing glass of water, and they’re quick to clear plates once you’ve finished, maintaining a seamless dining experience.

The star of the meal was undoubtedly the Magic Mushrooms on Toasted Five-Grain Bread. This dish is a masterclass in balance and flavour. The creamy mushroom mixture was rich but not overly heavy, lightly salted to perfection, and generously piled onto the hearty toast. The addition of crispy kale provided a delightful textural contrast, while the occasional bite of chorizo added a smoky, savoury depth. The crowning glory was the two perfectly poached eggs, their golden yolks gloriously runny, cascading over the dish at the slightest touch of a fork.

'Hello Stranger' is more than just a place to eat—it’s a destination. Whether you’re catching up with colleagues, enjoying a leisurely meal with friends, or simply treating yourself to a solo brunch, the warm ambiance and exceptional food make it a standout choice. I’ll undoubtedly return whenever I’m in the area, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a brunch spot that delivers on...