Ristretto — Restaurant in Maungakiekie-Tāmaki

I love going to cafes for breakfast/brunch; sometimes I enjoy the more creative spots, but usually I just want something simple but really well done. When this is done well, it makes for a tasty memorable dish and a great experience and I make it a point to go back for more. Ristretto is this completely. The menu is nothing out of the ordinary, and dishes are presented nicely. Nothing ostentatious or added purely for 'look'. In other words, they put the right flavour combinations together, cook everything perfectly, and serve it in a friendly manner. All I need! We got the eggs benedict and eggs on smashed avocado; all eggs were uniformly cooked just right, a delicate balance of runny but not too runny - for poached eggs this is a sign of a skilled chef! The potato patty with the eggs benedict was nice and homey-tasting, and the pickled carrot and whipped feta on the smashed avo added delicious savouriness. You can see and taste the care in the food. Definitely will be going back to try other dishes, I'm sure they're all just as delicious and well put together. The cabinet also looks nice. Added an almond croissant for something sweet and it was fresh and just the right flavour like everything else.

Finally, there is good coffee, and quiet, polite service; it is bigger inside than appears from outside - nice sunny spot beyond the counter, almost like a courtyard....

Pleased to find this lovely cage in Royal Oak. Slightly obscured from street but worth looking out for. Easy parking either on street or 2 hr car park on East side of Manukau Rd. Warm welcome. Pleasing art work on walls. Nice fresh and faux flower displays. Small and larger tables plus couches. Clean comfortable surroundings. Kiddies play area out the back. Magazines whilst a little dated just fun to browse thru reminding me there was household chores awaiting me. Yummy display of cabinet food and huge menu on wall. We had mocca tea chocolate caramel slice and the freshest carrot cake ever. Staff polite friendly and attentive. Eager to return for breakfast. Wheel chair access. Tables not cramped together..cold water readily available. well done keep up...

Prompt and friendly service. Staff are helpful and open to offering recommendations if you are overwhelmed by choice! A great selection of foods (both menu and cabinet to hit different price points) and well prepared coffee. This place is always buzzing, which is a reflection of it's reputation as a (relatively) cheap and cheerful local. There is a kids friendly play area at the back too, so ideal for young mother's wanting...