Brighton Road Cafe — Restaurant in Waitematā

Found a park almost outside the cafe. It was about 2:00 pm on a Friday afternoon when we stepped into a space full of conversation. The cafe was abuzz with an early afternoon crowd and I was surprised by the number of people considering it was well past lunch service. The shelves were picked over but the Leader and I selected the pie and vegetables. I ordered a cappuccino, double shot, small cup with chocolate for the Leader and that arrived very quickly and was consumed almost as quickly. The pies were a long wait. There were fewer customers arriving than leaving at the time and I did begin to wonder if the order was lost. I was amused by an article from one of the selection of magazines on offer and the meal arrived. It looked great and tasted as good. So good that I was straight on to the meal as soon as it was placed in front of me. I was licking my lips and making satisfied piggy noises before I realised to had forgotten to take a picture of the meal. Over all, happy to pay and...

Went in for a bite and decided a classic hearty sausage roll ($9.90) and mango smoothie ($8) was the way to go. When the mango smoothie came out it was white, I took a sip and had to double check my order wasn't wrong but the server confirmed it was mango. I'm really sorry but there must have been 2 small pieces of mango blitzed up with 99% vanilla ice cream cause I only got the faintest of a taste on one or two of the sips. Not sure about their other smoothies but certainly don't get mango expecting anything..

The sausage roll had potential but the 'flaky' puff pastry was soggy and soft like the $2 ones you heat in the microwave. Nothing like the flakey delight of a double sized hearty sausage roll you usually get.

Our server was lovely and friendly however, no problems there at all. And I hate feeling "harsh" but also I don't like getting disappointing food, sorry team. This place is adequate if you're hungry but not to indulge in...

A lot of the reviews and photos here pertain to previous iterations of this café. As of 2023 it is under new ownership and has been extensively renovated and rejuvenated. So the ratings, reviews and photos from earlier than this do not do it justice.

The fit-out is lovely, with more seating capacity than previously, but it does not feel crowded. The counter food is exceptional.

I must admit I was disappointed by the menu, which was absolutely basic generic brunch. No lunch items and no protein other than eggs. But when our meals arrived I couldn't fault them on quality or presentation. Portion sizes were generous but not excessive. Overall it was a good dining experience and we'll very...