Leafé Cafe — Restaurant in Waitematā

Service updated further down to 1 star, the wait staffs are rushed and try to escape asap.

Updated: Food here, delicious as always. We had the garden omelette, buttermilk fried chicken and the pork belly bao. We also had their signature iced latte which was good. However the service was not as good this time so I have to drop the rating down to 4 stars. We were 2 people and they put us on a very tiny circular table at the corner while there are many other tables available. That table was next to a kid that was pushing her chair against our table. We also planned to order a few dish and the small table definitely would not fit. I later asked for another table and the waitress eventually let us have the bigger one but she didn't look that friendly. I think a customer's mood really affect the taste and experience of the diner. This place is not cheap by far so the least they can do is make the customer feel more comfortable by having a better awareness of how they would like to be treated.

First time trying here. Had the brunch bowl and the smoked salmon and prawn risotto. The brunch bowl was very nice, love all the components. We also added $8 for the extra grilled Halloumi which completes the dish. The kumara fries and the egg was my favourite in the brunch bowl. The risotto was creamy and tasted good. I think the portion could have been more since it was not too big. Also felt it lacked some flavour but I still liked it. Service was quick and I like the ambiance of this place, spacious and bright with some green. Will definitely come back to try other things.

Second visit, we only got an iced latte but it was quite a fun experience since we have to pour the coffee ourselves into the milk and it also tasted really great. Would definitely order this again.

Update again. After another try, this place's standard is really high. Their kumara fries was excellent, crispy outside and soft inside. The korean fried chicken though in my opinion I like the more traditional type more but this version which is more of a asian euro fusion was not badly done. Crispy outside and the flavour wasn't bad. Portion here is...

It is quite impossible for one not to experience an all-encompassing sensation of serenity upon entering Leafé café in Newmarket…

Welcomed by a radiant smile, I was escorted around the corner, and found myself consumed by a tranquil atmosphere.

A great expanse of glass lined the wall, allowing the mellow warmth of the morning sun to flood the room. The luminescence filled the room like honey, immersing its customers in a warm glow, embracing each individual in its authentic affability, reflecting the tenor of Leafé’s benevolent staff.

Now; what more could one ask for when a plate of Bacon Eggs Benny appears in front of them?

Two poached eggs rested upon a crispy, buttery English muffin. Pesto lined the edges of the plate, a vibrant frame of green enveloping the god-like Bacon Eggs Benny. This pesto was a truly phenomenal fusion of refreshing basil, a savoury kick of garlic, cut through with the nutty crunch of pine nuts.

Now the hollandaise sauce…this concoction must have been made by a god.

The tart acidity masterfully counterbalanced the rich, buttery flair of this velvety sauce. One could not help but experience an overwhelming sensation of euphoria, or 'joie de vivre' (as the French would say.)

I still dream of that hollandaise sauce to this day.

Now one may wonder… what could possibly elevate this experience further?

Coffee.

Pure ecstasy is what I felt as I admired the rich, bold flavours of espresso trickle into the glass, flirting with the milk as the coffee danced in hypnotic patterns.

A cool glass of iced latte, filled to the brim with skill and art. In that moment, the depth and complexity of coffee transcended beyond a mere morning ritual, into a spiritual experience.

Not just a brunch, but a...

I had breakfast at Leafe Cafe this morning and, unfortunately, found the service at the front counter below standard. The staff member seemed reluctant to engage there was no friendly greeting or conversation, just a stare and an unenthusiastic “mmm” while taking our order. It felt like English might be a barrier, so maybe conversation was avoided. Friendly service really matters to me right from the counter, so this is something that needs improvement. Thankfully, another staff member who showed us to our table was bubbly and welcoming the kind of service I always hope for. The food itself was excellent; the portion sizes were just right, the truffle mushrooms on French toast were delicious with a great sauce, and the big breakfast was tasty with perfectly cooked sunny side up eggs. The apple juice was a pleasant surprise too it had a strong crisp and refreshing apple flavour compared to the traditional apple juice. The atmosphere was relaxing, with a lovely view if you’re seated by the window. Prices are reasonable, and I’d recommend the place for a peaceful meal. If you’re looking for the cafe, head toward Mecca, turn right past the store Seed, and you’ll find it at the end helpful for anyone unfamiliar with Westfield Newmarket Mall. Overall, I’d recommend Leafe Cafe for the food and ambiance, but the counter service could be improved for a more welcoming experience. This experience would have easily been 5 stars, but the below standard service at the counter brought it down. If the counter service is improved, I’d gladly give a...