Paname Social — Restaurant in Waitematā

This was the first time at this place as I had walked by it and it always looked packed and I've been trying lots of restaurants while I'm living here until the fall. Upon arriving inside it was in the later part of the lunch rush as the place was full but lots of empty tables with plates needing to be cleared. I found the only semi clean spot near the bar area and sat there. I had to ask for a menu as the two staff taking orders and cleaning were busy, no problem. After sitting there for about 10+ minutes and no one taking my order I thought I was supposed to order at the bar from the barista. She was super nice and then called over the man who took my order. He was nice I just think he was still amidst the rush and trying to do a million things, I get it I used to serve for over a decade.

I was wanting to try eggs benedict (as I'm trying them everywhere in Auckland) with the potato but they were out of the potato, and I didn't want a benny on a croissant as the eggs would make it soggy. So I got the toasted croissant, eggs, and added bacon and a chai.

The chai was nothing great and honestly one of the grainest and not a lot of taste compared to a lot of yummy tea/coffee places around, especially in the city. For that price the cup was also so small. I wish I had taken a photo of my chai and food but it honestly wasn't presented the best and was so hungry and in a time crunch I forgot. The chai took about 10 minutes to arrive and as mentioned wasn't that good.

I was working on my computer so I didn't really notice how much time had gone by until my timer went off and I realized I had to leave in 25 mintues to get my child from school. I put my computer away and my server told me to have a good day, until he realized I was missing my food still. At that point it was about 30-35 minutes after I ordered. At this time the restaurant had cleared out and I was surprised it took that long to come out especially eggs, bacon on a croissant. Shortly after he went to check on my food it came out. I would say my croissant was burnt not toasted as the item described. I honestly would have made a tastier sandwich at home, especially for the cost and the taste of what I got. Was pretty bland, with a teeny bit of salt and pepper it was much better. The salad it came with was plain, I didn't taste any dressing, which is fine but I think it was supposed to have something on it not just greens. Overall the food wasn't gross or not edible, just not super tasty. I personally would rather go to The Shelf, Chuffed, or Melba for brunch food.

I think I might come back for drinks and apps in the evening with friends but don't think I would dine here for...

While wandering around the city, I stumbled upon this nice place, Paname Social, and it turned out to be the perfect place to pause and soak in the vibe of the city. Tucked away on a charming street, this café radiates warmth and vibrancy, instantly drawing you in. It turned out to be the perfect spot for a casual yet memorable dining experience. What sets it apart is its atmosphere. Two incredibly friendly staff members run the place, and their genuine enthusiasm is contagious. They greet every customer with big smiles, making you feel truly welcomed and well cared for. It’s the kind of place where you feel like a regular, even on your first visit. The service here is not just friendly; it’s efficient. Despite the café buzzing with activity, my food arrived quickly without compromising quality. I ordered the Millet Porridge, and it was really good--though, for my personal preference, it could have been cooked just a bit longer to achieve an even creamier texture. This comforting dish, topped with fresh strawberries, creamy coconut yogurt, and indulgent Whittaker’s Dark Ghana chocolate, was an absolute treat. It struck the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent, offering a burst of flavors in every bite. At $19, it was not only delicious but also great value for money. To pair with the meal, I opted for a chai latte with coconut milk. It had a velvety smoothness that complemented the porridge beautifully. Their menu is quite diverse, and I couldn't help but notice other customers being served dishes that looked absolutely mouthwatering. The ambiance of Paname Social is as inviting as its food. With its cozy interiors and positive energy, it’s the ideal spot for a quiet breakfast, meal, a friendly catch-up, or simply some time to unwind. The café’s thoughtful menu and the passionate team behind it make every visit special. If you’re ever in the city and craving a mix of great food, warm hospitality, and a laid-back vibe, this place is a must-visit. Trust me, you’ll leave with a full stomach and a brighter day. I know I’ll be stopping by again the next time I’m...

Underseasoned, underwhelming and overpriced.

Quite gutted about this place - it seemed so promising with such a lovely interior fit out, good coffee, and really lovely front of house staff.

While the dishes visually looked great - except for the lettuce and carrot scenario next to the lobster mac n cheese (I mean seriously, if you're going to sell it at this price point - rocket or mesclun might be a better choice. Or at least don't serve your carrots grated like a Coffee Club lunch - no offense intended to Coffee Club) - everything was underseasoned, and so lacking in flavour!

The truffle oil fries was the one dish done beautifully. Perfectly cooked fries, crisp outer, good aioli, and balanced flavours - often you get these fries and you get sick of it because it's too oily, or over done - but these were really good.

Back to the lobster mac n cheese. We had such high hopes. But the macaroni was soft and squishy! And the cheese sauce bland. The lobster flavour didn't come through unless you had a mouthful with actual lobster. And that side salad scenario ... oh man. I imagine there are other ways of presenting lettuce and carrots without coming off as cheap.

The other thing we had was the smoked kahawai croquettes. Honestly, where was the smoked fish? Smoked kahawai should be a strong enough flavour that I can taste it. That croquette felt like it was 90% potato, making the dish feel cheap. The outer crust was well cooked, but the potato and fish mix was really underseasoned and had no flavour. The sauce that went with this dish was quite nice, but the flavours weren't particularly bold. Overall, a really bland dish - we really needed a hero. Like if it was going to be mostly potato, then at least, let it be used as a vessel for scooping up a more flavourful sauce.

At this stage, unlikely to go back for food. I do hope it was just a one-off and maybe the chefs were having a bad day - who knows? Could be a good place for...