Wish Cafe — Restaurant in Waitematā

I really love this place - it's such a gem and am so happy a friend recommended it!

The vibe - This will be the first thing that jumps at you. It's one of the cosiest cafes I've been to in Auckland, and that's something considering there are tons out there. It's also called Wish Café for a reason. There's a wall of wishes where you can leave a written wish or read what others have said. In terms of space, there are several tables but they made sure they're set up far enough for you to have privacy but close enough for them to fit enough tables to accommodate groups of people.

The acoustics - I don't know how they did this, but the acoustics of the café is such that you don't realise there's a really busy road just outside. It's like you're in a warm comfortable cocoon when you walk in. The best part is that the noise and chitchat in the café doesn't bounce off the walls like majority of cafés. In other places, my friends and I find ourselves having to talk loud to hear each other over the music or other tables. This one allows you to have a quiet conversation and saves you from screaming at each other the whole time.

The food - The menu is small but that's the way I like it. There's definitely variety and there's cabinet food as well. What stands out is value for money. Most of the menu items are below $20 and although they're not necessarily out of this world, they're quite enjoyable and have good portions.

The service - I can't tell you enough about how they're super friendly and attentive. The café only has a few tables which means they're able to pay attention to your needs. At the same time, they're not intrusive so you're left peacefully alone to enjoy me-time or have brunch with a friend.

The amenities - My partner likes to work on his laptop sometimes and he likes this place because of the power plugs, quiet and wifi. There's also a toilet outside and they give you a key if you'd like to use it. It's tiny though so might be a tight squeeze, but it's definitely better than not having one.

Overall, this is one of my favourite places to go to for a quiet weekend brunch. I've been to Wish Café twice and I see myself going there several times...

Food honestly wasn't much to write home about and menu plus service was not great. I don't know what sort of menu you guys have going on, but if you're all day breakfast menu isn't an all day breakfast menu then you need to make that clear. Also I don't know if the lady who served me yesterday just didn't know herself what was going on, but for someone who's Neuro diverse or anyone else whose disabled it was very embarrassing and just not comfortable to be in there. I honestly just tried to pick what ever looked appealing because I felt super embarrassed and just wanted to get out of there.

If your services aren't extended to those of us who aren't super normal or whatever then maybe you've picked the wrong industry.

From the super awkward clumsy red haired girl who came into your...

Iranian Family run business with welcoming, cozy atmosphere. Ordered a piccolo, mocha and croissant. The hazelnut croissant was soft, delicate and the hazelnut filling is next to none. Not overly sweet either. Imagine layers upon layers of buttery, flaky goodness, with each bite revealing a luscious heart of rich hazelnut spread. The contrast of the crispy exterior with the creamy, nutty filling is pure pastry perfection.

My friend got the Mocha and it was uber chocolatey. He even offered light or dark chocolate! 🍫☕ And that Piccolo… like a strong coffee punch with a lil' milk hug.

Got to see mum, daughter and father all working together which I thought was very special too.

Can’t wait to come back and definitely think I found another local, go-to...