When you’re next deciding to meet friends for lunch, but not sure where to go, why not check out the following recommendations covering everything from sandwiches to sushi and quiche.
Café on Kohi
For a weekend lunch with a view to boot, trot along to Cafe on Kohi (known to the locals as Cafe Kohi). It’s the perfect place to spend a lazy weekend reading the paper, having a natter or just watching the world go by.
Annabelles
Nearby to Cafe on Kohi in St Heliers, Annabelles is a particularly smart choice if you’re looking to have a few wines and some fancy cuisine. Among others there is fish of the day, pasta of the day, BLAT sandwiches and the classic caesar salad on the menu. Worth the long drive along the waterfront or back streets of East Auckland.
Burger
Next time you’re thinking ‘Ah man, I could really murder a burger right now’ consider Murder Burger on Ponsonby Road. With fun and somewhat quirky branding, Murder Burger has an awesome selection of burgers on offer. You can dine in but just remember seating is limited, so if it’s busy grab your takeaway and picnic at nearby Western Park. Sweet as.
Moto Sushi
If you’re a fan of sushi, try Moto Sushi in Parnell and Henderson. Specialising in Japanese Box Meals, Sashimi, teriyaki and of course sushi, Moto is a great place to tempt your taste buds. Open for lunch from 11-3 (the Parnell restaurant is closed on Sundays).
The Piha Cafe
When was the last time you went out to Piha? If it’s a nice day and if it has been a while, consider a bite to eat at the fairly new Piha Café. Their all day ‘kai’ menu is available daily until 3pm but the café is open until 4pm so it’s the perfect excuse to spend a lazy afternoon.
The Library Café
Those with food allergies, lovers of organic goodness, vegetarians or healthy eaters ensure you ‘do’ lunch at The Library Café in Onehunga. Split into two sections, the Library has a ‘quiet’ area and a ‘chatty’ area, so you can decide how you want to spend your lunch hour. Offering hot meals, all day breakfast and yummy treats from the deli, this is certainly a cafe worth popping into.
Voila Café
Authentic French and Mediterranean lunches are served up at Voila Cafe, sat amongst the busy shops on Sandringham Road. The coffee is delicious, and the selection of food on offer is very tasty. They’ve been featured as one of the Top 50 cafes in Metro Magazine for the past three years running and it’s not hard to see why.
Café Cezanne
For a relaxed laid-back and friendly café, while away an afternoon at Cafe Cezanne on Ponsonby Road. There’s a warm vibe about this café, which will just make you want to come back for more. Big servings at affordable prices with a wide selection of salads, pastas, mains and sweet treats.
Goode Brothers
If you are out on a shopping expedition in Botany Downs or Westfield Mall Manukau, take a well deserved break with lunch at Goode Brothers in the Botany Town Centre. A smart-casual vibe welcomes you – with a slight American Diner feel. There’s plenty of pizza, pasta, burgers and mains to satisfy, plus there’s a large wine and cocktail list if you fancy a tipple.
Villa Cafe
Villa Cafe in Birkenhead is a really lovely place. There’s something of a familiar homely feel about it – cosy and comforting with efficient and sincere service. There are lots of healthy options on the menu too. A great place to catch up with friends, or take your Mum.
Frolic
Greenlane’s Frolic cafe has a large tempting menu including all day breakfast, scrummy lunch ideas and a menu for the kids. There’s front and rear outdoor seating, cosy indoor seating and a few handy stools for reading the paper over a coffee.
Grand Park Seafood Chinese Restaurant
Spend a lazy afternoon grazing over steamed yum char dumplings at Grand Park Chinese Restaurant in Greenlane. Open for lunch from 10am-3pm every day. Also consider its sister restaurant Grand Harbour in the Viaduct where bookings are recommended.