Brunch: The Block, Blockhouse Bay

The Block, Blockhouse Bay. Photo / Richard Robinson

Herald Rating: 4/5
Address: 568 Blockhouse Bay Rd, Blockhouse Bay

We came here because we had been watching the development of this place (the building is a former hardware store) for the past few months and were interested to see what it was like.

Parking was not an issue, as we walked. There is parking on the street outside or in the library carpark behind.

We walked in and thought "wow". They've done a great job renovating the building, creating a large, stylish cafe with great outdoor dining.

The most unusual thing on the menu was confit duck with sauteed potatoes, spinach, garlic and fried eggs ($19).

We ordered wild mushroom saute on ciabatta with stuffed field mushroom and truffle poached egg ($16), eggs benedict on homemade muffins with bacon ($17), a bacon butty ($9.50) and French toast with banana, maple syrup, bacon and vanilla mascarpone ($17). All were good. Our only gripe: there is no kids' menu and few of the main menu choices are child-friendly.

The coffee was Atomic and fantastic. We've been back for several takeout coffees and while the wait can be a little long, sometimes it's worth it.

We recommend if you come here you nab a table out on the deck and enjoy the village vibe. And plan to return at night when The Block opens for dinner in the next couple of months.

Overall we thought for a long time Titirangi has been home to the best cafes out west but the arrival of The Block may just have changed that.