Brunch: The Burbs, Farm Cove

French toast of gluten-free coconut bread with free-range bacon topped with creamy blueberry compote from The Burbs cafe in Farm Cove. Photo / Chris Loufte

Address: 190 Fisher Parade, Farm Cove
Herald rating:

The menu is a list of classic all-day breakfast options, crafted by Karan Kumar, previously at the Espresso Garden Cafe in Mitre 10 Takanini.

The look is a delightful little space set in a nook of Farm Cove shops in Auckland's east. We love the calming colour palette, unique crockery and fresh flowers - but it's the striking Karl Maughan print that sets this space off.

The food was great. The Burbs' Weekend Bene on potato hash with bacon and rosemary hollandaise ($19.50) earned praise from my accompanying expert as one of the best eggs benedict he'd had during our years sampling Auckland's brunch trail. I had food envy, but was happy with my coconut bread with free-range bacon and blueberry compote ($16.50) - a gluten-free favourite.

The coffee is Allpress, no complaints. They also brew Storm & India teas.

The service was a little manic on this heaving Saturday but the wait staff managed to shuffle between tables, doing their best to keep the crowds happy. We were from out of town and certainly witnessed a sense of community love as names and smiles were exchanged among staff and local patrons.

Overall, the locals are loving The Burbs, the recently opened first hospo venture of Saskia Huggard - wife of Dizengoff's Mark Huggard. It's worth the drive.