Cafe Melba, Vulcan Lane, Auckland CBD

Cafe Melba in Vulcan Lane. Photo / Martin Sykes

Herald rating: * * * *
Vulcan Lane, Auckland City

We chose this place because I was meeting a friend in town and fancied a cafe somewhere near shopping central, High St.

Parking was a few streets away but we didn't mind the walk.

We walked in and immediately thought it's not quite as busy on the weekend as it is Monday to Friday, but still the few seats on the cobblestone walkway outside are quickly snapped up.

The most unusual thing on the menu was salmon hash with a poached egg and hollandaise ($14).

We ordered sweetcorn and feta fritters with bacon, spicy tomato relish, cream cheese and salad ($18.50) and a bagel with sliced tomato and avocado ($11) from the all-day menu. Both were great, the fritters especially.

The service was terrific. They didn't mind a bit that we were talking too much and hadn't had time to look at the menu when they came for our order.

The coffee was great, and quick - despite it being busy.

We recommend if you come here don't forget to get one of Melba's blueberry muffins to take home for afternoon tea. We've never tasted better.

Overall, we thought the food, the service and the location at the top of Vulcan Lane make this cafe one of the central city's best.