Mecca Stonehouse, Mission Bay

Mecca Stonehouse in Mission Bay. Photo / Getty Images

Herald rating: * * * *
44 Tamaki Dr, Mission Bay

We came here because it was a sunny day and kids wanted to run around and we wanted coffee. So Mecca seemed like a great compromise.

Parking was a little hard to find, but not unexpected given Mission Bay's enduring popularity. Forget the carpark and try the side streets. At least it's a nice walk.

We walked in and immediately thought this has to be one of the loveliest cafe settings in Auckland. The old stonehouse has been converted into a large, modern cafe with seating in the courtyard or marquee area, where you can watch what's going on near the beach and fountain.

We ordered the Mecca big breakfast with bacon, eggs, sausage, field mushroom, grilled tomato, potato hash and Turkish pide ($18); and eggs benedict with brie and tomato ($16.50). They weren't kidding with the description of the "big" breakfast - it was great but too enormous to finish - and the brie and tomato with the eggs benedict was a nice change from the standard salmon or bacon.

The service was great. There are plenty of staff and they're well organised. The coffee was spot on, but the takeaway fluffies for the kids were even better - large cups filled with steaming, rich hot chocolate and plenty of marshmallows on the side.

We recommend if you come here you plan to stay a while. After brunch, take a walk along the bay and admire the harbour or hop in one of the kayaks for hire and go for a paddle.

Overall we thought we'll be back for sure.