KEY POINTS:
We came here because Josephine was back from London and had been missing the Kingsland cafe scene. After debating whether to try somewhere new, we decided to play it safe and stick with an old favourite.
Parking was surprisingly easy for Kingsland. With most places shut for Anzac Day, the usually chaotic strip was eerily quiet.
We walked in and immediately thought of moving to the comfy retro couches at the back, but they don't really lend themselves to eating. While queuing at the counter, we admired the ever-changing artwork, which this month saw old doors used as giant canvasses.
The most unusual thing on the menu was vegan tofu florentine ($15) - deep fried tofu on gluten-free spelt loaf with avocado, capsicum and spinach with sweet capsicum and coconut dressing.
We ordered French toast ($14.50) and American pancakes with bacon ($17.50). The French toast was excellent and the pancakes delicious and light, though the bacon could have been cooked a little longer. Josephine's hash stack with bacon and avocado ($15.50) was tasty but she was disappointed to see the hashbrowns were of the frozen packet variety.
The service started off a little slow - we waited 10 minutes for our table to be cleared - but was friendly and efficient thereafter. Given the numbers of customers filing through the doors, the staff coped admirably.
The coffee was rich, creamy and perfect.
We recommend if you come here don't be fooled by a full house out front, there is more seating in the courtyard behind the cafe.
Overall we thought you really can't go past Roasted Addiqtion for a reliable favourite and some of the best coffee in Auckland.
