The Shaky Isles cafe in Kingsland. Photo / Martin Sykes
Herald rating: * * * *
Shaky Isles
492 New North Rd, Kingsland
We came here because we'd heard good things about this new addition to Kingsland and thought it was about time we checked it out for ourselves.
Parking was not as impossible as further down the strip, but still not readily available.
We walked in and immediately
thought "love!" From the pastel walls and cartoon murals to the vintage souvenir teaspoons and mismatched cups and saucers, you can't help but smile as you enter this colourful cafe.
The most unusual thing on the menu isn't any particular dish, but the names - and the prices. Nearly everything on the menu comes in a bun - including the big breakfast - and everything is under $12. Our favourite bun pun was the Wurst Brat in a Bun ($8).
We ordered Pig in a Bun ($8), the breakfast bruschetta ($10) and the good stuff sandwich ($8.50). When our order arrived, the pig in the bun had been replaced by mushrooms - an apologetic waiter quickly rectified matters by bringing a side of bacon and the end result was a better breakfast than originally ordered.
The service was superb. After seeing our crestfallen faces when we were told hashbrowns weren't on the menu, our lovely waiter said he'd see what he could do. Lo-and-behold, 10 minutes later we were served up four golden brown hashbrowns.
The coffee was good and strong. Just what the doctor ordered.
We recommend if you come here create your own breakfast bun by adding some sides to one of the basics.
Overall, we thought it was simple, affordable and delicious, with some of the best staff in town.
- NZ Herald
