Herald rating: * * * *
1 Williamson Ave
We came here because the little brick building on an island between three roads catches my eye daily on my way to work.
Parking was literally outside the back door.
We walked in and immediately thought the old fire station building was smaller - and cosier - inside than it looks. About half the seating is at bar stool-height, maybe to save space.
The most unusual thing on the menu was kumara and rocket bubble and squeak. We ordered poached eggs on toast with sides of salmon, two hash browns and relish ($17.50) and creamy mushrooms, two poached eggs and pesto on potatoes ($12.50). The menu lets you build your own breakfast by adding basic dishes (eggs, mushrooms on toast, etc) to a long list of sides (salmon, hash browns, pesto, more eggs, more creamy mushrooms ... ). All the food was tasty, and on the side of satisfying rather than subtle. Just what we felt like before a busy Saturday.
The coffee was fine for me, but my partner - whose caffeine needs are greater than mine - found it weak and milky. A double or triple shot for him next time.
The service was friendly and quick. At least two staff are from Ireland on their OEs. The cafe was full and no one was mucking around.
We recommend if you come here you pay attention to the sides menu. If you order eggs on toast without sides you'll get just that - no relish and no garnish.
Overall we thought it was well-priced and handy to Ponsonby Rd. Good to know it's there.
