Westside: Best of the west cafes

Treats at Little Sister cafe in Henderson. Photo / Jason DOrday

We're loving the new Outrageous Fortune prequel, Westside (TV3, Sundays at 8.30pm). To enjoy a taste of the west, try these three great cafes.

Humbug

32 Rua Rd, Glen Eden
It can be hard to get a park at Humbug, such is its popularity. It's worth the effort though, especially if you're eating out with little ones - there's a separate family room with play area including toys and books to keep kids entertained. The main room is a quiet retreat with floor to ceiling windows and retro artwork. The coffee is top-notch, as is the food. Our favourites: five grain toast with coriander pesto, feta and fresh sliced tomato. And they do the best chips in town, beer battered with great aioli.

Humbug Cafe in Glen Eden. Photo / Dean Purcell

Woodworks

1790 Great North Rd, Avondale
Not the quietest venue, being on one of West Auckland's busiest roads, but once inside it's a foodie haven. Creative menu including chilli scrambled eggs, creamy wild mushrooms on grilled polenta, and a wicked croque monsieur. Lovely service and a great place to spread out the paper and chill over good food.

Woodworks in Avondale. Photo / Babiche Martens

Little Sister

91 Central Park Dr, Henderson
This cool place in the heart of a light industrial area of Henderson boasts plenty of dishes you won't find elsewhere, as well as some of the standards, but with an interesting twist. Think field mushrooms with croutons and a duck egg, toasted banana loaf with raspberry jam and ricotta, Balinese sticky black rice and Californian hotcakes with blueberry lemon compote, maple syrup and mascarpone. There are plenty of baked goodies at the counter, too, including Little Sister's famous doughnuts. Terrific coffee too.

Little Sister cafe in Henderson. Photo / Jason Dorday

- Canvas