Concrete Playground

Well, who would have thought the topic of best breakfasts in Auckland could cause quite so must controversy and a sudden trumpet of loyalty to certain spots around the joint? Resulting in one of the longest email threads I've ever had to weed through, it turns out everyone has got (and is only oh so happy to share) their ten cents on the best place for your first, most important meal of the day.

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1. Dizengoff

256 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

In at number one, needing little introduction and probably not being met with too much suprise is Ponsonby Road icon, Dizengoff.  You couldn't have a better friend come midday on a Sunday than the faithful old Dizi. Very few haven't experienced (and we use this term in the truest form) the most famous and talked about sautéed mushrooms in the 09. To pick the best off the menu at Diz is a task in itself, which is where the essence of ingenuity comes into play, the half and half - a genius combination of the creamy scrambled eggs and the mushrooms.  Forget Blue Powerade, Dizengoff is your tried and true Sunday fix.

For full review, click here:

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2. Catroux

129 West End Road, Westmere

I first caught wind of Catroux in Westmere when I heard one of my more blokey bloke mates talking about his breakfast experience here. The mere fact he correctly referred to his meal as a Croque Madame as opposed to a cheese and ham toastie, had me convinced there must be something rather special going on in this wee little Westmere cafe. Turns out there was and the Concrete Playground office agreed in a big way (the last two weeks has seen the odd meeting conveniently scheduled here so we could sample all the brunchy treats).  Catroux is a fresh, healthy and delicious start to the day.

For full review, click here:

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3. Jam

33 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna

On a sunny day, looking out through the Pohutakawa trees over the reserve and down to Takapuna Beach, Jam is that quaintly picturesque spot tucked away from the hustle bustle. A brunch here followed by a stroll and a swim at the beach being a nod to a North Shore Summer’s day.  In order to get the most of this menu, head along with a large group (preferably your mates that think seagull sharing is kosher) and try nab the big communal table to lay out your brunching feasts. The Old Fashioned Mince on Toast may not sound glamorous but trust us, it's a winner.

For full review, click here:

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4. Voila Cafe

573 Sandringham Road, Sandringham

Everyone loves a good Eggs Benny, and there's nothing quite like ordering it from a place that you know is going to deliver the goods perfectly. Cue: your next breaky at Voila. From the moment you walk through the door, everything about Violà Café is inviting, vibrant and unique. The décor is colourful and interesting; the music, ambient and every customer receives a warm smile and ‘bonjour!’ from the largely French staff.

For full review, click here:

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5. Zus & Zo

228 Jervois Road, Herne Bay

Mushroom chat has been in pretty high circulation in the Concrete Playground offices this week. Who would have thought the funny little funghi was such a wee fetish amongst so many of us?  Zus and Zo's take on the brunch mushroom dish gets the big nod from us. Blue cheese is definitely one of those more acquired taste, you either love or hate the stuff. However, if you're a fan of the creamy blue, Zus and Zo's Blue Cheese Mushrooms with a poached egg and toast might just change your life, or at least a sorry Sunday state. Along with a wide range of fresh and cabinet options, the 1 year old cafe on Jervois Road is a sure fire box ticker in our books.

For full review, click here:

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6. Federal & Wolfe

10 Federal Street, Auckland CBD

Federal and Wolfe is that injection of personality you want from a cafe and is backed up by a killer breakfast-spilling-into-brunch menu. They work on the concept "from the gate to the plate", and this really pays off, the food is excellent, matched by the coffee, service and atmosphere. Any cafe that can get a rep for having fish on their breakfast menu, and pull it off (not just for the novelty factor) gets an approving high five from us.

For full review, click here:

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7. Rosehip Cafe

82 Gladstone Road, Parnell

Trust sending three chaps along to Rosehip to do a review and coming back to find a piece of writing that includes the term "schmummies".  Aside from the evident points scored for local mummy watching, the popularity of this Parnell icon for the brunch menu is definitely well deserved. The cabinet food here is inviting, Allpress coffee spot on and friendly and sufficient service.

For full review, click here:

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8. Rabbithole Cafe

203 Jervois Road, Herne Bay

One of the smaller cafes in Auckland, Rabbithole is cosy, well decorated to theme and sun drenched. A varied brunch menu offers everything from delicious baked goods (think light scones, tasty brioches and sweet croissants) to a more traditional cooked breakfast. A couple of notables being their spin on scrambled eggs and one of the tastiest breakfasts salads with haloumi. And with an all organic offering you just feel that much better about devouring the generous portions too.

For full review, click here:

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9. Gala

23 Edwin Street, Mt Eden

Tucked away in Zone 23, Mt Eden, Gala is an interesting spot for breakfast hunters. Both the breakfast and lunch menus are excellent and the service has never been anything less than exceptional. Gala lives up to its criteria and is professional to a tee. The cafe is an evident family affair with a menu that saw a bit of debate over picking just one thing off the menu. Being diplomatic and all we'll equally suggest the Mince on Toast and the Julie Le Clerc’s Oat and Blueberry Hotcakes with Mascarpone for a definitely delicious start to your day.

For full review, click here:

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10. Revel

146 Karangahape Road, Newton

Another brunch spot that makes it hard to decide whether to go cabinet or cooked. Based mainly on a vegetarian/vegan selection there's no lack of flavour in any of the meals at Revel.  The pick for us is the Apple Cinnamon Buckwheat Pancakes, a mouthful in the title, aptly matched by being a mouthful of dam good tastiness too.

For full review, click here:

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