The Strand Cafe

I’m in love. The team at The Strand Café have evolved the previous permutations of the café in the Saatchi & Saatchi building and presented a modern, bright, welcoming space, in what previously felt like sitting in a shed, and paired it with some of the best café food and coffee in Parnell, if not Auckland.
Right now I am drinking a spectacularly delicious latte (ok, maybe I just needed a caffeine hit, but it’s still good!) and eating chia pudding for my breakfast. Who wouldn’t?! Even early in the morning there is a display of breakfast baps, fresh pressed juices, tortilla wraps (scrambled egg and chorizo this morning), and a ‘superfood’ pudding — chia or sticky rice today — ready to take away. They also have a made-​to-​order breakfast and lunch menu. Although I haven’t had a chance to try it yet, I have no doubt it would be equally delicious. If you peek in to the kitchen you’ll see the team working busily preparing food for the day, but it’s also spotless.
But back to my love declaration. It’s the coffee. The barista makes the best coffee in Auckland. Hands down. She’s quick, friendly and welcomes you with a smile, even if she’s serving someone else. Win.