Central Deli has wholesome, nutritious options, meaning there's something to suit all tastes. Photo/John Borren
Central Deli has wholesome, nutritious options, meaning there's something to suit all tastes. Photo/John Borren
Central Deli is one of two Bay finalists in the New Zealand Cafe of the Year competition. Rosie Dawson-Hewes went to sample the fare
On the menu: A great range of fresh salads, sammies and baked treats, the perfect blend of classic cafe fare alongside on-trend flavour combinations. The cabinetis teeming with wholesome, nutritious options, meaning there's something to suit all tastes. Deciding what to order was the hardest part of our visit. The homemade pies are popular, as are the range of salads (changing daily) and the French favourite - croque monsieur.
The buzz: Central Deli is one of those cafes that looks a normal size from the street but is actually hiding a massive covered courtyard out the back. It was busy on the Saturday we visited, though we were told it was quiet compared to weekdays, which generally see a mix of mums and workers.
I'll have: A medium tropical chicken salad ($9.50) and a regular soy flat white ($4.50), followed by an utterly irresistible jam and cream-filled donut ($4). The salad was exactly what I needed after a morning walk up Mauao - delicious and packed with punchy flavour, but still healthy enough that I felt virtuous, despite my donut chaser. With cashews and toasted coconut, along with light, fresh greens, this salad had a tasty Thai punch - plenty of coriander and chilli to balance its zesty lime.
He'll have: The chicken, leek and mustard pie ($7.50), handmade on-site and judged ninth in the gourmet section of last year's national Bakel's Pie Awards. I only got to try a tiny (delicious) morsel, which I'm sure is a good sign. He also had a tropical smoothie ($7) and a tasty Belgian biscuit ($4.50).
Value for money: The prices at Central Deli are much the same as anywhere else in the Mount, though the noticeable focus on fresh, nutritious food that's full of flavour means it will join our list of regular haunts.
To drink: Most bases are covered here with juices, smoothies, soft drinks, coffees and teas. Both still and sparkling water are free.
The staff: Very friendly and helpful - only too happy to answer all my questions and extremely patient, as I took far too long to decide.
The verdict: I've walked past hundreds of times but never ventured in. As we left I felt like I'd discovered a hidden gem, though I suspect it's one that was only hidden to me, judging by how busy I've seen it on weekdays since. Co-owner Jade runs it with her mum, her partner expertly mans the coffee machine and her toddler is often on-site. It's a great wee spot for a tasty breakfast or lunch, with takeout large salads a perfect dinner option for two in summer months, as long as you remember to pop in before 4.30pm. With all the flavour and the high standard of food, it's no wonder this sparkling jewel in the Bay's crown is an Upper North Island finalist in the Best Suburban category of the NZ Cafe of the Year competition. While winners aren't announced till December 7, Central Deli is already a winner in our eyes.
The details Restaurant: Central Deli Address: 520 Maunganui Road, Mount Maunganui Telephone: 07 574 2310 Email: info@centraldeli.co.nz Hours: Monday to Friday, 6.30am till 4.30pm, Saturday, 7am till 3pm.
