Brunch: Cafe O, Grey Lynn

Cafe O, Grey Lynn. Photo / Paul Estcourt

Herald Rating: 4/5
Address: 34/332 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn

We came here because one of my regular brunch companions goes past this newish cafe on the busy strip of Great North Rd near the Bond St lights every day, and thought it looked worth investigating.

Parking was slightly challenging, but we found one down a side street.

We walked in and immediately thought we love the decor - light and airy with lots of blue, black and white details throughout, and a modern hanging egg chair in the window. We loved the milk jugs (cows) and the salt and pepper shakers (dogs), and the fresh flowers in clear glass bowls on some of the tables.

The most unusual thing on the menu was the golden spiced eggs ($14/$16 with bacon), which came wok-fried and runny with chilli, spring onion, oyster sauce and pide bread.

We ordered the sunrise salad ($16) with bacon: a poached egg cooked to perfection, avocado, cherry tomatoes, lettuce and ciabatta; and the light and flavoursome corn cakes ($16) which came with bacon, vine tomatoes, baby spinach, avocado and salsa. Both meals were excellent, fresh and very tasty, and the presentation fantastic.

The service was sweet and efficient - the meals and coffee arrived super quick.

The coffee was hot and creamy Allpress brand and the tea was made from real leaves.

We recommend if you come here take your time to peruse the blackboard, which lists one of the most interesting and varied cafe menus we've seen in ages - but don't discount the impressive selection of counter food.

Overall we thought, despite its slightly odd location, it's worth making an effort to get to Cafe O - the food is great and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. We'll be back, for sure.