Oaken Restaurant on Quay Street. Photo / Guy Coombes
Address: 130 Quay St, Auckland
Phone: (09) 379 4462
Open: Monday to Friday, 7am until late; Saturday 8am until late
Cost: $52 for two breakfasts, two coffees and two juices
Online: oaken.co.nz
SET UP & SITE
This slick refit, in the space that was once Quay St Cafe, caught my eye when I was at the Britomart markets. Warm wood panelling, Scandi-style light wood furniture, exposed concrete ceilings and nature-themed artwork have transformed it into a very modern, cosy and welcoming space
that begs you to linger. Rumour has it they're planning to add outdoor seating, too, which will no doubt make it popular with the Les Mills crowd down the road for post-workout catch-ups.
SUSTENANCE & SWILL
Brainchild of the founder of nearby hotspots Mexico and Beirut, Oaken is no slouch on the food side. A menu laden with detailed, extensively thought-out items made for difficult decisions. I settled for the minced mushrooms on toast, which were rich and flavourful atop a generous slice of chewy sourdough, nicely complemented by soft-boiled eggs and pickled onions. My husband's cold-smoked salmon was brimming with delicate flavours and floral notes, while shaved raw cauliflower added texture and freshness. Dishes we saw floating past to other tables - such as the bacon and egg toasted jaffle - mean a second visit is sure to come sooner rather than later.
