Cafe Byzantium

By PHOEBE FALCONER for canvas

As yet another long, wet Sunday loomed, escape from the house seemed the only answer. Escape involving food sweetened the deal, so we rounded up the family and headed off to Cafe Byzantium, at the K Rd end of Ponsonby Rd.

The cafe was busy when we arrived, so we ventured up the dark stairs, avoiding bits of dropped food. We decided the rather chilly upstairs dining area was not for us, and the courtyard was not an option this day.

Back downstairs, we secured a table for five, though one of our number was still lurking under a tree in the park opposite, avoiding the rain, and examined the blackboard menu. There's a nice feeling at Byzantium, with gentle jazz, and the decor is a simplified representation of the Byzantine model: candles in sconces, tables decorated with decoupage, a large mosaic on the wall and velvet curtains.

Coffees and hot chocolate arrived promptly, and were delicious. Erana, the hot chocolate queen, went for the scrambled eggs special ($10), which came with mushrooms, hash browns and toast. The serving was huge, but she bravely ate every bit.

Christine opted for french toast ($8.50) and so did her husband when he abandoned his tree. Their meals were beautifully presented, and accompanied by bananas, grapes and kiwifuit, but were a little light on the maple syrup.

Bill chose foccacia from the lunch menu, ($8.50), and was very satisfied with the lettuce, avocado, bean sprouts, aioli and parmesan filling. My poached eggs on toast ($7) were plain, but delicious, cooked with a little vinegar in the water. Just as they should be.

Kevin had placed his order after us, and it took rather a long time to arrive. The staff were apologetic, offering us complimentary hot drinks while we waited, and then reducing the bill when we paid. We were impressed by their courtesy. We'll probably return.

Parking: Pretty good at that end of Ponsonby Rd, especially at the weekends.

Ambience: Relaxing, family-friendly.

Service: Pretty good, but can be slow when there's a crowd.

Open: 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm weekends.

* Read more about what's happening in the world of food, wine, party places and entertainment in canvas magazine, part of your Weekend Herald print edition.