Mezze Bar, Auckland City

By CARROLL DU CHATEAU for canvas

Finding a decent brunch in the city during the weekend is a problem. Cafes open and shut with depressing regularity. The Chancery complex, for example, has had such a revolving line-up of eateries, I've given up going there in favour of heading uptown. And as keen as I am on Asian, I simply can't get excited by rice or noodles before 10am.

Which is why we were pleased when a new Mezze Bar opened off Durham Lane a few weeks ago. Sister to the Mezze near the Town Hall, the menu is enormous. Alongside the ordinary brunch options (available until 3pm) and the odd panini under glass, there's a blackboard full of tapas dishes, several dinner options and, for those of sturdy constitution, a mighty selection of wines and hard liquor.

Best of all this restaurant, which used to house Feast, has a delightful, airy, relaxed feel. There are couches in the corners if you want to linger, tables for those who want to roll up their sleeves and eat, plus a few bar stools.

We started with coffee and a raspberry tea (served in a cheerful, battered red teapot) while our Eggs Benedict with Smoked Salmon ($16.50) and Turkish Breakfast Plate ($13.50), were being concocted. I use the word "concocted" deservedly. Apparently Turks favour slices of raw cucumber, tomato, creamy feta, black olives and runny honey, served with a couple of triangles of toasted Turkish bread for breakfast. And so did I, once I'd got over the dismay of facing a plate of cold food on a chilly autumn morning. Everything was of highest quality and freshness. I finished the lot feeling satisfied and healthy at the same time.

The Eggs Benedict on the other hand were hot, rich and delicious — and so filling Ena was delighted. She swears she ate nothing else all day. Just the thing to set you up for a little weekend shopping.

We've been back to the Mezze Bar several times since this visit and find it unfailingly excellent. There's a relaxing casual feel, the ancient windows open to the street, you can eat — and pay — as much or as little as you like, the music is upbeat and perky yet not too loud, and the service spot on. Try it next time you're in town.


Hours: Open 7am-late weekdays and 10am-late Saturdays.

Service: Friendly and they don't need table numbers to find you

Ambience: Relaxed, Mediterranean

Parking: Will surely improve when the Victoria St carpark is finally remodelled.

* 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.