Tomorrow's Brunch – Hello Friends + Allies

This new Epsom cafe has quickly become a favourite, not only with the Dish team, but the whole neighbourhood.

While Hello Friends + Allies has one of the most tempting cabinets you're likely to come across – filled with fresh batches of pastries, baking, sandwiches and salads which change daily – it's worth drawing your eyes away to look at the menu, which is just as exciting. We visited on a weekday but felt like we were in the middle of a weekend rush; word has obviously spread fairly quickly about this bright little spot. 

You can be sure that anything you order will be packed full of flavour, no matter how simple they may sound. After spotting it on another table, we ordered the Pea and Mascarpone Bruschetta, which came with avocado, bocconcini mozzarella and pecorino (a dish we were told had just been invented). Another member of our team has been known to traverse suburbs for their Breakfast Bruschetta (Italian ciabatta, with french goat's cheese, vine-ripened tomato, basil, prosciutto, honeycomb and figs). As their specials change often make sure to check what's on offer when you visit.

I'm not usually one to order muesli while out for breakfast unless it sounds particularly delicious, which Hello Friends + Allies' option did. Their bircher came with a poached pear and a generous dash of lemon curd, taking it into dessert territory, which happens to be somewhere I'm more than happy to visit any time of day. The Grilled Broccoli and Baby Carrots (with sourdough, provolone cheese, poached eggs, and caramelised almonds and quinoa) would make for a hearty breakfast during the depths of winter. Seeing the Croque Madame grilled sandwich complete with ham, three cheeses and a fried egg) make its way to a neighbouring table along with a Breakfast Board – piled with granola, eggs and soldiers, prosciutto, halloumi, chorizo, smoked salmon, pesto and tomatoes – confirmed we'd be back.

As you leave, it will be almost impossible to make it back past their cabinet without picking up a classic cream-filled doughnut or pastry. With a selection of smoothies, fresh juices and Coffee Supreme on offer – along with their mouth-watering menu – it makes sense Hello + Friends and Allies already has people flocking from near and far.

Address
93 Great South Road, Epsom
Auckland
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 7am – 4pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8am – 4pm
Facebook Page