Reviews The Block Cafe

Zomato
Jessica Freeth
+5
Yummy food ! Great service my dad has very bad allergies but they accommodated to his needs which is usually a struggle with other restaurants.
The waitress was very lovely she even let us know when her shift finished and she introduced us on to the other gentlemen who took over. Ciders were yummy as well !
3 months ago
Zomato
TheMʌverick
+5
Ahh yes, The Block - a hot spot with the locals, and one of the better eateries in the area, I'd heard many good things of their cajun fried chicken eggs benny prior to my visit - then one fateful Saturday morning I stormed in like a man on a mission and ordered just that. I'd been here once before and the service was just as sharp as I remember. The crispy cajun chicken was cooked amazingly well and whoever the genius was who thought to pair it with the eggs benedict deserves a medal. A subtle twist on a breakfast dish we all know and love without being too poncy. 5☆
8 months ago
Zomato
Rach Rish
+5
Great food and service, mince on toast is A+++ and the hash brown plate fills my partner up (which is a challenge!)
9 months ago
Zomato
Chan Can Eat
+5
Delicious food here and great selection for breakfast and lunch.
Great casual vibe, nice outdoor dining spaces too.
Best breakfast spot in blockhouse bay by a mile
Sep 28, 2019
Zomato
Gaurav Singh
+5
the block has exceeded my expectation, very well trained staff and great menu, you should definitely give this place a try. We will be back again for sure
Jul 25, 2019
Zomato
Hannah Zheng
+5
Come here all the time for a quick breakfast and it never disappoints! The place is pretty open but can get cold at times due to how open it is. The service is good when it’s not busy.
May 12, 2019
Zomato
#fatlyfe
+5
Ordered the mango smoothie, thin fries and Sri Lankan chicken lollipops. The lollipops were freaking amazing and nothing like I’d ever had before..... it tasted like schezchuan sauce along with some onions and capsicum. They need to bottle that sauce I would buy that in the dozens 😍😍😍 the mango smoothie seemed creamy even those the base was ice not sure how they did it but again bloody amazing. I normally only like to go to a place once but those lollipops are hard not to think about lol. Even though they were really busy the staff were friendly and we didn’t have to wait for our food
Apr 22, 2019
Zomato
Aabhas Dole
+4
After several recommendations we ended up in this cafe yesterday with our dog. We ordered about 4 breakfast items and sides and thoroughly enjoyed everything here.

Very friendly staff and superb service too.
Mar 23, 2019
Zomato
Vaqara_Kana
+4
Spacious cafe, lots of seating friendly staff.
Coffee strong, smooth and great mouth feel
Corn fritters delicious - crisp on the outside, soft and full of flavours combined perfectly with Crème fraîche, avocado, bacon and chilli sauce
Text book eggs benedict with stuffed mushrooms
Handcut fries were average but overall love this suburban gem
Mar 10, 2019
Zomato
Jay
+5
Really nice local Cafe in the heart of Blockhouse Bay. The food options are great - you have your usual breakfast options, as well as some interesting lunch options. I opted for the lamb and it was well crafted and complemented with some good couscous and pomegranate. Overall a great place to catch up!
Feb 13, 2019
Zomato
Carolyn Koloni
+4
We loved this place. Our first visit and definitely won’t be our last. The menu was awesome but portion sizes a bit too big. Very reasonably priced
Dec 17, 2018
Zomato
Steve Hall
+5
Another on my mission to find the best eggs Benedict in Auckland, this had the interesting option of Japanese fried chicken. Service was good and good arrived very quickly, the chicken is a good choice and enjoyed this and am putting this equal number one in Auckland so far
Dec 09, 2018
Zomato
James
+5
Great coffee and great food. Probably the best cafe in this area by far. Nice vibe and friendly staff. Love the big breakfast. Does get busy though.
Nov 29, 2018
Zomato
Sean Ny
+5
Great food, great service, great ambience! Would definitely come back regularly! The location has lots of parking and is easy to find. The ribs were amazing !
Nov 28, 2018
Zomato
Rosie
+5
always good service here, love the food and always a good vibe!!! we got the gnocchi, beef burger and duck salad, all tasted amazing, will definitely be back
Oct 11, 2018
Zomato
Ben M
+4
The Block is always really good! Nice food, great chefs, and amazing service staff!!! Coffee is really nice and they serve craft beers on tap. The building is beautiful and I can't wait for summer to roll round so we can get back out on the front deck and enjoy the food, beer and sun. If the chef brings the prawn pasta back on the menu - order it! - it's beautiful !
Sep 30, 2018
Zomato
Zana Covich
+5
Great menu, great coffee, always comes out fast and worth the money. Cool vibes especially when they have live music playing. Would definitely come back. I've been for a birthday dinner, casual lunch and breakfast.
Aug 05, 2018
Zomato
Boty
+5
Great place. Huge plates! The food is excellent. Great service. We went for a brunch with friends. Good music, good atmosphere. Definitely coming back.
Jul 14, 2018
Zomato
Jo Cheung
+4
Food there is great! I had the duck liver gnocchi and it was full of flavour and well seasoned. Gnocchi was soft and pillowy. They are very accommodating to allergies as well. The only let down is the wait time for food and drinks, which was longer than I'm used to, even for the lunch rush (20 mins for a coffee). But the wait was well worth the delicious food. If you have a big group, definitely book in advance.
Jul 02, 2018
Zomato
Local Grams-ma
+5
This place is just lovely. The staff are friendly and warm, and the atmosphere of the place is welcoming and the decor is delightful. Hand made paintings and photos hang on the walls, which give it an authentic feeling to the overlay of the building. As with the food, it is absolutely delicious. I ordered the big block and it was truth to its size and well worth the money. As with the coffee, for me it was just right. This place is a must visit if your anywhere in Blockhouse bay and are looking for a bite to eat. Lovely staff, lovely food and coffee.
Jun 22, 2018
Zomato
Kieran
+4
You know those times where you're slightly hungover, you're unsure what you want to eat, maybe something sweet, maybe something savory? ... Smoothie or an iced chocolate?  Or are you just gonna go with Coffee and an OJ?

It's first world problem time.
You have money in your back pocket.
An appetite that could rival Kim Kardashian's ass.
You're unsure what food you want.
All you know is you're not going to settle for average.

The Block.
Indulge yourself.

Having experienced so many disappointments for Auckland brunch's, it's refreshing to be brought here for great, uncomplicated, well constructed, beautifully presented and superbly balanced dishes.  There is a dedication here that you do not find a whole lot.

The Michelin Guide awards 3 stars to restaurants it deems "exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey".  I'm not saying The Block is 3 Michelin star worthy, but it is a long way from where I live and I would make that special journey time and time again.
Jun 20, 2018
Zomato
Cookingkenny
+4
Yum, the food was great. The staff friendly and attentive. The soul bowl was a delight to find. The only complaint is one I’ve made before I. Other places. The ingredients were listed except for the cucumber. Now I hate cucumber. If it had been listed I’d have asked for it excluded but man it’s annoying when it turns up with every other listed ingredient.
On the good side the staff took this well and said they’d fix it when the menu gets rewritten in the season change menu
May 26, 2018
Zomato
Lizzie
+4
Had the most delicious fritters here with smoked salmon! Not usually one for fritters but after my friend recommended them, I gave it a go and wasn’t disappointed. Also really love that they had heaters on in the outdoor area and also blankets and cushions to keep you cosy!
May 20, 2018
Zomato
Georgia Vossen
+5
This place is a classic. Awesome venue, great staff, absolutely fabulous food. Always a great vibe here, always hard to choose what you want from their large menu with all the variety you would want.
I’ve had a lot from their menu and everything is just amazing! Can’t fault it.
May 13, 2018
Zomato
Kaydeen Manukia
+5
Love the food, the service is good! Friendly staff and I love the atmosphere. I go there quite a bit and always love it! Only thing I don’t like is the iced mocha I had once it was jelly ish :/ also been on a Saturday morning brunch and there was live music it was such a good way to start the day. We ended up chilling there for like half the day :I eek!
May 07, 2018
Zomato
عاتر زیدی
+5
Very friendly staff and amazing food. Loved our overall experience. Our coffee was amazing. Definitely going again. If you are in Blockhouse Bay then give it a try.
Apr 16, 2018
Zomato
Praneal Badal
+3.5
I used to live in Blockhouse Bay and having The Block open up was a bit of a refreshing addition to the town. Needless to say I have been here on many occasions and enjoyed above average pub food and a well balanced selection of drinks whether it is the coffee or the beer on tap. In fact I recall the potato bake they used to have was downright delicious and a great vegetarian option.
Their ribs can border on decadent at times..meat is good at The Block.

The place has had it's ups and downs trying to focus itself and getting the staffing complement right.There is now a local flavor to the place with the wall space dedicated to local artists to display their works and good beer on tap.
Great place to take the kids along for curly fries and a fluffy. Ladies will love the ginger beer, my wife does.
My one grouch is that the beer needs tasting regularly to ensure it is has not turned funky. 
Putting my hand up as a beer taster!
Mar 26, 2018
Zomato
Emz
+4
The Block is a nice fancy touch to blockhouse bay shops if you are looking for a more classy cafe in the area. I do enjoy their plate sized hash brown meal and Peking duck tacos. A little pricey but the flavours are well good. Some advice for owners: please add some air con and maybe some salad cabinet food :)
Feb 19, 2018
Zomato
Matthew Wallis
+5
Food was fantastic and the staff were warm yet efficient. I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this place and the coffee was of a high standard. I definitely recommend people give this cafe a go!
Feb 06, 2018
Zomato
Helen D
+5
My sister took me here after a 12km run. Excellent food, lots of choice and great atmosphere. Will definitely be coming back and recommending to others!
Feb 03, 2018
Zomato
T
+5
bro. the block truuuly came thru with dis bad boi! i mean come on....CROISSANT french toast! can you believe???? not only do they deliver on the food front but the service is sublime! the staff are super chill and were more than happy to alter my meal so that it was vegetarian friendly :)) the block has ya gal champing at the bit to bounce back!
Feb 02, 2018
Zomato
Kellie Ngaire
+4
I came here for brunch last week - I reserved a table for six the week before which was no problem at all, and when we arrived it was clearly marked reserved for us. I had the duck tacos which were excellent! Lots of flavour and deliciousness. A friend received a stale croissant which was disappointing. We had to go to the counter and ask for water after about 15 minutes as nobody came to service the table. Otherwise it was pretty good
Feb 02, 2018
Zomato
Eeeeeeat -> Use P6223 For Twenty% Off Gold Membership
+4
A hidden cafe/bar out west side. Im a sucker for fried chicken, so i tried their famous karaage chicken burger for lunch & it didnt dissapoint! Will definitely return :)
Jan 11, 2018
Zomato
ليلىٰ 💛
+4
Have always loved The Block since I first time I went there, which would of been about 3 or so years ago. This time I tried sweet corn, pea, mint and feta fritters with a sweet chili jam 😋 taste was well balanced and nice... Simple and fresh xx
The feta wasn't overpowering and the presentation was beautiful 😍😍😍

Thanks The Block for putting a different twist and flare on the good old sweet corn fritters 😂😂😂
Dec 28, 2017
Zomato
Diogo Reck
+3.5
Really surprised to see a place like this in Blockhouse Bay. Cool modern style, good to meet friends and have some drinks after work.

Staff is super friendly and menu is good with nice options of beef, pork, lamb, chicken and fish.

Everything I tried was good, and the chips came along with a yummy sauce. The sirloin was cooked to perfection, juicy and crispy fat.

Despite of the friendly staff I still think they can improve the service. It took us ages to get our water and the wine was hot (not room temp, hot).

Dec 09, 2017
Zomato
Yusoff Kamal
+4.5
Truly impress with this restaurant!

Even my friends are impressed with this place especially when it situated in a neighborhood area.

This is not our local neighborhood but worth travelling from east just to try somewhere new.
The block have the right amount of service, friendliness and delicious food that was serve beautifully.

And i do like the non-pretentious woody interior too. Overall..very happy and definately recommend this hidden gem.
Dec 07, 2017
Zomato
Pascale Lion Hopkins
+4.5
Came here on Sunday. Had the eggs Benedict with kushiage fried chicken it was delicious. Definitely coming back. Great service from the friendly staff
Nov 12, 2017
Zomato
Josie
+5
I love this place, my partner and I always recommend it to people who don’t know where to go for brunch, they do an awesome mince on toast and have heaps of seating. Try it out!
Nov 03, 2017
Zomato
Antoinettee Edmonds'z
+5
The block.is always a lovely place to come. Some of the staff is okay. And just always a nice vibe. Bit of a long wait here but it's worth it. Yummy food !. Always look forward to coming here 😁
Oct 24, 2017
Zomato
Sandy Austin
+4
First time here. What took us? A well-kept secret! Excellent food, friendly service. I am fussy about coffee - and got it just like I like it: double shot, milky flat white and NO FROTH! Thank you Block for listening to your customers. We'll be back. Thanks, again.
Sep 19, 2017
Zomato
Colin
+4.5
Its my first time here with my husband and a friend. We all enjoyed our food. Surprised to find such a nice cafe in the suburb and will definitely go back there and try other dishes
Sep 14, 2017
Zomato
Biskit
+5
WOW Hands down the MOST AMAZING Food Ever. The Breakfasts are to die for. Super food ingredients, tasty, well presented High Quality Food I've ever had. Deserves an Award. Staff are Great. DON'T CHANGE!!!!
(p.s Try not to let it go to your head lol)
Sep 09, 2017
Zomato
Anitha Narayan
+3.5
The service and ambience is top notch and coffee is very good - however we ordered eggs bene and I found it quite ordinary.. compared to some other places I have eaten at. The good thing is they have kids portions of most breakfast items - and the waffles were very enjoyable. Overall a nice enough place if only their food matched the service would be an easy 5 star!!
Aug 13, 2017
Zomato
Victoria Jenner
+4.5
Duck pasta was amazing!! I will come back for this. Fried chicken bene has been so hyped up, that it wasn't as good as I thought it would be but still yummy.
Jul 22, 2017
Zomato
Samantha Leon
+4.5
I loved it here. The staff were super friendly, food was delicious and it had a nice atmosphere. 
Got the fried chicken eggs bene (surprise surprise) and it was nothing like I ever had before. So weirdly interesting yet so deliciously satisfying. 
A little on the pricier side but would definitely go again.
Jul 19, 2017
Zomato
Emily
+3.5
Everytime I come here the food tastes different which sucks. I came recently and got the granny waffles and my mum got the plate sized hash brown and both tasted absolutely amazing, I went the next week with a friend and got the same things because I raved about how good they tasted and both dishes tasted nothing like they did the week before. we were so gutted! this had happened to me before too. Customer service is good, prices are standard. nothing to negative to say!
Jul 11, 2017
Zomato
The Cheesy Ravioli
+3.5
It's nice to have a good quality local business around. Most of the time I just go for the coffee, at $4.50-5 it's about an average NZ price but a notch above the average NZ taste/quality.Just been for brunch again this morning and I can't say it was as great as usual; the karaage chicken eggs bene was good, chicken was a bit dry and the english muffin slightly burnt. Mocha was nice!The staff are attentive 90% of the time, I think they are all locals which is nice. The Block definitely is a great place to catch up with friends and family. Would highly recommend it in the summer as the atmosphere is better suited to summer conditions. Also, the menu is seasonal, which is good if you like variety, but not so good if your favourite dishes can only be purchased during part of the year. (eggs bene is all year round, for all of you eggs bene fans).
Jul 09, 2017
Zomato
Andrew Felix Ferdaus
+4
Came here for a breakfast after reading good reviews about the place and the fried chicken benedict. I was pleasantly surprised by the vibe of the place and the service, and was expecting an awesome experience in there. Now onto the food~ ^^ The fried chicken bene left me a bit torn as there are still some room for improvement. Texture wise, the benedictine hits all the spot you could possibly ask from a humble eggs benedict. It came when it's still warm and fresh. The fried chicken was made really well, that it's still moist and crunchy even with such thin starch coating. There's a certain sauce lightly coating the chicken which reminded me of korean fried chicken sauce. The hollandaise was really creamy and not the least bit split, a hint of yuzu makes it a little bit more aromatic. The english muffin was lightly toasted and still fluffy (probably from the kumara in the dough?) And obviously, perfectly cooked poached eggs top it all of and makes this dish a perfect breakfast dish. Now onto the down part. The dish was a bit too lightly seasoned for me and it can seem a bit overpriced. The hollandaise didn't have enough acidity and salt in it, which kinda made it seem a bit greasy in your palate. Even though the muffin was really stunning, I can't get the fact out of my head that it was quite bland. A little bit of raw spinach that was put into the dish honestly, didn't really add anything into the dish. Otherwise, the short experience I had in here was top notch. The selection of sodas they have in here is pretty exciting in terms of flavour and really complement the food quite well. Was the food overpriced? Maybe. But needless to say, I would definitely come for more ;) (Onto the dinner menu next time!!!!)
Jun 29, 2017
Zomato
Yashie L
+4
Hidden gem tucked away in Blockhouse Bay, we went here for my birthday tea. A little bit price-y but it was worth every penny, food was definitely amazing! We had the dutch croquettes and pork dumplings for entrées, chicken karaage for mains and chocolate brownie with peanut butter and jelly ice cream. One of the best desserts I've ever had in Auckland. However, the service is not so good, we had to ask for them to clean up the plates after we had our mains and for the menu. Love the interiors, very rustic and cosy. Will definitely go back here for brunch :)
Jun 25, 2017
Zomato
Sid
+4
Loved it here. The friendly staff, good food and clean tables. The food is flavorsome, and tasty. A bit on the pricer side, however it's is worth it. Would defs go again.
Jun 21, 2017
Zomato
Vanessa Morris
+4.5
Very funky atmosphere. Lovely food. We had dinner there. Just would have liked more options for kids. Next time I'd like to go back for a breakfast.
May 15, 2017
Zomato
Nisarag Bhatt
+3.5
If you're living in the bay, this is the perfect place for a catch-up!!

The atmosphere is always great - you always see a lot of people here.

When my friend and I went, we both ordered pasta on the side and some fries. My pasta tasted really good however a bit let-down by the price-portion ratio.
May 09, 2017
Zomato
Lin Hua
+4
Great place for a meal, has a large variety for dishes suitable for any time of the day. Seating choice was impressive too, inside, outside or even in between! Tables were quite close to each other but because of how the restaurant is decorated and arranged it still feels very spacious.

Great food, right amount.
Staff is very attentive, knows when they're needed straight away and always has a smile.
May 03, 2017
Zomato
Arkisunday
+3.5
Good food!but not very good service.great on a Friday afternoon/night,definitely need to try if you haven't.Its a great local that all locals need to know about!
Apr 29, 2017
Zomato
Tiago Reinert Koch
+4
Good food and service. I had eggs bene just think that the Hollandaise sauce could be a bit tastier. My wife had the big block breakfast and it was very good. The toilet was a bit smelly but the place was quite busy so it's understandable. I love the atmosphere rustic and nice with in and outdoor tables. I recommend.
Apr 22, 2017
Zomato
Kyla Mackenzie
+4
This is a solid, appealing cafe, and my local.  Good, friendly staffing is critical, and apart from one or two disengaged male employees in a large, changing team, all in all, it's a pleasure to be in that spacious environment.  The coffee and kitchen food is always consistently good.
Mar 29, 2017
Zomato
Lisa Herrick
+4.5
Visited on a Sunday for lunch as I had to try their raved about fried chicken eggs bene and it did not disappoint. I thought it might be a strange combination but everything went together really well. My partner had the Duck salad and also enjoyed his meal.

Friendly service, we were greeted straight away, orders were taken promptly and food arrived quite quickly. Couldn't fault this place.
Mar 12, 2017
Zomato
Oksana Zhang
+4.5
Your local cafe, restaurant and bar nestled snugly in the heart of Blockhouse Bay. You can't miss them--you can hear them before you see them! Nicely decorated interior, friendly staff and prompt service.
Portions are on the more intricate side for the price you pay though, and flavouring could be improved, but overall it's worth visiting!
Feb 25, 2017
Zomato
Joanne Chiang
+4
This place is spacious! I was expecting it to be very packed on a Saturday brunch time but we managed to find a seat. The service was great. I ordered a duck salad and bf got the banh mi. Both were delicious. The duck salad can be quite sickening after a while. Overall it was good
Feb 12, 2017
Zomato
Laura And Peli
+4
Always good food here! Missed out on trying the Fried Chicken eggs benedict. My partner tried the crab and i had the smoked salmon eggs benedict. Both were good. However the salmon portion was small and I had to ask for more benedict sauce. The Atmosphere is awesome, feels like you're away at a bach.  Will definitely come back again.
Came back a second time and had the chili corn fritters, my partner tried the omelet with King fish I think it was. The corn fritters were really nice, would have been good with a little more chili to give it at least a little kick, but I would order it again. The omelette was super salty, and not very nice, we won't be ordering that again.
Jan 24, 2017
Zomato
Rachel Herriott
+4
We went to The Block on our way home from Bird Rescue to grab a takeaway coffee and iced chocolate. The service was great, the young lady behind the counter was super friendly. The coffee was just the best! The decor was pleasing and the atmosphere was nice too. The music was slightly too loud and there were no Animal Product Free menu items but I would definitely have coffee here again.
Dec 29, 2016
Zomato
Elise McDowell
+4
I love the block. It's our local and we frequent here all the time. The food.ans the service is always on point and extremely well presented. Me and my partner happened to be there the morning they were screening the All Blacks vs Ireland game and so we stayed and watched the first half. It was great! The only downfall (which isn't really a downfall) is that it's always packed and very hard to find a seat unless you go super early or super late! And the coffee sometimes tastes too bitter or burnt, but that might just be the style of coffee. I'm not a connoisseur or anything so this doesn't bother me too much.
Dec 08, 2016
Zomato
Cristine Manalo
+4.5
Came here for Sunday brunch, it was good that it wasn't super busy (heard good things about it so was expecting a wait). Ordered the corn fritters and French toast and it was pretty good, no bad thing about either dish and their coffee was on point too. Would love to come back and try their other things, was very difficult deciding what to get!
Nov 27, 2016
Zomato
Monique Porteous
+4.5
After hearing so much about the Block's fried chicken eggs bene, I knew I had to make my way on over to the famous Blockhouse Bay cafe. The decor makes you feel as if you are in a super trendy beach front house and the staff make you feel as if you are at home. Even though there was some road works right outside the cafe, it didn't even matter 😋. The menu has something for everyone, they even do a range of items in 'kid size'! Perfect for families or adults with little appetites 👪. The way I test if a cafe is up to scratch is through their eggs on toast - and let me tell you, they hit the mark 🐣. Definitely going to be making my way back here on a hot summers day ☀️
Nov 02, 2016
Zomato
Lorra.A
+4
Local Cafe. Which is great. Food is fabulous. staff are alsom. The only thing is food is costly. But apart from that its a great place..Atmosphere is great.
Oct 30, 2016
Zomato
HungryRunner
+4
Had a flat white on a late mid-week afternoon. Place is clean and cozy. It was quite quiet at that time which was perfect when I caught up with my friend.
Oct 03, 2016
Zomato
Holly D-T
+4.5
Great little place! I ordered the hash with bacon/mushrooms and egg. This was so huge I couldn't even finish it but very delicious! The service was prompt and friendly plus the decor is great! Will definitely be back here to try more of the menu! :)
Sep 22, 2016
Zomato
Grace
+5
Love this place!! I'm a local and I always come here on Saturday's for coffees the coffees are really good I come here around 8:00am and I've never had a bad coffee. The staff at the block are really friendly and I've got to know them and good to talk to the atmosphere is really good and it's really busy in the weekends. I've came here also for a drink and the bar men are really good and friendly and give good tips on what's a good drink to buy!
Aug 21, 2016
Zomato
Oliver Pringle
+4
very fast service. Excellent breakfasts and good food presentation. the décor is a little dated but is a pleasant atmosphere for a morning coffee.
Jul 15, 2016
Zomato
Stephy_NakiGirl
+3.5
I used to eat at The Block Cafe regularly when I worked in the area, & it's great to see this spot continues to go from strength to strength. It is like a hideaway very close to a busy roundabout & with the indoor/outdoor flow there is plenty of room to spread out.
Having seen their latest special on social media I decided it was time for another visit, and although for me this dish did not work, I am keen to return to explore more of the menu including old faves which I used to love. The beef salad, burger, sliders, & especially the Avo on 7 grain.
Today it was a busy morning but service was relatively good throughout - not special, but friendly enough. Took a little while to order, but my food arrived quickly especially considering how busy they were, & even before my coffee.
Coffee was very dark but not bitter & did not need sugar. Nice flavour.
I tried the crumbed chicken eggs bene as I'd heard it was amazing - not so much in my opinion. I didn't enjoy it at all as a whole. The eggs were beautifully poached & muffin base a nice texture with seeds in it? Hollandaise with a tang of lemon. The problem lay with the chicken - a little greasy & with no flavour despite the coating. I'm not sure that I was expecting KFC flavours, more just flavour - it needed a squeeze of lemon, or some other herbs in the coating. It's not something I would order again - I would chose the bacon bene or one of the other dishes I have mentioned above.
So my score somewhat reflects this dish, with the knowledge that it was a special & other dishes are that much better. Based on my previous experiences I would normally rate it at least a 4, and will happily review this after my next visit.
May 28, 2016
Zomato
Ellie
+5
As you can tell i love the Eggs Benedict from The Block it never disappoints, i have gone to a few places to get eggs benedict but The Block by far is one of the best.  Drinks and customer service is also fabulous :)
May 25, 2016
Zomato
Shiksha Sridhar
+5
Between 4 people we all ordered from the same 2 dishes, Eggs Benedict with Salmon and the Creamy Mushrooms for a Sunday brunch, The hit was definitely the Creamy mushrooms as the ones who ordered the Eggs Benny ended up scavenging from the ones with the Creamy Mushrooms. This has now become one of those places that we will probably only visit when we are craving a good dose of creamy mushrooms. Can't wait to go back!
May 09, 2016
Zomato
Ryan Orr
+4.5
We can to The Block Cafe this morning for one reason ... An excuse for me to have pork belly for breakfast. The coffee was great- strong and earthy. I had massive expectations for the pork belly Bennie, it was good, but not great- I think the bacon would have been the better option( you can choose). My partners Avo on 7 grain was spectacular - the mix of flavours was fresh and combined with the honey smoked bacon it hit the spot. We will be back soon !!
May 01, 2016
Zomato
Anh Doe
+4
Their special fried chicken eggs bene is totally worth the drive. Amazingly good coffee. I'm glad we were seated in their semi outdoorsie area, the indoors by the counter admittedly looked rather gloomy especially on a rainy autumn day. Unsurprisingly, our troop, including myself couldn't help our fear of missing out, ended up going for the signature fried chicken bene. We will definitely return for the other mouth watering items on their menu.
Apr 24, 2016
Zomato
Sarah Clarke
+4
Have been here a couple of times now, both for breakfast and lunch. Have always found the service timely and friendly.

Breakfast - Eggs Benedict with bacon is a great start to the day, with the difference of the pumpkin seed bagel instead of muffin which is a nice touch, the hollandaise sauce is not the traditional mass produced overly creamy rich stuff you usually find.  Filling meal but not leaving you with a sick feeling full stomach.

Lunch - have taken my staff for lunch a couple of times and have all got something different.  Every meal was great, all leaving full and happy, again we had good service and good food.
Apr 20, 2016
Zomato
Bones
+4.5
I have been coming here for a while now and watched the menu change and get better and better. The latest menu is by far the best for what I like to eat. My favourite dish is the waffles,served with bacon banana and a delicious sorbet. Bacon comes out a little crispier than I like but I just ask for it to be cook not crispy and it's perfect. Highly recommended them as a different option to the usual French toast.
Apr 09, 2016
Zomato
James T. Raukete
+4.5
Great! Saw this place in an article on Urban List this morning for places with best blow out breakfasts. So naturally, on my only day off I wanted to see what got them on there. It was the Deep Fried Chicken Eggs Bene. Chicken bathed in its children, covered in breadcrumbs, deep fried, more eggs, poached and then covered with an egg sauce. A delicious chicken massacre! Yum!

It being a Sunday, The Block was very busy but we were able to get a table and our orders taken quickly. Coffees arrived not long after and food a bit of a wait but did not mind as we could see the kitchen was humming with dockets.

We also ordered the Waffles and Wagyu Burger. The Burger was 👌🏽. Waffles was great too. Waffles were served with banana, vanilla syrup, bacon and a lemon sorbet. The sorbet went well with the waffles. The syrup went well with the waffles but all together I felt the flavour left a sour taste in my mouth. Don't get be wrong, this maybe be a flavour that most people like but unfortunately it wasn't for me.

The staff here are lovely and this is a great cafe. We will be back again for sure.
Apr 03, 2016
Zomato
Aiko Cefre
+4
Great food for two and awesome service.

We ordered the platter for 2 - very good spread of bites, the shoestring fries which had 2 dipping sauces (the aioli was good) and an Eton mess.

The service was warm and welcoming albeit it took a while for the food to get to the table.

Highly recommended - definitely come back!
Apr 02, 2016
Zomato
Charlene Weaver
+4
I came here for lunch today for the first time and really enjoyed my meal! It's great to see a high-end, trendy, cafe open in the area, I think it was just what Blockhouse Bay needed. 

I ordered the buttermilk waffles with grilled banana, mandarin sorbet and bacon. I loved the waffles which were fresh, light and crispy, the mandarin sorbet was amazing. I'm a huge fan of sorbet and the texture and flavour was perfect. 

My fellow diners, ordered the beef burger and big breakfast - they all thoroughly enjoyed their meals! Service was reasonable, if anything staff could be a bit more attentive and more friendly/outgoing.

The setting, ambience and decor was perfectly cosy. I would definately return again.
Mar 20, 2016
Zomato
Mikaela Richardson
+5
Been too The Block twice now,

Always great food, and the service is great, would highly recommend! Eggs bene is great love the home
Made muffins , bacon + pork belly eggs bene is great.
Feb 21, 2016
Zomato
Emma W
+4.5
My partner and I ended up having lunch here on a Sunday after somewhere else was closed and we went for a random drive but it definitely all worked out for the best. Such a wonderful place. The staff were very attentive, our drinks took less than 10 minutes to arrive and the food was on the table within 20, although it was rather busy. I had the fish & chips and my partner had the burger. Both were reasonable prices and tasted really good but I should have ordered a salad on the side of my meal. The iced chocolate was one of the best I have ever tasted, wonderfully bitter! Will recommend to anyone who finds themselves in Blockhouse Bay :)
Jan 20, 2016
Zomato
ViVi
+4
We were looking for a newplace to eat near the blockhouse bay road. We had found this place. We visited there for lunch today. They have changed their menu, but the food was absolutely fantastic.
Jan 19, 2016
Zomato
Dimitrios Konstantopoulos
+4.5
Very good overall.
creative menu. Tasty incredients.
different options for seating including outdoor covered benches and tables.
Good service. Not pricey at all.
highly recommended.
Jan 17, 2016
Zomato
Jaya Soma
+5
Loved this place!

I came here for lunch with my fam. None of us had been before so it was a first for all of us. I had heard good things about The Block Cafe, and we were in the area, so decided to check it out.

First impression of the cafe was great! It's a cute little joint situated in the heart of Blockhouse Bay so it's hard to miss while driving down the main road. It was a hot day and all doors were open, letting the breeze flow through. All the decor, fittings and fixtures worked well with the overall look and suited the atmosphere well.

Back to food; mum had ordered the corn fritters, dad ordered a breakfast with a potato rosti, my brother ordered the squid salad and I ordered the chicken chimichanga. My dish was amazing! If you don't know what a chimichanga is, it's pretty much just a deep fried burrito. The filling was great and it was topped with sour cream and guacamole. I highly recommend this dish! Everyone else loved their meals - each meal was flavoursome and wholesome, leaving us all feeling satisfied. I was absolutely stuffed after the chimichanga!

The cafe is also opened during the evening for dinner. I believe the dinner menu is different from the lunch menu.

This place is a must if you're in Blockhouse Bay or if you're just on the hunt for a decent meal!
Jan 17, 2016
Zomato
Helen Liang
+3.5
We came here for my early birthday lunch! Was quite busy when we went but managed to get table. My friend got the miso ramen (8/10) the ginger was too overpowering but despite the ginger she really enjoyed in dish. She also got an ice coffee to go with it (9/10).i got the bacon eggs Benedict (6/10) the eggs Benedict could've been better because one of the eggs were slightly overcooked and i wasnt a big fan of spinach but other than that i enjoyed it very much. I also got the fejioa and apple smoothie (9/10) we would definitely come back again and try their dinner menu because the atmosphere was so cosy and they had fairy lights so we want to see how it is at night.
Dec 23, 2015
Zomato
Christian
+4
Lunch with the family. Food was excellent. Wagyu burger was very juicy and had some really big flavours. Probably the tastiest burger I've had in Auckland. It really was worth the trip alone.
Corn fritters were also really good. Excellent flavour and a big serving.
Smoothie was a bit plain and the serving 'board' was a bit impractical for the burger.

Only thing keeping me from scoring this place a 4.5 was the ambience. As it is a bar type establishment it smelt a little like stale beer in the outdoor area.

Will definitely return.
Dec 13, 2015
Zomato
Abbey Lissaman
+4.5
Wonderful new restaurant. Came here for lunch on a lovely warm summery day. Generous meal sizes, all our dishes were fantastic, along with the carrot cake after! Good service, great atmosphere. Lovely and spacious too. Will defenitley come here again and recommend to lots of friends! Loved it.
Nov 24, 2015
Zomato
Limaono
+4.5
YaMarnis We ordered Eggs Bene and Mochas. VERY good food! The eggs were cooked perfect! The hollandaise sauce wasn't the best so is the only reason I scored it a 4.5 instead of a 5 :) Great coffee and service! A bit pricy but money well spent :)
Nov 22, 2015
Zomato
YaMarnis
+4.5
Well what can we say... Hard to fault anything about this Cafe. We ordered eggs Bene and have to say we were impressed by the set up staff and other clientele enjoying themselves. Well done.
Nov 21, 2015
Zomato
Beverly Semu
+4
had breakfast here last Christmas and it was really nice, really nice staff and just a perfect location in the bay. would definitely recommend it!
Nov 20, 2015
Zomato
Sinéad Rose Stayton
+4
Visited the block for a brunch today, I ordered the chilly calamari salad and my partner had the block big breakfast, my meal was really yum! Could of had a bit more calamari to balance with the generous amount of salad but was overall really yummy, could taste a strong taste of ginger I think it was?? The big breakfast was a bit over priced for the size it was but enjoyable :) good atmosphere and very friendly staff! Wouldn't mind going back to try more meals!
Nov 19, 2015
Zomato
Nikki
+4.5
Came here tonight to celebrate my birthday! Staff looked after us really well and made us all feel welcome! Food was great and looked amazing. Turned up and the tables weren't how we wanted them so they were happy to let us move them which was awesome! Thanks for looking after us tonight the service and food was great!
Nov 04, 2015
Zomato
Chris Mcneill
+4
Sunday brunch here last weekend. What an unexpected treasure of a place. Much roomier and well laid out than the outside would indicate . Really good coffee which we finished before the meals arrived but that was fine , we just had another round!

Four different dishes for our party and everyone was very satisfied with their choice. I had the Mac and beans which had to be passed to one of the males in the group to finish. Very tasty but deceptively filling. Good attentive service from the young wait staff. Will definitely come back.

Oct 23, 2015
Zomato
Anna Bentley
+4
I loved my breakfast it was delish! I got the 'something healthy' with house smoked salmon. My brother got the corn fritters which were also very impressive and so fluffy!! Service was good, however not overly impressed by the coffee. Overall would definitely recommend 😊
Oct 21, 2015
Zomato
Amaani Cornett
+4
Breakfast is average, for dinner i had a soup which was bland and not worth my money. However, the dark chocolate cheesecake with raspberry couli and icecream was to die for! Definitely recommend this for all the cheesecake lovers. Good location and great customer service ☺
Oct 04, 2015
Zomato
Amy @ My Dining Journey
+4
Venturing out to Blockhouse Bay is not something I do often but recently my friends and I have started doing hikes around Waitakere Ranges in West Auckland and what a great opportunity to start discovering the cafe scene out west. Surrounded by rather run down shops on the main road, The Block stood out with it’s spacious outdoor dining area and modern exterior.
Oct 13, 2015
Zomato
Kris Baudry
+4
Went for brunch, good to see the lunch menu available. Excellent food, and pretty good coffee, tho no hot water with the long black unless requested. Let down by some tardy service, as other tables that had arrived after us had their order taken first.
Sep 21, 2015
Zomato
Wanderlust
+4
I had heard a lot of positive feedback about this cafe from friends and family, so I thought I'd pop in. Firstly I am so happy about how early it opens, I often find myself in the weekend waiting around waiting for places to open early in the weekend.

We managed to get a park outside the place which was good. Staff were friendly, super quick and attentive. Great coffee, creamy and strong.

There were so many choices on the menu, it was difficult to choose. The menu has some brilliant taste combinations. The classics were there such as mince on toast.

The meals were put together beautifully, with good sized portions and timely. The only downside was I thought the meals could have been hotter.

I will come again and make my way through the menu.
Sep 19, 2015
Zomato
Grace Macalincag
+4.5
First time at The Block Cafe & I was pleasantly surprised at how great it was. The staff were lovely & polite & the ambience was nice. Food & coffee was delicious. However we got seated in the middle which felt a little cramped - but then again, it was a Saturday morning so it was pretty full. Would definitely go back 😊
Sep 09, 2015
Zomato
Alan Peters
+5
I go to the Block often it has great food hawkes bay pilsner is one of the best beers i have ever drank the staff are top notch i look forward to friday very happy hard looking biker guy.
Aug 23, 2015
Zomato
Greg Jonas
+4.5
Been here several times now, great service, great food. Also has a nice range of craft beer. Well worth a visit for any meal of the day.
Aug 19, 2015
Zomato
Vth7872
+3.5
The plate sized hash brown, quesadilla, fries, omolette and ALL cookies and cakes are fresh and mad etc perfection. The prices may be a bit high. But the food is well worth it. My favourite item on the menu is their iced coffees. They make THE best! The reason I rated it average though, is because the staff haven't been friendly in the times that I've been there. And the wait time can be ridiculous.
Aug 13, 2015
Zomato
Taylor Compain
+4
Great food , nice service! The only downside is the parking on a busy day but I love The Block! Always worth a try and worth the trip out if you don't live out west. I love the classic eggs benny and the steak! And it's great that it's open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Aug 08, 2015
Zomato
Joan Edwards
+4.5
We go to The Block on a regular basis and sometimes the service can be a bit inconsistent but it is generally very good. It's always busy with a great atmosphere on a sunny day due to the fantastic outdoor areas. It's dog friendly on the front deck which is a bonus for us. Don't expect fine dining but food is above average and if you're local, it's brilliant and makes Blockhouse Bay a great place to live. With a good drinks list and NZ craft beers, the Block is also perfect for a couple of cheeky drinks in the afternoon. It's our local and we love it because of that.
Aug 08, 2015
Zomato
Goldilox
+4
-everything about the block cafe is a 4/5, nothing is spectacular but everything is above average
-cooked breakfast was tasty, well balanced and didn't taste gluggy or fatty
-bright, contemporary and clean premises
-you won't be disappointed if you are needing something to eat in blockhouse bay
-prices are pretty reasonable for what you get
Aug 07, 2015
Zomato
Daniel O'Brien
+4.5
We visited for lunch on a whim and were thoroughly impressed with the food.  The lamb salad and smoked mac'n'cheese exceeded our expectations and we most certainly will be returning.

You chef is a rockstar, give him a payrise!
Jul 21, 2015
Zomato
MissEstherZ
+3.5
The Block is a cafe that's very close to me and is always bustling with people- it's a very popular store and beautifully furnished.

The food is averagely priced, as in its comparable to most other places. I have had tea and coffee there, and unfortunately I am not a coffee snob and can't tell the difference between good coffee or bad coffee sorry :(

The food I thought was also very normal- I was not disappointed but I was not wowed either. You get what you expect, although the wait for our food was quite long- long enough that one of us had to move their car while waiting because most of an hour had been eaten up by waiting.. Eaten... Is that a pun? Good service and atmosphere, a great set up for a neighbourhood cafe. Would probably come back here again since I live around here!
Jul 21, 2015
Zomato
Jenny Gilchrist
+5
We've been here a number of times and each time it is always a fantastic place to come as they have very friendly service and lovely food. What's even better is they update their menu to match the season. It's great having this cafe so handy!😀
Jul 11, 2015
Zomato
Foodarella
+5
Friendly, efficient and on-to-it service. Awesome coffee. Extremely tasty food (block bacon is well worth the extra $2), considered. My new local!
Jul 04, 2015
Zomato
Jazzy Jazz
+5
This place is awesome! My local yes sure but the service and the ambience and decor is quite cool, the have quality chefs and some top coffee. The staff are always friendly and very prompt is their service. Would recommend going there for a sunday brunch or an everyday coffee definately my go to!
Jun 30, 2015
Zomato
Denise D'Sa
+4
The Block Cafe is a relatively new opening and is just what was needed to make Blockhouse Bay a little more exciting.

I've only ever been for brunch, but the food has been good, my go-to eggs Benedict are always cooked perfectly and the bacon is nice and crispy.

The service can be quite slow, and sometimes they get orders muddled up but the staff are always friendly.
Jun 12, 2015
Zomato
Lauren Lee
+5
The Block Cafe is the perfect place for breakfast and lunch (haven't tried their dinner meal). They have a great variety of meals and everything I've tried so far taste and look amazing. I'm not crazy about their coffees but that won't stop me from visiting regularly. I would recommend it to everyone in the area :)
Jun 11, 2015
Zomato
Xiaotaoyanzaixinxilan
+4
nice place with wonderful food@The Block
Jun 07, 2015
Zomato
Ishita M. Mendonsa
+4
I've been here a fair few times and I've really fallen in love with the place. The vibe is lovely, and the food is even better. I have to add, that the service time has consistently been an issue and were it not for this element, I would have rated this place a 5. It does get very busy so be prepared for longer wait times than your average brunch place. That being said you will not be disappointed because it is worth it. Healthy and yummy breakfasts, good live music, and a kickass beer selection (on tap to boot!). Love going down to the waterfront/ coastal walks after a lazy brunch!
May 21, 2015
Zomato
Stuart Harper
+4
I was recommended this place by a friend and it did not disappoint. I opted for the 'heathy choice' breakfast which was absolutely delicious, my friend had the large hash brown Etc which again looked great and tasted great I was assured. The service was cold and at best polite which was a shame because I would have considered maximum points had it been as good as the breakfast. Well done chef, your food is great.
May 18, 2015
Zomato
Lee V
+4.5
Oh gosh I love this place! It's such a great place for a laid back brunch/lunch. The confit duck is my favourite, but everything i've tried so far has been yummy. The staff are very friendly and service good. Sometimes the wait times for food can be a little longer than "normal" but drinks are usually pretty quick.
May 05, 2015
Zomato
Vicky Mackenzie
+4
A group of 10 of us went to lunch and the service was pretty quick.  The food was really tasty.  I had the Crisp Potato Skins which very really crispy and had lots different flavours and textures with the cheese and the chili jam.   It was a big serving so had to share it with someone else.  Good food, good value and nice relaxed atmosphere!
May 04, 2015
Zomato
EssJay
+4.5
Good place, good vibe, prices aren't too expensive. They also have live acoustic music. If this had the views of Blockhouse Bay it would be perfect!
May 03, 2015
Zomato
Don's Food Fiesta
+3.5
This morning I wanted something different for brekkie so I ordered the Mac 'n' beans. Bacon was nice and the crust around the Mac had a pleasant crust. Was a very nice combination with the baked beans. Great atmosphere with beautiful paintings hanging for the public to view, even purchase. Pricey brekkie for its size so it'll def be a one off for me
Apr 18, 2015
Zomato
Foodiesfeast
+3.5
Had breakfast here on a Saturday morning recently and enjoyed the atmosphere of this cafe. I ordered the "something healthy" with bacon which was $18.00. The poached eggs were perfect however the rest of the meal was lacking, avocado was spread so thin I could barely taste it, bacon was overcooked and difficult to chew. A bit pricey for what I received however coffee and service was good.
Apr 05, 2015
Zomato
Sanjesh Lal
+4
I go here at least once a month. I think for the location and setting, it's actually pretty good. I always get good service. Yes perhaps food is a tad expensive, but hey a business needs to survive.
Mar 27, 2015
Zomato
Kiky Eng
+4
Was here for brunch last Saturday. Environment is so good, relax and comfortable. The food presentation is good and taste wonderful. Coffee is also lovely.
I must go back again shortly.
Feb 23, 2015
Zomato
Pooja Chandnani
+5
Excellent food ! Amazing coffees! Great service! Been here twice and on both occasions, I have not been disappointed :)
Great job guys ! ????????
Feb 07, 2015
Zomato
Where.iate
+4.5
Was here right before Christmas with 3 other friends for a catch up over brunch. we all live around the area (and have been for a very long time now) and did not realise there was such a nice cafe here! Minus points for us.

I found this place browsing Zomato, and thought we should give it a try. We definitely have no regrets.

There are lots of street parking, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. We chose an outdoor table to enjoy the warm summer sun. Our food and drinks came out really quickly and we all loved the food! Although I could have eaten double those beautiful sliders, it was probably a good idea not to (or I would probably burst). I am looking forward to go back to try the other dishes on the menu as my picky friends only had good things to say about their choices.
Jan 31, 2015
Zomato
Tan.ned
+4
Highly highly hiiiighlllyy recommend getting the feijoa and mango smoothies! I get these everytime I visit this restaurant :) I also recommend getting the duck fetucinne if you like pasta.
Dec 14, 2014
Zomato
Nikita Kumar
+4.5
I regularly visit The Block :) It is close to home and the service is great!! Food is AMAZING!! And the smoothies are to die for! Never disappointed with this place, and food is always presented well! Prices are little much, but the quality of food makes it worth it.
Nov 18, 2014
Zomato
Sonam Kumar
+3.5
The Block is our local and we go here if we really need too. The food is good and the smoothies are great also but I find the place to be a little bit over priced but thats cafe food I guess.
Nov 16, 2014
Zomato
Libby Conole
+4.5
We came here for Sunday lunch and brought my grandmother. Being of a different generation she wasn't keen to try anything on the menu and asked for a salad sandwich (not on the menu or in the cabinet). The staff didn't miss a beat and made her a custom sandwich like it was no trouble. We really appreciated how accommodating they were, especially at such a busy time. 

Our meals were delicious and the service was excellent - highly recommend.
Oct 17, 2014
Zomato
Chloe
+5
I absolutely love this place and the staff are always so polite and helpful
The food is always beautifully presented and the taste is equally as great
Would highly recommend ✔️
Oct 12, 2014
Zomato
Mady Johnson
+5
I went to this cafe in the weekend and fell in love with it. We would normally go all the way into town for a meal but we decided to try something more closer to home. We will 100% be going here from now on with such a Great location, amazing food, friendly staff and fast service.

I highly recommend everyone to try it out, you won't regret the trip!
Sep 15, 2014
Zomato
Stella
+4.5
Been here lots and have always really enjoyed the menu food (haven't eaten from the cabinet). Sometimes the table service is a little lax especially when you sit outdoors but otherwise very good
Sep 09, 2014
Zomato
Courtney @ A Food Awakening
+3.5
The Block is a great eatery in Blockhouse Bay - hence the name, bringing a casual atmosphere for that laid back meal. For this occasion we chose to come for brunch however I will be returning for lunch or dinner after seeing what other diners around us had ordered. 

TBH what we ate would be a really good hangover meal. The Block serves as a real man's meal giving you everything you want for breakfast. The bf said the baked beans were great as they had a more barbecued flavour and thought the stuffed mushroom was something different! I couldn't ask for more. Everything on the sunrise sandwich was cooked perfectly and satisfied exactly what I was craving. The only issue I have is the name of the meal haha - sunrise sandwich is just odd. The meals are served hot, and quickly and although they aren't amazing they are a great size and great value for money. You get what you expect whilst tasting goood. The Block isn't trying too hard to be anything its not. Also I give them a plus for table service.

Rating
Food: 7/10
Service: 8/10
Value for Money: Very Good


568 Blockhouse Bay Road, Blockhouse Bay
Opening Hours: 
Mon-Tues 7am-5pm
Weds-Sat 7am-10pm
Sun 7am-5pm
Sep 04, 2014
Zomato
Manic Diner
+5
Table for 6 on a Friday night.  We were a hungry lot and ready to devour everything in sight.  Our table ordered the aged hereford prime scotch, the slow roast pork belly, confit duck leg, 3 x pizzas, sliders, a bowl of string fries and lots of wine, beers and soft drinks.  Needless to say, we wolfed it all down and there wasn't a single morsel left.  It was an absolutely delicious meal.  The service was top notch and we stayed right til closing time.  In fact, we had to be reminded a few times that they were closing.  Doh!  This is the third time I've dined here and I've always had excellent service and satisfying meals.
Aug 26, 2014
Zomato
Sophia
+5
Love this place.
The food is absolutely delicious and although the staff aren't in-your-face attentive, they do their jobs and are friendly enough when you speak to them.

Delicious coffee, awesome atmosphere and the duck fettuccine is amazing.
Jul 14, 2014
Zomato
Anne Bowler
+4
Fantastic atmosphere and service but the food... that was next level! I had the confit duck fetticine with masala sauce. It was up there one of the yummiest meals of my life. Highly recommend!
Jun 29, 2014
Zomato
Trixie McManus
+5
Thank you to Sam and the waitresses who made Saturday night a memorable one. The service and food were fantastic. There was 18 of us and all meals arrived together and everyone commented on how good the food was. A great night and so appreciate the fact you helped to make it that way. Cheers
Jun 09, 2014
Zomato
Sonya-Lorraine Mortensen
+5
My husband & I have just got home from having a beautiful meal at The Block Cafe. I had the Crispy Fish with a Side Salad and it was beautifully displayed on my plate and was just the right amount, my husband had the Steak, egg and chips with the holendise sauce medium rare and it came out exactly as he wanted it, the service was excellent, we arrived there at 6pm and we would out of there by 7:15pm, we will certainly be going back there, they young girls were very polite and nothing was too much for them, any request you asked of them was followed through with no hiccup, congrats guys keep up the good work.
Apr 12, 2014
Zomato
Jo W
+4
Not bad at all, slightly skeptical regarding the terrible reviews, however it seems they had a refurbishment of staff attitudes, and lighting. Last year, the lighting was ridiculously dim indoors, they ve since opened up another space and included more natural lighting, looks great, love the open deck look. Long black was decent, not the best, but average to above average, extraction could be better. The soy cappucino, was lovely, the full bodied coffee flavors complemented the gentle nuttiness of the soy. The foam was finely steamed. Had a BLAT, sandwich , simple recipe but delicious, overall worth going. Service was good.
Feb 11, 2014
Zomato
Sara Black
+4
Took my mom and dad here, up from Wellington, and I was really pleased with this cute little café. Lovely young staff and the food was quickly served and very tasty. Happy customer and will be back again! Thanks
Feb 04, 2014
Zomato
Bill & Shirley
+5
Really great, we went for a casual evening meal with a glass of wine. The staff were attentive, friendly, without being imposing, and had excellent wine and menu knowledge. The food was wonderful and everything was delivered in a timely fashion and enjoyed in pleasant surroundings. Couple this with sensible pricing and it's hard to beat.

I would like to update my review. I was dreading the 'Mother's day brunch !" It has been a horrid experience for as long as I can remember . Today seven of us went to the Block . It was a full house . The staff were calm and attentive, the food was superb, and there was absolutely no pressure to finish and leave . I really couldn't fault the outing . We were outside in the newly covered area with the bar, which in itself is very pleasant. Thanks to all the staff,. Great
Jan 29, 2014
Zomato
Pauline Michaels
+5
Looking at the previous reviews, I find it very hard to believe that we visited the same cafe? Not only did I get immaculate service, from all of the staff members, the food and coffees were also delicious.

I don't think most people realise that the coffees are standard two shots, not one! As the lovely girl at the counter informed me about!

I am not a regular, but the woman in front of me in the line was, and the girl behind the counter knew her order off by heart which I think is great customer service! I was greeted with a warm welcome and she was so polite which is rare to find in some young people.

I would definitely recommend this cafe to all my friends and to anyone looking for a good coffee and meal!
Jan 19, 2014
Zomato
Lorreen Wilton
+5
What a hidden gem right in the heart of Blockhouse Bay..The Block Café.. Fantastic service by the very attentive staff and the lovely Sheree.. We visited on a Friday night our meals were well presented, yummy to die for Steak and Caesar salad and felt very pampered by the friendliness and great atmosphere this place exudes....Your crew did a top job making us feel special... Thanks guys!
Oct 04, 2013
Zomato
Shilpi
+5
Very friendly staff and beautiful range of wines. We got very bad customer service from Barefoot Cafe and in fact they told us to try you guys (thinking we might not like you guys and go back there) but guess what?? They have lost their regular customers...we are so coming back to you guys...loved the coffee and the service. Well done guys.
Sep 02, 2013
Zomato
Rachelle
+4
What a great find! Not only great for kids but a possible date spot too! Our boys were so impressed with the kids' hot choc that they asked to go back every Sunday!

This place will get 5 stars when they find a solution for the cold metal barstools with no foot rests.

Love it!
Aug 31, 2013
Zomato
Walksinauckland.com
+5
We haven't been to Blockhouse Bay since last year. Went back today to document another walk, and was very happily surprised to find The Block. What a wonderful use of this space - a buzzy community cafe in the main street! Would love to see this idea recreated through out Auckland's suburbs to help bring people together in a carefully thought out meet-up space. We enjoyed our beverages and wish you great success.
Aug 24, 2013
Zomato
Randal Meikle
+5
Third time at The Block so this is accumulating those experiences. Coffee was great and has been improving since they opened. Food is also great and the service has really stepped up since you have opened. Good to see a business that is learning and listening! Keep up the great work!
Jul 05, 2013
Zomato
Shiree Meikle
+5
Not only does The Block offer great hot chocolate but extraordinary service!!!!
My mother had parked her car in an area on Gill Cres where she literally got "stuck in the mud". Two burly men from The Block willingly escorted her along Blockhouse Bay road, into Gill Cres, and proceeded to lift, pull, push, and guide her out of the mud!!
We were very grateful for their service and kindness!!!
Thanks so much guys.
Jul 05, 2013
Zomato
Tracey Cave
+5
Went for lunch with my daughter, I have the grilled steak with bearnaise sauce and she had the fettuccine we both enjoyed our meals. I was very impressed with the presentation of my meal it definitely surpassed my expectations.
The staff were all very friendly and professional. I will be coming back.
Jun 25, 2013
Zomato
Ayesha
+5
Just came back from lunch here, I never normally write reviews but the service I recieved was amazing. The staff were accomodating and very friendly, and the attention to detail was faultless. I ordered the fettucini with waldorf salad and eye filet. When I first ordered it, it seemed pricey for a day menu item ($19) but when I recieved it I could understand why. The presentation was immaculate, the salad was fresh and dressed adequately. The pasta was fresh and creamy, without being too rich. To be honest i'd have to say one of the best pastas i've had in a long time. The eye filet surrounding the plate was tender and all the flavours worked well together and left me wanting more even though the size was generous. I washed this down with an iced caramel which was actually reminiscent of a baileys drink. This is a great addition to Bhb and i'm excited to return to try their dinner menu. Very highly reccomended!
Jun 25, 2013
Zomato
Deanna
+5
Another great addition to the west (can I call it the west?). Fab surroundings, friendly staff, extensive and interesting menu, devine food and coffee. Will definitely be back for more. Keep up the good work guys :)
May 31, 2013
Zomato
Jenny Sibley
+4
Went for lunch on an exceptionally cold wet day with a group of 12. Parking was easy. The menu was large and innovative and everyone said their food was lovely. The service was cheerful, quick and accurate which was greatly appreciated as it was a work lunch with limited time. The coffee is all double shots.
Had a great time.
Would love to visit on a sunny day and enjoy the lovely outdoor seating. Will definitely be back.
May 28, 2013
Zomato
Vanessa Lawrie
+4
I found the atmosphere relaxing and the service was so friendly.

Food was inexpensive and tasty.

Really happy there is a nice café (restaurant) that opens late for dinners.

Art was lovely. I think there was music, can't remember. If there wasn't, I hope there will be soon enough.
May 27, 2013
Zomato
Christa
+5
Finally a cafe with atmosphere! Excellent build design. Love the indoor/outdoor options. Not only a great feel but great staff also. Especially impressed when I returned after my first visit to have the manager remember I prefered Gluten free options. This cafe will go the distance and deservedly become an icon in the West! oh and the coffee and food is YUMMY (love the Mushies).
May 08, 2013
Zomato
Carol H
+4
Enjoyed lunch with a friend at this cafe Sunday, 5th May. Excellant, large flat white coffee was delivered promptly, followed shortly after by eggs benedict with bacon which was cooked perfectly. Staff were friendly and professional. Sat outside on the verandah - great place to sit and talk. Cafe was busy and had a great atmosphere. Brunch menu or lunch menu to choose from. I would definately return to this cafe.
May 06, 2013
Zomato
Tania
+4
Stuff the coffee - fab to have a good cafe to got to and enjoy a glass of wine!. Great outdoor venue and extremely dog friendly. It's just great to be able to walk up the road and have a good meal evening rather than having to go into town.

Service needs a little work, but then once can say the same about just about every restaurant in Auckland!

Look forward to going again for dinner tonight!
Apr 13, 2013
Zomato
Fiona Chadwick
+5
We have been to The Block a number of times for their breakfasts and were excited to see that they are now open for dinner.
We wandered in and were offered a table inside or out, we chose to sit outside, the service was just right, really attentive and professional.
The drinks (a great range) arrived quickly and the platter for 2 was delicious, staff were friendly with a clear knowledge of their menu, this was really noticeable when our waiter bought out our taster platter and described each tasting individually.
A really lovely atmosphere and great to have the table service so you can sit back and relax. It the little things that count and its always good when you order 'same again' on the drinks and they know what you were drinking!
The Bay has been waiting for a place like this and we will be fully supporting The Block - food is imaginative and yummy, with lovely service.
From our experience tonight we will definitely be back and will have dessert next time.
Apr 09, 2013
Zomato
Lara Wills
+4
Wow what a fantastic addition to Blockhouse Bay which was pretty much lacking in a decent cafe. Have visited a couple of times. Coffee was excellent and food was lovely. Their caramel slice what pretty special too. I visited their second week after opening, and staff were still finding their feet and seemed a bit overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of customers, so things were slower, however they've settled in now and things are running smoother. I do recommend a visit. If crowds of customers are not your thing, this may not be the spot for you, but if you like a busy buzzy cafe and good food and coffee you'll be well looked after.
Mar 25, 2013
Zomato
Jamie Young
+4
First time at The Block today, 10:30 Sunday Brunch. Good selection on the menu, had the Wild mushrooms which were delicious, would definitely have again. Was busy when we arrived (first rainy day in a long time so an inside table was prime real estate) but meals arrived very quickly after ordering and staff was friendly. I want the French toast next time.
Mar 17, 2013
Zomato
Pauline Bennett
+4
Came here 9am Saturday for breakfast and it was already busy. Not keen on ordering and paying at the counter idea, as once you have selected your table and sat down to relax and read the menu, it's a case of picking your bags up and joining the queue and hoping there is still a free table. The coffee is VERY good. My mince on toast was a generous portion, lean and tasty, no gristle bits and not bulked out with vegetables. My friend's scrambled eggs looked more like shredded eggs and were declared OK, but what else can you say about scrambled eggs anyway ???? I would be happy to come back here and could recommend it.
Mar 02, 2013
Zomato
Liz St George
+5
Lunch at the The Block for the first time today. Very very busy so thought we would have a long wait but didn't. Excellent coffee which is high praise from me!! Food was great, Fish and Chips for me and a Baguette for my better half. Could not fault the service even though they were busy.
Lovely space, great decor. Can't wait for them to open in the evening.
Liz St George
Jan 23, 2013
Zomato
Reena Singh
+5
Nearly 2 weeks since opening. Really enjoy the freshness and look of the place. A real step up for the Bay. Just love the coffee - being a straight long black drinker it hits the spot. Food is great and with a variation of flavours. Sometimes its not about quantity - love my "Truckers Breakfast" like most blokes but the Block Big Breakfast is more about taste and less tomato sauce and I rate it on taste alone. Yeah service is a bit slow but great to see a young fresh crew on deck getting to grips with the pace of the place. I am happy to cut them some slack - its new and its busy. After 13 days of business I say great and potential to light up the west. Its a Yes from me.
Jan 17, 2013
Zomato
Jason Roberts
+5
After many years of really average cafe's in the BHB region it has been great to see The Block turn up and lift the bar for the community.
My first time was on opening day and to be fair they were so busy it was a longish wait for the coffee and initially there was an order mix up. However the wait in the sun outside (which is rare for a cafe like this) was worth it with good coffee and even better home baked style food.
Great staff: pleasant, helpful and attentive
My second visit was on the way to work for a quick on the road coffee which was delivered promptly and was as good as I have had in many high end places. So thumbs up The Block - welcome to BHB!
Jan 10, 2013
Zomato
Peter The Fat One
+5
JAN 2013
Well funny how some people get a different experience on the same day I went. I have been to The Block 4 days in a row and eaten breaky at each visit. Fabulous tucker. Staff are very friendly. Yeah I had to wait a couple of minutes to order on Day 1 and 2 (opening days)..but it was no big deal. When something is popular well a lot of people go.
Good to see the other 2 cafes in the bay still operating at full capacity. I would say The Block has bought a new crowd into the bay, or maybe some of the locals are staying in the bay to try The Block. Definitely a new crowd f customers.
The Plate sized Hash Brown was delish, and filling. As a big fat bugger I didn't need to eat until dinner (breaky at 8am).

As for the chap called John who posted earlier, well mate you cant please all the people all the time. If you do like it don't come back. I've got a sneaky suspicion that John is the manager of the one of the other cafes, probably the Big one that shall remain nameless.


UPDATE July 2013
Im still going to The Block. Maybe 3 times a week. Still preety good tucker and drinks. Took a large party there in June, all went well. Drank far too much wine but it was a fabulous evening...

P
Jan 09, 2013
Zomato
Sarah Lane
+5
Been here a couple of times in the last few days - initially some issues with payment, but they have all been resolved - food is tasty, service friendly, great layout and the renovation is fantastic. Glad that there is somewhere is BHB that is serving restaurant quality food - the other cafes may indeed struggle as this seems to be the new place to be in the Bay! Only improvement could be the taking of orders - there does seem to be a bit of a hold up at the till when wanting to order food... probably just due to the popularity! Maybe taking orders at the tables and paying at the end might speed things up? Otherwise fab, definitely planning on coming back regularly.
Jan 09, 2013
Zomato
Kim Neville
+5
Went to The Block on the weekend it was fabulous! The best cafe out West by far. My coffee was excellent, really friendly staff and my meal was very tasty. Recommend the big breakfast. Love the outdoor area, great spot to sit and relax on an afternoon.
Jan 09, 2013
Zomato
Kristy Sorrell
+4.5
First impression was excellent- nice neutral decor and Harney and Sons teas behind the counter. The staff were friendly and the menu looked great. I had the confit duck for lunch, which came with two fried eggs, sauteed potatoes, onions, and spinach, and roast garlic. It had a deliciously sweet little vine tomato perched on the side as well. It turned up looking beautiful and tasted every bit as good as it looked! All of the plates that came past us on the way to other diners looked wonderful as well. There's a gorgeous covered deck outside (and an uncovered part) so there are plenty of nice places to eat and the menu is comprehensive and creative. I will certainly be back and I would highly recommend The Block cafe. It's not only a great local cafe, it's one worth travelling for.
Update: I've reduced my rating half a point because despite the awesome food the menu doesn't mention free-range meat (or even eggs).
Nov 26, 2013
5
Tracy Johnson
+5
A lovely happy vibe going on and atmosphere warm and inviting. I Loved the Nachos, sister liked Hash plate and Mum had Chicken lollipops and gave a thumbs up. Other sister a little disappointed in dry Waffles that did not taste freshly made. Still wouldn’t hesitate to return.
5
Ghanashyam Danam
+5
I unexpectedly stumbled upon this cafe while I was on my way to the block house bay reserve. This cafe is definitive 'slice, sip and soak in the ambience' experience. Loved the wooden brown look and feel of the cafe and the whole 'block' theme running all over it. I ordered their much hyped 'butter chicken pizza' and a glass of chilled beer. There is an outdoor seating section as well as an indoor one. The restaurant manager was a very lovely person to interact with and was very excited when i decided to go with the butter chicken pizza. The dynamic and energetic front desk staff promptly served the food with a smile on her face. I had a really good time enjoying the food and drink while listening to some tunes of a tastefully selected playlist. I would recommend this as a one stop destination to unwind and have a nice time.
4
Mesa Chan
+4
Astonishing food + really nice atmosphere, like you can feel all the breeze and the sun light you need. It is my first time at this Cafe’s and will definitely come back to try more food here. I rate 4 stars instead of 5 because i experience some bad customer service with a certain staff.
5
Tim Elliott
+5
Exciting Atmosphere. Groovy! Indoor/Outdoor flow. Great menu. Ample Parking. Perfect Coffee. Large Selection Outstanding Service from the Perfect, Patient Waitress Arnica! Awesome and perfect waitress Aurora! (Superb, gentle and amazing patient care from the young lady with a wonderful future.) Can't recommend it highly enough!
5
Stephanie Liebert
+5
Lovely cafe with very pretty “indoor garden” vibe. My coffee was not quite hot enough, but staff were very pleasant and I am sure they would have heated it again if I had asked. Lovely spot within the friendly village. Will visit again. Large muffin was very nice, menu food looked delish.
4
Yen Luong
+4
Rustic, garden featured cafe on the main road. Staff are very nice, and food is quite tasty. Service is quick for a weekend day too. Great for small group coffee catch ups.
4
Jodi Sherwood
+4
Place and ambience is great Went there for family birthday dinner with an infant and child. Service was abit slow but friendly staff. Had the platter which had some interesting flavours. Didn’t get to try the sliders. My pork belly was tough but liked the flavour Friends ordered Eye Fillet steak which was cooked perfectly and steak was juicy and tender Mum ordered the lamb dish which wasn’t bad either Staff sung birthday song to husband which was a nice surprised Good place for craft beers and hanging out at the “local” Second time there for a beer and first for food
5
Eric Chou奧克蘭寶哥
+5
Another new neighborhood adventure today. Grab a seat in this famous cafe & restaurant The Block. Very nice hospitality, waiters are young and energetic, smile on their faces, just love that kind of feeling. Order Harshbrown and coffee I am satisfied with the Harshbrown, very tasty. Great location, plenty of street parking, walking to countdown and liquor shop which is super convenient.
4
Satish Talwar
+4
Service and presentation was great. The food could use proper seasoning and better flavour ( that’s up to personal taste though, nothing bad)
5
Neda
+5
Best sweet corn fritters EVER. All the best flavours, huge portion, quality is always consistent and food is always served hot. Yum as. Picture of a big fat French toast also delicious and an omelette. Come and eat here most weekends because the food is so goood.
4
Hiral Kothari
+4
It's a great cafe with great options of meat-free breakfast. The coffee is average. Staff is very hospitable and service is quick too. They are happy to help you with the menu. We ordered Mochachino and Tartare Avocado Bruchetta. Bruchetta was absolutely delicious. The hazelnut-chocolate-vanilla shot that we added to our coffee kind of made our coffee not so good, however I would like to give it another chance and try it without the shot. Ambience is quite peaceful and gives you complete sunday vibes! Would definitely like to go there again and explore more on the food.
5
Zoe Zhang
+5
Visited on the weekend for lunch. There were many customers. Ordered the Salt Fish Tacos ($18.50) and Japanese Fried Chicken ($12.50) to share between two. The amount of vegetables in the tacos was a nice surprise and both dishes tasted wonderful, with just the right amount of flavour. Very friendly and helpful staff. Overall, a great experience.
5
Cecilia Lal
+5
Just a fabulous place. Menus are always changing. Staff are top notch. Service is impeccable. It's a cafe/restaurant. Food is superb. Always changing they menu every so often. Keeps customers keep coming back.
4
Elizabeth Stewart
+4
Lovely brunch visit here on Mothers Day. Great coffee and hot chocolate, plus delicious omelette. The only thing I would change is the “parfait” - rename as it’s not parfait in the traditional sense - would call it granola instead - and it would be a lot nicer with Greek yogurt (rather than cream from a can) as it was a bit dry. Friendly helpful staff and great atmosphere. I look forward to going back again soon!
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