Just like Mentos gum is supposed to make you feel, this bright-eyed and bushy-tailed cafe brings just one word to mind after a relaxed weekend visit: fresh - heavy on the ‘shhhh’. Yes sir, the relatively new kid on Takapuna’s central Huron Street has all the makings of the perfect weekend chill out after a hard week at work or an indulgent Saturday night. Whatever your ailment, Honey is sure to tend to it with lashings of elegant café fare, humble service and a positively perky atmosphere. The space is airy and bright with a strikingly crisp colour palette of blue, white and sunshine yellow cropping up in the geometric feature wall, booth cushions and modern chairs. Suspended from the roof are massive planters that add to the fresh vibe of the place.
This apparent desire to be the North Shore’s source of weekend rejuvenation carries through to the Honey menu, where all the café classics are in full attendance with a few exotic dishes thrown in for good measure, all of which possess an undeniable air of pizzazz that will no doubt get your taste buds going. I can personally attest to the lip-licking goodness of the free-range eggs on five-grain with avocado, feta and pesto crush ($14) and the Eggs Benedict with house-smoked salmon and potato cake ($18). My personal favourite, however, was a thing of unadulterated genius. The Honey Tasting Platter is nothing less than an answered prayer for all the bad decision makers out there, consisting of one half fruit with honeyed yoghurt and granola; the other half a breakfast salad and poached egg on toast ($16).
If you’re over this side of the bridge and in need of a super sleek respite to wile away a couple hours with friends, talk shop with work colleagues or simply bury your nose in a good book, Honey café is the ticket.