Manny Moo Café & Bakery

Though it's been open for less than a month, judging by the amount of waves, hellos and even hugs between passersby and Manny Moo staff, it's clear this Belmont café is already a local favourite.

It's hard to miss Manny Moo on Lake Street as its facade is a garish bright pink. The colour explosion doesn't stop there with the inside painted a rich aqua green. The colour clash shouldn't work, but it just does and adds to the charm of the café which is simple, spacious and inviting with lots of seating inside and out. Outdoor seating is picnic table-style with blankets provided should you fail to prepare for alfresco dining.

The staff are welcoming, friendly, chatty and accommodating of any dietary requirements with a range of gluten and dairy-free choices as well as vegetarian options and a kids menu. The food menu isn't huge and could really do with a few more cooked choices but interestingly enough the drinks menu is one the most extensive I think I've ever seen. Flight coffee, Storm & India teas, sodas, cold-pressed juices, organic kombucha, superfood smoothies and even beetroot lattes are up for the sipping if you're so inclined.

Although this may come as a shock to Aucklanders, Manny Moo cannot provide poached eggs (pause for collective gasp), but they do have smashed avo on the menu so all is forgiven. We had a couple of Flight coffees which were delicious and well made, scrambled eggs and bacon and the aforementioned smashed avo. As we all know, brunch is the urban competitive sport, so there always has been a winner and in this case that was the smashed avo. The meal was beautifully presented on a wooden board, sprout garnish and side of lime and tasted as good as it looked — fresh, zingy, oh so tasty and moreish, including great tasting gluten-free toast but perhaps a little undersized.

Definitely worth considering for your next brunch experience.