Rabbithole - CLOSED

Overview

Rabbithole - points already for a cool name.

Tucked away from the main hub of the Herne Bay shops is this little gem of a café.  It was one of those places that opened up quietly, but didn’t take long before whispers of it’s fresh menu and cool atmosphere got spreading and had me interested to check it out.

One of the smaller cafes in Auckland, Rabbithole is cosy, well decorated to theme and sun drenched. The energy that has obviously gone into fitting out the interior so it inhabits this friendly and fun vibe is obvious, with quirky furniture and Alice and Wonderland themed artwork. The personality of the fit out is reflected too in the friendliness and enthusiasm of the wait staff. Out the back there is a wooden veranda, almost matching the interior area in size, which looks out over the harbour, providing a stunning vista on a sunny day.

Rabbithole make great coffee and use local organic coffee roasters, Velvet. The food selection is varied and fresh with a good selection of counter goods too. On my first visit to Rabbithole I was not particularly hungry, so opted for one of the fresh date scones. Being a pretty critical judge when it comes to scones, it was the perfect choice, light and evidently freshly made. Return visits to Rabbithole have seen me delve much further into the menu with a favourite now being The Green Chilli Scrambled Eggs. Showcasing the perfect amount of spice, the scrambled eggs are teamed with pecorino cheese and steamed asparagus which results in (for lack of a better, not quite so cheesy cliché) a total taste sensation.

Not having ordered it entirely for myself but having sampled a friend’s dish, the Duck and Orange Risotto resulted in a surprising ‘wow’ from me. The richness duck is known for is perfectly teamed with the orange citrus to create an interesting but delicious play on the palette.

Working just along the road from Rabbithole (and being known to do this often), I can also recommend the cupcakes for a cheeky afternoon indulgence.

Rabbithole is definitely worth the extra wee drive along Jervois Road. Charismatic staff, great coffee and an inventive and contemporary styled menu help make this cafe a place that will see many a return visit.