Brighton Road Cafe

58 Brighton Road, Parnell, Auckland 1052, New Zealand
+64 274 600 190
$$$ Cafe
(141 Reviews)
Price Range $20–30

Brighton Road Cafe sits quietly on a corner in Parnell, offering a relaxed spot for both quick coffee runs and leisurely brunches. This small, cozy cafe draws a steady stream of locals who appreciate quality coffee paired with a thoughtfully curated food selection. The space is intimate, with limited seating that spills onto a modest outdoor patio – a welcome choice on warmer days but better suited to those looking for a snug refuge when the weather turns chilly.

The atmosphere leans towards casual comfort, with a vibe that feels the most inviting in the cooler months when the indoor warmth complements the carefully crafted drinks. Many regulars come for the standout flat white, praised for its balance and smoothness, along with organic Italian coffee beans that anchor the menu’s espresso offerings.

Food here moves beyond typical cafe fare, tempting visitors with dishes like eggs benedict made with locally sourced bacon and a homemade hollandaise that subtly hints at honey – a detail that reveals the kitchen’s small but meaningful touches. For those stopping by during the day, the cabinet’s display of baked goods often proves hard to resist, from brioche to pumpkin pie. The menu’s range caters well to casual brunchers and takes a thoughtful approach to traditional cafe dishes, including variations of omelettes and sandwiches that feel made from quality ingredients rather than mass-produced staples.

The staff contribute to an inviting and vibrant atmosphere, often noted for their friendly and attentive service despite the cafe’s compact size. This makes Brighton Road Cafe not only a place to grab a caffeine hit but also somewhere people pause to enjoy their time—whether that’s a mid-morning bite or a quiet catch-up over coffee.

Given the limited seating, early to mid-morning or mid-afternoon visits tend to offer a more comfortable experience. On busy days the small space fills quickly with locals and visitors alike, mostly drawn here for coffee and light meals rather than extended meals. It's well-suited for solo visitors, pairs, or small groups looking for a genuine neighborhood cafe vibe in one of Auckland’s older suburbs.

Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Coffee
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Best for
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Parking
Free of charge street parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Sunday

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

141 Reviews
Robert Kowalchuk

07 Jan 2026

5++ Stars! Fabulous cozy vibe with outdoor patio options. Exceptional service, best Flat White, hands down, and savoy and sweet delectable creations from their master chef! Pure Heaven! Loved the entire experience!

Jose Banuelos

09 Dec 2025

Just stopped by for coffee but was enticed by the lovely food in the cabinet. Got a brioche instead to go with my coffee which I found exceptional. It’s a small cozy place with very nice ambiance. I could not help noticing the steady stream of people stopping by for coffee or baked products to go. Staff were vibrant and friendly which is always a plus in a hospitality setting. Will definitely be a “go to” place for me from now on.

Muriel Cumming

05 Dec 2025

Doors open in the summer, no problem A nice cosy atmosphere much better on a cold winter's day. A drafty lunch not that enjoyable

KL

03 Dec 2025

A neat little local cafe. Food and coffee were very good and of high quality. Space is a bit tight with limited tables.

Sam Su

31 Oct 2025

Great food and wonderful service, came back here twice now. first time was just ordering an coffee but this time actually have time to enjoy the food. Strongly recommend the egg benny with bacon as they use Hellers honey streaky bacon and their homemade hollandaise sauce, you can really taste the hint of honey. Organic food ingredients match with Italian brand organic coffee. Price they offered its worth for spending on it. Roadside free parking for 2 hours is great for catching up with friends too. We loved it. Thank you again.

JT

31 Oct 2025

Cool place with a nice outdoor seating area. Nice for a summer brunch. Meals where good size for price, well presented and have fresh orange juice. Definitely a good break/brunch/lunch spot.

Mary Binney

21 Oct 2025

A lot of the reviews and photos here pertain to previous iterations of this café. As of 2023 it is under new ownership and has been extensively renovated and rejuvenated. So the ratings, reviews and photos from earlier than this do not do it justice. The fit-out is lovely, with more seating capacity than previously, but it does not feel crowded. The counter food is exceptional. I must admit I was disappointed by the menu, which was absolutely basic generic brunch. No lunch items and no protein other than eggs. But when our meals arrived I couldn't fault them on quality or presentation. Portion sizes were generous but not excessive. Overall it was a good dining experience and we'll very likely be back.

Vanessa Baker

05 Oct 2025

Lovely cafe I can't believe this is my first visit. It was a busy morning but the service was great and we managed to find a table quickly. Loved the brioche, banana bread and sandwich. Lovely coffee too. Will come again

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