Summary: Clean, nice food, good service, excellent North Shore location. Recommended.

Where: 40 Rosedale Road, Rosedale, Auckland

When: Tues-Sat 8am – 4pm. Closed Sunday & Monday.

A mid-week, spur-of-the-moment brunch decision led this reviewer to the SUP Cafe & Bistro, near the roundabout intersection of Rosedale Road and Apollo Drive in Rosedale on Auckland’s North Shore. The cafe is located on the ground floor next to the entrance of the Leroy Suites Hotel.

The stark decor features plenty of polished surfaces and ensures the staff clears away every speck as any left behind would stand out.

According to its Facebook page, “Sup Cafe & Bistro serves espresso coffee and seasonal food for breakfast and lunch.” There was a constant flow of customers for takeaway coffees, both from the hotel and nearby businesses. At least one other table was occupied, fairly standard for a mid-week brunch in a small and fairly new suburban cafe. It just opened its doors in January this year.

The short but interesting menu yielded several possibilities for brunch for two. This reviewer notes that the cafe serves seasonal food and expects the menu will change as appropriate. We opted for the french toast and “breakie with eggs”.

The whipped coconut cream next to the french toast was a most interesting change from the usual and very welcome. The french toast was made from thick soft slices of brioche that still maintained its crisp flaky crust.

Both meals were finished in record time.

Upon exiting, this reviewer noted the availability of a pull-out table at the counter for customers in wheelchairs, which would allow counter service should the customer wish.