Catroux

Arguably one of the best cafés Auckland has to offer, there are a number of things I like about Westmere’s standout cafe, Catroux. From the refreshingly simplistic interior, reasonable quirks (including a sandpit out the back) and delicious menu selection, the sleek and lovable Catroux café effortlessly renders the muse like qualities attributed to its namesake, Betty Catroux.

An extension of the highly impressive décor design is the equally innovative menu, which is perfectly crafted to offer a unique combination of taste sensations without encumbering indecisiveness upon you. As far as a favourite goes, I am yet to work my way through the menu but I do recommend the ham off the bone with a soft gruyere scrambled egg and slow roasted tomatoes on your choice of five gain or ciabatta bread.

For those in quick dash mode, alongside the menu selections, Catroux also offers a generous selection of cabinet food which tastes as good as it looks including an extensive offering of sweet treats which goes as far as chocolate éclairs (a rarity in my opinion).

As a self confessed coffee snob (and ex-barista), I can safely say Catroux are flawless when it comes to making a perfect cup of coffee. Alongside the skilled baristas is a pool of delightfully friendly staff to take your Catroux experience beyond just great food.

Catroux is definitely a hidden gem to those outside the area although for regulars, it is unsurprisingly the new hot spot. So hot in fact that seating can be difficult in weekends during peek times, especially if you’re in a big group. Nevertheless, Catroux perfectly encapsulates what I would call an ‘ideal café experience’.