Strand Arcade Cafe

Okay, this place is cool. Not cool in the way that somewhere like Hard Luck Café has bought cool things and smeared them on the wall, but actually cool. Sixties mod wallpaper, the smooth jazz playing in the background, and the fact that you can drink with lunch — there’s a subtle yet definite Mad Men vibe. I want to slick my hair back and wear a well-​cut suit while I eat here. Also — lemon calamari, chips, salad, plus a beer, for only fifteen bucks? They’re just about charging sixties prices too.
The place itself isn’t huge, but it has a neat upstairs mezzanine bit as well, and when we went (around lunchtime on a Friday) it wasn’t too busy. Which is a surprise because where else can you get a $ 6 dollar lunch in Auckland city? And not look silly eating it wearing a well-​cut suit?

This place has a classy feel to it which is noticeable as soon as you step in. It’s dark walls and furnishings are ambiently lit under a cool-​looking modern chandalier thing and a few woven lanterns. It also has an upstairs section which you might not notice right away from the outside but this only adds to its classic look. Full from lunch elsewhere, I only had room for a snack so of course I gravitated towards the cabinet of slices. The caramel slice looked pretty good, with what looked like a proper chocolate top and a thick and textured caramel section on top of a delightfullly crumbly base. Mmm, decadent. And since it was self-​serve from the cabinet, I got to choose the best-​looking slice. I also noticed some pretty tasty looking apple turnovers and chocolate brownies. Since it was after lunchtime the sandwich section was looking pretty empty but there were quite a few delicious-​sounding options (you really can’t go wrong with chicken and avocado.) I’d definitely go again.

I have been here a couple of times for lunch. They do some excellent deals including $ 6 pasta’s and $ 9.90 larger dishes. The pasta is clearly made up in large batches as they serve it within minutes of ordering. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing at lunchtime though, and it never tastes like it has been sitting around for long — tasty. I have also sampled the Open Steak Sandwich which carried a $ 2 surcharge. I asked for my steak ‘medium’ and although it was perhaps a little underdone it was very tasty, served in wobbling stack of bread and salad. Their chips were average but a happy addition to round off a satisfying lunch. Great value and quality food and although only ever so slightly off the beaten track is very relaxing.