The Grassy Knoll

RIP The Grassy Knoll (and their ginger latte!).
The space has recently come under new management and is now known as «Giles». I popped in today to scope out the menu — looks like they’re not straying too far from GK’s offerings with staples like best ugly bagels, smoothies/​juices, coffee, avo on toast on offer.
I also spotted beetroot and coconut milk bircher muesli on the menu which definitely has me curious.
You’re looking at $ 8.50 for a smoothie; $ 7.50 for a juice. A little steep for everyday but a little mid-​week brunch never hurt anyone ;)

Special little café in the CBD, on Shortland street. They appear to have some nice vegetarian options. I got the breakfast burrito with lovely fluffy scrambled eggs, barlotti beans, and cheese inside. Avo and some arugula salad on the side. Nice spicy jalapeños inside. It was yummy — maybe missing a little flavor… more cumin perhaps? Overall, tasted fresh and was very satisfying.
I also got a chai tea — excellently spicy and not too sweet. Two thumbs up!
They look to have some great smoothie and juice options, salads, pastries, etc. I’ll be back for sure. Some have noted that it’s not open on the weekends — on their board inside it says they’re open 8 – 3 on Saturdays. Rejoice!

A glass fronted delight with a terrific vibe. Excellent service, the malted bread with scrambled eggs mixed with a berry smoothie was the perfect breakfast for a day exploring and I left with a huge smile on my face — don’t miss it.

Hardly ever am I in downtown Auckland in the morning but if I am, The Grassy Knoll is my go to for an mid-​morning pick-​me-​up.
Located just down the street from the Vero building it’s full of suit-​wearing, lawyer types but the staff are awesome and they make really good juices/​coffees/​smoothies. Plus the morning sun absolutely streams in here and they have a great selection of design magazines.
My go to at TGK is the beetroot, apple, carrot and ginger juice ($ 7) but recently, thanks to Sarah H, I tried the ginger latte. It was delicious — the added spice was not overpowering but completely moreish. I can see why she is addicted…
Although I am yet to try it, their lunch menu also looks amazing — particularly their warming winter soups, which look perfect for a blustery Auckland day.

brilliant café with a great vibe. coffee is pretty amazing too.

I’m working early on a Saturday morning, and nearly every coffee shop is closed til 10am (I kid you not!). I was surprised to find this little nugget open, as their usual business hours are Monday to Friday. (it was around Christmas time, so this could be the reason) I grab the coffees I’ve been desperately looking for during the last half hour, and they are more than happy to oblige me charging a very flat camera battery for a couple of hours. Such friendly staff! This café has an eclectic feel next to the brightly coloured Hotel De Brett, and very inviting with its light and open layout.
Grassy Knoll coffee tastes different from your normal run of the mill, so be prepared for something a bit edgy. Everything is fresh in their cabinet, and everyone is all smiles throughout your visit. I shall be returning for a nice breakfast one morning.

I’ve been to the Grassy Knoll a total of three times. I would go more often, but their limited opening hours hinder my ability to do so. Every of those three visits have been at the very least, pleasant. The first trip’s avocado on toast was served on a thick wooden board, drizzled with olive oil, I wolfed it down. The second visit was fleeting, two takeaway coffees (made by a good looking guy with nice shoes named Johnny) that hit the spot, a salmon and egg breakfast bun that is worth making the trip for — absolutely delicious, and a very good warm ham and cheese croissant for my assistant.
Last Friday we dined in. I had a smoked kahawai baguette and I’d have it again. Assistant Maddy had a sandwich from the cabinet, she was happy. We both had freshly squeezed orange juices. On the way out I spotted the last salmon and egg breakfast bun sitting on its lonesome. I got it to go. I mean, it would’ve been cruel to leave it, right?

This is a fantastic little café located on Shortland Street, but only open during the weekdays sadly. The food is incredibly good and very healthy, a lot of fresh produce is used and the menu changes with the seasons to take advantage of seasonal fresh produce. I really like their salads and the iced hibiscus tea is pretty awesome. Additionally their coffee is spot on, strong and rich in flavour and so I keep coming back. Even the presentation here is great too. Be aware it can get very busy around lunch time and you may have to have your order to go, but either way you won’t be disappointed with anything from the Grassy Knoll.
I think their light is really cool, a little nautical so I included a photo of it.