Sometimes the best experiences happen by chance. I’d been recommended Farmhouse Café, though it’s not usually in my neck of the woods. As fate would have it, I was heading south for a scenic flight out of Ardmore Airport — and the timing lined up perfectly for breakfast.
First Impressions
We were seated on the balcony, overlooking the café’s lush gardens and farm. It was a crisp spring Sunday morning, the kind that makes you breathe a little deeper, and I noticed blankets neatly folded nearby — ready to drape across knees for extra cosiness. The fresh air, paired with the tranquil view of the farm, set the scene beautifully.
What struck me most was the diversity of diners. Families with little ones, groups of friends, couples, and older generations all seemed to have found their spot here. And why wouldn’t they? With a digger play area to keep the kids happy and an elegant High Tea option to delight Nana, The Farmhouse has something for everyone.
The café was bustling, yet the team moved with effortless efficiency. Smiles, friendly chatter, and that down-to-earth “country” warmth made it feel like more than just a pit stop — especially considering it’s only 30 minutes south of the Auckland Harbour Bridge. As we waited for our food, I found myself watching birds dart through the garden, perfectly content.
The Menu: Playful Yet Refined
The menu caught my attention immediately, with names as creative as the dishes themselves. I ordered the Ponsonby 3.0, which felt like a tongue-in-cheek nod to how extravagant avocado toast has become. But when it arrived, any cynicism melted away. This wasn’t just breakfast — it was edible art.
Served on toasted sourdough, the dish featured smashed avocado paired with creamy goat’s cheese, pistachios, honeycomb, and edible flowers. Sumac and fennel dust added depth, while a delicate honey tuile crowned the plate. Every bite was layered, balanced, and deeply satisfying.
We also ordered the Magic Mushrooms — herb-roasted portobellos on toasted sourdough, finished with garlic, cashew cheese, crispy shallots, and pickles. It was hearty yet elegant, the kind of dish that leaves you feeling nourished without being heavy. Both plates demonstrated a kitchen that takes pride in detail, flavour, and presentation.
Beyond the Table
After breakfast, we wandered through the gardens and out to the farm. To our delight, we stumbled across two enormous buffalo grazing contentedly. We gave them a gentle pat, and one even let out a soft, almost tearful sound — we like to think it was happiness, enjoying the open pastures and a good scratch in hard-to-reach places.
It was a grounding, wholesome way to round off the experience — a reminder that this isn’t just a café, but a place where food, nature, and community meet.
A Note on High Tea
For those wanting something special, The Farmhouse also offers a High Tea with a twist. Forget the traditional three-tier stand — their chefs craft a seasonally inspired menu of handcrafted savouries, warm scones, refreshing sorbets, and decadent sweets. Each experience is different, reflecting the freshest flavours of the moment. Paired with bottomless premium teas or a barista coffee, it’s an occasion worth booking in advance. And yes, there’s the option to add a little sparkle with bubbles.
The Verdict
The Farmhouse Café is more than just a stop on the way to somewhere else — it’s a destination in its own right. With imaginative food, friendly service, and a setting that blends rustic charm with sophistication, it’s easy to see why this spot draws a loyal and multigenerational crowd.
Next time you’re looking to escape the city bustle — whether for a hearty brunch, a leisurely high tea, or simply a breath of fresh country air — head south. Farmhouse Café might just surprise you too.
Farmhouse Café
400 Papakura–Clevedon Road, Clevedon
