Review Salta Cafe - Auckland Central

These guys are epic! Well priced with fantastic service, and the barista’s do not muck around on the coffees…my iced latte was top tier. Get involved if you’re in the area! Hamish Dorrington Kakapo Business Sales

Had masala eggs with coriander, comes with sourdough toast and slightly roasted sourdough. Bread is fragrant, the toasting elevated much flavour. Masala tasted too strong and took over eggs. Not a fan of coriander luckily it served separately. Butter is creamy and rich

Incredible sandwiches and lovely staff. It’s a popular and lively cafe - beautiful outdoor area through the back that is a rare, calm haven in the area (though walking through the kitchen is a bit awkward to get there - I feel for the staff as conditions are a bit cramped). My constructive feedback would be 1. If someone orders a coffee with a milk alternative (even a cappuccino) ask before putting powdered chocolate on it as chocolate powder generally has milk products in it, and 2. Get some ingredient intel on those gorgeous looking cakes and sandwiches. It would be great to know if any are OK for lactose intolerance. Allergen/ingredient info is always great to have on all products sold.

Always amazing and super friendly service, no matter how busy. The food is so satisfying and yummy. The best coffees in Ponsonby. They made me an incredible chicken pasta today, just what i needed. I love this place!

Small little cafe at the heart of Ponsonby good service, coffee and tasty food- mince on toast the way to go after a bit of a hangover! Good value too.

Wilson served us and he is amazing! Great jokes and recommended us a few delicious cakes to go along with his fantastic coffee.

It was quite cute latte art I enjoyed and a crepe was yum but a bit over-sweet

Nice cafe, nice selection of food, nice staff. Everything was pretty good including the food. I got a cheese scone, which ended up having chilli in it which I wasn’t expecting haha. But it was really nice.

Stopped in for a (blueberry and cream cheese - tasty) muffin and spicy chai. Confusion over my drink but quickly replaced it with the correct one. Heaps of seating inside and out at 1015. Seems reasonably priced compared to other places I’ve been recently. Would definitely go back for a meal.

Beautiful Cafe in the heart of Ponsonby with a peaceful garden area away from the busy street or you can enjoy the buzz of the inside dining. Excellent Smashed Avocado, good Coffee at reasonable prices.

This place has good coffee and friendly staff. It is a nice spot with good outdoor seating but the decor is a bit vanilla. The raspberry friand i got was nice but a bit solid.

Nice little cafe in Ponsonby. Reasonably priced and good quality cafe style food.

Friendly customer service. Best place to enjoying morning atmosphere in ponsonby.

I have come here a few times and the coffee has always been good. Hard to find a good OAT cappuccino sometimes. The scones are delicious too. Maybe one of the best scones ever 😱

TOTALLY HITS THE SPOT!!Love literally everything about Salta. The views from their secret garden OH! and their avocado smash is to die for. This hidden little gem has excellent coffee, great food and friendly staff. We came here for our anniversary brunch, both me and my partner fell in love with this place.

Good coffee and heated up muffin plus service.  We sat upstairs which is nice and bright, but may need some more plants or decor to give it more ambiance.

OOO Damn ok been here a couple times for a cake and coffee and it always seems alright. Haven't been in a hot minute but keen to come back and check out what's going on and if she's still good good. x

This is one of my favourite cafes in Auckland. Consistently good food and service. A regular spot for weekend brunch. And now some padding to get to 140 characters.

Busy cafe in ponsonby, but sit outside in their hidden garden area at the back to escape it. <br/>The mushroom bruschetta was tasty and served with a generous amount of mushroom and a side salad. Coffee was on point as per usual - strong & smooth. Perfect for brunch

Never tried the kitchen food but the coffee is bomb!! ☕️ Really good selection of cabinet food. Coffee is $5 for a flat white which is a bit expensive but in line with everything else in Ponsonby and I don’t mind paying!!

Our go-to cafe when I work in the city.  Very friendly staff and do great coffee and a good Earl Grey tea.  Food is fresh and generous portions.  They do a great porridge with ginger pears and prune syrup. Good quality ingredients.  Even saw Jacinda (the PM) having tea and toast there one morning recently.

Came here on a Thursday morning while in Ponsonby. You can either sit outside to enjoy the sun or inside to have a peaceful breakfast/lunch. <br/><br/>The Bircher which contained soaked oats, banana pieces, and a lot of grated apples was a good refreshing start. However there were still some dried oats which made the dish a bit dry. It would be good to have some more sweetness in the dish other than the juices from the apple slices. The fruit smoothie wasn’t really good because it tasted really diluted with either ice or water instead of an actual flavorful berry smoothie. <br/><br/>The portions were reasonable for its price though and the service wasn’t disappointing as well. <br/><br/>Taste - 7/10<br/>Size - 7/10<br/>Price - 7/10<br/>Service - 7/10

Came here mid-week when it was quite busy but there was still plenty of seating. The coffee is great and I have to say that the avocado salsa, poached egg with coriander & chilli mole was really vibrant, fresh, zingy and all the good food words out there. Staff were very friendly too.

Salta has been my all time favourite for a very long but since the owner has absented herself from the business to focus on her other café it has gone downhill.The staff are friendly, particularly Rory who is professional and hard working but the food and coffee and general ambience has taken a dive.This week I ordered eggs which were hard not soft and toast with jam - the jam could be used as glue and the coffee tasted like warm milk?The outdoor courtyard is still their best kept secret and I'm sure with more attention Salta could return to its former glory!

It would be easy to pass this cafe by as the front is so unassuming, but I'm so glad we noticed it & went in.<br/>This cafe is run by people who are serious about coffee & food, but are unpretentious & welcoming.<br/>Our lattes were strong & hot but without being bitter. There was a great range of cakes & slices available & oh my that brioche! Can't wait to try more of their menu.

Coffee is amazing here ! For all press fans this is a great option, ask the barista what way you like your coffee and find something even nicer in your cup !!! Don't know how they do it 👌🏽

A real cafe for real people. It's a refreshing change from the chains, from the hipster indies, whatever else is out there. Plenty of seating (and I mean plenty.... :-)  Streetside if that is your cup of tea, inside for the traditionals, and a large hidden outside backyard with another half dozen tables in a picturesque garden setting that will please many an amateur diner. The food doesn't pretend to be anything it's not, and the service is spot on....

My husband and I eat often at Salta it's our fav delicious food and lovely staff the back garden is just delightful we adore the place Annie & David Lewis

Every time we come into Salta we are always made to feel extremely welcome. The coffee is always strong and fantastic, service is always quick and seamless, and of course, the food in amazing.I always order the avocado salsa on toast. With a hint of chili, it's really delicious! <br/>Two of the people on my table ordered the mince and raved about it. <br/><br/>I really enjoy the busyness of this cafe, and the tables on the footpath, but if you'd prefer a quieter experience, there is a beautiful garden out the back. <br/>I'd definitely recommend Salta to anyone!

Stumbled upon the place 6 years ago and now won't go anywhere else for my morning coffee and breakfast - when time permits. Great people and great coffee/food. The upstairs area is a regular favourite location for team meetings.

Great coffee and food :) I visit every day as it's the best coffee in Auckland. The people are lovely and friendly, the food is yummy (I try to resist the brioche but it's just too good.<br/>Did I mention lovely people! Even when it's busy, which is most of the time. The service is quick and personal (they seem to remember everyones name!)<br/>Love it would recommend ***** five stars

I heart Salta! Fantastic coffee and delicious food. The smashed avocado should be on everyone's bucket list. Salta is always full of vibrant, friendly energy. It's a great place for catching up with friends with a big room upstairs and a fabulous courtyard with views of the city - sitting under the peach tree is my favourite spot. I've been going to Salta for my coffee for 16 years! That's a whole lot of coffee. Now I want coffee :-)

Tiz never a concern for receiving excel service, food or friendly atmosphere @Salta. Eggs bene an absolute delight of taste sensation. The coffee smooth and equally wonderful.

Great coffee, it is my daily latte stop. Lovely people who know all the regulars by name and order :) foods great too! Would highly recommend to people in the area!

Beautiful secret garden with tasty food as the combination ... What a perfect lunch in this summer! ❤️<br/>I had Bruschetta portobello mushroom, it was so good.<br/>This cafe would be my favorite café in ponsonby !

Went here with my mum on a weekday morning. The acoustics aren't great in the narrow space and it was hard to hold a conversation. The service was a bit on the rude side - I had my cutlery plonked on in front of me without even a word before the waiter ran off again. The woman who took our plates also didn't speak to us. Coffee was burnt and my toast was a bit too "well-done".

Always come here when I need to do work on the laptop in a quite place, go upstairs or out the back it's great for doing work! Food and place is great. Highly recommend for work meetings. I got balls deep in the lamb meat balls dish - loads of flavours!

Fantastic Coffee and Breakfast!<br/><br/>Came to Salta for a working breakfast and it did not disappoint!  I joined a bit late and the rest of the table had ordered but once I joined our server came over and got my order in nice and quick so I didn't have to sit and go hungry once the other food had arrived.  I ordered a flat white and smashed avocado, tomato, and chorizo on toast, both were fantastic!  The service was fantastic throughout. <br/><br/>We were probably in Salta for about 45min and the place was humming the entire time, testament to how good it is!<br/><br/>I'll be back for sure!

One of my locals, Always dependable for a top notch Allpress coffee. But if you want the true experience you have to try the Cinnamon Brioche, it could very be the best in Auckland as I am yet to find anything that comes close.

Love this place, coffee is great, food is fantastic from cabinet or  menu.  Love the mince on toast!! Always busy but can sit upstairs or my favourite out the back, in the garden, with my dog. Staff always attentive and helpful.<br/>Totally recommend, especially a sunny day like today.

Salta used to be Atlas Cafe, and when it was it was great.  When it started, Salta was great too, but everything has gone downhill in the last few years to the point where I don't go there anymore.  I used to be a daily regular but bad owner attitude, coffee quality ranging from excellent to awful and the food quality sliding I moved away.  It was a shame - the staff were great and there was fun banter.  But, enough is enough....

Stopped in here for breakfast after a night of drinking. Hit the spot! Had the avocado, salsa chilli mole thingy with chorizo. Was delicious! Coffee was good too. Highly rate this little cafe.

I ordered a almond milk-latte and a bacon & egg sandwich.<br/><br/>The coffee was very bitter and hard to drink (the almond milk might have added to that) and the bread in the sandwich tasted  funny (I think it was sourdough or ciabatta). An overfriendly waiter served me, along with an underfriendly waiter who tottered around clearing dishes (I guess it balanced out the staff friendliness levels). So my experience was average.<br/><br/>However the upstairs bit is really cool and perfect if you want a quiet space to chill & go off-peak.

I'd been recommended Salta by a friend on Twitter for it's coffee. What I didn't expect would come with that is to have a waitress swear in front of us and generally make the whole dining experience so unpleasant that I felt intimidated and extremely uncomfortable in her presence. <br/><br/>A couple of the people I was with have already commented on this occasion so I won't go further than to say that it was the worst experience I have ever had at any dining establishment, ever. It was a real shame because I'd specifically chosen this cafe after hearing amazing things about it!<br/><br/>This makes me hope that it isn't what you'd usually expect from Salta as my coffee was good, my meal tasty and the upstairs space quite good for a big group. <br/><br/>However, I probably will not be returning as quite frankly, I'm scared of encountering that waitress again! <br/><br/>I'll note that the rest of the staff were rushed but fine - it was a packed cafe on a Saturday morning, I can understand that. It was the swearing, eye rolling and other brash behaviour from one particular waitress that soured the experience.<br/><br/>#challenge

We came here for a brunch, although all I had was a soy latte so I can't really comment on the food (although it looked good).<br/><br/>The coffee was delicious, strong but easy to drink with good tasting soy milk (which can sometimes be awful depending on where you go!). The upstairs seating area was big and pleasent, full up by the time lunch rolled around.<br/><br/>In general the cafe was a little too crowded for my liking, with the counter awkwardly located in a way that it is tricky to squeeze past.<br/><br/>The wait staff were a little unprofessional and rude, although i hope we were just unlucky and this isn't the case normally.<br/><br/>I probably wouldnt come back because it was a little too cramped/crowded for my liking and the food, whilst decent, didn't look exciting enough that I have to come back and try it. <br/><br/>A good spot for a quick coffee if you avoid the lunch rush.<br/><br/>#challenge

Love the opening hours, the coffee, the outdoor sunlit garden, have been coming here for yonks, but my soy latte just went up to $6 a pop which is totally off base. Not great.

Came here for brunch on a Saturday morning. The cafe was pretty busy when I turned up, but the group of friends I was meeting managed to grab a table upstairs - I'm glad because when I returned downstairs to view the menu (as there is only one on the wall) there was a huge line to pay/order food and if we had been sitting downstairs it would be cramped and not very pleasant.<br/><br/>The two main wait staff that were bringing our drinks and food were both grumpy and frazzled, with one of them swearing under her breath and openly complaining to us (without really being talked to or asked anything), we all found that quite unprofessional.<br/><br/>My coffee was fine, a bit burnt, and my main was good, I got the eggs with bacon and potatos - can't remember the name of it. The potatos were really tasty.  Other people we were with didn't really enjoy their food saying that it was dry and didn't have much taste to it.<br/><br/>I understand that weekend mornings are busy, and I will admit that the staff taking our orders were very friendly, efficient and did their job well, it was the other two wait staff that struck me as unprofessional and like they didn't want to be there - which really rubbed me the wrong way.  <br/><br/>I would avoid coming here on weekends at brunch-lunchtimes, because it is too busy and it obviously impacts their staff and food.  I would hope to receive better service during a weekday lunchtime though.

I came here for brunch on the 13th of June with friends, and unfortunately it was not a great experience. It was very busy, and we could barely move through the cafe, past the huge line, to get to a table upstairs. The only menu is on the wall by the counter, but I suppose the good thing about the long wait in the line to order is you can read the menu there. The food was fairly staggered amongst our group, some had finished by the time the others got their order.  I had the pancakes and they were kind of dry, but they were alright, i liked the fruit. My soy latte was nice but one of my friends said her long black was kind of gross. At least it was cheap, $19 all up for me.<br/>The service of the main waitress was extremely poor. It felt as if she was really unhappy about being at work and that we were basically getting in the way. She would come upstairs and yell the name of the dish to the room, and hope someone responded. They really should give table numbers, if they aren't doing table service. She rolled her eyes at us, and it was atrocious. I've worked in cafes a lot, and I know what it's like to not be happy at work, but seriously, you need to keep that inside and not have such a bad attitude. We kind of joked about it, comparing her to the soup nazi from seinfeld, but it wasn't very pleasant really. We had to help ourselves to water, because we wouldn't have dared ask her. <br/><br/>To improve, they should have menus on the table, at least upstairs, so you can decide at the table before ordering. Also, give people table numbers. In addition to that, talk to the waitress about customer service - that is just so utterly unacceptable! I can't see myself returning, there are much more pleasant places in the area.

The most popular and highly recommended three lamps cafe/breakfast spot. Close to milly's for kitchen essentials. The coffee is excellent, service attentive and very friendly. Often looks busy but there is extra seating upstairs. Good ambiance. Usually I head for the mince on toast and coffee. Unless you make it yourself (the best) you don't see m on t too often - though there is a cafe in New Plymouth that makes it a (stunning) specialty. Highly recommended.

Been going here for years, and the coffee is consistently amazing, and really really good service too. I rarely eat healthy when I go out as see it as a treat, but in saying that I have to admit that Salta's 'Goodie Good Salad' is sooo yummy, it's healthy yet does feel like a treat - how they do that I don't know as most salads are never that exciting. When I'm not being so good the eggs benne is amazing.

Cafes come and go but there is something about a well established joint that has been around a while that says a lot.Such is the case with Salta.Yes some of us still call it Atlas, but if you`re after sure fire winner, Salta will not let you down.All I want in a café is:a: good coffeeb: good counter foodc: couple of different offerings on the menud: good staffe: option of good outdoor seatingSalta ticks all the boxes - especially the food.Epic winter soup, great brioche, epic savoury scone, sardines and the famous Goodie Good Salad - and my personal favourite the Caesar roll.Top notch banter also from exceptional staff.Up there with Bambina and Circus Circus, can`t beat a classic .....

A quick drop by for breakfast before work. I decided to get a cold brew coffee and a salmon and egg slider. I didn't enjoy the cold brew as it had lots of ice which diluted my coffee, and made it taste almost like water. I like my long blacks and my coffee strong, so the cold brew didn't do justice for me. The slider was perfect as we wanted something quick and ready made, and not too big of a portion. The capers added more flavour to the slider and it was really good. I would love to come back again when I am not in such a rush and try something from their menu, and a proper coffee. This place always looks super busy, business must be doing really well.

Great coffee<br/>Food is amazing I love the avocado smash so fresh and tasty <br/>Staff are friendly and efficient <br/>Definitely a place to try the different food choices in

This place has one of the most amazing coffees in town (y)

Agree that coffee is lovely, however, it is disappointing that service is not based on order of arrival but appears to be on who is known. Having been a regular for 18 months I do find it annoying that people who order after me get their takeaway coffees first. I can understand this happening every once in awhile however 3rd time in 3 consecutive days is frustrating and today 2 people who arrived and ordered after me received their coffee before me.

It was my second time there and I ended up on the exact same spot: on the couch upstairs. Super nice to lounge around there with a newspaper and a good cup of coffee.

When I discovered this place it became my new measure for great coffee. I find it consistently excellent.<br/><br/>I haven't eaten there so can't comment on the food (and the reason for 4 stars)

Boyfriend baby and i were looking for a place to have brunch i must say the service is excellent friendly staff and the food is amazing i had organic mince with peas poached egg and corn bread i enjoyed to the last mouth full,boyfriend enjoyed his meal too and the hot drinks are spot on.Staff was good at checking for my allergies as i mention when i ordered which was good i find other places don't take much interest or care but this place double checks,we will be back again even if we have to drive from Devonport.

Fantastic cafe....great service and great coffee... every time! They always seem to get through the orders quickly too.

Without doubt the best coffee and cafe service in Ponsonby Road . The food is delicious . This is what a local cafe should be , staff are super friendly , your name and coffee order are always remembered , the owner Ginnette stops to greet us , we have become committed regulars to this cafe . The kitchen staff provide me with a non menu item ( anchovies on toast - yum 10/10) on request , you can't do better than this .

Always good coffee, good service, and busy - a good sign

i wish i could give them 0 stars.<br/><br/>coffee was not good it was cold.<br/><br/>i was not happy with the service not at all ( staff do not know what they doing) <br/> And the food= first time was very good but the second visit not worth it.took me too long to take my food and i was late for work just because of their timing.<br/>they must know there is lots of good cafe, so they should be the same everyday, to not lose costumers

I have been in here many times over many years. Not once has the service been rude or obnoxious, as described by one reviewer. There are few places that deliver great coffee, well priced fresh food and fast efficient service like Salta. I will keep going there for these reasons, even though I have to drive over from the shore!

the mornings best start is with a Salta flat white and the best granola breakfast with berries, it's plain smiley! You need great coffee, check these guys out, always busy but always quick!

Coffee devine ! food yummm especially spicy chic salad !! Bring it back please.... giner crunch yumm mmyy, and the hot water bottles outside keep you toasty warm !!

Great food and coffee, but rude, disinterested and obnoxious staff.

I popped up the road to Salta today for lunch, having forgotten the pasta component of my homemade pasta salad. I asked if they could do the chicken pate to take away, and the waitress chirpily said "we can do anything!". Not only did they do it, it was amazing - immaculate presentation that survived a ten minute walk, a huge slab of pate and four slices of bread. It came with beetroot jam, red bean/tomato chutney, and very garlicky hummus. The waitress also checked whether I wanted a double shot (I did). I do wish double shots were standard, but otherwise fantastic food, generous portions and impeccable service.

'Salta' used to be called 'Atlas' a few years ago and then they decided to rebrand and write 'Atlas' backwards, to the confusion of many.<br/><br/>Resident in Three Lamps, Ponsonby are one of most 'popular' cafe haunts for locals. I have also been a regular here for 7-8 years, so familiar with my favourites being 'Old School Porridge with Brown Sugar' and 'Eggs Benedict with Salmon'.<br/><br/>The coffee is reliable 'Allpress' made with heart. Service is a bit hit-and-miss depending on the day. Nevertheless, I love the fact they have up to date magazines to browse through, and the food is always above average.<br/><br/>Note there is upstairs for meetings and quiet time, as the main cafe is usually chaotically busy. Also, you can telephone and preorder your coffee, much quicker!