Review Moloko Cafe - Auckland Central

It wasn't too busy when we came by so we were able to get a table. The place is fairly small but they did have a few tables outside. We had to order at the counter when we were ready and his customer service wasn't the best. It wasn't until we started our meals that the waitress came by and the service improved with the extra person. Quite an interesting menu and they also had baked goods by the counter. I had the green shakshuka and was really waiting for the polenta chips. There was only one polent chip served with the dish which was disappointing but the potato skins made up for it. Tasty and crispy. Food was decent and the service was ok.

Moloko is a nice place with tasty food (my favourite is cottage cheese pancakes with fruits) and great coffee and other drinks available. Also, there is plenty of space inside and outside and never had issues with parking! Definitely coming again for more!

Great variety of Russian inspired food and menu, only downside was that coffee bean itself was not as good as I usually have. Otherwise thoroughly enjoyed and will probably come back. 😊

Fantastic brunch spot with a Russian twist on the classic breakfast options. We enjoyed the tortilla omelette and the ricotta pancakes or syrniki. The drink kvass is available too.

Great, tasty food that celebrates traditional cafe flavours while being adventurous with Russian fusion. The service was attentive, prompt, and friendly. Water was constantly replenished. I was even offered the Wifi password without having to ask for it. Initially, I asked to swap out the fried bread for an alternative item on the Bolshoy Breakfast. The chef was unable to accommodate this. However, the fried bread turned out to be delicious! Definitely a cafe to add to my list of regulars!

Yes I loved my first visit to Moloko, For breakfast I had the lamb dumplings with smoked salmon and pork belly. Such a hearty breakfast for a cold winters morning, Worth a return visit.

Such an interesting cafe, never had russian cuisine before. Will definitely come back and try

Is good, but not fantastic..some interesting menu..

Great food. Decent portions. Nice atmosphere.

Very tasty cheese pancakes. And beautiful girl as owner of this cafe.

Love this cafe it's my local go to! Always good food and great coffee and smoothies. Excellent for kids, has a toy basket. Is a small cafe and gets very busy so get it early so you can get a table and don't have to wait. I love the Avocado Smash dish. Staff are very accommodating on the menu and you can and for kids options even though they are not on the menu e.g. Bacon and bread etc.

The best cafe I've eaten at in Auckland in a long time! Very unique menu and perfect coffee. I had the ricotta pancakes and my husband had the pork belly eggs benedict. Large portions, so make sure you're hungry when you go! Menu is a bit pricey, but worth it.

Beautiful cafe with minimal fresh decor. Offering a selection of tasty food options from hot dishes to cold goodies mostly paleo. Amazing coffee with fast and friendly service. Simple yet delicious. Highly recommend.

Honestly wasn't sure what to expect here, it's a Russian / European Cafe, but when we did end up trying, we didn't regret it. Food was absolutely amazing, portions were very good and the price is reasonable for the amount you get on your plate. It's very much worth a visit, they also served eight thirty coffee, what else can you ask for 😋

Loved the ricotta pancakes! Will definitely come again!

Were only a few tables of people when we went on a rainy Saturday for brunch but they weren’t able to cope even with that. Food took an hour to come out and when it did wasn’t great. Burnt bacon. Sides we ordered arrived long after we had finished our food even though we asked after them a few times. Food itself wasn’t even that good

Hello. I just vomited the food that I ordered and ate from here. I never leave negative reviews, but for the sake of humankind, I think it's necessary to warn anyone in their right mind who enjoys eating food, to never set foot in this establishment. There's been a clear change in management since last year when we ate there. I want to crap in a bag, drive back, and hand it to them.<br/><br/>TL;DR: We walked into the cafe and there was a man standing on the opposite side to the serving counter, sipping a coffee. He looked confused about the fact that we'd come in. We sat ourselves down and said we would order from the menu. He disappeared into the kitchen (he was the chef). A waitress came out to take our orders. A third of the menu had been scribbled out with vivid, so we chose what looked to be the specialty offerings of the cafe - the Pelmeni (Russian dumplings with mushrooms, smoked yoghurt served with bouillon) and the Borsch soup. A few minutes later the waitress comes out to tell us they've "run out of Borsh soup for today" (they'd been open 2-3 hours) but they could offer a mushroom soup. We agreed to it. About five minutes later the waitress comes out again to say the kitchen had run out of mushrooms but they could offer Tomato soup. We decided to go with the Blini with Avocado Smash (Spinach crepe, feta, edamame, pickled onions, house-made dressing, almond and cream cheese. We ask for no feta. The crepe arrives wet under a pile of limp rocket leaves dressed blandly with edamame and slivered almonds - the serving size of a side dish. No avocado, no cream cheese. We're hungry, so we eat it. The Russian dumplings are next, or should I say, the nine mini pieces of frozen beef ravioli pockets floating in an almost full bowl of powdered chicken stock. We were hungry, so we ate a couple - they tasted off. I asked the waitress if the mushrooms and smoked yoghurt were coming, she seemed perplexed and pointed at the bowl and said she would check, but the yoghurt "should be inside". she disappeared, and didn't come back to the table again.<br/><br/>We quickly finished our meals and when paying, asked if we could get half off the dumplings (seeing as half wasn't incl. in the meal, nevermind the smoked yoghurt or avocado not turning up) and after checking with the chef they obliged. I won't even mention the muffin we got takeaway before our meals arrived, which we tried at home - tasted like bicarb soda.<br/><br/>Summary: Eat here at your peril. There is no heart or soul in this business. I looked at photos taken of dishes made from previous owners, who managed to maintain the true average of this cafe's 5 star reviews and when I saw what I *should* have received in my order, a part of me died inside.<br/><br/>By the way, I'm writing this whilst on the loo and have cancelled all my plans for this evening. Thanks heaps Moloko!

Had been wanting to try this place for a while but was sadly disappointed. Only one person staffed, who told us to sit while he finished chatting and smoking with his mate outside which I found unwelcoming. There was only the two of us in the cafe and a few other people trickled in over the next half hour, all whom got their orders first. Waited 40 minutes for one milkshake. We had gone there to get the famous ricotta pancakes, which took 45 minutes to get to the table. Neither of us could finish one bite, the pancakes were undercooked and doughy. The plate looked a mess and nothing like the pictures from previous owner. First time I’ve ever had to complain about anything but the service and the food is well subpar. Only redeeming feature is that we were charged 50% but even then still shortchanged me.

Went here for lunch with Dad on a Groupon voucher on a Wed arvo. The place gives an airy feel, well lighted and cosy. Service was a bit disappointing however. Staff were polite and friendly, but our food took over 30mins to arrive although there were only 2 other tables. We ordered Beef Stroganoff ($20) and Green Shakshuka ($20). Food was very well presented and taste was good, small portion size, however for it's price. An extra piece of bread would have been nice with the Shakshuka as it only came with 1 small slice. There were afghan biscuits and gingerbread biscuits siting on a plate next to the counter, for sale, uncovered. I  saw a fly land on it and politely pointed this out to staff/might have been owner? that food should be covered for hygiene reasons. He replied that there is usually an extra staff taking care of all the front duties, including the display cabinet. In my opinion his response was questionable as regardless of number of staff, it is basic food hygiene that food should be covered?Final verdict<br/><br/>Food quality +taste + presentation = 8/10<br/>Food quantity = 6/10<br/>Value = 6/10<br/>Ambiance  = 7/10<br/>Service = 6.5/10 (slow service + questionable response about food hygiene)

Went to moloko for breakfast, we got the eggs benedict and Spanish omelette. Everything was ok, but nothing really stood out as being better than average. The place itself is also has a bit "run of the mill" average cafe vibe.

Moloko has been on the list for a while and we finally made the visit to this Meadowbank café. Located in a quiet area of shops, parking is a breeze with plenty right in front of the cafe. The décor is nicely done with a chilled modern vibe to it. The menu doesn’t feature your standard brunch options! This place definitely put us out of comfort zone and encouraged us to try something a little different. <br/><br/>We ordered the Smashed avo on house made bread with halloumi and the Green Shashuka with polenta chips. The smashed avo was piled high with greens, feta and pickled onion. It was a good dish, but the halloumi had that overdone rubbery texture. The Shakashuka was too out of my comfort zone unfortunately and for someone who doesn’t like onion, it was hard to pick around it in this dish. If I had seen onion listed on the menu I would have asked to remove it. The polenta chips got me through and were golden and crisp. Both dishes were well presented but service was a little slow during our visit. If we were to return again I’d stick to something a little safer or go for the Russian Ricotta pancakes as the photos of this dish look delicious.

Love the lazy weekend vibes at this cafe. We tried their baked eggs and signature pancakes, which were both very good (although their pancakes were quite dense and super filling!) <br/><br/>Would definitely come back again ❤️

The food that we had was nice as well as the coffee. But overall I would probably not come back to this place. When we walked in we got told that they have a new menu (why would they even tell us that?) and that we would get a free coffee. I didn‘t know why they said that but I thought that was quite nice. Except when we went to pay they charged us for the coffee anyway. Which of course is no problem because we were happy to pay for our coffee but then why tell us we would get a free one on the first place? Just a bit confusing.<br/>But as mentioned, the food was quite good.

It wasn't too busy when we came by so we were able to get a table. The place is fairly small but they did have a few tables outside.<br/><br/>We had to order at the counter when we were ready and his customer service wasn't the best. It wasn't until we started our meals that the waitress came by and the service improved with the extra person.<br/><br/>Quite an interesting menu and they also had baked goods by the counter. I had the green shakshuka and was really waiting for the polenta chips. There was only one polent chip served with the dish which was disappointing but the potato skins made up for it. Tasty and crispy.<br/><br/>Food was decent and the service was ok.

Beautiful baby blue and white painted walls sets the mood for a cruise-y brunch. We ordered the lamb dumplings, shakshouka, tortilla omelette and eggs benedict with bacon. <br/><br/>The food was delicious. The kitchen brings out dishes that are on most café menus with a twist of their own. <br/><br/>Service was slow - might have just been the day we went. Same with the coffee - not quite upto expectation. <br/><br/>Will give Moloko another try if in the area.

Great ambiance, friendly service and good food. I had the cold matcha and Pork Belly Eggs Benedict. It was delicious! Good find in Meadowbank and will definitely go back to try the other dishes.

Great relaxed atmosphere in suburbia. Great find and friendly staff. Good is well presented, flavoursome with an interesting twist on usual brunch dishes. 100% recommend

This is my mrs local and she quite likes the coffee here. She bought their beef pie for me to take to work, it is as big as looks here which I liked straight away. Inside (sorry I regret not taking a photo) is like almost a beef stew, with lots of hand vegetables, the meat was tender, a very tasty compilation. The pastry was also nice, altogether it was very reminiscent of a Ponsonby Pie for me, it did bring back a memory or two.

Amazing Russian food with kiwi twist (or kiwi food with russian twist?). Definitely will be back, even though it's quite far away from where I live.

Great, tasty food that celebrates traditional cafe flavours while being adventurous with Russian fusion. The service was attentive, prompt, and friendly. Water was constantly replenished. I was even offered the Wifi password without having to ask for it. Initially, I asked to swap out the fried bread for an alternative item on the Bolshoy Breakfast. The chef was unable to accommodate this. However, the fried bread turned out to be delicious! Definitely a cafe to add to my list of regulars!

Great cafe - really nice ambience, yummy food (especially the pancakes, green shakshuka and dumplings... not to mention the cronuts yummmm) and the coffee is great too! Usually quite busy on weekends! Plenty of parking as its off the main road. Good service too :)

What a lovely Russian-Kiwi cafe! finally there is a place in Auckland for some good old Russian yumminess. Ricotta pancakes (Moloko's take on syrniki) were just heavenly, my husband had Bolshoi breakfast and really enjoyed it. I didnt think shashlyk that was part of his breakfast had any flavor but all the rest was great. Good coffee and friendly and helpful service. I soooo will be back and will bring my Russian crowd:)

I ordered a bacon egg and tomato bagel with extra Avocado. They tried to serve me with a salmon bagel. We jokingly said they will just swap out the salmon for bacon... until a few minutes later I was served a fishy bacon, egg and tomato bagel. It still had salmon juices on the plate and pieces of salmon. What if I was allergic to fish? We didn't get water or cutlery until 5 minutes after the food was served. Coffee was tasty and the male serving the table the food was lovely. Wont be rushing back anytime soon.

Winter food delight . had lunch here last week on a cold day so their warming food suite perfectly. Really great borsch soup and really appreciated the option to take off the soup cream and use yummy thick bread to mop up the juice ,just super tasty ans warming plus well seasoned. And the dumplings were even better cannot recommend them more !! Staff are also very willing to help at any time and great coffee on top a win win

Would come here every day if I could. It's such a cute little cafe in Meadowbank that serves wonderful food. Even their cabinet items, like the blueberry scone is amazing. I always get the potato hash dish which comes with haloumi and I am never disappointed. So delicious and filling. Just go there. Yasssss.

Delish coffee and epic food. I had the Russian ricotta pancakes which were amazing. My partner had the big breakfast (didnr get a photo before he started devouring it) it was a huge breakfast he said it awesome. <br/>Really good coffee too. Service was great aswell. Will absolutley be back

We went to Moloko for breakfast on Mother's Day and although packed the service was really awesome and personal. Moloko is a welcome new addition to Meadowbank. The food was really tasty and healthy with lots of twists on standard breakfast dishes. I had parsnip and potato hash with haloumi and a gorgeous beet salad on top. Coffee was great too. We will definitely be back.

One of my favourite places, Russian pancakes are must try! Big breakfast and eggs benny with salmon are amazing too. Good portion size and a combination of Russian and Kiwi food make it really unique place. Although, I'm not a coffee person but my husband really enjoys flat white there, it is perfect every time we visit. I would highly recommend visiting this place.

Great coffee this morning.. the staff were fast, friendly and efficient.  I only wished I had time for breakfast. The menu looks great and definitely something different.  I will be back in the weekend for the Russian Pancakes!!!!