Backyard Café

What kind of visit to the local garden store is complete without stopping for a coffee and scone on site? Luckily for you, Backyard Café in Porirua knows that plant shopping isn’t complete without some caffeine on the side, and this light and spacious eatery is often full with people passing through Palmers, the garden centre it's located within.

The friendly folk behind the counter add smiles to the start of your day, and being well looked after here doesn’t so much feel like a job requirement as simply a genuine way of interacting with Porirua locals. Pies, wraps, filled croissants and tasty looking scones are just some of the options in the abundant cabinet, but if hunger pains are really hitting home then a selection from Backyard Café's menu is an obvious choice. French toast made with croissants, fried banana, strawberries and almonds is a big hit with the sweet-toothed breakfast eaters, otherwise, there’s eggs in every way you could dream of, avocado smash for the millennials and burgers for those after a hearty lunch. Have your coffee with soy, coconut or almond mylk, or try one of their master milkshakes (choc toffee or apple pie, anyone?) for a modern take on a nostalgic classic.

Sit in the outdoor courtyard (that on Saturdays turns into a stage for their very own Backyard Beats), where, with foliage in every nook and cranny, there’s a peaceful vibe here that comes only with dining in a real-life oasis.