Paper Moon

The Verdict

Let’s be honest, the North Shore has got it going on. There are beaches, walks and beauty galore, but as suckers for great food, quality coffee and friendly vibes, Mairangi Bay gem, Paper Moon is one of the highlights.

Situated on the sunny corner of Beach Road, Paper Moon is the locals’ go-to for an early morning coffee, cruisy brunch, after-work bevvie, celebratory dinner or quick bite to eat after a stroll on the sandy beaches that are just minutes down the road. Yep, morning, noon or night, this popular spot has it all!

Step into Paper Moon and you’ll immediately notice the buzz. The space is light and bright, with bar leaners to the left and plenty of seating to the right—constantly dotted with diners tucking into the eatery’s delicious offerings.

Rock up during breakfast or brunch and tuck into the likes of brioche French toast, smashed avo with a crispy coated egg, Paper Moon’s award-winning ‘beans and bacon’ or the Mother Earth featuring avo, mushies, potato rosti, feta whip, beetroot hummus, roasted vine tomato, grilled sourdough and poached free range eggs—it’s a brekkie your body will thank you for.

The lunch tucker is no less impressive. We’re talking beautiful salads, salt and pepper squid, fresh fish and chips, and some of the best burgers this side of the bridge (pro tip: order the pork belly). If you’re a sun-chaser, the outdoor area at the front is exactly where you need to be. Perch on the leaners with an ice-cold brew and tapas on a sunny arvo and trust us, you’ll be one happy camper! Better yet, there’s a three-hour happy hour between 3-6pm, every single day.

Gather your crew and get your mitts on everything from crispy crab tacos to beef cheek slow, cooked in sherry and served on a creamy cauli puree, and moreish steamed buns filled with beef and sriracha sauce. Don’t be surprised if you want to order it all—everything really is a treat for the taste buds!

Adventurers, Paper Moon has got your back, too. Head to Mairangi Bay for a scenic coastal walk before treating yo’self to ALL the ice cream at Paper Moon’s deli, just around the corner from the eatery itself. There’s baristas who know a thing or two about fashioning a top-notch coffee and a cabinet brimming with goodies. Plus, it’s dog-friendly, so your pooch can sit with you while you fuel up.

If it’s dinner you’re after, you’re also in luck. An evening at Paper Moon will have you feasting on scrumptious bistro-style fare, drinking fine wine and enjoying the relaxed yet sophisticated ambience of the restaurant. For seafood lovers, the kingfish sashimi, parmesan-crusted snapper and scallops with pork and fennel ravioli are a must. While those looking for something a bit more decadent, the chicken liver pate with fig chutney, Doris plum and brioche crostini is a hit. Paper Moon is Auckland-famous for their beef Wellington and no trip would be complete without trying it, even if you have to sneak a morsel of your dining partner’s plate (it’s 100 per cent worth it).

When we say you have to save room for dessert, we mean it. From raspberry and white chocolate crème brulee to Mojito cheesecake, baklava and a classic affogato, your sweet tooth will be in heaven. The star of the show? Paper Moon’s chocolate bomb! It’s a chocolate dome filled with vanilla bean anglaise, forest berry nut cluster, honeycomb, Oreo crumbs, vanilla ice cream and a pot of hot chocolate sauce to pour over and watch the dome melt into a delicious puddle. And yes, it’s every bit as glorious as it sounds.

The private function room—The Coastal Room—is also worth a mention. It’s the ideal spot for a work-do or big family get-together, seating up to 28 people. What’s more, Paper Moon also host regular events. We hear the beer and curry night is a hoot!

Convinced yet? Whether you’re after a new spot to brunch with your crew, dine with the fam, meet for business, enjoy a few drinks or pop in for nibbles, a trip to this North Shore treasure is in order. 

Image credit: Kellie Blizard