Westmere is fast-becoming one of the city’s top spots for casual dining, with a host of eateries lining the main strip that run the gamut from cheap and cheerful (Esarn Rocket) to laid-back yet elevated (Ragtag), and now local favourite Catroux has moved into a sleek new spot, expanding their exceptional brunch and lunchtime offering.

The space itself (once the local fruit & veg shop) is expansive and light-filled, and Catroux locals will be thrilled to know that there’s now plenty more room to park up and enjoy the delectable food on offer — including a number of heated outdoor tables, shielded against the wind. “I’d been on the lookout for some time, dreaming of a bigger space, as we had outgrown the one we were in,” Catroux’s founder and co-owner, Adele Jenner, tells me. “The community is every part as important as the cafe itself, so staying in Westmere was our number one priority. After chatting with the spot’s previous owner, one thing led to another, and we’re finally here.”

Clean and minimal yet cosy and inviting, the space boasts high ceilings, white-washed walls, plush banquette seating, and light marble and timber tables, bringing Catroux — an institution that’s been operating for 14 years — into the here and now.

“Our old Catroux felt a bit squashed. We would love to bring back the brunch culture of a bustling local in this new space, while keeping the vision the same: a simple, understated yet beautiful space that lets the food do the talking,” says Jenner.

As has always been the case, the cabinet is positively brimming with some of the best grab-and-go fare in the city. The scones, muffins, and sweet treats have hungry punters lining up come morning, and as the day progresses, attention is turned to the flavour-filled salads (some of the best we’ve tried — a speciality of co-owner Melissa, who also leads the catering side of the business), portions of protein — from marinated chicken to miso-glazed salmon fillets, generously-stuffed sandwiches (with bread made fresh a few doors down at Beabea’s), and a host of enticing options catering to both the health conscious and the more glutinous amongst us.

“I have always wanted the focus to be on good, healthy, fresh salads and delicious home baking,” says Jenner, “Everything is made onsite, which is something we’re really proud of.”

Speaking of which, there are also a number of goodies made for enjoying at home, or grabbing on your way to a friend’s place, including Catroux’s famous cookies — available by the jar or packet, house-made muesli, sweet treats, condiments, and coffee.

But, beyond what greets you at the front counter, Catroux also offers a full café menu packed with elevated takes on the classics. Here, you’ll find everything from tropical acai bowls with all the trimmings to a smoked fish eggs bene with crisp rosti and creamy hollandaise. The fitness bowl is perfect for health nuts or gym bunnies, packed with protein and all manner of goodness, while the French toast with mulled wine poached pear caters to the other end of the gastronomic spectrum.

On the drinks front, as it always has, perfectly prepared coffee takes centre stage, alongside smoothies and fresh juices, On Sundays tea, a host of cold drinks, and, of course, the perfect fluffy.

In fact, there’s plenty on offer for the kiddos, with a dedicated kids menu featuring the likes of eggs and soldiers, mini French toast with vanilla ice cream, acai bowls, and a bagel with avo — that is, of course, if you can get them past the mini cupcakes in the cabinet.

Ultimately, the new Catroux doesn’t look to reinvent the wheel (why would you, when you’re onto such a winning formula), but build upon the stalwart café’s already strong foundations. We’ve long been members of Catroux’s fab club, but this fresh new space has served as a timely reminder that sometimes, even when you’re surrounded by the shiny and new, you can’t beat a classic.

Opening hours:
Monday — Friday, 7am until 2:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, 7:30am until 3pm

catroux.co.nz