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Fields Café has been our family’s local café for the past 2 years and we love it for its quality of food and family-friendly facilities, particularly the outdoor playground.

On most days, we work here in the mornings, and on some weekends, we treat our kids to a family breakfast. I think it’s safe to say that we have tried and tasted most of the food here at Fields Café.

In this post, we will share our unbiased and unsponsored review of Fields Café Albany to provide insights for Aucklanders who are looking for a family-friendly café to chill on the North Shore.

First Impression

At first glance, Fields Café seems to be located in an odd spot, sitting diagonally across a patch of grass in the middle of a development site.

But on a closer look, you’ll realise the café symbolises one of the early signs of gentrification in Albany.

Away from the crowded Westfield, Fields Café have ample parking and a footpath to the nearby residential block.

Aesthetics & Ambience

The aesthetics of Fields Café stands out as a contemporary modern café that is trendy and cosy.

The interior adopts a classic timber design with a colour pop of teal gray.

From the finer details like the repotting of plants outside, the large panoramic display of flowers and paper straws, you can feel Fields Café is conscious of the environment.

Staff & Service

We were greeted by an enthusiastic staff as soon as we walked up the steps.

She seated us on a table inside and provided a menu for every one of us, including our toddler.

The staff here at Fields were very attentive but not intrusive. They checked on us throughout the meal making sure everything was ok.

Our toddler received ample attention and high-fives. She felt included with her own menu and a glass of water and was very proud that she had made some new friends.

Overall, we had a really positive experience with the services provided.

Food at Fields Café

One thing we love about Fields Café is the simplicity of their menu.

At the entrance, we were greeted with a bar of mouth-watering pastries and I was ready to order without even getting to the menu.

There is a good selection of locals’ favourites from their all day menu and kids menu.

• Big Breakfast
• Eggs Benedict
• Eggs on Toast
• Smashed Avo
• Black Pudding
• Sandwiches
• Burgers
• and many more.

Archived: My favourite eggs bene

I browsed through the menu looking for my all-time go-to breakfast – eggs benedict with smoked salmon, but they only had the options of either bacon or eggplant.

I enquired with one of the staff to see whether salmon could be added on as an extra and she brought up something that completely surprised me after checking with the chef.

The eggs benedict that I was familiar with came with a slice of sourdough bread.

Fields’ benedict came with 2 Japanese okonomiyaki instead, which was rather unique.

I was told that one of the chefs was from Japan, so this was as authentic as it can get.

The salmon I requested was a delicious pan-fried salmon steak instead of smoked salmon slices.

Our toddler, who had asked for a raspberry doughnut, finished it all and pinched on mine for more.

It was so satisfying that we all skipped lunch.

Facilities

Outdoor Playground

There are outdoor seating areas with lazy bean bags overlooking a simple playground.

The playground is more suitable for older kids with interconnected geometric climbing nets and frames.

It would be nice if they could install a few swings and a smaller slide for toddlers. Nonetheless, the outdoor deck provides a relaxing place to soak in the sun.

Function Room

There is a small function room at the back of Fields Café that you can hire for private events.

Simply contact them to book your kids’ parties, company functions, and private meetings.

Bathrooms

There are several toilets available on-site, equipped with quality hand wash.

Last Notes

Although Fields Café has gone through quite a number of changes, the quality remains on par with some of the top-quality cafés in Auckland.

The food here is unique and authentic at reasonable price tags.

I’m not sure whether the Okla Group is planning on redeveloping the site in the near future, but for the time being, Fields Café is a great addition to the up and coming Albany and its local residents.

So if you’re looking for a family-friendly café with a playground on the North Shore, be sure to visit Fields Café on one of the sunny days!

I hope you’ve found this post useful. If Fields doesn’t quite tick all the boxes, you may also be interested in Patch Café – another family-friendly café on the north shore with a kids play area.

Have a great week ahead!

∞ Kida

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