If you are looking for the perfect inner city breakfast spot, then Major Sprout may just be the best choice. It ticks all the boxes – delicious food, great coffee and efficient service.

Major Sprout is owned by David Lee, who also runs the popular eateries Dear Jervois in Herne Bay and Little King in Milford. I admit, Major Sprout opened in November 2015… so I am a bit late to the party. But it was definitely worth the wait, especially for their famous and Insta-worthy buttermilk pancakes.

We visited Major Sprout last weekend for breakfast. The cafe is tucked down Graham Street, just up the road from Victoria Park. Inside, the fit out is modern, light and airy, with greenery in every corner and plenty of seating options. We arrived quite early (8.30am) so there was no need to make a reservation, but any later, I would definitely recommend booking a table.

To start, I enjoyed a Mocha (using Flight Coffee), which was the perfect temperature, creamy and gone in a flash. My sister also loved their Turmeric Latte. If you’re not into coffee or fancy lattes, they also serve Storm & India Tea, smoothies and a range of cold drinks, including homemade sodas.

Mocha + Turmeric Latte

Their food menu is extensive, offering the usual breakfast/brunch fare, with healthy, gluten and dairy free options and some interesting dishes which have a Korean/Japanese flare. For example, you can order Congee Rice Porridge or Okonomiyaki for breakfast (something I have not seen on a breakfast menu yet in Auckland) and for lunch, Bibimbap, a classic Korean dish and one of my favourite meals. Also loved the fact that you can order a side of kimchi!

Major Sprout’s new Winter menu

For breakfast, my Mum and sister both ordered the 3 x Scrambled Free Range Eggs on The Midnight Baker‘s nutty Freedom Loaf and also with Paleo toast (which is made with coconut flour). The scrambled eggs were cooked to perfection.

3 x Scrambled Free Range Eggs on Paleo Toast

And of course, I HAD to order the Buttermilk Pancakes. These were a stand out dish, with light and fluffy pancakes and the perfect accompaniments – creamy almond mascarpone, crunchy butterscotch, toasted marshmallows and topped with baby pink candy floss and freeze dried strawberries. You have the option to add vanilla ice cream or pancetta, so I went with the latter. Italian bacon and pancakes go so well, especially when drenched in maple syrup!

Buttermilk Pancakes with mascarpone, butterscotch and marshmallows

Major Sprout’s Buttermilk Pancakes are definitely the best I have had in Auckland. Another bonus – you get your own bottle of Noble Tuthilltown Bourbon Barrel Matured Maple Syrup. Unlimited maple syrup = one very happy Georgie.

Food aside, the service was great – staff were super friendly and efficient, water glasses were always topped up and we didn’t have to wait long for our meals.

But most importantly, did the buttermilk pancakes live up to the hype???

Y E S!!! Go there now.

Major Sprout
Open for Monday to Friday from 7am to 4pm, Saturday & Sunday from 8am to 4pm
Address 21 Graham Street, Auckland CBD
Notes Definitely book a table (via email) as it gets super busy… unless you arrive on opening time!

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