Please don’t be put off by the ever so slightly cheesy tagline “Never fear, Cool Food is here!” This place is a gastronomic gem that businesses in the Mt Eden/Symonds St. area have been slathering for.

Located in the ever chic Bloc premises, Cool Food Cafe takes precedence as you walk upstairs, despite being surrounded by overpriced, but ever so gorgeous domestic paraphernalia. The glass walls of the building lends itself to the vibe of this buzzing café which feels modern, clean and practical (in a hip sort of a way). I imagine the Bauhaus Movement would have approved of this establishment.

And it must said that the food reflects its image. For those on the run, tucker from hot pies and gourmet sausages to quinoa and cous cous salads, grace the self-service cabinet section. It all looks delicious and has a certain vitality to it that cabinet food so often lacks.

However the fun really begins when you get to the Bloc Menu. Aptly named Building Blocs, the regular components of any delicious breakfast/brunch have been transformed into blocs used to make the meal of your dreams. There are a couple of interesting blocs in there too, homemade crumpets, homemade hash-browns (delicious!), and a good selection of gluten free options. For the non-DIY types fear not, there is also a great selection of meals on the Pre-Built Menu.

I’ve visited Cool Food Cafe twice, first for a Bloc Breakfast which included bacon, scrambled eggs on toast and a homemade hash-brown. Top marks all round. The eggs were cooked to perfection and the bacon was crispy and oh-so-tasty.

The following visit resulted in a takeaway serving of ham, potato and leek soup served with toasted crostini. The soup hit the spot on a cold winters day and the serving was surprisingly generous given it was served in a takeaway coffee cup.

Now I have to mention the service. Attentive but not invasive, friendly but not in your face, helpful but not pushy – are just a few of the characteristics of what I believe makes for good service. And Cool Food Cafe has got it down.

Overall rating: 9/10

• Location: 7
• Value: 8
• Service: 10
• Quality: 10
• Environment: 8
• X-Factor: 9

Cool Food Cafe, Bloc 20, Normanby Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland