Elske Cafe Imperial Lane

When you stumble across this Auckland gem, you could just about be in any city in the world. Offering coffee, cakes and sandwiches, it is a lovely escape for lunch with the girls. My near-fluffy was perfect, although my friends had proper coffee, and were happy with them. Surprisingly warm in winter with heaters strategically, but not stingily, placed. Staff always friendly and service efficient, with a smile. Very trendy with exposed brickwork and beams. If you don't have time lunch, sit down for a quick coffee. The Elske is definitely worth a visit.

Great ham sandwiches, and despite the odd chill is surviving winter as well as a large open space can!

This is certainly my favourite at the moment. Been there a few times now for coffee and an event last week. Brilliant to see a place like that in Auckland that has so much character! We now have Wyndham Quarter and the viaduct but brilliant to see a place pop up in an existing building developed so well! Will be a regular.

I kept seeing this place and thinking ' I must go there'. I finally went and I wasn't disappointed! I loved the setting. The food and coffee was delicious. You won't be disappointed.

Following on from my initial visit a month ago, I have to say that things have vastly improved! Will definitely be back again soon.

OMG, I cannot get enough of the pastries here... melt-in-your-mouth, delectable afternoon treats. The raisin whirl and eclairs are my current favourites but I'm planning on soon moving to the savouries to give them a whirl. I have only gotten take aways here so cannot confirm what their full service is like but at the counter, all was good.

Came here for a few drink and nibbles with friends. Very busy, we had to wait at the 'bar' to get a seat but were happy to. service initially a bit slow and the set up of the place can be a bit confusing, if the waitress's dont come to you then your left wondering where to go or stand when you need to order. Great selection of tapas and craft beers as well as a decent wine list. Not a cheap visit, $10 for a beer here but a nice treat. Love the environment, they have done very well. 

I've been fortunate enough to see this place grow from the ground up, having been part of the team at Imperial Lane since we were a building site! Elske had one of the rockier beginnings being a bit of a strange set-up but we're in full swing, now, so come on by on your way through to work. Our Cafe L'Affare beans and excellent baristas have converted me to the idea of milk in coffee (I was previously a subscriber to the Americano culture), and I can tell you that the best thing about doing 6.30am open at this place is the luxurious waft of freshly baked pastries, delivered from our bakery in Newmarket. Not to mention the awesome team I get to go to work with. Don't miss our salmon on rye sandwiches, made with Scandinavian-style gravlax. At nighttime this incredible warehouse space transforms (almost seamlessly, though bare with us as we unfold our origami bar) into a tapas and charcuterie/oyster bar, where you can enjoy the effortlessly chilled Hallertau brew range - my favourite is the cider! - with some crab toasties and live jazz music on Thursday nights. If you're just passing through or just feel like a relaxed glass of wine after work, this is the place to be. The wide open spaces are anti-claustrophobia, so there'll be none of that cloying bar-atmosphere. You won't have to worry about the sardine-tin effect here, and the DJ always cracks some neat grooves. Elske translates as "love" in Danish, which I think is kind of cute to think our name means "Love on Imperial Lane". And if you're really in the mood to try your language skills, our gluten-free Financier pastry (corn and almond flour cake with berry coulis - delicious!) is actually pronounced, "Fee-non-see-yeah". Say it with me, now! :)