New Zealand’s hospitality scene is second to none, with a plethora of incredible, world-class eateries that ensure we’re never short on places to dine out. But, one thing we’ve been lacking is casual yet sophisticated all-day eateries that run the gamut from morning coffee to brunch, lunch, afternoon drinks, dinner, cocktails and beyond — which is where John Yip and Jamie Yeon’s new cafe (and soon to be cocktail & wine bar), Juno, comes in.
Centered on the food and drink Yip and Yeon themselves seek out, here, you’ll find light and nourishing fare that is simple yet refined, or, in their words, “Just simple and classic things done well.” At this stage, the cafe is open for breakfast, brunch, and lunch — but Juno will soon become an all-day eatery, with wine and cocktails taking centre stage in the evenings.
We have it on good authority that the menu is ever-changing based on what’s fresh and inspiring, but for now, you’ll find a concise edit of thoughtful dishes, many of which hero Juno’s signature seeded bread. The toast, or ‘Seeded Toast Tartine’ is served with toppings such as anchovy, egg and mayonnaise — Juno’s version of Parisian staple Ouef Mayo, curried egg salad, summer tomatoes with goats curd, and smoked salmon with egg and dill labneh.
Other menu items include house-made nut granola with pear butter, a vibrant summer salad with walnuts, quinoa, and fresh nashi pear, and a stunning tiramisu cake. There are also plenty of sweet treats on the counter, including a beautiful selection of cookies and fresh loaves to pair with coffee.
Speaking of which, speciality coffee also forms an essential part of Juno’s offering, and goes well beyond the usual oat flat white. “Our signature is the Vienna,” Yip tells me, “It’s an iced long black infused with demerara sugar and orange peel reduction, topped with sweet cold cream.” Delicious. I can also personally recommend the iced mint mocha, which has fast-become my go-to pick-me-up. What sounds like a decadent treat is in fact light, fresh, beautifully balanced, and gives you just the right amount of buzz to power through a full inbox.
The space, imagined to conjure the feeling of a “big city hotel lobby,” was designed by one of New Zealand’s most renowned interior designers, Katie Lockhart — and it shows. Known for her Antipodean-meets-European sensibility, Lockhart has transformed the expansive space into an eatery that feels at once contemporary and casual, cosy and sophisticated. The space is rendered almost entirely in a calming duck egg blue, complimented by white tiling, walnut seating and cabinetry, and sleek lighting which lends the space a refreshing calmness.
The open kitchen is located at the eatery’s mid-point, with high stools at the bar affording guests a front-row seat to the action. There are cosy corners, too, perfectly suited to catch-ups and meetings, and plenty of space to settle in solo for a drink, and bite, and perhaps an hour or two of work on your laptop.
With a stunning space, Yeon taking great care of diners front-of-house, and Yip working his magic in the kitchen, Juno is certain to leave a lasting impression — guaranteed to become a go-to destination, morning, noon, or night.
Opening hours:
Monday — Friday, 7:30am until 3pm
Saturday — Sunday, 8am until 3pm
Juno
The Greenhouse
20 Williamson Avenue
Grey Lynn
Auckland
