Fika With Me is a fully licensed cafe at 5 Birkenhead Ave, in the heart of Birkenhead Village, Auckland. The name says it all: to 'fika' means to take a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life — and this is a place built for exactly that.
The cafe has been part of Birkenhead for over ten years. Chef-owner Deepak, originally from Fiji, took over in April 2022 and puts his Fiji-Indian heritage at the centre of the menu, from the spice-layered Masala Hash — featured on the 2024 Top 100 Auckland Iconic Eats list — to Beef Cheeks served on house-made hash browns with perfectly poached eggs, plus French Toast, the Big Breakfast and the ever-popular Chicken and Waffle.
The menu is inclusive by design, with a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options, recipes that can usually be modified for allergies, and Halal chicken and steak. Coffee is made with Altura beans, and being fully licensed means an Espresso Martini at 9 am is a real option, alongside well-balanced mocktails.
Open five days a week, Wednesday to Sunday, with plenty of free parking in Birkenhead Village, Fika With Me pairs rustic, friendly surrounds with food that keeps reviewers — and regulars — coming back. Call 09 418 5508 or email fikawithmebirkenhead@gmail.com to book a table.
Fika With Me sits at 5 Birkenhead Ave in the heart of Birkenhead Village, Auckland, and it takes its name seriously. To 'fika' means to take a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life — and that is exactly what this fully licensed cafe invites you to do, whether you are lingering over a latte or settling in for a long weekend brunch.
The cafe has been part of Birkenhead for more than ten years. Its current custodian, chef-owner Deepak, took over in April 2022 after deciding that having his own restaurant was the goal he had been working toward since finishing his studies. He fell in love with the vibe at Fika With Me — and says the best part of the job is getting to know the regulars and meeting new people.
What sets Fika With Me apart on Auckland's cafe scene is Deepak's cooking. Originally from Fiji, he lets his Fiji-Indian heritage lead the way, designing dishes layered with flavours from his own background. That identity runs deep enough that Fiji-style curries have their own place on the menu — a good reason to look beyond the breakfast classics when you visit.
The dish everyone talks about is the Masala Hash, a spiced signature that earned a place on the 2024 Top 100 Auckland Iconic Eats list — an honour usually reserved for the city's most-loved institutions. It has put this friendly corner cafe firmly on the map for food lovers across Auckland.
Beyond the Masala Hash, the Beef Cheeks are a firm favourite: slow-cooked and served on house-made hash browns with perfectly poached eggs. If you are after classic cafe comfort, there is French Toast, a hearty Big Breakfast, or the Chicken and Waffle. Reviewers regularly single out the Tiramisu French Toast — 'out of the world,' in one Google review — and the eggs benedict, often alongside a dirty chai latte.
The menu is deliberately inclusive. There is a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan options, and in most cases recipes can be modified for allergies — just ask the team. Chicken and steak are Halal, so more guests can order freely and eat in line with their beliefs.
Coffee comes from Altura, with beans roasted for a smooth, satisfying cup whether you take yours as a creamy latte, a strong espresso or a delicate cappuccino. Coffee quality is one of the most consistent themes in the cafe's hundreds of Google reviews, with guests praising everything from the roast to the people making it.
And here is the twist: Fika With Me is fully licensed. If the mood strikes, an Espresso Martini at 9 am is genuinely on the menu. Reviewers also call the mocktails genuinely awesome and well balanced, which makes it an easy pick for mixed groups.
Inside, the rustic-style decor gets a nod in reviews for making the place feel friendly to all. It is the sort of room where you can escape a busy week, catch up with family and friends, and let the morning stretch a little longer than planned.
Fika With Me opens five days a week: Wednesday to Friday from 8.00 am to 2.30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm. The kitchen closes half an hour before closing time, so do not leave your hash too late. Mondays and Tuesdays are closed. Getting there is simple, with plenty of free parking around Birkenhead Village.
Planning a visit — especially for weekend brunch — it pays to book. Call 09 418 5508, email fikawithmebirkenhead@gmail.com, or message the team on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. The cafe also offers venue hire, making it a flexible option for group catch-ups and celebrations.
Come hungry, order the Masala Hash, and take the name at its word: slow down, and appreciate the good things.