The Lime Tree Cafe

cafe — Howick · Auckland

About The Lime Tree Cafe

The Lime Tree Cafe is a welcoming dining destination in Ararimu, offering an extensive all-day breakfast and lunch menu. Designed for relaxed dining, the cafe features comfortable seating and a warm, inviting setting where locals and travellers alike can enjoy fresh, wholesome meals prepared with quality ingredients.

From traditional morning favorites like Eggs Benedict and fluffy pancake stacks to hearty lunchtime staples like slow-cooked pork belly, burgers, and savoury steak sandwiches, the kitchen caters to a wide spectrum of tastes. Whether stopping in for a relaxed brunch, catching up over lunch, or treating the family to hearty fare, visitors will find generous portions and thoughtful food prepared daily.

A Relaxed Dining Experience at The Lime Tree Cafe in Ararimu

Nestled in Ararimu, The Lime Tree Cafe offers diners a relaxed and satisfying cafe experience built on generous portions, comfort classics, and genuine hospitality. Whether you are stepping in early to kick-start your morning or stopping by for a leisurely lunch, the cafe offers a broad selection of made-to-order meals catering to a wide range of tastes.

All-Day Breakfast Favourites

Breakfast at The Lime Tree Cafe celebrates beloved cafe traditions with thoughtful flavour twists. Morning diners can enjoy creative interpretations like Marsala Mushrooms sautéed in garlic and thyme butter, finished in rich marsala cream with baby spinach and crumbled feta over toasted artisan bread. The signature Eggs Benedict swaps standard English muffins for golden, crispy potato rostis, topped with the kitchen's signature Lime hollandaise sauce and your choice of bacon, portobello mushroom and spinach, or smoked salmon.

Those looking for something hearty will appreciate the Big Breakfast, packed with field mushrooms, sausage, bacon, hash brown, and onion rings. Diners on specific eating plans are also catered to with options like the Keto Breakfast or the entirely plant-based Vegan Stack. Sweet-toothed visitors can indulge in Pantry D’or brioche French toast or a five-tier pancake stack adorned with Black Doris plums, berry compote, and mascarpone.

Generous Lunches and Family Fare

When midday arrives, the kitchen transitions seamlessly to a comforting lunch lineup. Seafood lovers can warm up with a rich, creamy seafood chowder featuring shrimp, mussels, and surimi accompanied by toasted ciabatta. Meat lovers will find the scotch fillet steak sandwich, Angus beef burger with classic beetroot and fried egg, or slow-cooked pork belly with garlic, lemon, and sage served with crisp golden fries.

Lighter appetites and younger diners are well provided for with a selection of light bites, including crumbed chicken tenders, mini Benedicts, and bowls of macaroni cheese. Whether stopping in on a weekday or heading out for a weekend family meal, The Lime Tree Cafe provides a warm, hearty stop in the Ararimu countryside.

Signature items

  • Eggs Benedict
  • Marsala Mushrooms
  • Pork Belly
  • Seafood Chowder
  • Steak Sandwich
  • Pancake Stack

Menu

Lunch

  • Seafood Chowder — Creamy chowder with shrimp, mussels, and surimi, served with toasted ciabatta.
  • Steak Sandwich — Scotch fillet on toasted ciabatta with salad greens, tomato, grilled mushrooms, caramelised onion, balsamic glaze, and fries.
  • Pork Belly — Slow-cooked pork belly with garlic, lemon, and sage, served with fries, salad, and apple sauce.
  • Beef Burger — Angus beef patty with bacon, fried egg, beetroot, lettuce, tomato, BBQ sauce, and fries.
  • Chicken Burger — Grilled chicken breast with pineapple, lettuce, tomato, aioli, and fries.
  • Green Thai Chicken Risotto — Creamy risotto with Thai curry-marinated chicken, tomato, and coriander.
  • Vegan Stack — Potato rosti, baby spinach, grilled mushrooms, smashed avocado, and dairy-free aioli.

Breakfast

  • Muesli — Homemade toasted blend of oats, seeds, and dried fruits topped with plums and yoghurt, served with milk.
  • Toast & Preserves — Your choice of ciabatta or sourdough with lime marmalade, apricot jam, raspberry jam, peanut butter, or vegemite.
  • Avocado Smash (Seasonal) — Crushed avocado with red onion and grilled cherry tomato on grain toast, grilled mushroom, and a poached egg.
  • Marsala Mushrooms — Mushrooms sautéed in garlic and thyme butter, finished in marsala cream with baby spinach, crumbled feta, and toasted sourdough or Vogels.
  • Mince on Toast — Old-fashioned savoury mince on toasted ciabatta with poached egg and sour cream.
  • Bacon & Eggs — Free-range eggs cooked any style with bacon, relish, and toasted ciabatta.
  • Eggs Benedict — Served on potato rosti, topped with Lime hollandaise sauce with choice of bacon, portobello mushroom & spinach, or smoked salmon.
  • French Toast — Pantry D’or brioche French toast with bacon, banana, and maple syrup.
  • Pancake Stack — Five pancakes with banana, plums, maple syrup, berry compote, and mascarpone, with optional bacon.
  • Big Breakfast — Field mushrooms, grilled tomato, bacon, sausage, hash brown, onion rings, and eggs cooked to your liking on ciabatta.
  • Keto Breakfast — Grilled sausage, bacon, portobello mushroom, and two poached eggs with hollandaise.
  • Sweetcorn Fritter Stack — Grilled sweetcorn fritters with homemade salsa, hollandaise, and choice of bacon or portobello mushroom.
  • Vanilla Risotto — Creamy rice pudding topped with Black Doris plums and compote.

Kids Menu

  • Kids Bacon & Egg — Served on buttered ciabatta toast with egg poached, fried, or scrambled.
  • Kids Pancake Stack — Three pancakes with banana and choice of chocolate, maple, or strawberry sauce.

Light Meals

  • Mac & Cheese — Creamy macaroni cheese.
  • Crumbed Chicken Strips — Homemade crumbed chicken with fries and tomato sauce.
  • Mini Benny — Served on potato rosti with hollandaise and choice of bacon, mushroom & spinach, or smoked salmon.
  • Bowl of Fries — Fries served with aioli and tomato sauce.
  • Onion Rings — Crispy onion rings served with sriracha sauce.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of food does The Lime Tree Cafe serve?
The cafe offers an extensive all-day breakfast and lunch menu featuring classic cafe fare, Eggs Benedict on potato rosti, steak sandwiches, burgers, slow-cooked pork belly, and seafood chowder.
Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, the menu includes vegetarian options such as Marsala Mushrooms and Sweetcorn Fritters, as well as a dedicated Vegan Stack with potato rosti, baby spinach, mushrooms, avocado, and dairy-free aioli.
Is there a dedicated children's menu?
Yes, there is a kids menu featuring bacon and egg on buttered ciabatta toast and three-stack pancakes with a choice of chocolate, maple, or strawberry sauce.
Can I get lighter meals or smaller portions?
Yes, the light meals section features smaller options including mini Eggs Benedict on potato rosti, crumbed chicken strips, and macaroni cheese.
Does the cafe cater to keto or low-carb diets?
Yes, the menu features a dedicated Keto Breakfast including grilled sausage, bacon, portobello mushroom, poached eggs, and hollandaise.

Tips

  • {"body":"Eggs Benedict is served over a crispy potato rosti instead of bread, finished with house Lime hollandaise.","title":"Try the Rosti Benny"}
  • {"body":"With dedicated kids options and light bites like crumbed chicken and mac & cheese, it is easy to feed children of all ages.","title":"Bring the Whole Family"}
  • {"body":"If you enjoy sweet breakfasts, look out for the vanilla risotto rice pudding or the five-pancake stack topped with Black Doris plums.","title":"Sample the Sweet Morning Classics"}

Good to know

  • {"family":"Offers a dedicated kids menu with pancakes and bacon & eggs.","dietary":"Options include a dedicated keto breakfast, a vegan stack, and various vegetarian meals."}