Urban Soul

This is a great place for a coffee and something sweet or breakfast. The cinnamon and raisin brioche scrolls with custard are to die for.
The décor is pretty upmarket compared to other local eateries, and there is a nice outdoor seating area for when the weather is good.
A good fuelling station to prepare oneself for grocery shopping at Countdown across the carpark

With the décor being so clean, modern and classy — I’ve had numerous recommendations for this café for my lunchtime escapades in Manukau.
While it was busy, the owner made the effort to come by our table to make sure the food was ok. The Thai prawn noodle fritters were delish! Something different outside of your café food norm. As the owner explained, she gives the chefs room to experiment and this goes to show what trust can do for creativity. The combination of the fragrant herbs and mango slaw was spectacular.
The mushroom risotto was a treat. The consistency wasn’t too soft, something I’m always wary of because it can wipe out all texture in the dish. The olive oil gave it a smooth viscosity, so pace yourself while eating this or it’ll get rich too quickly.
And of course, a getaway wouldn’t be complete without something to takeaway. I was spoilt for choice at the cabinet options but «old fashioned cheesecake (not cheesecake)» caught my eye. Indeed, it was more of a sponge inside.
Food was a little pricey for the region but the quality of food and service makes it worth it. I wouldn’t think twice about going back.

The crowds are a testament to this café’s prowess. A vast array of foods, both in the menu and at the counter, and the coffee is delicious. Also one of the few places to offer almond milk as an option with coffee.
Lots of seating, but it fills up rather quick during busy periods. Even in quiet periods it’s still busy. This place is just constantly going off!
Nice interior. Friendly staff. A must try. Not many places like this in south Auckland.

Used Unilocal to find this busy café. Ordered and did manage to find a table. Mr had the Thai noodle fritters with prawns and a mango avocado salad. Very tasty and unusual. Mrs had the veggie cake from the cabinet. It was spud and squash heavy with a green salad. Could have been heated more evenly. Also from the cabinet was a pottle of berry baked yoghurt. Just had to try it and it was delicious. The coffee was excellent.

Rarely am impressed by any café. But this one really is a cut above. From the friendly staff to the cozy décor, they turned a standard office block section into a real warm and inviting place. So much thought was put into this place it is amazing. Then you get the food. OMG. Amazing flavours from what should just be standard fare. And if you are worried there won’t be enough, put those worries away. They have extremely generous portions. Found this place last weekend and came back for a repeat visit. Found a new fav hot spot.

Urban Soul is probably the only «proper» café in the Manukau area. That’s just a reality. There are some chain cafes such as Coffee Club and Columbus etc, but this is the only independent café that is any good. I’ve been here a few times for breakfast and lunch.
The latest visit I went a bit risqué for breakfast and had baked eggs with prosciutto which was served excellent, and a friend had the French toast which looked amazing (no photos sorry) and tasted just as good as it looked. The coffee is pretty good. Not amazing, but it will do. The counter food looks great as well and there’s a big selection. Perhaps their greatest thing is the huge selection of freshly made juices, smoothies and shakes. The lemon and raspberry iced smoothie is just to die for!
Service is average. Order at the counter, get a number and your food and drinks are delivered. Not much more to say about it. If you find yourself out South Auckland ways and want somewhere to eat or drink, Urban Soul should be your only choice.

Firstly (and most importantly) the coffee is fab. We had the low GI breakie this morning — fresh and delicious. Poached eggs on grain toast with grilled tomatoes and mushrooms and a fresh vege stack. Just what the doctor ordered. Great service too.

Awesome place to meet friends for a hot drink or a meal… breakfast, brunch, lunch. Food is tasty and Great Ambience… Love this place!!!

OMGosh! What a wonderful selection of tasty and artfully prepared dishes and salads. Ate the pumpkin feta whole grain tart for breakfast and took away a Mediterranean salad and for lunch. Delish!

Excellent little place with a great vibe — one of the only good places in the Manukau CBD to have breakfast or lunch. Excellent friendly service. Does get very busy at lunch time though, so arrive early for a good seat: D

This is my second time here. The first time I came here was to meet someone for a coffee then I knew I had to come back to enjoy it so I can review it! :) This place is found in quite a busy junction and is actually a hidden gem in Manukau city. My review:
;
Atmostphere:
From the first time I stepped in, I was actually taken away! I didnt expect it at all in Manukau (hmm, apologies for stereotype). The second time was twice as pleasing because now I got to sit and actually enjoy the décor. Urban Soul is highly reminiscent of a small boutique hotel. It has that modern feel juxtaposed with the random spice of the old school. I really enjoy the feel in here and I feel like it has real character instead of a boring old café. Noticeably, I like the subsections the have, you have the big floor, then smaller plans dotted around which are spaced by plants for that given intimacy. It even has two outdoor areas which are perfect for a beer in the sun, or, in winter, they have the heaters up as well for a nice warm chocolate. Love the décor, love the feel, love the atmosphere. ⁵⁄₅ stars for me.
Service:
I was served with smiles all round. I also got there at lunch time… perfect time to see whether a café can cope with the heat! And that they did! The line moved swiftly and not long after I knew it, I was already sitting down waiting to be served. The Staff were very fluent on their menu as well which is a good sign. Nothing like asking staff for recommendations and they themselves dont know whats on the paper. But these guys knew the menu back to front, up and down, probably in other languages too! The food was very prompt which is always a good thing. ⁵⁄₅ from me.
Food:
My partner and I ordered from the menu:
The thai beef salad and the Fish and Chips. And from the window: the bacon and eggs slice. I also got a Flat white to try the coffee again.
The Thai beef salad was full of flavor. It was an exceptional size as well! Cant complain about that. the beef was tender and the Thai spice did not overpower the flavour of the salad.
The Fish in Chips was served on a makeshift newspaper print which I thought was a great idea! the chips were crispy and hot and the fish was cooked just fine. (well, if im to be honest, one of the three pieces were slightly overcooked, but not bothersome) It was also served with s small side salad just so that you dont feel too guilty. The tartare I got with it was not too overpowering and was nice and chunky.
The bacon and egg slice was not stingy on ingredients. It was just how you would want it, just a whole lot of bacon, with a whole lot of egg! loved it.
The flat white. again, was creamy and strong. I was seriously contemplating asking where they get their beans from so that I can get some of my own.
Summary:
All in all, this place in my two visits never failed me. The atmosphere, the décor, the service and the food are of high standard. This definitely already has me wanting to go back, I would also take friends there for coffee. I shall be back Urban soul to see if the standard still stands, but for now, my verdict is:
I absolutely recommend this place to all. Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I have eaten delicious food, and consumed large quantities of coffee from this Manukau City café. Believe me, It will not disappoint. I know the 3 – 3.5 stars may indicate differently, but I really do like this café.
I guess the reason I have been a little mean with my star-​rating is that ‘good olé nugget’ ~ Service! Generally, the service is prompt, efficient and friendly. But sometimes the service is a little too ‘by the book’.
What do I mean? Here’s my example: I would often order from the menu and also from the display counter, as well as a coffee, also either a cold bottle of fizz from the fridge or a glass of water. So, including the ‘number’ that identifies me as the customer that has ordered eggs bennie with bacon, I am also carrying a cake or two, a cold bottle of drink or water … juggling with my two Neanderthal hands. No assistance offered, only a cheerful ‘don’t forget your number’.
I wonder if it is better to take orders from the customers table, rather that having to stand in line waiting to order?
It has happened on occasion when it was particularly busy. One of the staff, a very friendly, slim lady dressed in black, ushered the two of us directly to a table, sat us down, took our order. And viola! A great lunch was had by all, and we just paid as we exited, giving our thanks to that wonderful staffer.
Anyway, the food IS good. The coffee IS wonderful. The atmosphere and décor IS great. If only the service was a little more about ‘Us’ the customer, and a little less about a formal procedure the management has setup.

One of the best places to eat in Manukau and Auckland ! That is for quasi gourmet café style food. A Mexican breakfast that is good completes the picture. Coffee is very good.
Friendly staff and a busy vibe are part of the appeal. Many people are there having working breakfasts and lunches.

I second what another reviewer said about this place being the only place to go to in the locality. In fact Urban Soul is like an oasis in the desert!
I think the thing I love about it most is the décor — it feels a bit surreal when you know you are in Manukau, and not somewhere glitzy! (No offence intended to hard core Manukauphiles.) There are lovely touches such as the teaspoons and wee candles on the tables. The food is good standard café fare, either from the cabinet or menu, I have always found it to be delicious and had no complaints.
The staff are very good, they smile (yay!) and nothing is too much trouble. A group of us lingered at our table after a long Sunday lunch and were never made to feel we were overstaying or an inconvenience.
Top marks to the proprietors for adding a bit of style to this part of town and somewhere good to go on our way back from the airport!

Without doubt this is the best café in this part of the world, although to be fair it really doesn’t have much competition in Manukau. In saying that, the staff are always very friendly, the coffee is consistently good (trim latte if you’re buying) and the general atmosphere is always buzzing. You have to get in early if you want a seat at weekend, as lots of locals flock here. During the week it is generally full of people having meetings, so there is never a dull moment. Now, the
food! Well the baked goods are pretty damn good, not a had a bad muffin yet. My wife and I often order the BLT and CLT and it has to be said the food isn’t always that hot, especially the chips. I can’t really comment on other food as we generally go for coffee and cake but you certainly get value for money. If you’ve not ventured down to Manukau, I recommend you treat yourself at Urban Soul and then head on down to the Botanical Gardens for a pleasant stroll :)

This was the place my friend had her 25^th birthday dinner. When we walked in we were in a modern yet romatic setting. The lights were dimmed, the candles were on and the restaurant was full of people just enjoying themselves. I found the table my friends were seated at and we started talking and then dinner came out. Before dinner I tried one of their cocktails and unfortunately it wasn’t well made. I expected so much more from a restaurant but instead it tasted like something I would make myself at home. Apart from that the food was delicious and the live music was awesome. The musician sung some songs I knew and the whole table was humming and sining along. It was magnificent.

People RAVE about this place. The interior is absolutely stunning. The staff are amazingly friendly and go the extra mile to please you. The coffee is delicious. So why was I let down by this place?
Very simply, I was not at all impressed with their food. The first time I went, I had a sort of quiche from the cabinet, which was actually nice. The next time I had an almond croissant from the counter. It tasted like a big wadge of gooey, uncooked butter! Just couldn’t finish it. Thankfully, my compadre loved butter and polished it off for me. I thought, maybe it was just that one time, so I tried again and ordered a jam donut from the counter. You could barely taste the donut it had so much jam and cream on it! I felt a bit sick afterwards.
So this is my recommendation to Urban Soul: You guys are amazing, but please work harder at your counter food. It really ruined my experience.

This is hands down, my favourite café in Auckland. The most distinctive thing about it is the eclectic, soft floaty romantic yet rustic décor, the style of which I vow to use in my future house. Next to the sugar on each table sits a jar full of antique silver spoons collected from all over the world. SPOONS! I absolutely love this.
I’ve been here three times for breakfast and I can’t eat anything else but the Mexican Breakfast, purely because it is so amazing. Consisting of a hot plate with a tortilla, refried beans, eggs, cheese, sour cream, salsa and jalapenos, this is a wonderfully protein rich and tasty breakfast. Seriously, it couldn’t get any better.
The prices are fair and the fact that it’s tucked away in what is a suprisingly quiet area (when you consider that it is directly adjacent to a petrol station and a busy supermarket) is an absolute charm.