Nicky Partridge opened Street Organics in Takapuna in 2017. “We seriously love serving people, with our healthy, wholefood delights that cater to different dietary styles,” she says. “We make everything from scratch with love and good conscience, using zero added nasties, minimal sugar and plenty of gluten free options.”

Nicky began her career in catering and hospitality management, working with Hilton Hotels in food and beverage and human resources in Australia. She then did consulting work with Hilton, Sheraton, Langham and boutique hotels, and had a role teaching hospitality students before a change of career took her into the fitness industry.

In 2009 she and her family moved to Auckland for what was meant to be a couple of years. “Ten years on it’s home!” she says. And she loves it. “Hanging out in a beautiful café every day with great people – our crew and customers, what’s not to love?!”

Street Organics’ general manager, Swede My Carlsdotter, arrived in New Zealand six years ago. With a wealth of experience in hospitality venues in New Zealand, Australia and Europe, My brings warmth, professionalism and style to the café, says Nicky. “My is passionate about clean, healthy foods. She believes we should all be able to consume and enjoy great food, sustainably sourced, with genuine hospitality.”

Nicky describes Street Organics’ vibe as “friendly, relaxed, genuine hospitality”. She and My head a crew of “16 foodies”, all passionate about delivering great food and customer service. “Our emphasis has always been on the way we make our customers feel when they walk in the door and when they leave,” Nicky says. “Of course the food has to be healthy and look and taste great, but people don’t go to cafés just for food; they go for the whole experience - the feeling, the positive interaction, whether they’re on their own or with their friends and family or with colleagues or in business meetings. We make it our mission to enhance that experience for them with the service we provide and the nutritious, delicious food we present.”

The café offers a range of food and beverage choices with something to suit pretty much every dietary need, from vegan and paleo to gluten free, keto, or low FODMAP. “We respect those with food sensitivities and allergies and are happy to accommodate our customers’ needs wherever we can,” Nicky says.

Whether it’s the menu choices or the hospitality, Street Organics is one of the busier cafés in Takapuna. “We think it’s because we’re just real,” says Nicky, “real people, real service, real food. We have hundreds of [regular] customers who have come in and chatted with us since we opened nearly three years ago…. We try to remember their name, their story and their coffee order, because we care.”

The Street Organics menu changes seasonally, with specials offering variety for regular customers. A new menu, due to launch at the start of November, continues to offer some of the café’s  most popular dishes (including smashed avocado, of course): the Paleo Protein Pancake with blueberries and cinnamon, served with fresh banana, coconut yoghurt and pure, organic maple syrup; customisable Super Salads which are, says Nicky, “quite legendary”; and  Voodles – spiralised vegetables in a super tasty stir fry with chicken or tofu.

If you haven’t already done so, try the organic kombucha made on site. “We reckon it’s the best there is and it’s so good for your gut health.”

Street Organics has also hosted a range of events and functions, some their own and some booked and organised by customers. The café is a versatile event space with AV facilities, ideal for seated functions of up to 60 guests, and cocktail-style functions for up to about 100 guests. For functions, Nicky and her team can provide simple finger food, grazing platters or semi-set menus. “Just drop us a line and let’s chat about your needs,” she says. “We also provide off-site catering to suit specific dietary styles and needs.”

Watch out this summer for high teas (including vegan options) and, says Nicky, hopefully a liquor licence. But whatever happens next, says Nicky, “if you love delicious, nutritious food, in a warm and friendly space with plenty of comfortable seating, please come in! If you love it please tell the world, if you don’t please tell us so we can fix it!”

Street Organics, 1 Byron Avenue, Takapuna  09 216 5991 www.streetorganics.nz

Open from 6.30am every weekday and 7.30am at weekends.