The General Epsom

600 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
$$$ Cafe
(142 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to The General Epsom, a delightful café nestled at 600 Manukau Road in the charming suburb of Epsom, Auckland. This charming spot is not just a café, but a community hub where food, friendship, and creativity intertwine. Whether you're stopping by for a quick coffee or basking in the warmth of a leisurely lunch, The General offers a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression.

The café exudes a welcoming atmosphere, adorned with a beautiful fitout that combines modern aesthetics with cozy accents. As you step inside, the inviting scent of freshly brewed coffee greets you, promising a sensory adventure that is only beginning. Patrons have praised its delightful ambiance, indicating that it's a perfect setting not just for a meal but for catching up with friends or taking a moment to unwind. Customer Hamish Dorrington described it as “as good as it gets when it comes to cafes/eateries,” emphasizing the café's superb atmosphere and the faultless service that accompanies it.

When it comes to the menu, The General shines with a range of delectable offerings. Imagine indulging in a perfectly flaky Berry Danish, a delightful pastry that tantalizes your taste buds without overwhelming sweetness, making it an ideal companion for your morning coffee. Or savor a hearty steak pie, crafted with generous chunks of succulent steak that redefine comfort food. Reviews by Anna Burson and Team Jurie highlight the café’s “great cabinet food and coffee,” ensuring that whether you visit for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack, you will find something delicious to satisfy your craving.

One of The General's unique charms is its selection of homewares and pantry items available for purchase, adding an extra layer of interest to your visit. As Anna Wong enthusiastically points out, this pocket of retail “couldn't resist a soft cuddly scarf in pastel colours to add.” This makes it not just a place to enjoy delicious food, but also a treasure trove for those looking to elevate their home décor and kitchen essentials.

The warm and friendly staff at The General bolster the café's reputation as a friendly local spot, always ready to engage in chat and recommend their favorite items. It’s clear from customer reviews that The General is not just a café, but a cherished part of the local community, a place where you can relax, enjoy great food, and feel right at home.

With such rave reviews about the delicious fare and comfortable setting, it's safe to say that a visit to The General Epsom will be a deliciously rewarding experience. So whether you’re a local or just passing through, make sure to stop by this hidden gem in Epsom and create your own memories amidst the delightful offerings of The General.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
On-site services available
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Good for solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Offerings
Serves coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Wednesday

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Thursday

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Friday

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Saturday

7:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Sunday

Closed

142 Reviews
Anna Burson

06 Oct 2025

Great service, delicious food and a beautiful setting. They also have a cute range of homewares and nice pantry items.

Team Jurie

18 Sep 2025

Perfect spot to fill in an hour between meetings. Berry Danish was perfect: perfect pastry, not too sweet. Steak pie also had real chunks of steak in it. Will be a regular spot.

charles winstone

05 Sep 2025

Lovely place serving great cabinet food and coffee.

Anna Wong

17 Jul 2025

The General certainly lives up to it's reputation as your friendly local at Greenwood's Cnr. Came for a weekday lunch, recommended by a friend. The staff are super friendly and chatty. The pastries are flaky and tasty, followed by a divine doughnut which just the right size to finish. I also loved browsing the homeware and accessories - couldn't resist a soft cuddly scarf in pastel colours to add to my wardrobe. Lunch and shopping!

Hamish Dorrington

13 Jul 2025

I’m really lucky to have The General as my local. It’s as good as it gets when it comes to cafes/eateries. Beautiful fit-out, great atmosphere, faultless service, and delicious food and coffee. I just popped in for an iced latte and it was the best I’ve had in a long long time! Very reasonably priced too. Thanks team! Hamish Dorrington Kakapo Business Sales

Ayrton Winitana

10 Jul 2025

Been a resident in the area for a while and didn't actually know about this cafe. Really nice feel in here. Elegant yet cozy. Fresh sweet and savory cabinet choices that are reasonably priced. Met with very friendly faces behind the counter. Staff felt like they cared about the wellbeing of the customers and appearance of the store. I can see myself becoming a regular here for weekend coffee.

Dora Green

17 Jun 2025

First time here and the cabinet food is attractive. Puffy apricot Danish, banana bread, hot choc with oatmilk. I, like many others who have posted reviews was surprised at paper cups but clearly they're sticking to their policy.

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