by Metropol | April 29, 2026 8:33 am
Lighthouses are symbols of safe harbours, of a welcome to secure anchorage. In Spanish, a lighthouse is called ‘el faro’, a phrase that could not be more appropriate for this eatery by a calm estuary. Founded by friends from Chile and Serbia, El Faro in Ferrymead represents a shared dream to create a space where cultures meet, coffee is crafted with care, and everyone feels at home – in a safe harbour.
“A lighthouse is my place of peace, my connection to water,” says co-owner Mariolis. “That’s why we have pictures of various lighthouses on our walls. Here too, we celebrate cultural diversity with food from South America and the Mediterranean, as well as Kiwi classics on our breakfast and brunch menu and in our fully stocked cabinet. Our chef Jonathan loves to experiment with food, and our customers feel like they have travelled overseas when they come to eat with us.”
It’s not only for breakfast and brunch that El Faro’s customers can experience a different culture. Friday evening is tapas night with Spanish-style tapas and cocktails. Once a month, live music adds to the cosmopolitan atmosphere. For those who prefer something classic, the café offers a full menu alongside a generous cabinet selection, plus curated High Teas for special moments like Mother’s Day.
“We are very grateful for having been accepted into this area, to become part of it. We want to be more than a café. We want to be a lighthouse for the community.”
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/flavours-without-borders-el-faro/
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