Tomorrow's Lunch - Hero Sandwich House

The humble baguette has never looked quite so good.

Auckland is a city inundated with brunch and lunch options. In fact, one could almost argue we're a city built on smashed avocados and double-shot flat whites.

Yet, embark on a hunt for a seriously good filled baguette and you may come up empty-handed. The stark lack of good sandwiches on the Auckland culinary landscape is exactly what Hero Sandwich House has set out to rectify.

Snake up New North Road and you'll be pleasantly surprised to discover this new sandwich spot. Boasting a crisp and minimal interior that mirrors that of a contemporary gallery space, Hero's menu is refreshingly simple. Bountiful, soft baguettes are fittingly named after prolific Kiwi artists – there's the Barry, the Rita, the Ralph, the Dick, the Cotton, to name but a few.

We can attest to the fact that the boys behind the venture – Kingsland's Drummer Boy co-founder Huri Neill and the brains behind toastie pop-up Melt, Matt Stewart – have considered the finer details, calling in Melbourne-based artist Hugo Mathias to create a graphic pop piece that spans the width of the wall. Minimal Good Winter leather totes designed by Jarred Faasalele, line the wall adjacent, while linear illustrations by local tattoo artist and designer Patch Fay catch your eye while you wait for a coffee.

"There are so many creatives in our group of friends, it's cool to show support," says Huri, who's cut his teeth in the local hospo circuit. 

A matte black La San Marco machine dominates this intimately awesome space, while black gallery lights hang over-head. Supreme Coffee is the brew choice here, a perfect fit for an endeavour like this. Whether you're craving a caffeinated pick-me-up or starving for something of substance, the whopping foot-long sandwiches are worth every bite. Pickled cabbage and crunchy peanuts garnish the tasty pork larb, while the surprisingly fluffy Il Forno baguette will keep punters coming back for more. What's more, there's multiple sandwich presses on hand, should you feel like something toasted.

When lunch is on the brain and you're in need of sweet salvation, we can safely say that Hero Sandwich House are living up to their name – and there's not a smashed avocado in sight.

Hero Sandwich House
66 New North Road,
Eden Terrace,
Auckland.
Opening Hours: 
Monday to Friday: 7.30am-2.30pm
Saturday: 8.30am-2.30pm