A super city sure does make super coffee, so Auckland cafes definitely know what’s up when it comes to serving caffeine.
The big metropolitan city of Auckland sits prettily in the top third of the North Island and is often the first stop for travellers from overseas. Lucky then that the café scene in Auckland is very much on point to welcome them to the New Zealand eating and drinking culture.
The hustling, bustling city is home to over 1.5 million people, making the cafés in Auckland well equipped for delivering top rate food, drinks and service. With each place determined to create a vibe different to the rest, visitors will be more than happy to see how each café in Auckland moves to its own rhythm, and when it comes to eating out, there really is a place to suit every palate and pace.
From South Auckland to the CBD, across the bridge to the North Shore and out to Piha, cafes in this big city know how to put on a show and make sure their customers leave feeling satisfied. Whether you are wanting a hole-in-the-wall coffee joint where you can grab a takeaway and run, or a serene beach side café for spending a long and luxurious lunch, Auckland is the kind of place where you do not have to look far for either.
Look out for the local coffee roasters in the area; Atomic, Kokako, Red Rabbit and Allpress (to name a few), who really know their science when it comes to crafting a specialty brew. Wanting to recreate the same brilliance at home? Be sure to get their advice on which quality Chemex, filters, aeropress and other equipment to use.
An eclectic mix of residents from far and wide all on their own path make inner city Auckland a place that really moves at pace, and for visitors to the area, a perfect people watching area. Perch up at a café on K Road and watch life go past, or head for the Viaduct Harbour and soak up the unmistakable energy of New Zealand’s most populated city. After something a little more serene? Head to Mission Bay to get some of the very best views of Rangitoto Island on offer, all whilst tucking into a delicious lunch or brunch made just across the road. Big on food made local, Auckland cafés are likely to be using ingredients sourced from nearby farmers, growers, bakers and crafters, because when the quality is this good, why look any further?
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Mor Bakery
There is nothing quite like a freshly baked pastry to start the day, a simple fact well grasped by those at Mor Bakery in Auckland.
Maison des Lys
Maison des Lys is an artisan French pâtisserie but with a real point of difference.
Fort Greene
What started out as a humble sandwich stall has evolved to become a much-adored, artisanal bakery and cafe that has more than made its mark on Auckland’s Karangahape Road.
Kepa Road Café
Kepa Road Café is the younger, cooler sibling to Remuera’s popular Browns Eatery and Store.
Browns Eatery and Store
Nestled amongst a row of busy shops along Remuera Road lies Browns Eatery and Store. It’s a deceptively big, welcoming space, offering something of a European vibe.
Williams Eatery
Williams Eatery is one of the stalwart eateries of the centrally located Wynyard Quarter in Auckland.
Daily Bread Ponsonby
It’s hard to think of sourdough or hot cross buns in Auckland without conjuring up an image of Daily Bread and its iconic croissant logo.
Homeland
Built on the concept of being an embassy for all things food, Auckland’s Homeland is about appreciating local, sustainable produce, creating a sense of community and...
Duck Island Ponsonby Road
Duck Island has been crafting small-batch ice cream in the Waikato since 2015.
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Völla Café
Tucked away in York Street Courtyard, Völla Café is a sweet little garden oasis dishing out artisanal treats and killer coffee.
Bandung Café
Inspired by home cooking from the team’s roots in Java, Parnell’s Bandung Café boasts a fresh take on Indonesian cuisine.
Little Rosie
Don't worry if you didn't get a seat at the ever-popular Rosie, their sister eatery is here to satisfy your hunger. Head next door to Little Rosie for a moreish selection of takeaway goods ready to devour.
Vaniyé Pâtisserie
Those with a penchant for French finery won’t want to miss a decadent trip to Vaniyé Pâtisserie. This award-winning patisserie is the passion project of husband-and-wife team, Sonia and Laurent Haumonté.
Simon & Lee
When you’re looking for big Korean flavours and solid staples in Auckland, look no further than Simon & Lee.
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Bowl and Arrow
Nestled in the Orakei Village Complex, Hannah Bryan and Leisha Rae are making their delicious smoothie bowls, juices and healthy baked treats at Bowl and Arrow.
Allpress Auckland Roastery
Coffee is the most important item on the Caffetteria’s menu, and it is some of the freshest in town.
Allpress Ponsonby
Serving up coffee by the cup to busy business people, shoppers and wanderers every day of the week.
Remedy Coffee
A popular haunt of suits in the morning, tourists around lunchtime and general good folk at all times.
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Another culinary gem hidden in the labyrinthine City Works Depot.
The Kimchi Project
Offering Korean-inspired breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with a menu full of delicious surprises.
Little Bird Kitchen
100 percent plant based 100 percent whole foods 100 percent of the time.
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The Book Exchange
The next time the Auckland drizzle gets too much for you, forget your troubles with a trip to the Book Exchange.
Queenies
Queenies boasts itself as a truly inviting spot for morning coffee and midday lunch.
Good Day
A spot tucked in the block of shops on Coates Avenue has been fueling this community with caffeine for over a number of years.
Street Organics
Street Organics is the burgeonings of a whole foods community, passionate about organic, ethically sourced goods.
Homestead Café
From the people who brought you Ceremony Café comes Homestead, a gallery-come-café servicing the ‘burbs with great coffee and food.
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Odettes
Odettes has delivered another level of sophistication to the Auckland dining scene.
Dear Jervois
Dear Jervois hosts the who’s who of Herne Bay for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Espresso Workshop (Britomart)
A prime example of how focusing on one product and doing it well can be so successful, the Espresso Workshop covers all the bases when it comes to coffee taste, service, knowledge and experience.
Goodness Gracious Café
They say that good things come in small packages and Goodness Gracious is no exception.
Giapo
Giapo's is all about transforming what is undoubtedly the world’s most popular dessert into something that triples as fashionable, artistic and (of course) delicious.
Eighthirty
This little endeavour has carved out an enviable spot amongst Auckland’s booming coffee scene.