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?

Toast the Season: Festive Hospitality Hotspots in Parnell

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As the year rapidly draws to a close, local businesses are gearing up to celebrate the festive season in a multitude of creative ways. Parnell's diverse hospitality scene is no exception, with many cafes, restaurants, and bars refreshing their menus and offering private spaces for holiday gatherings. This, combined with the inherent charm of the neighbourhood, makes Parnell the perfect destination to embrace the magic of the silly season.

Lilian

The inside of Lilian Restaurant Auckland.
Place Auckland
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Opening back in 2019, Lilian is a bustling neighbourhood restaurant in Auckland's Grey Lynn that is quickly becoming a local institution.

The Lebanese Grocer

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The Lebanese Grocer in Auckland is so much more than just a grocery shop; it’s a heartfelt venture dedicated to sharing the rich traditions of Lebanese hospitality and...

Seabreeze

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Wrapping itself around one of Westmere’s coveted corner spots in Auckland, Seabreeze is far more than just a suburban cafe.

Beabea's Bakery

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Seamlessly blending Kiwi culinary traditions with modern French baking techniques is Beabea’s, a much-loved neighbourhood bakery situated in the humble little suburb...

Florets

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Tucked amongst the Grey Lynn shops lies Florets, a cosy neighbourhood bakery with a strong focus on creating sustainable and nutritious sourdough bread.

Mor Bakery

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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.

Folds Patisserie

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Inconspicuously nestled amongst the hum of Dominion Road in Auckland is Folds Patisserie, an Asian-inspired bakery seamlessly blending flavours from South East Asia with New...

Maison des Lys

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Maison des Lys is an artisan French pâtisserie but with a real point of difference.

Icing on the cake: Where to find the best sweet treats in Auckland

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Without sugarcoating it, Auckland has us well covered when it comes to sweet treats. The city is popping at the seams with culinary wonders, so it should really come as no surprise that sweet tooths can easily embark on a journey of indulgence, tantalising even the most discerning of taste buds. Whether it be to neighbourhoods with quaint corner bakeries or to institutions with queues a mile long, sweet enthusiasts won’t have to search too hard for their perfect piece of sugar-coated paradise.

Fort Greene

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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.

Browns Eatery and Store

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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.

Kepa Road Café

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Kepa Road Café is the younger, cooler sibling to Remuera’s popular Browns Eatery and Store.

Williams Eatery

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Williams Eatery is one of the stalwart eateries of the centrally located Wynyard Quarter in Auckland.

Daily Bread Ponsonby

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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.

Duck Island Ponsonby Road

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Duck Island has been crafting small-batch ice cream in the Waikato since 2015.

Dine Al Fresco-Style in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

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One of Auckland’s greatest appeals is its prolonged summers, often sticking around until well after the last of the Easter bunny’s goodies are gone. And even when it starts getting cooler, there’s something invigorating about cosying up with a delicious bowl of food or hot drink, a blanket and an outdoor heater.

Vaniyé Pâtisserie

Full sized tarts for sale at Vaniyé Pâtisserie, Auckland.
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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.

Bandung Café

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Inspired by home cooking from the team’s roots in Java, Parnell’s Bandung Café boasts a fresh take on Indonesian cuisine.

Völla Café

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Tucked away in York Street Courtyard, Völla Café is a sweet little garden oasis dishing out artisanal treats and killer coffee.

Little Rosie

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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.

Mr T's Baked Goods & Eatery

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A trip to

Crave

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A café/social enterprise that give all of their profits back to the community.

Espresso Workshop (Britomart)

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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.

Odettes

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Odettes has delivered another level of sophistication to the Auckland dining scene.

Food with friends: Our favourite Auckland places for dining in a group

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Get the gang together. Here are our picks of the best places to dine in Auckland when you're with a group.

Homestead Café

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From the people who brought you Ceremony Café comes Homestead, a gallery-come-café servicing the ‘burbs with great coffee and food.

The Book Exchange

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The next time the Auckland drizzle gets too much for you, forget your troubles with a trip to the Book Exchange.

The Kimchi Project

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Offering Korean-inspired breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner with a menu full of delicious surprises.

Little Bird Kitchen

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100 percent plant based 100 percent whole foods 100 percent of the time.

Good Day

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A spot tucked in the block of shops on Coates Avenue has been fueling this community with caffeine for over a number of years.

Eighthirty

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This little endeavour has carved out an enviable spot amongst Auckland’s booming coffee scene.

Eating for One: Where to Dine Solo in Auckland

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Dining out alone can sometimes feel like a daunting experience - we assure you, it shouldn’t have to be! Some (lucky) people have no hesitations about doing so, but for the rest of us, feeling comfortable might be a work in progress. The eatery itself plays a huge role in how individuals will feel about eating there - certain places are definitely better at creating environments perfect for a party of one. Whether it be the seating style, table arrangement or simply the location itself, each plays an important role in making diners feel at home.

Bestie

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Place Auckland Editor's Pick
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A very good addition to Auckland’s ever-burgeoning café scene.

Best Ugly Bagels Auckland

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Another culinary gem hidden in the labyrinthine City Works Depot.

Remedy Coffee

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A popular haunt of suits in the morning, tourists around lunchtime and general good folk at all times.

Bowl and Arrow

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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.

Street Organics

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Street Organics is the burgeonings of a whole foods community, passionate about organic, ethically sourced goods.

Allpress Ponsonby

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Serving up coffee by the cup to busy business people, shoppers and wanderers every day of the week.

Dear Jervois

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Dear Jervois hosts the who’s who of Herne Bay for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Allpress Auckland Roastery

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Coffee is the most important item on the Caffetteria’s menu, and it is some of the freshest in town.

A Foodie's Guide to Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Bowl of Noodle Soup
Tāmaki Makaurau is New Zealand’s largest city, and it’s filled to the brim with plenty to eat. A wonderful array of cultures, traditions and nationalities reside in Auckland, making it a diverse and rich food city that’s buzzing from day to night.

Giapo

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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.

Goodness Gracious Café

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They say that good things come in small packages and Goodness Gracious is no exception.

Queenies

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Queenies boasts itself as a truly inviting spot for morning coffee and midday lunch.