A Sweet Tour of Hamilton: Where to Discover the City's Best Sugary Treats

A cheesecake on a plate.
Hamilton’s underrated food scene is brimming with delicious discoveries to be had - on both sides of the river. We’ve rounded up some of Hamilton’s best sugary secrets, so if you’re after something to satisfy that craving, these are the spots you won’t want to miss.

Madam Woo

Plates of food on a table at Madam Woo Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Madam Woo is a beloved fixture in Hamilton's dining scene, and for several years now, it’s been wooing its customers with far more than just its delicious food.

Bamboo Sweets

The blue and white exterior of Bamboo Sweets Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Bamboo Sweets is an artisan chocolate shop nestled in Hamilton’s Casabella Lane, dedicated to crafting exceptional chocolates that promise to sweeten your day.

Volare Grey Street

The cafe counter Volare in Made Hamilton East.
Place Hamilton
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Volare has been providing the city of Hamilton with delicious baked sourdoughs and pastries since 2009.

Grey Roasting Co

The entrance to Grey Roasting Co Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Grey Roasting Co. is Hamilton’s go-to spot for serious coffee lovers and casual sippers alike.

Dot and Winnies Eatery

The busy interior of Dot and Winnies Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Dot & Winnies is an owner-operated café situated in the heart of Hamilton, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and memorable food.

Made Hamilton

People hanging outside Made in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Made has quickly become a must-visit destination in Hamilton East, being a hub of bustling retailers, foodies, creators and artisans.

Soul Boul

People hanging outside a cafe with large glass windows and doors.
Place Hamilton
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Searching for a spot where your goals of health and wellness can be achieved without sacrificing flavour and taste? Soul Boul in Hamilton East’s Made is this place...

Rice Rice Baby

The bright pink and blue interior of Rice Rice Baby in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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When it comes to authentic Vietnamese fare, Rice Rice Baby in Hamilton doesn’t mess around.

The Green

High seats placed around a kitchen and bar area.
Place Hamilton
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When Chef Karl Martin-Boulton first shared his concept for The Green, people told him Hamilton wasn’t ready for something so innovative.

Hello Rosie

Burgers and thick shakes against a white background.
Place Hamilton
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Tucked away in a corner of Hamilton city is an enchanting little laneway that evokes the charm of Italy, with its pottery and art studios, water fountains, and curated gardens.

Rüdi's Bakehouse

People lining out the door at Rudi's in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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In the heart of Hamilton's vibrant Riverbank Lane, with its cosmopolitan Melbourne-like ambience, you'll discover Rüdi’s—a micro-bakery that perfectly...

Last Place Bar

Close up of a man holding a burger on a tray at Last Place Bar.
Place Hamilton
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If you picture a 1980s RSA (but cool) merged with an old-school American dive bar, you might land somewhere not too far off the vibe at Last Place.

Meet the Bakers: Ed and Ryan from Volare Bread

Two men smiling to camera.
Volare (pronounced vo-la-ree) Bread was founded in 2009 by two school friends, Ed and Ryan, who saw a gap in the Waikato market for artisan baking. With a vintage oven, a worn-out mixer, and an old van, they embarked on a mission to create a bakery that would bring traditional, high-quality baked goods to the region.  What started as a modest dream quickly grew into something much larger. Today, Volare is an award-winning bakery with five thriving stores and a growing wholesale business, capped with the honour of being the chosen bakery at the newly established Made Market precinct.

Lykke - Café and Homewares

A male staff member working behind the salmon coloured counter at Lykke cafe Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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The Danish word Lykke (leur-kah) is used to describe the state of absolute happiness. It’s also the name of a café in Frankton owned and run by Malcolm and Juliet.

Weave Eatery

Customers ordering at the counter inside Weave Eatery.
Place Hamilton
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Brought to you by Lisa and Brent Quarrie of Hayes Common, Weave Eatery is a café and catering business providing...

Scotts Epicurean

Close up of halloumi salad on a table at Scotts Epicurean.
Place Hamilton
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For a feast full of heart and soul, you’ll want to send Scotts Epicurean to the top of your brunching list.

Sentinel Café

Lighting at Sentinel Cafe in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Sentinel Café is everything you'd want from your weekday coffee spot. Offering an expertly crafted menu, calming decor and even executive meeting rooms for hire, it’s the ideal place for a catch-up with colleagues.

Neat in the Neighbourhood: Hamilton East

Hamilton East is a suburb brimming with a unique charm that effortlessly blends the old with the new. With its tree-lined streets and a palpable sense of community, this historic quarter offers a more laid-back vibe than the city centre while still pulsing with vibrant, youthful energy.

Cream Eatery

An outstretched arm places a plate of bacon and eggs and hollandaise on the pass at Cream Eatery in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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From the legends behind cult-favourite eatery Winner Winner Chicken Shop comes a new venture sure to satisfy foodies from all corners of Hamilton.

Café Kopi

Seating area at Cafe Kopi.
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One thing is for sure—only good things come out of Riverbank Lane. So it’s safe to say when Café Kopi found a home in this community, we were pretty stoked. The vibe of this little caffeine haven is pretty chic, to say the least.

On A Roll

Dumplings in a bowl from On A Roll.
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On A Roll has clocked up a devout following of local foodies from all around Hamilton. The eatery itself is the embodiment of good vibes, whilst the menu will leave you salivating.

Dumpling House

Red hanging lanterns at Dumpling House.
Place Hamilton
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For hearty, authentic Chinese food, head straight to Dumpling House, a wholesome eatery serving up friendly vibes and even better dumplings. After operating for 12 years and opening two venues, this family-run establishment has truly made its mark on the Hamilton food scene.

Riverbank Lane

Looking down the lane towards the river.
Place Hamilton
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A place to meet, eat and drink, Riverbank Lane is home to a number of bespoke businesses that together create a charming difference to Hamilton's main street.

Punnet Eatery

The outside of Punnet Eatery surrounded by big green bushes.
Place Hamilton
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Nestled amongst fruit trees, herb bushes and shrubs, Punnet Eatery is a home away from home for visitors thanks to its homely interior, epic kids' playground and family-run ethos.

Lovegrove Lane

Lovegrove Lane in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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Bring your basket, your yoga mat and positive vibes, and walk away charmed by Lovegrove Lane.

Bootleg Brewery

Two ladies ordering at the wood panelled counter with big festoon lights hanging above them.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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A good ol’ bit of Kiwi ingenuity and a whole lot of hard work has created a watering hole in Matangi, made for locals, by locals. A couple of Hamilton mates came together with a love of home brewing and a bloody good tipple.

The Chilli House

Family sat at a table in the dining area.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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This (not so) hidden gem located in the CBD of Hamilton is somewhere you’ll want to put on your to-do list if you are traveling to Hamilton any time soon.

Casabella Lane

Sills and Co sign in laneway
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Casabella Lane is as enchanting as it sounds - but you’d miss it if you weren’t paying attention. This little lane between Barton and Anglesea Streets is bursting full of treasures, and with 17 locally-owned stores there’ll be something that catches your eye, no matter your interests.

Saigon Noon

Couple sat at a table at Saigon Noon.
Place Hamilton

Located in the bustling city centre Saigon Noon sits amongst unassuming cafes and shops, but it's one spot that's definitely worth the (inevitable) hunt for a...

Frank

Interior view of the counter and seating area at Frank in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Clean, polished and contemporary, there’s no doubt that plenty of thought has been put into the swish design of Frank.

Hayes Common's Lisa Quarrie on the Future of Hospitality and Adaption

A woman in her cafe posing for the camera.
One of our favourite cafés in Aotearoa is Hayes Common. Occupying a prevalent corner site alongside a river pathway, Hayes Common in Hamilton Kirikiriroa optimises everything you want in a local neighbourhood spot; an inspiring fit-out with multiple rooms, outstanding food and coffee made with care, a well-curated and changing drinks list, appealing events, such as their Meet the Maker series, plus super lovely staff and owners who work their tails off.

Zealong Tea Estate

Hand holding tea leaves at Zealong Tea Estate, Hamilton.
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A tea estate worth its weight in gold.

The Lost Boys

Tables and chairs outside The Lost Boys.
Place Hamilton
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A café tucked away in the back streets of Frankton that uses plenty of fresh, local and organic ingredients in its goods.

Mr. Pickles

Close up of a bartender garnishing a cocktail.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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A fancy yet cheeky bar and restaurant all in one, come here for your after work drinks.

Manuka Brothers

Man puts coffee on table at Manuka Brothers, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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A family business and cafe selling coffee beans roasted over mānuka wood.

Finest Fit Outs: Hamilton’s Most Aesthetically Pleasing Spaces

A customer being served by a staff member at Cafe Kopi.
Hamilton may not boast the same abundance of hotspots as New Zealand's larger urban centres, yet it harbours establishments that stand in a league of their own. Here you’ll find some of the finest fit-outs in the country.

Garden Place Noodle Bar

Two customers at a table in Garden Place Noodle Bar, Hamilton.
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A cheap, cheerful place to grab a bowl of dumplings, steam buns and noodles all made by hand in the kitchen.

Banh Mi Caphe

Two of the Banh Mi cocktails, one in a tall tumbler and one in a coupe glass.
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A visit to Banh Mi Caphe is going to transport you straight to the streets of South East Asia.

Brewaucracy

The outside of Brewaucracy, Hamilton.
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The headquarters for Hamilton brewers Brewaucracy. Come in to fill up a flagon or try their latest brews.

Good George Dining Hall

Bartender behind the bar at Good George Dining Hall, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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With a large outdoor area amongst the brewing tanks, Good George is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of beer in the sunshine.

Grey Street Kitchen

A person pouring filter coffee into a ceramic tumbler on a small wooden tray, on which a bag of coffee also is displayed.
Place Hamilton
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An East Hamilton community favourite.

Wonder Horse

Cocktail in the making at Wonder Horse, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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The place for good chats, group hangs or after dinner drinks.

Anne Fern Coffee Shop

Flat white on the table.
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An unassuming, simple and stylish cafe.

Gothenburg

Outdoor seating on the patio at Gothenburg.
Place Hamilton
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Escape the city, come to the riverside and enjoy the best of Waikato cuisine at Gothenburg.

Whole Heart

Plants and food on display.
Place Hamilton
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Visit Whole Heart for organic vegetables and eco-friendly cleaning products, or simply to connect with other like-minded individuals striving to live a healthy life.

Chim Choo Ree

Front entrance to Chim Choo Ree, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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An award-winning restaurant with a proud name for utterly delicious cuisine.

Hayes Common

Framed print on the wall inside Hayes Common in Hamilton.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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This restaurant has large tables to fit the whole family as well as cosy nooks to curl up in with a cup of coffee and a good read.

Gather Food House

Sweet treats on display at Gather Foodhouse, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Presentation is key to the ethos at Gather.

Hamilton’s Best Seats: Top Spots to Relax, Dine and Unwind

Hamilton's vibe is hard to pin down, but impossible to ignore. Emerging suburbs and hidden laneways lined with undiscovered gems paint the picture of a city undergoing an evolving urban transformation.

Volare Bread

Worker grabs out loaf at Volare, Hamilton.
Place Hamilton
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Bread worth trekking over town for.

Rocket Coffee Roasters

Entrance to Rocket Coffee Roasters.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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A café and roastery that plays by it's own rules, Rocket Coffee really isn't like anything else.

Space Cadet

Wall art and curiosities on the shelf on the bright blue wall at Space Cadet, Hamilton.
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A thriving cafe that feels like a retro holiday.

Nivara Lounge

Red light decorations shines on drinks.
Place Hamilton
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Well regarded as the ‘place’ to listen to live music in Hamilton.

Hamilton’s Sixth Generation Dumpling Maker on the Craft and History of Handmade Dumplings

A woman dressed in red and black standing outside a Chinese restaurant smiling to camera.
For Lei Wang, owner of Hamilton’s much-loved Dumpling House, making great food is how she shows her love and appreciation for the supportive community she now calls home. We spoke with her about her family’s history making authentic handmade dumplings, and she even shared some of her best tips with us.

Duck Island

Woman enjoying the ice cream outside.
Place Hamilton Editor's Pick
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Offering a staggering range of ice creams, from popcorn to condensed milk and toasted marshmallows, this is the place to go to satisfy your next sweet treat craving.