Long since having ditched the shadow of its older city sibling Auckland, Hamilton hospitality is on a crusade to ensure its city has its own sense of swagger when it comes to treating customers.
What better place to start than the café scene, where sleepy students, office workers on the run, and cruisy out-of-towners all migrate to start their morning off with a bang. And if there’s one thing Hamilton cafes sure know how to make, it’s a cup of judderingly-good coffee (not surprising for a city built on doers, makers and big thinkers though).
It helps having some smart cookies about the place roasting their own beans too, meaning if you’re drinking a cup of the good stuff in a Hamilton café, the components of it have likely been produced just down the street.
With plenty of space to create new and exciting ways of eating and drinking, Hamilton cafes are nothing but adventurous when it comes to enticing customers and thinking outside the box to what should appear on the menu. With the perfect number of commuters and locals making this city a buzzing but not overwhelming place, there’s all the more reason to visit and spend a few days getting in as much cafe time as possible, not that you need any encouragement from us - the expertly brewed caffeine, locally made breads and pastries and chipper customer service is a sure way to ensure those who visit Hamilton quickly become very very hooked.
Tucked down laneways, tacked on to office buildings, sharing space with retail shops and nestled in the backstreets, Hamilton cafes aren’t confined to just the status quo when it comes to location - seek out those with the sunny outdoor areas and view of the river for the best of Hamilton.
Meet the Bakers: Ed and Ryan from Volare Bread
Bamboo Sweets
Bamboo Sweets is an artisan chocolate shop nestled in Hamilton’s Casabella Lane, dedicated to crafting exceptional chocolates that promise to sweeten your day.
Dot and Winnies Eatery
Dot & Winnies is an owner-operated café situated in the heart of Hamilton, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and memorable food.
Volare Grey Street
Volare has been providing the city of Hamilton with delicious baked sourdoughs and pastries since 2009.
Grey Roasting Co
Grey Roasting Co. is Hamilton’s go-to spot for serious coffee lovers and casual sippers alike.
Made Hamilton
Made has quickly become a must-visit destination in Hamilton East, being a hub of bustling retailers, foodies, creators and artisans.
Soul Boul
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...
Rüdi's Bakehouse
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...
Hello Rosie
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.
Lykke - Café and Homewares
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.
A Sweet Tour of Hamilton: Where to Discover the City's Best Sugary Treats
Weave Eatery
Brought to you by Lisa and Brent Quarrie of Hayes Common, Weave Eatery is a café and catering business providing...
Cream Eatery
From the legends behind cult-favourite eatery Winner Winner Chicken Shop comes a new venture sure to satisfy foodies from all corners of Hamilton.
Sentinel Café
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.
Scotts Epicurean
For a feast full of heart and soul, you’ll want to send Scotts Epicurean to the top of your brunching list.
Café Kopi
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.
Riverbank Lane
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.
Hayes Common's Lisa Quarrie on the Future of Hospitality and Adaption
Lovegrove Lane
Bring your basket, your yoga mat and positive vibes, and walk away charmed by Lovegrove Lane.
Punnet Eatery
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.
Frank
Clean, polished and contemporary, there’s no doubt that plenty of thought has been put into the swish design of Frank.
The Lost Boys
A café tucked away in the back streets of Frankton that uses plenty of fresh, local and organic ingredients in its goods.
Manuka Brothers
A family business and cafe selling coffee beans roasted over mānuka wood.
Rocket Coffee Roasters
A café and roastery that plays by it's own rules, Rocket Coffee really isn't like anything else.
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Hayes Common
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.
