The Sweetest Spots in Porirua

With a name like The Cake Cafe Plimmerton, you can rest assured this spot right by the beach has something to sate even the sweetest tooth. In addition to the beautiful custom cakes made to order, cupcakes are among the hottest items dished out, available in every flavour imaginable. With plenty of vegan and gluten-free options too, you truly are spoilt for choice.

A micro-bakery hidden away in Whitby, The Regal Shortbread Co. has quietly grown over the years into a household name around Porirua. As the name suggests, owner Anita’s decadent shortbread cookies are her flagship treats, available in six signature flavours. Swing by her little haven to pick up a bag of shortbread, along with the other goods she whips up on the regular, such as her immensely popular gingernut biscuits and South African milk tart.

We have it on good authority that Local Authority is one of the most popular cafes in Porirua, and one visit will show you why. This pocket-sized coffee spot punches way above its weight, delivering a surprising array of sweet eats ranging from small bites to more substantive meals. The popular toast menu comes with both sweet and savoury options, and the sweet porridges keep locals well-fed and warm in autumn and winter. Check out the donuts and bliss balls too, and wash it all down with one of their fantastic smoothies.

Tucked away inside Pātaka Art + Museum, Cafe Kaizen is the perfect spot to wind down and reflect with a sweet treat after browsing the artworks throughout the space. Flowing seamlessly with the museum and gallery and boasting plenty of seating, you’re welcome to stay for as long or as little as you’d like. If time’s not on your side, just head straight to the cabinet, where a selection of plump cake slices await - the renowned rhubarb shortcake is a popular go-to.

Located in an industrial corner of Plimmerton, Urban Bake House brings some much-needed colour and flavour to this part of town. The bakery might be most famous for its fresh loaves and pies, but its sweet goods have an ardent fan base as well. The Danish pastries are exceptional, and the cabinet is regularly stocked with cakes, muffins, and slices. Take a pack of macarons home as the perfect souvenir for your trip to Plimmerton.

Perched right on Mana Esplanade, Little Green Olive has fantastic views of the Porirua Harbour - along with some decadent sweet bites designed for grabbing on the go. Based in a refurbished shipping container that offers plenty of seating through smart use of space, the compact spot has turned into a real community hub, thanks largely to the excellent range of bliss balls that draw the crowds. The focus here is squarely on healthy, plant-based food, and the raw slices are another popular pick - choose from chocolate, lemon white chocolate, peppermint, and a whole heap of other tempting flavours.

A popular Tītahi Bay brunch spot, t bay café boasts plenty of options that keep the neighbourhood’s sweet tooths coming back for more. For a hearty sit-down sweet fix, check out the delectable brunch menu, which has offerings like granola with a mixed berry compote and double stacked pancakes with banana, caramel sauce and cream. Alternatively, you can eye up the offerings in the cabinet—the cheesecakes here are highly regarded, and for good reason.