Best Cafes in Auckland: Top 5 Experts You Can Count On for Exceptional Coffee and Cuisine
Craving the best cafes in Auckland for a perfect coffee or a memorable meal? Auckland, New Zealand’s bustling metropolis, boasts a vibrant cafe scene that blends urban sophistication with a passion for artisanal brews and fresh, local ingredients. From chic city-center haunts to cozy suburban gems, these cafes offer inviting atmospheres, creative dishes, and top-notch coffee, making them ideal for locals, professionals, and tourists exploring the City of Sails.
We’ve handpicked five top Auckland cafes, each with a verified website and a reputation for quality, innovation, and community connection. Whether you’re after a gourmet brunch, vegan-friendly fare, or a quick coffee to fuel your day, these cafes deliver. Dive into our guide to find your new favorite cafe and savor the flavors of Auckland’s thriving culinary culture!
1. Chuffed
About the Business
Chuffed, located on High Street in Auckland’s CBD, is a beloved cafe known for its hidden courtyard and exceptional coffee. Tucked away in a laneway, this urban oasis has earned a loyal following for its vibrant atmosphere, house-blended Arabica beans, and creative, seasonal menu, making it a go-to for coffee aficionados and foodies alike.
Key Services / What They Offer
Serves all-day breakfast and lunch with standout dishes like shakshuka, house-smoked salmon bagels, and vegan nourish bowls. Offers barista-made coffee with house-blended beans, pour-over brews, fresh smoothies, and a range of house-made cabinet treats, including gluten-free and vegan options. Provides indoor and courtyard seating, takeaway, and catering for small events.
Who It’s For
Ideal for professionals, creatives, and visitors in Auckland seeking top-tier coffee, fresh meals, and a unique, laneway dining experience in the CBD.
What to Expect
Expect a lively, urban space with a serene courtyard filled with greenery, creating a hidden gem vibe. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, serving expertly brewed coffee and colorful, flavorful dishes. The cafe’s central location and popularity can lead to busy periods, but the service is efficient, with the courtyard offering a tranquil escape from the city bustle.
Standout Features
- Hidden laneway courtyard in the CBD
- House-blended Arabica coffee beans
- Gluten-free and vegan menu options
- Catering for small events
Customer Feedback
“Chuffed’s shakshuka is out of this world, and their coffee is the best in Auckland. The courtyard is a perfect urban escape!” shared a regular on their website.
Why Choose Them?
Chuffed’s exceptional coffee, creative menu, and unique laneway setting make it a top choice for a vibrant cafe experience in Auckland, offering a perfect blend of quality and ambiance.
Location & Contact Details
Address: Your business? Get in touch to update your physical address.
Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: chuffedcoffee.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
2. Bestie Café
About the Business
Bestie Café, nestled in the St Kevin’s Arcade on Karangahape Road, is a charming, retro-inspired cafe known for its warm hospitality and stunning views of Myers Park. Celebrated for its artisanal coffee and wholesome dishes, this cafe has become a favorite for its cozy vibe and community focus, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Key Services / What They Offer
Serves breakfast and lunch with dishes like eggs benedict, vegan pancakes, and gourmet sandwiches. Offers barista-made coffee using locally roasted beans, fresh juices, and house-made cabinet treats, including gluten-free and vegan options. Provides indoor and balcony seating with park views, takeaway, and a welcoming, family-friendly environment.
Who It’s For
Suited for families, creatives, and K Road regulars in Auckland seeking wholesome meals, great coffee, and a cozy, scenic dining experience.
What to Expect
Anticipate a retro, cozy space with eclectic decor and a balcony overlooking Myers Park. The staff is friendly and attentive, serving hearty, flavorful dishes that highlight local ingredients. The cafe’s unique location in St Kevin’s Arcade adds a nostalgic charm, with balcony seating being a highlight on sunny days, though it can get busy during brunch hours.
Standout Features
- Balcony seating with Myers Park views
- Retro-inspired decor in St Kevin’s Arcade
- Gluten-free and vegan options
- Family-friendly atmosphere
Customer Feedback
“Bestie’s vegan pancakes are amazing, and the balcony view is so relaxing. The staff make you feel like family!” noted a customer on their website.
Why Choose Them?
Bestie Café’s cozy charm, wholesome menu, and scenic balcony make it a standout for a heartfelt cafe experience in Auckland, perfect for a relaxed meal or coffee break.
Location & Contact Details
Address: Your business? Get in touch to update your physical address.
Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: bestiecafe.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
3. Remedy Coffee
About the Business
Remedy Coffee, located on Wellesley Street in the CBD, is a bustling cafe known for its industrial-chic vibe and outstanding coffee. With a focus on house-roasted beans and a diverse, seasonal menu, this cafe has earned a reputation for quality and quick, friendly service, making it a go-to for Auckland’s coffee lovers and urban diners.
Key Services / What They Offer
Serves breakfast and lunch with dishes like smashed avocado on sourdough, gourmet burgers, and vegan quinoa salads. Offers barista-made coffee with house-roasted beans, pour-over brews, and a range of house-made cabinet treats, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Provides indoor seating, takeaway, and coffee bean sales for home brewing.
Who It’s For
Perfect for coffee enthusiasts, professionals, and CBD workers in Auckland seeking high-quality coffee, fresh meals, and a lively, urban atmosphere.
What to Expect
Expect a sleek, industrial-style space with exposed brick and a vibrant, bustling atmosphere. The staff is efficient and passionate, serving expertly brewed coffee and fresh, flavorful dishes. The cafe’s central location makes it a popular spot for quick lunches or coffee breaks, with a focus on speed without compromising quality.
Standout Features
- House-roasted coffee beans
- Industrial-chic decor in the CBD
- Gluten-free and vegetarian options
- Coffee bean sales for home brewing
Customer Feedback
“Remedy’s coffee is the best in the CBD, and their burgers are so tasty. Quick service and a cool vibe!” shared a customer on their website.
Why Choose Them?
Remedy Coffee’s house-roasted beans, diverse menu, and urban energy make it a top pick for a dynamic cafe experience in Auckland, ideal for coffee lovers and city dwellers.
Location & Contact Details
Address: Your business? Get in touch to update your physical address.
Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: remedycoffee.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
4. Scarecrow
About the Business
Scarecrow, situated on Victoria Street in the CBD, is a farm-to-table cafe and deli known for its rustic charm and focus on organic, local produce. With a reputation for quality coffee and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, this cafe offers a warm, market-like atmosphere, attracting foodies and eco-conscious diners.
Key Services / What They Offer
Serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with dishes like shakshuka, lamb kofta, and vegan falafel bowls. Offers barista-made coffee, local wines, and house-made cabinet treats, including gluten-free and vegan options. Provides indoor and outdoor seating, takeaway, a deli section with artisanal goods, and private dining for events.
Who It’s For
Suited for foodies, eco-conscious diners, and groups in Auckland seeking organic, Mediterranean-inspired meals and a rustic, market-like experience.
What to Expect
Expect a rustic, market-style space with wooden tables, fresh produce displays, and a cozy, inviting vibe. The staff is knowledgeable, serving vibrant dishes that showcase organic ingredients. The deli section adds a unique touch, and outdoor seating is great for sunny days, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for leisurely dining.
Standout Features
- Farm-to-table, organic produce
- Mediterranean-inspired menu
- Deli section with artisanal goods
- Private dining for events
Customer Feedback
“Scarecrow’s lamb kofta is incredible, and their coffee is so smooth. The deli is a bonus for grabbing local goodies!” noted a customer on their website.
Why Choose Them?
Scarecrow’s farm-to-table ethos, Mediterranean flair, and rustic charm make it a standout for a wholesome cafe experience in Auckland, perfect for quality-driven diners.
Location & Contact Details
Address: Your business? Get in touch to update your physical address.
Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: scarecrow.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
5. Williams Eatery
About the Business
Williams Eatery, located on Gundry Street in Wynyard Quarter, is a sleek, modern cafe known for its minimalist design and innovative cuisine. With a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and expertly crafted coffee, this cafe has become a favorite for its airy ambiance and quality-driven approach, attracting Auckland’s urban foodies.
Key Services / What They Offer
Serves breakfast and lunch with dishes like poached eggs with halloumi, kimchi fried rice, and vegan grain bowls. Offers barista-made coffee using locally roasted beans, fresh juices, and house-made cabinet treats, including gluten-free and vegan options. Provides indoor and outdoor seating, takeaway, and a focus on sustainable practices.
Who It’s For
Perfect for urban foodies, professionals, and visitors in Auckland seeking innovative, seasonal dishes and a modern, minimalist dining experience.
What to Expect
Expect a sleek, light-filled space with minimalist decor and a relaxed, sophisticated vibe. The staff is attentive, serving creative, beautifully plated dishes that highlight seasonal produce. The cafe’s Wynyard Quarter location offers a trendy, waterfront feel, with outdoor seating ideal for sunny days and a focus on sustainability adding to its appeal.
Standout Features
- Innovative, seasonal menu
- Minimalist design in Wynyard Quarter
- Gluten-free and vegan options
- Sustainable practices
Customer Feedback
“Williams Eatery’s kimchi fried rice is a must-try, and their coffee is perfect. The modern vibe is so refreshing!” shared a customer on their website.
Why Choose Them?
Williams Eatery’s innovative cuisine, modern design, and sustainable focus make it a top pick for a sophisticated cafe experience in Auckland, ideal for those seeking quality and creativity.
Location & Contact Details
Address: Your business? Get in touch to update your physical address.
Phone: Your business? Get in touch to update your phone number.
Website: williamseatery.co.nz
Hours: Your business? Get in touch to update your opening hours.
Conclusion: Savor the Best of Auckland’s Cafe Scene Today
Discovering the best cafes in Auckland unlocks a world of flavor, creativity, and urban charm. Chuffed, Bestie Café, Remedy Coffee, Scarecrow, and Williams Eatery offer exceptional coffee, fresh local dishes, and unique atmospheres, catering to every palate and preference. Their dedication to quality, inclusivity, and warm hospitality makes them leaders in Auckland’s thriving cafe culture.
Whether you’re a local or exploring Auckland’s vibrant cityscape, these Auckland cafes provide the perfect spots to relax, dine, and connect. Visit their websites to check menus, book tables, or plan your visit. Head to one of these trusted cafes today and experience the heart of Auckland’s dynamic food scene!
Helpful Information About Auckland Cafes
Auckland’s cafe culture is a vital part of the city’s lifestyle, offering more than just coffee—it’s a social hub where locals gather for meetings, brunches, or a relaxing break. With an emphasis on artisanal brews, fresh local ingredients, and diverse dietary options, cafes in Auckland reflect the city’s multicultural culinary scene and creative spirit.
From the busy lanes of Ponsonby and the central business district to the laid-back vibes of Grey Lynn and Wynyard Quarter, each suburb brings its own flair to Auckland’s cafe landscape. Whether you’re after vegan-friendly menu items, ethically sourced beans, or dog-friendly courtyard seating, the best cafes in Auckland cater to all preferences and lifestyles.
Choosing the Right Cafe in Auckland
- Look for cafes that use locally roasted or ethically sourced coffee beans for a superior and sustainable brew.
- Check whether the cafe offers diverse dietary options such as gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian dishes to suit your needs.
- Consider the location—whether you prefer a quiet suburban retreat or a vibrant spot near landmarks like Myers Park or Britomart.
- Pay attention to seating availability, including outdoor spaces or child-friendly areas, especially during weekends or peak hours.
- Read recent customer reviews for insights on service quality, food consistency, and overall ambiance.
- Explore cafes that support local producers or feature seasonal menus, as this often reflects a commitment to freshness and community values.
Frequently Asked Questions About Auckland Cafes
What are typical opening hours for cafes in Auckland?
Most cafes in Auckland open between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM and close by mid to late afternoon, usually around 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Weekend hours may start slightly later and vary depending on the location and popularity of the cafe.
Do Auckland cafes offer dairy-free or vegan options?
Yes, many Auckland cafes offer dairy-free and vegan options, including plant-based milks and meals made with locally sourced vegetables and grains. It’s common for menus to also include gluten-free choices and clearly label dietary preferences.
Is it common to find free Wi-Fi in Auckland cafes?
Free Wi-Fi is widely available in Auckland cafes, especially those in the CBD and popular areas like Ponsonby or Newmarket. However, it’s a good idea to ask staff before assuming it’s available, as some cafes may prefer to promote a more unplugged atmosphere.
Are cafes in Auckland pet-friendly?
Many cafes in Auckland, particularly those with outdoor seating in suburbs like Grey Lynn or Mt Eden, welcome dogs and other pets. Some even provide water bowls or treats, but it’s always best to check with the cafe in advance if you’re bringing a pet.
Can I reserve a table at a cafe in Auckland?
While many cafes operate on a walk-in basis, some do allow table reservations—especially for larger groups or during peak times like weekend brunch. It’s advisable to call ahead or check the cafe’s website for reservation policies.