Bakeries & Delis

It’s that warm, old-school hospitality with a smile from seasoned hospitality professionals that I get right away—yet it also feels like rocking up to a friend’s place, when they ask if I’m hungry yet. Welcome to Za'atar Bakehouse, your new breakfast spot.

How's this for an epic love story—Minseok Lee was never a big fan of baking, but when he met his partner, Ellie, she told him how much she adored sweet treats. So naturally, he did what any loved-up man would do and went into business with her on the now-viral cinnamon bun joint, Cinnamon Squared, where he currently bakes up to 600 cinnamon buns A DAY. The moral of the story: find someone who loves you like Minseok.

You know that episode of Friends where Ross loses it over someone at work stealing his sandwich? “MY SANDWICH?!” Well, we're not so different to old mate Ross here, because that'd 100% be us, should anyone try to mess with our own sando of choice: anything from new kid on the block, Fitzroy Deli.

Neat Cakes is now open for walk-ins. 

As Gloria's closed its Karangahape Road doors late last year, we were left with quite possibly the worst Christmas present on record. However, we’re back in the good books for 2024 as the sandwich shop has emerged in a brand-spanking new iteration in Auckland's Commercial Bay.

Meet Domo Bakery, Takapuna's newest Asian-inspired cafe with a twist that's taking Auckland's pastry scene by storm. Newly nestled in the heart of this vibrant coastal community, Domo is already capturing the hearts and palates of croissant connoisseurs far and wide (Hamiltonians, we see you!).

When it comes to baked goods, Butter Baby is a bonafide triple threat (and by that, we mean you'll find them on our best cookies, best cinnamon buns, AND best doughnuts lists—pretty impressive, right?).

Update: Folds Patisserie will be hitting pause with their last trading day Sunday 6 July 2025 and are currently taking requests for what you want to feast up on before they close. Owner Wendy is adament it's just a bye for now and have plans to return (in some form) in 2026. 

The one stop shop for anyone with an obsession with all things flaky, golden, buttery and baked is none other than Blockhouse Bay’s Levain Bakery. 

A definite must-try on any foodie's list, Britomart's Amano consistently serves up a mean breakfast, lunch and dinner, whatever you're craving. If you're up for freshly-baked melt-in-the-mouth pastries, breads and other delights, join the queue for a taste of what Aucklanders have known ever since Amano first opened in 2016—this is the only way to start your day.  

Pancakes, step aside, because The Wafflers are finally in town, bringing you deliriously delicious Korean-style Croffles and Waffles.

Is there anything better than sinking your teeth into some freshly baked goods? We think not. Oh wait, what about vegan baked goods? 

There's something rather special about The Kosher Deli, and the name is a major clue. This delightful find on Greys Avenue is actually the country's only kosher deli and we reckon that's reason alone to wanna visit.

If you know cookies, you know Moustache (aka the crew that bought us that gigantic 12-person Caramilk cookie pie and about a gazillion other equally delicious creations). Well now they've opened a shop on Cavendish Drive in Manukau, and it's everything you'd expect it to be and more. Prepare for serious circus vibes as you step right up into a glorious yellow space complete with strings of glowing lights and a merry-go-round inspired central counter.

Some of the city's fave street food vendors have come together as one big happy (and incredibly tasty) family to form Titirangi's new Street Feast food hall. This epic spot on the ground floor of The Rise development is already making a name for itself as a one-stop shop for all things delicious. This is because Street Feast is far from your average food hall, with seven legendary eateries to choose from (meaning a return trip, if not several, is all but guaranteed). Smash back seriously stacked burgs from Jo Bro's (the wagyu number will change your life)—fill your face with tacos from their sister offering, Loco Bro's—chow down on a slice or 10 of woodfired goodness from Stumpy's Pizza (and be sure to check out their insane oven)—tuck into empanadas and gluten-free goodness from Mar & Tierra—feast on fried chicken from SaPa Kitchen (bought to us by the team behind much-loved food truck, NomNom)—then finish things off with something sweet from Wen & Yen's dessert bar, where their signature doughnuts sit alongside barista coffee and handcrafted gelato from Little 'Lato.

Parade has a new haunt and we’re totally in love. Just a stone’s throw from their O.G. home on Ponsonby Road, this new chapter of Parade—now with a levelled up garden fit-out and a liquor licence—is where you’ll want to be. 

Grownup Donuts are a legit success story, having earned their stripes at markets around Auckland before putting down permanent roots in Henderson, Wairau Valley and now at a brand-new store in the CBD.

Let's just start by saying, anyone who can make a vegan, gluten-free doughnut that tastes like the real deal is a legit genius. Enter Charlotte Verstappen, who has mastered that exact art, and is cranking out these wholesome treats (along with a selection of other sweet and savoury goodies) from her charming new plant-based bakery, Charlie Mia.

If you love macarons but, like us, are sometimes searching for a little extra filling, get along to Daldang stat where they specialise in 'Fatcarons'—generously stuffed versions of the French treat. Following their runaway success in the CBD, this sweet little store has opened a second, larger store in Newmarket. 

If you like your donuts sweet, fluffy and pumped full of incredible flavours like lolly cake, lemon meringue, Caramilk, bubblegum and fairy bread (um, yes!), you best pay a visit to DOE Donuts.

Named for Ponsonby’s old moniker after a certain Captain Dedwood—who we’re convinced was a lively old soul back in 1845—Dedwood Deli is a cute eatery which exudes rustic charm and wholesomeness. 

It may be called Grownup Donuts, but visit this sweet little spot in the heart of Wairau Valley and you'll be feeling less like an adult, and more like a kid in a candy store. They have a rotating menu of about 45 different flavours up for grabs, all handmade from scratch using 'real' ingredients (trust us when we say, you can taste the difference). Top tip: don't leave here without trying the roasted banana with caramel cream—a life-changing experience, to be sure.

If you love macarons but, like us, are sometimes searching for a little extra filling, get along to Daldang stat. Located at the top of Queen Street, right next to the entrance for the Four Points Sheraton, this newcomer specialises in 'Fatcarons'—generously stuffed versions of the French treat.

Adore Cazador? Us too. Suffice to say, we were stoked to learn that after 30 plus years in the restaurant game, this iconic eatery has opened the doors to a brand new spot—and all amidst the madness of COVID-19.

Auckland’s much-loved bakery Daily Bread is spreading its wings to take over the city—and we’re here for it.

From the team behind Mt. Eden's popular Rad Cafe, is Mr. T’s. This Onehunga cafe-slash-bakery is a fusion of Vietnamese and Western cuisine. The menu features chocolate chip French toast, Bánh Mí Xíu Mai (Vietnamese meatballs), and a wicked smashed avo. If you don't have time to sit and eat, take some of the delicious bites home from the bakery—we recommend Mr. T’s infamous sourdough. With recipes perfected over years of trial and error, their loaves won’t disappoint. 

There’s no need to book a flight because a delicious slice of Paris is right on our doorstep. Simply follow the buttery scent of freshly baked croissants down Daldy Street and you will find La Petite Fourchette, an authentic French patisserie and boulangerie nestled in Auckland’s newest hot spot, Wynyard Central.

Little & Friday is the ultimate sweet treats destination. This epic cafe, found in Takapuna on Auckland's North Shore, is sure to impress, whether you’re after a mid-day snack or a dose of caffeine. From cakes and brioches, to wonderful filled rolls and some of the best coffee around, Little & Friday is where you want to be when the treat cravings hit—although you might have a bit of trouble deciding what to get. When in doubt, get a doughnut, it'll be the best you’ve had in Auckland.