Cafes

There’s a reason why Wellington is Aotearoa’s coolest capital. Among the most (and best) flat whites per corner, beach-side brunch spots and breathtaking walks along the windy hills, Te-Whanganui-a-Tara truly has some of the best restaurants in Aotearoa.

Turns out The Garden City isn’t just about botanicals—it’s also one helluva brunching scene.

Wellington prides itself on its cafe culture—and we’ll be the first to say it’s justified.

If there's one food trend that's defined 2025 thus far, it's Dubai or knafeh chocolate. What started as a candy bar bringing together pistachio cream, tahini, and kataifi (a type of shredded pastry) inside a crackable, paint-splattered chocolate shell, created by Sarah Hamouda of Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai—has inspired an infinte number of copcats across the globe, and just as many sweet treats (think cookies, pastries, even cocktails). 

Nothing cheers me up more on a cold Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland day (any day, to be fair) than wrapping my mitts around a mug of hot chocolate. Whether it’s a classic number done right, or a more adventurous drop laced with peanut butter or peppermint, served in an edible cup or even topped with bright pink fairy floss, sippin’ on a hot choccy is always a good time.

For tasty kai with bangin' views, make a beeline for the Auckland Viaduct. 

Takapuna is one of my favourite suburbs in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Not only is it home to one of the most popular beaches on the North Shore, it also boasts a long list of amazing places to eat and drink and that's a combo that makes this food writer very happy indeed.

Forks at the ready, Taupō isn’t just about hitting the slopes or whiling away hours on the lake.

It’s handy to have a healthy appetite when you try out Invercargill’s restaurants, as down south the portions are generous and don’t skimp on flavour.

For a night out feeling fancy, a sweet pick-me-up or a tasty bite to get you through your day, Parnell won’t disappoint. Arguably the most stroll-worthy suburb in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, it's packed with restaurants, cafes and bars that know a thing or two about really good kai.

From chic patisseries and pretty pink ice cream parlours to boujee burger joints, Ponsonby's got it all.

With its top-notch eateries and unrivalled views of the Waitematā Harbour, Wynyard Quarter is one of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s most beautiful spots. 

We live for new openings (especially the kind that involves food) and know you do, too. Fortunately, Auckland is the city that just keeps on giving when it comes to new restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries—we really are a lucky bunch.

Whether payday is a distant memory or you simply don’t want to spend your life savings on a meal, don’t go running for those two-minute noodles just yet. There are plenty of cheap eats in Auckland that are minimal on coin but maximum on deliciousness.

Korean food has officially taken over Auckland—and we're not mad about it. Whether you're in it for fiery Korean fried chicken, bubbling bowls of stew, or sizzling hot BBQ, this is your go-to guide to the best Korean restaurants in Auckland.

Matariki is here and it's time to feast. 

Fear not, breakfast-lover—you’re about to have the ultimate list of the best breakfasts in Auckland right at your fingertips.

Whether you’re a matcha convert or you’re curious about the vibrant green tea that's taken the world by storm, Tāmaki Makaurau has you sussed. Let's find your perfect match-a. 

Skip dinner altogether and go straight into a sugar-glazed euphoria.

Tell anyone you’re heading to Napier and the wider Hawke’s Bay region for some R&R and they’ll be insanely jealous. Kiwis from all over the country know just how good the Bay is. With its world-class wineries, gorgeous Art Deco architecture, and delicious dining options, there’s never a bad time to visit Hawke’s Bay. So, whether you’re a local looking to switch it up with a new dining spot or you're a visitor to this fine region, we’ve done the legwork and know our way around all the best establishments in the Bay. Here are the best restaurants Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North in Hawke's Bay have to offer. 

We love satisfying our food cravings and nabbing a bangin’ food deal at the same time—and what better way than getting a chicken wing fix while also getting more bang for your buck (yes to making savings for the next meal).

We’ve looked high and low and we’ve scouted the best places to eat if you’re gluten free—because there’s no need to miss out.

We love Japanese food an awful lot here at the Urban List. And who’s to blame us? From sushi to sashimi to sake, Japanese cuisine delivers deliciousness on all levels.

Ahhh brunch, the perfect blend of breakfast and lunch we just can’t get enough of, which is lucky because the brunch game is strong in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Doughnuts are having a moment—and that’s totally fine by us. Whether you like them dusted with sugar, oozing with chocolate custard or stuffed with cream, there’s something for everyone in this doughnut lovin’ city of ours. We’ve rounded up the best places to get the best doughnuts in Auckland. Dough-not delay, try one today.

Whether you’re after a healthy meal, a culinary cure after exploring Queenstown’s best bars, or fuel for a day of adventure, there’s something for every brunch or lunch occasion at Queenstown's best cafes. 

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why settle for the usual smashed avo when you can take a morning trip around the globe—no passport required?

Bargain bevvies, a bar snack or two and some quality yarns make for the ultimate after-work wind-down.

Whether you're after breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or a little somethin' somethin' this ANZAC Friday, there's loads to choose from. 

Whoever came up with this cunning way of eating cake for breakfast (or any other meal, for that matter), we thank you for your service.

Easter is upon us and a long weekend of resting and feasting awaits. Take this holiday as a chance to go out to get your wine and dine on because that’s what we’ll be doing!

Whether you’re in the mood for a slow sit-down and sip, or a takeaway coffee to accompany you on your daily errands, from Auckland CBD and Ponsonby/Herne Bay/Grey Lynn/Karangahape Road/Eden Terrace to Newmarket/Mount Eden/Kingsland/Morningside and The North Shore, Urban List has downed a dangerous dosage of caffeine to create the ultimate list of Auckland’s best coffee shops that you’re going to want to bookmark ASAP.

As Kiwis, a love of pies is practically in our DNA. These hearty pastries have been keeping us fuelled for generations and are the perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or even a cheeky brekkie.

Wellington’s breakfast game is strong, just like their coffee.

Get ready for the sticky fingers, doughy bellies and warm fuzzies, as you eat your way through our list of Auckland’s best cinnamon buns.

Easter is fast approaching and for the sweet tooths amongst us (me!), this is pleasing news indeed. After all, what other holiday is celebrated by stuffing your face with as much chocolate as humanly possible?

Chocolate may get most of the attention at Easter, but it isn't the only treat we're coveting once the season for bunnies, eggs and unabashed gluttony rolls round. Yip, that's right fam—we're talking about hot cross buns, or HCBs.

The economy may be in dire straits but your bank account need not be—cheap eats are not a thing of the past. In fact, you can tuck into a lunch that’s quick and healthy for less than twenty bucks, even if you work in Auckland CBD.

Whether it’s Mother’s Day, a special occasion, or you just wanna spoil someone (but also yourself!), high tea is always the answer. Lucky for us, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has no shortage of spots serving up a swanky high tea with alllll the treats, including tea, cake, and if you're lucky, a cheeky glass of bubbles.

Though long viewed as a luxury destination—cue over indulgence and splashing of cash—Waiheke is literally awash in great options to have you out and about and enjoying the land in many different ways, all without breaking the bank.

The North Shore is as much for eating out and drinking, as it is for hitting the beach. If you don't believe us, check out the more than 55 spots we've carefully curated by suburb below, ranging from old-fashioned pubs, bakeries and burger joints to chic wine bars, cafes, and bistros.

There’s really nothing better than smashing back a good burger. It’s salty, it’s satisfying, and it’s what hungry dreams are made of. However, we all know there are many components that go into making a decent burger. Once you weigh up the bun, the patty, the sauce, and the toppings, it can become a very spirited debate. Which begs the question, who IS slinging the best burgers in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland?

Between scaling Mt Taranaki and hitting the mountain bike tracks around Lake Mangamahoe, surfing up a storm or soaking up the art, you’ll likely work up quite the appetite in New Plymouth. And, luckily, there’s a bunch of local eateries on hand to refuel at. 

Rotorua is a foodie haven, from boujee fine dining to delectable cheap eats spotlighting local and international cuisines.  

Whatever the occasion or vibe, Kirikiriroa Hamilton’s buzzing restaurant scene has it all. Whether you’re after a sophisticated date destination, a culinary journey around the world, or simply on the hunt for some hearty comfort food, Urban List has you covered with a list of the best restaurants in Hamilton.

It's official—Onehunga is one of Auckland's most hip albeit underrated suburbs. Studded with historic buildings and delightful villas, this charming neighbourhood has really amped things up in recent years on the eating-out front, with a host of top-notch bars, restaurants and cafés coming to the fore.

Waiheke Island. A magical getaway, a wine-lover’s paradise, the perfect wedding destination... and a next-level foodie scene. Here are the best and tastiest restaurants on Waiheke Island. 

From Peruvian tacos and schnitzels the size of your face, to perfect coffee and cocktails in bongs (for reals!), this suburb certainly has plenty to eat out on.  

I scream, you scream... well, you know how it goes. Whether it's fresh and fruity or rich and chocolatey, in a cone, on a stick or in a cup, we just can't get enough of the cold stuff. So without further ado, here's our pick of the coolest (yes, we did just do that) ice cream and gelato shops in Auckland.

Christmas is the season for twinkling lights, merry tunes and prettily wrapped presents under the tree. Oh, and more unapologetically festive treats than you could ever hope to work your way through before Santa comes calling. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of must-try Christmas treats (some naughty, some nice) for you to enjoy this holiday season.

Fish and chips. They’re pretty much our national tucker. Here are our picks for the best fish and chips shops in Auckland.

Whether you’re diving into the mad scramble that is Boxing Day sales, after a top-tier refuel mid-beach day, or soothing a deathly hangover on New Year’s Day, don’t waste your calories (and dollaz) on shoddy fare. It’s time to celebrate. Come 2025, it’s a new year and a new you, and that new you deserves to be fueled by the finest kai Auckland has to offer.

Dive into Urban List's top picks for the best Italian restaurants in Auckland.

Whether you're a margherita purist, a meat lover or into a serious deep-dish, we’ve found the best pizza in Auckland for you to devour. These joints offer fresh, quality ingredients that can make the experience feel almost healthy (almost). 

Grab a spot by the water, dig in to a tasty something and let the City of Sails treat you some next-level hospitality at Auckland’s best waterfront eateries.

Forget everything you thought you knew about vegan and vegetarian food. Far from its can-o’-chickpea origins, vegan fare is now unapologetically delicious.

It’s time to double-whammy that precious downtime the same way you “write minutes” for meetings that really could’ve been an email. Our trick? Hybrid venues and sleek multi-purpose experiences. Sure, cocktails and burgers are great, but paired with a raging film club or arcade game? That’s where the good stuff's at. 

You bring the booze and they’ll take care of the food at any one of these fine Auckland establishments. Read on to discover the best BYO restaurants in Auckland and get ready to eat, drink and be merry!

Ahhh Karangahape Road. One of the most vibrant, creative, and bangin’ precincts in all of Tāmaki Makaurau.

Father’s Day is just around the corner (1 September if you’re wondering) and while not all of us have a father we almost certainly all have someone who’s unabashedly cracked dad jokes with reckless abandon.

There's something about the humble schnitzel that never fails to satisfy. Perhaps it's the crispy golden crumb on the outside, or the juicy, tender meat on the inside—whatever the reason, one thing's for sure, this timeless comfort food that's a favourite amongst the European set is as popular now as it's ever been.

They say that dogs are like their owners—who’s to say your pooch isn’t also partial to a low-fat puppaccino and a catchup with the crew? 

Whether you slurp them in soups or chew with chilli oil, we’ve rounded up the best hand-pulled noodle spots in Auckland so you can decide which way is best for yourself. 

You’ve inevitably stumbled into this friendly neighbourhood cafe at some stage of your life, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greets you like an old friend, and each bite of the pastries feels like grandma baked it.

We love wining and dining in Ponsonby at the best of times—but throw in some one-off creations, tasting menus, and special prices, and we really don’t need our arm further twisted. So grab your planner and round up your foodie friends, here are all the best events you need to devour this year at Eat Drink Love Ponsonby 2024:

Ponsonby Central has long been renowned as a vibrant precinct. Its eclectic restaurants and bars serve up everything from Cambodian to Korean and feel-good American fare. 

When it comes to Ponsonby restaurants, it's a literal smorgasbord—the hardest part about eating out here is narrowing down where to go. Whether you're after bistro classics, a spot of Asian street food or an old-fashioned burger and fries, this inner-city neighbourhood punches well above its weight.

If there’s anything better than great food, it’s great food that’s cheap.

If you’re sticking around Tāmaki Makaurau this Waitangi Day—Tuesday 6 February to be exact—you’ll be delighted to know a bunch of top notch eateries will be open for brunch, lunch, a cheeky tipple or three, or an all-out feast. 

Need a hand navigating your local eats? We’ve teamed up with BNZ to ask local chef Kia Kanuta about his holy grail locations.

Here are the best cafes and restaurants to wrap your mouth around in The Coromandel.

If you’re looking to squash that nervous energy this year we’ve compiled five cat cafes around New Zealand so you can catch up on some much needed cuddles.

There's nothing quite as good as a long weekend, and this one is no exception. With the weather warming up, there's no need to head out of the City of Sails to feel like you're on holiday. With stunning beaches and plenty to do, some of our favourite bars, restaurants and cafes are remaining open, so there's no need to miss out.

Here are the best cafes in New Plymouth, for brunch and beyond. 

Friends are great. Always there to listen and advise, help you pick out killer outfits and approve romantic partners.

We want to help you live the dream in WA, so we asked the passionate locals who call it home to share all their must-visit experiences across this stunning state. Dive into our guides to the best places to play, eat and stay, steeped with local knowledge and all the tools you need to plan the trip of a lifetime.

Hamilton’s cafe scene is growing, with plenty of great coffee, local produce and quirky spots.

Get schooled up with this list of Invercargill’s best cafes right now.

Dine and drink like a local, from bistros and cafes to takeaways and food trucks, tipples enjoyed at home to beverages on tap.

Could Devonport be Auckland's most charming suburb? Its old-fashioned villas, picturesque gardens and character buildings are straight out of a storybook, while it also happens to be located right beside the sea and beneath the watchful eye of not one, but two volcanic mountains. 

It’s that time of year again when every man and his dog take the solemn oath to give their bodies and brains a break.

The hot competition where chefs up and down the country cook up their tastiest take on the classic toastie, The Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover, has crowned this year's winner.

The first public holiday celebrating King Charles' birthday has arrived which means three days of rest, relaxation and feasting are on the cards. 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, especially when you’re in action-packed Queenstown! Serving up a whole host of delicious options, this town has everything when it comes to satisfying those morning cravings…from classic big brekkies to decadent waffles and healthy hunger-busters AKA smoothies and poke. There’s a lot to choose from, but don’t stress, we’ve done all the groundwork for you. These are the best breakfasts in Queenstown.

Nelson is spoilt for choice when it comes to the cafe scene, with every establishment offering something different in this vibrant little city.

As far as baked treats go, cookies are king, and we don't discriminate.

Here are the best darn cafes that you need to try in Wānaka this year. 

Exciting news fam, Ponsonby's coveted Lucky 8 is getting a hot younger sibling and it's going slap-bang in the middle of a wholly revamped Elliott Stables, set to dazzle the senses and plunge you into an epic world complete with late-night eats, DJs and vibes for days. 

Karangahape Road is a colourful and fabulous destination for locals and tourists, with loads of fantastic restaurants, cafes, shops and stunning residential streets to wander.

Don’t waste your calories on shoddy fare. It’s a new year, and a new you. And that new you downright deserves to be fuelled by the finest the city has to offer. 

Get out of town and venture to the sunny north where you’ll discover mouth-watering fare paired with the chilled-out vibes... oh, and breath-taking views to boot.

Summer in New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without a road trip (or several). And, a road trip wouldn’t be complete without stopping for a bite to eat at a quirky local. In fact, we’d argue some of our country’s best food can be found in unassuming cafes in small, relaxed towns. 

Despite its small size, Hawke’s Bay punches well above its weight when it comes to rad places to eat and drink. The café scene in this region is extensive and it’s worth venturing to each of the municipalities to properly explore everything on offer. Here is where to find the best cafes in Hawke’s Bay. 

Is there any better news than a new scoop shop? Well, one that gives out free ice cream of course.

The coffee and food in this harbour city and beach town are seriously good—here’s where you should head to next.

Aotearoa is having a pop-public holiday in memorial of Queen Elizabeth II next week, Monday 26 September to be exact. Here are all some of the best places to feast in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

These wallet-friendly restaurants will leave you full, satisfied, and with money in the bank—winning.

Sitting at the base of Bob’s Peak Mountain and the iconic Skyline Gondola, Queenstown’s rad new dining and entertainment precinct, Upper Village awaits. 

Nestled in the beating heart of Surfers Paradise, we’ve found the perfect place for the ultimate fun day out. Think: epic games, live sport and a total foodie nirvana. So where can you find this awesome spot? Perched on the corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Cavill Mall, boasting a 100-metre frontage opposite the world-famous Surfers Paradise Beach, is Paradise Centre. Home to over 90 stores, an alfresco dining precinct and a buzzing entertainment hub, gather your crew and make tracks here stat.

The chilly weather brings the perfect excuse to hunker down at Auckland’s vibrant restaurants, bars and eateries while seeking comfort in innovative dishes and drinks. 

Hot tip, autumn is the best time to eat your way around New Zealand. 

From boujee new destination restaurants and distilleries to plant-based brunch spots and craft breweries, things have certainly changed around here.

From trusty pies to tarts, slices, cakes and even the odd dumpling, here are the tried and true, best banoffee pies in Auckland.

Ask an Aucklander what their favourite food is and chances are dumplings will rank pretty high—and we can’t get enough of these tasty little morsels ourselves. 

Summer is here which means one thing…ice cream, and lots of it. While plenty of the sweet stuff can be found in the Capital’s concrete jungle—we’ve done the hard yards and nailed down a list of the very best. And we take our job very seriously indeed. Here are the best ice cream stores to be found in the windy city.

Here in Christchurch, delicious ice cream is not hard to come by in our fine city. Luckily for you, we’ve done our research and put together a list of the Garden City’s best ice cream joints so you can taste your way around the finest in town. 

Whether it's a big ol' bowl of dumplings, a decent coffee and a slice of cake, or a juicy burger with all the trimmings, we're beyond stoked to get our hands on some takeaways at Alert Level 3.

There are many interesting and unique cafes scattered around Hamilton, hidden down side alleys, plonked amidst industrial zones, and nestled in quiet neighbourhoods. The cafes slinging the best coffee in Hamilton are often the hidden gems.

Queenstown has a new pop-up on its culinary menu and we’re crossing our fingers (and toes) that this cosy restaurant will extend its stay well past the winter season. Hear that QT? That’s a hint!

We Kiwis absolutely love our coffee. In fact, NZ is one of the top coffee consumers globally. But how many of us actually know how to brew our own coffee, or master the art of the barista?

An exciting new eatery has landed in Hobsonville Point. 

The hospitality industry is struggling, but not because of the reasons you probably think. While many venues are enjoying an unprecedented boom in popularity (and rightly so), these same places are struggling to find staff to meet the demand. 

Gerrick Numan is the director of Millé - a hospitality design studio that’s proving an absolute force to be reckoned with. And while you might have never heard of them before, you’ve almost certainly revelled in their work - the team of hospitality obsessed interior architects and designers are behind the look and feel of some of Aotearoa’s most iconic bars, cafés and restaurants. 

If the words ‘Birria Tacos’ has piqued your interest, you’re not alone. The videos of red juicy stew, with meat that falls apart, filled into a cheesy taco have been giving the hungries to many. Don't fret, We've got your back. We’ve done the hard yet delicious work to bring you a list of Auckland’s very best birria tacos.

From milkshakes to margaritas, burgers to bao—MOGLY Bar And Eatery is bringing a whole lotta deliciousness to the South Auckland suburb of Ormiston. Located on the edge of the still-evolving Ormiston Town Centre, this is one seriously epic spot and it's open for your eating and drinking pleasure every day of the week from midday until late.

Realising this gap between food waste and food insecurity, Nick Loosley founded Everybody Eats - a locally-based, not-for-profit with a mission to reduce food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand. With Everybody Eats scaling across NZ, we caught up with Nick to find out more about their origins, their mission, and hear about their new Goodie Box initiative. 

Move over sourdough, there’s a new bread in town.

Dunedin has quietly evolved into an epic culinary haven in its own right, where funky heritage buildings harbour dens of dining cool and hole-in-the-wall eateries deliver up innovative creations that will leave you wanting more.

Tantalise your taste buds out west! 

Leisha Rae makes up the sweet 1/2 of Bowl & Arrow with her bestie and partner in crime, Hannah Bryan. After meeting at a cafe Leisha was working at and bonding over the best bread for french toast, they realised they had the same career passions. We spoke to Leisha to find out what has happened since history started writing itself.