Some things in life make for the perfect union. Like toast and avocado, and pancakes and fairy floss (it’s a thing), Aucklanders and breakfast are simply meant to be. Our hunt for the best breakfast in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is never over and, being the brekkie (and brunch)-obsessives that we are, we’re always waiting for the next shiny, delicious breakfast beacon (aka. Auckland’s next best breakfast cafe) to open its doors.
So without further ado, we present the list to rule all lists. It’s a list you’ll want to print out and stick on your desk, in your car, by your bed, at your SO’s house and back up in Google Drive, STAT. Here are all the best places for breakfast and brunch so jump to the best breakfasts in Auckland City CBD, Ponsonby/Herne Bay/Grey Lynn/Westmere, Grafton/Karangahape Road, Newmarket/Epsom/Parnell, Greenlane/Royal Oak/Onehunga, Mt Eden/Kingsland, Point Chev/Mt Albert/Sandringham, North Shore/Hibiscus Coast, East Auckland,West Auckland and South Auckland. Phew!
Auckland City CBD
You city slickers are a lucky bunch. Some of Auckland’s best breakfasts can be found in Auckland City itself. We’re talking crepes, waffles, seasonal specialities and even brekkie burgers. Here’s where to get the best breakfasts in Auckland CBD.
Daily Bread
13 Galway Street, Auckland CBD
Daily Bread's newest spot is their first cafe offering/mega-bakery and it rightly makes our list as one of Auckland's best breakfasts with their in-house cafe slinging everything from subs and custard slices to the utterly life-changing Kaya French Toast.
Chur Bae
Shed 13A/90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Chur Bae | Urban List Jamin Drupsteen
Pumping spot Chur Bae nestled in City Works Depot is definitely one of the best places to get breakfast in Auckland CBD. With a Korean twist on some much-loved brunch dishes such as avo on toast—a literal mound of avo served on sourdough, with pickled tomatoes, dukkah and topped with whipped feta—smoothies to die for and crispy yet soft-in-the-middle waffled croissants with vanilla mascarpone, banana, berries and topped with a crunchy biscuit crumble. YUM.
Homeland
11 Westhaven Drive, Auckland CBD, Auckland
The team at Homeland sure know a thing or two about breakfast. From Turkish eggs with whipped garlic yoghurt to avocado hummus toast with Fix & Fogg Smoke And Fire peanut butter—there's something to please every palate. And let's not forget chef Peter Gordon's famous cheese scones, best enjoyed drowned in butter.
Amano
66 - 68, Tyler Street, Britomart Place, Auckland
A definite must-try on any foodie's list, Amano consistently serves up a mean breakfast, whatever you're craving. A martini for breakfast? Hell yeah.
Odettes Eatery, City Works Depot
90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Odettes / Instagram
Beautiful fit-out? Check. Silky, smooth coffee? Check. Some of the best breakfasts in Auckland? Check. Odettes Eatery is a breakfast winner.
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Williams Eatery
g03/85 Daldy Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Local, organic and free-range, Williams Eatery strives to serve up only the highest quality ingredients and the result is impressive. The house hotcakes with mandarin curd, brown butter and sourdough crumb are a definite favourite.
Chuffed
43 High Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Tucked down a corridor off High Street, Chuffed is home to some of the best breakfasts in Auckland City—don’t blame us if you get hooked on their crumpets.
Rude Boy
34 Sale Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Rude Boy / Instagram
An Instagrammer’s dream, the eats at Rude Boy are as good-looking as they are tasty. Anyone with a sweet tooth must try the hotcakes—fluffy cello and cream cheese with strawberry butter, vanilla cream and salted caramel.
Giapo
12 Gore Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
If your breakfast doesn't consist of a hearty serving of ice cream on a totally elaborate cone then we say you're doing breakfast all wrong. At Giapo, you can build the brekkie of your dreams, choosing first your ice cream then the 'Gram-worthy cone you'd like to chow down on. This might well be your breakfast AND lunch.
Ponsonby/Herne Bay/Grey Lynn/Westmere
You haven’t had the best breakfast in Auckland until you dine in these four suburbs. In no particular order, here are the best breakfast spots in Ponsonby, Herne Bay, Grey Lynn and Westmere:
Ada Restaurant
454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: Ada | Instagram
When one of the best restaurants in Auckland announces a breakfast service you just know it's gonna be out-the-gate-delicious. With harakeke grain-free granola, smoked fish omelette, avocado on rewana and the stand out hāngī pork belly benedict on the menu expect this to become your new fave morning hangout.
Queenies Caffé & Vino
24 Spring Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland
A grand favourite of the brunch scene, Queenies Caffé & Vino has swung open its recently remodelled ivy-draped doors to serve this little corner of Freemans Bay once more. Expect exquisitely turned-out dishes and unexpected flavour combinations. A must-try.
Maison Des Lys Pâtisserie
567 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: Maison Des Lys | Instagram
Maison Des Lys is New Zealand’s first plant-based French patisserie on a mission to prove that you don't have to compromise on taste or quality when it comes to Vegan treats—and trust us, once you’ve tasted their pastries, you’ll completely agree. Dive into one of their next-level loaded croissants with a shot of Eightthirty coffee on the side. Bon appétit nos amis.
Dear Jervois
234 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland
Image credit: Dear Jervois / Facebook
Herne Bay wouldn’t be Herne Bay without Dear Jervois. It’s one of the city's best breakfast cafés, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table (in which case you should pass the time by looking out for celebs, who apparently agree). Their matcha waffles are world-famous in Auckland, but we only have eyes for the mushroom and rosti stack (who knew lentils could go so well with brekkie?).
Dizengoff
256 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
An oldie but a goodie, Dizengoff continues to dish up some of the best breakfasts in Auckland. Our pick is the half-and-half—perfect scrambled eggs and creamy balsamic mushrooms with a dollop of homemade pesto. Nom.
Postal Service
537 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Purveyors of damn good coffee AND some of Auckland’s best breakfasts, Postal Service are pros at turning humble vegetables into something so good, your taste buds won’t know what hit them.
Little Bird Kitchen
Summer Street &, Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Little Bird Kitchen / Facebook
They were responsible for Auckland’s raw food obsession and are showing no signs of slowing down. Visit Little Bird Kitchen to witness some raw, culinary magic.
Catroux
129 West End Road, Westmere, Auckland
Small but mighty, Catroux remains a frontrunner in the Auckland breakfast scene. Their menu is seasonal and always impressive.
Honey Bones
480 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
You'll find drool-worthy brekkies aplenty at Honey Bones. Think bacon egg butties, ricotta pancakes with poached fruit and smashed pumpkin (yes, pumpkin) on rye, washed down with an incredible-tasting smoothie.
Ozone Coffee Roasters
1/18 Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn, Auckland
There's a lot to love about the light and airy Ozone Coffee Roasters nestled in Grey Lynn. From the inventive seasonal menu to some of the best coffee out, we love that you can dine in with your pup by your side.
Grafton/Karangahape Road
One of the coolest precincts in town has breakfast down pat. For some of the best breakfasts near Auckland city, go here:
Fluff Cafe
Unit 7G/38 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland
Image credit: Fluff Cafe / Urban List Wono Kim
Fluff Cafe is the cute eatery that's serving up the fluffiest bread in town topped with boujee mouth-watering creations like smashed avo, slow-cooked pork, crumbed mushroom and even granola with wholemeal, vegan and gluten-free options available. Hell to the yes.
Benedict's
1/30 Saint Benedicts Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland
Boasting two outdoor spaces (including a lush courtyard) Benedict's serves up traditional brekkies with a twist. Did someone say twice-baked almond brioche?
Bestie, Karangahape Road
179/183 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Did someone say Jelly Tip French toast? A mouthwatering combo of raspberry ice cream, housemade digestive biscuits and chocolate shards, this is exactly the type of OTT brekkie Bestie has become known for.
Newmarket/Epsom/Parnell
These three ‘burbs have upped their breakfast game like nobody’s business thanks to the opening of some excellent cafes. Make sure you try all of them—they’re responsible for some of Auckland’s best breakfasts.
The Humble Villager
256 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland
Manukau Road stalwart The Humble Villager is a great place to pull up a pew and dig into a great feed—the halloumi and avo toast is a standout and don't leave without snaffling one of their legendary cheese scones.
Sparrow Café
19 Great South Road, Epsom, Auckland
Smashed avo just got a serious makeover, and we likey. Yup, there's nothing boring about Sparrow's version of the dish (or any of their other brekky dishes for that matter), which tops a slice with avo smash, pickled courgette, red onion, feta, and chilli crisps. Glorious.
L'affare Newmarket
22 Melrose Street, Newmarket, Auckland
As to be expected, the coffee here is killer (this is the same L'affare as the popular coffee brand if you didn't know), but that's not the only reason to visit–their fried chicken waffles with bourbon syrup and sour cream are low-key incredible.
Winona Forever
100 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Image credit: Winona Forever / Website
Home to one of the best cabinets (and best breakfasts) in Auckland is Winona Forever. We’ll never get sick of their magical mushrooms.
Hello Friends & Allies
93 Great South Road, Epsom, Auckland
Image credit: Hello Friends & Allies / Facebook
Epsom had no chance of being the best Auckland breakfast spot until Hello Friends & Allies came along. Their red velvet hotcakes are a game-changer.
Little & Friday
11 McColl Street, Newmarket, Auckland
Image credit: Little & Friday / Facebook
Doughnuts for breakfast are always a good idea. Little & Friday’s cabinet is chock-a-block with all sorts of breakfast-friendly goodies.
Mutual Friends
2 Morgan Street, Newmarket, Auckland
Image credit: Mutual Friends / Facebook
Mutual Friends' brekkie menu will brighten any morning—think breakfast bowls, smoothies, and a cabinet overflowing with ready-to-go treats.
Newbie
33 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland
Fancy yourself a breakfast ramen bowl? This is just one of the unique dishes you'll find on the menu at Newbie, which also includes banoffee fritters and black rice porridge.
The Flour Mill
409a Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland
Image credit: The Flour Mill / Facebook
A visit to the Flour Mill is one of the best ways to start your day. Sit back amongst cute artworks and pops of pink while tucking into dishes like blueberry fritters and steak and eggs, followed by one of their legendary brownie pies—served in a skillet and piled high with whipped cream and other toppings as part of the lunch menu.
Greenlane/Royal Oak/Onehunga
These three neighbourhoods are killing it at the brunch game, and if you don't believe us, just check out these spots below.
Pikuniku
167 Great South Road, Greenlane, Auckland
Image credit: Pikuniku / Website
If you like brunch with a delicious Japanese twist best hotfoot it to Pikuniku. Amongst the (many) must-try dishes are the miso mushroom noodles, the fried chicken sandwich and don't leave without trying the next-level matcha croffles. Picnic indeed.
Slowlane
604 Great South Road, Ellerslie, Auckland
Name a better way to start your day than by chugging back an expertly-crafted cup of coffee, followed by a croffle face-stuffing sesh (that's croissant-waffles to the uninitiated). If this sounds like a bit of you, get in the Slowlane.
Mr T's
210 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland
Much-loved bakery and café, Mr T's merges classic treats with Vietnamese-style dishes and is especially loved for its mouthwatering pies. Definitely one of the best breakfasts in Auckland.
food me-n-u
187 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland
Run by a former Hilton chef, food me-n-u is the spot for omelettes, buttermilk pancakes, and one hell of a take on bubble and squeak (read: Spanish chorizo, potatoes, honey-cured bacon, sauteed onion and wilted rocket served with a poached egg and sourdough).
Onehunga Cafe
259 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland
Cajun chicken tacos? Check. Apple crumble waffles? Check. Sharing platter with fried chicken, pork belly, calamari, fries, polenta chips and slaw? CHECK. Yup, Onehunga Cafe certainly knows how to make our mouths water.
Mount Eden/Kingsland
Most of these cafes need no introduction, so it comes as no surprise they're the source of some of Auckland’s best breakfasts.
Ipress
421-425 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
Right in the centre of the village lies Ipress. Pull up a pew either downstairs or upstairs in their light and bright dining room and settle in for a good feed. We can't go past their fried chicken burger perfect for the morning after the night before. Stick around and play a vintage game or two while you're there.
Ralph’s Bar and Eatery
225B Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
With a homely vibe, and some of the friendly folk in town head to Ralph’s Bar and Eatery for breakfast you’ll truly love. Dine like a God with the Breakfast of Zeus—fried tofu, red onion, sweet chilli, peppers, baby spinach, roast pumpkin, hummus, and dukkah with ciabatta or five-grain toast. Vegan breakfast sorted.
Harlan Pepper Food Co.
317 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland
Image credit: Harlan Pepper Food Co. / Facebook
Breakfast tacos? Yes, please! Harlan Pepper Food Co. has nailed their tapas-style menu and the Spanish twist means breakfast burritos and Spanish omelettes to die for.
Little Q
460 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland
A beautiful little cafe on Kingsland's main strip that consistently serves up excellent food with divine service, Little Q will see you right. If a coconut French toast doesn't get you out of bed we don't know what will.
Point Chev/Mt Albert/Sandringham
To those living in these suburbs, we envy you. Be sure to make the most of what these amazing Auckland breakfast cafes have to offer.
The Breakfast Club
1179 Great North Road, Point Chevalier, Auckland
Image credit: The Breakfast Club | Urban List Dave Marano
Where to even start? Point Chev's been well and truly blessed with the opening of American diner The Breakfast Club. Expect stacked pancakes, fried chicken and waffles, sundaes, thick shakes and sodas every colour of the rainbow. Outstanding.
Spilt Milk
Unit G/1197 Great North Road, Point Chevalier, Auckland
If you're keen on breakfast with a twist, be sure to check out Spilt Milk tucked away in the Great North Road arcade. Come for the delicious Vietnamese pho, Bahn Mi and noodle salads and stay to sample their other delicious brunch options that include an impressive range of gluten-free, vegan and veggie fare.
KIND
16 McDonald Street, Morningside, Auckland
Image credit: KIND / Instagram
An equally healthy and delicious menu in a lush setting, KIND is attempting to make Morningside a little greener. Their mostly plant-based menu is fresh and different featuring some adventurous combos—the crispy tofu bao bun, with KIND's famous hot sauce is a must.
Petit Bocal
177 Sandringham Road, Sandringham, Auckland
Image credit: Petit Bocal / Facebook
A slice of France in Sandringham, Petit Bocal is an unbeatable spot for coffee and croissants on a weekend morning. Their latte art rocks our socks.
L’oeuf
4A Owairaka Avenue, Mount Albert, Auckland
L’oeuf is eggcellent. In fact, their menu is predominately egg-centric (try The Nest, please and thank you) but there are also tasty dishes for those who don’t live the egg life.
Crave
6 Morningside Drive, Morningside, Auckland
We love Crave’s focus on the community just as much as we love their chia breakfast pudding.
Geeks On Sainsbury
1/55 Sainsbury Road, Mount Albert, Auckland
Image credit: Geeks On Sainsbury / Instagram
We’ll try not to geek out about this Morningside cafe too much, but Geeks On Sainsbury really is one of the best breakfast spots in Auckland. The coffee is fab, the service friendly and the food exactly how breakfast fare should be.
North Shore/Hibiscus Coast
These two regions north of the bridge don't mess around when it comes to amazing breakfast food. Here are some of our faves.
Dulcie
33 King Edward Parade, Devonport
Image credit: Dulcie | Urban List Dave Marano
Elevated daytime dining meets sprawling harbourside views at Devonport’s new darling, Dulcie. You don’t know scrambled eggs until you’ve had their version, topped with Canterbury truffle shavings or perhaps Saag-style creamy spinach and curry leaf—all on top of Daily Bread sourdough.
Duo Eatery
138 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland
A stellar eatery from the brains behind Culprit and Lowbrow, come for Duo's elevated classics like eggs bene but stay for the bruleed custard-soaked brioche.
Fika With Me
5 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead, Auckland
Named after fika, the Swedish custom of having a coffee break with family, friends or colleagues, Fika With Me invites you to slow down and savour their delicious coffee and all-day brunch.
Fields Cafe
4 Appian Way, Albany, Auckland
Street Organics
1 Byron Avenue, Takapuna, Auckland
At Street Organics you'll find delicious, nutritious brekky goodness for every diet under the sun, with some of our fave dishes including their peanut butter granola, chaffles (aka cheesy waffles) and acai bowls.
Honey
12 Huron Street, Takapuna, Auckland
Sweet by name and sweet by nature, Honey is the home of banoffee French toast and gluten-free orange and ricotta pancakes.
Paper Moon
437 Beach Road, Mairangi Bay, Auckland
Image credit: Paper Moon / Facebook
Fun fact: one of Auckland’s best breakfasts cafes lives on the North Shore and has done so for yonks. Grab an outdoor table at Paper Moon and tuck into their epic brekkie fare in the sunshine.
Takapuna Beach Cafe
22 The Promenade, Takapuna, Auckland
You’re shore to love everything about Takapuna Beach Cafe. From the glorious view to the fresh, seasonal menu, it’s a firm fave with the locals and will be with you, too.
Sip Kitchen
25 Apollo Drive, Mairangi Bay, Auckland
Cleanse yourself of all the waffles with a trip to Sip Kitchen. Everything you eat and drink there will both nourish your body and satisfy your breakfast cravings.
Supernova
116 Kitchener Road, Milford, Auckland
Supernova is the spot for wholesome yet hearty brekkie fare, including their incredible hotcake—served direct to your table in the cast-iron skillet it was cooked, and stacked with goodies like seasonal fruit, lemon curd and a truckload of maple butter (seriously guys, this one'll keep you going for a week).
The Collins Cafe & Bar
20 Greenhithe Road, Greenhithe, Auckland
Image credit: The Collins Cafe & Bar / Website
Cornflake-crusted French toast with vanilla mascarpone, poached pear, banana toffee and pistachio is what you’ve been searching for all along. The Collins Cafe & Bar is quickly gaining a rep for bringing cheat meal breakfast dreams to life.
Cafe Mimosa
60 Lake Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Fairtrade and organic, you can’t go past Cafe Mimosa. The Vegan Ploughman’s Board includes sourdough toast, vine tomatoes, homemade vegan cheese, walnut mushroom pate, olive tapenade, seasonal pickles and sauerkraut. Can we hear a yes, please?
Jam Organic Cafe, Takapuna
33-45 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Jam Organic Cafe / Lydia Arnold
Enjoy an epic alfresco brekkie over at Jam Organic Cafe. These guys aren't afraid to play with the classics (case in point: their moreish version of mince on toast) and also do a damn good coffee.
Ravenill Cafe & Restaurant
98 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland
Step into Ravenhill’s bright and airy interior, and enjoy a killer menu suitable for dietary requirements (perfect for gluten-free and vegan folk) and moreish hot chocolates. It’ll soon be your go-to spot for brunch on the Shore.
Bungalo Cafe
96 Mokoia Road, Birkenhead, Auckland
Bungalo Cafe is always bustling on weekends and it’s hard not to see why. Their menu boasts omelettes, burgers and smoothies with fresh fruit or even a shot of espresso if that’s more your thing. Their famous crepes are also a must-try and best enjoyed in the sun in their outdoor seated area.
Patch Cafe
108 Sunnybrae Road, Hillcrest, Auckland
Image credit: Patch Cafe / Urban List Wono Kim
For a menu that ticks all the traditional brekkie boxes but has a few little surprises up its sleeve, you can't go past Patch. We especially love their smoothies and milkshakes, which are a breakfast unto themselves.
Major Tom
87 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, Auckland
Image credit: Major Tom / Jaiden Bhaga
The cousin of another one of our fave morning-time spots, Winona Forever; Major Tom specialises in breakfasts that are as much a feast for the eyes as they are for the mouth. We're particularly fond of the French toast—a mouthwatering marriage of meringues, fresh fruit and dulce de leche panna cotta that's just the right amount of sweet for first thing in the morning.
Dear Coasties
9 Bakehouse Lane, Orewa
You may have to fight for a car park (and then a table), but Dear Coasties should be top of your brekkie hit list if you're in the area. These guys will have your day off to a delicious start with their mouthwatering pork belly bene with apple slaw (which, btw, you can also get in a handy half-portion), pretty-as-a-picture pancakes with fairy floss and fresh fruit, and—we're calling it—the best coffee on the Coast. Just don't forget to save room for some of that epic cabinet food.
Millies
10/175 Parkway, Millwater, Silverdale
There are few cafés on the Coast with a following as loyal as Millies, thanks no doubt to their perfectly-poured coffee (some of the best in the area), OTT cabinet food (have you SEEN them doughnuts?) and of course, damn tasty breakfasts. We're particularly partial to their mushroom bowl, a sort of deconstructed mushrooms on toast. FYI: these guys also run the successful Oliver's café in Orewa.
East Auckland
In case you’ve forgotten that East Auckland is where to find some of the best breakfasts in Auckland, here’s a quick reminder. These cafes know what’s up.
The GF Depot
139 Meadowbank Road, Meadowbank, Auckland
Image credit: The GF Depot | Urban List Eric Jang
After mouthwatering gluten-free fare? Make a beeline for The GF Depot for everything from beef and cheese burgers matched with a euphoric load of fries to lemongrass curry and borderline spiritual pancakes. Impressive from first bite to full belly, if you've ever felt awkward (or worse, apologetic) about your dietary requirements—whether you’re Coeliac, wheat intolerant, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, keto or low GI—The GF Depot’s got you.
Blend Cafe
500 Ti Rakau Drive, Northpark, Auckland
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Image credit: Blend Cafe / Urban List Wono Kim
Everything from the dreamy interior to the next-level feeds blending Asian flavours with your more traditional cafe fare, Blend Cafe in Botany is your next pitstop. From a Korean take on cult-fave spag bol to kimchi fried rice with scrambled eggs, everything is on point, and the cabinet food is next-level.
Ampersand Eatery
4/228 Orakei Road, Orakei, Auckland
Fancy a vegetarian brekky 'burrito' with a Bloody Mary on the side? Or perhaps challah French toast with a mimosa? Ampersand Eatery's got your back.
St Heliers Bay Café And Bistro
387 Tamaki Drive, St Heliers, Auckland
Get your brekkie and views fix in one hit with a visit to St Heliers Cafe & Bistro. It’s one of the best Auckland breakfast experiences, ever.
Good Day, Orakei
3/78 Coates Avenue, Orakei, Auckland
Image credit: Good Day / Supplied
Turn a terrible morning on its head with a lovely breakfast at Good Day. These guys know a thing or two about coffee, and the bacon bap does wonders for the soul.
Knead On Benson
76 Benson Road, Remuera, Auckland
Remuera's best-kept secret, Knead On Benson offers artisanal baked goods and delectable breakfast fare made with local produce. Their almond croissants are not to be missed—flaky, tender pastry with dreamy vanilla bean custard and frangipane filling.
Meadow
20 Saint Johns Road, St Johns, Auckland
Meadow has been one of Auckland’s best breakfasts spots for a while now and we ain’t complaining. Their garden courtyard is unbeatable on a sunny day.
Marua Road Cafe
159 Marua Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland
Image credit: Marua Road / Website
Ellerslie’s breakfast game has skyrocketed thanks to Marua Road Cafe. Their big breakfast is something we’ll probably never stop raving about.
Lola
517 Ellerslie Panmure Highway, Mount Wellington, Auckland
Woolfy's
5 Cryers Road, East Tāmaki, Auckland
For Insta-worthy dishes with the drool factor, Woolfy's is the spot. Chown down on everything from Szechuan chilli scrambled eggs and butterscotch hotcakes through to the hugely popular Breakfast Foo Yong (an Asian-style omelette topped with pickled cabbage, prawns, Japanese mayo and prawn crackers).
Urban In East
121 Picton Street, Howick, Auckland
Whether you fancy fresh-pressed fruit juice and honey-roasted granola or French toast with all the trimmings, Urban in East has just the brekkie for you. Oh, and did we mention they also do NINE different types of eggs bene?
Hello Stranger
27a Smales Road, East Tāmaki, Auckland
Image credit: Hello Stranger / Website
Hello Stranger, indeed! This charming spot specialises in vibrant breakfast dishes you won't soon forget, including 'magic mushrooms' and smashed peas on toast (step aside, avocado). They've also been known to sling a mean slice of French toast.
West Auckland
West is sometimes best, especially when breakfast rolls around. Here’s where to find the best breakfast in West Auckland.
Neil Cafe
2/29 Neil Avenue, Te Atatū Peninsula, Auckland
Image credit: Neil Cafe | Instagram
Hands down one of the best breakfasts in Auckland, Neil Cafe tucked away on a suburban street in Te Atatū dishes up showstopping dishes with a Middle Eastern influence. The Neils Eggs, Neils beef cheek and Neils crepes are all standouts, which bodes very well for the rest of the menu.
Fabric
8 Boundary Road, Hobsonville, Auckland
Come for the views (incredible) stay for the food (equally so). We especially love Fabric's croffle crunch with summer berries, vanilla whip and crème anglaise.
Browne St
50 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland
Take a trip to Browne St and you'll find apple pie French toast (that's cinnamon donuts with salted caramel, macadamia crumble and vanilla mascarpone) and mac 'n' beans (cowboy beans with crumbed mac 'n cheese, Sweaty Knox BBQ sauce, bacon and a poached egg).
Kneads All Day
120 Hobsonville Road, Hobsonville, Auckland
Start your day at Kneads All Day, where breakfast comes in the form of smashed peas and oat porridge (but not as you know them). Don't forget to take home a cheeky sweet treat from the cabinet.
Piccolina
610 Rosebank Road, Avondale
Say hello to Piccolina—an Italian-themed eatery, bakery, deli, heck they do everything. An inventive menu that's always changing, you should definitely make space for their life-changing tiramisu French toast and beautiful granola (main article image above).
Rosebank Coffee & Kitchen
1/2 Jomac Place, Avondale, Auckland
Once you stop marvelling at Rosebank Coffee & Kitchen’s spectacular interior, get amongst their French toast. Housemade brioche with ganache, chantilly cream, pear purée, cocoa crumble and maple syrup come together in an edible work of art.
Deco Eatery
0604/418 Titirangi Road, Titirangi, Auckland
Image credit: Deco Eatery / Facebook
Give us the crispy potato rosti and nobody gets hurt. Seriously though, Deco Eatery’s rosti eggs bene makes it one of the best places for breakfast in Auckland. Don't forget the hot chocolate.
The Block Cafe
570 Blockhouse Bay Road, Blockhouse Bay, Auckland
Yep, home to the OG fried chicken eggs benedict of Auckland. The Block Cafe also have a bunch of other breakfast goodies in their arsenal so head to Blockhouse Bay and give them a jam.
Iti
421 Titirangi Road, Titirangi, Auckland
Image credit: Iti / Kathryn Steane
Sitting pretty in Titirangi is iTi. Nestle in amongst the beautiful surroundings from 9am on the weekends and eat your heart out. We recommend the iTi big breakfast—with bacon, bratwurst sausage, mushrooms, potato hash, baked beans, poached eggs and toast, you’ll be in seventh heaven.
Little Sister Cafe
91 Central Park Drive, Henderson, Auckland
Oh-so-sweet but oh-so-naughty, Henderson’s Little Sister Cafe is the kinda place you go for breakfast and then walk out with a hefty collection of baked goods. But hey, that’s why it’s one of Auckland’s best breakfast spots, right?
South Auckland
Southside, don’t think we’ve forgotten about you. We know you have some of Auckland’s best-kept breakfast secrets.
Hill House Cafe
70 Hill Road, Hillpark, Auckland
Image credit: Hill House Cafe | Instagram @ulyongstudio
Home of the best cinnamon buns in town, Hill House Cafe has more than earned its place on the list of the best breakfasts in Auckland. This South Auckland gem serves up some seriously drool-worthy eats (we're looking at you, Carbonara Omelette among others) in a vibey atmosphere.
Kreem
1/67 Cavendish Drive, Manukau City Centre, Auckland
Offering a wide selection of vegan, keto and gluten-free options both in their cabinets and on their menus, Kreem is the perfect spot for fussy eaters or those with dietary requirements.
Urban Soul
652 Great South Road, Manukau City & 71 Hingaia Road, Karaka
Image credit: Urban Soul Karaka/ Instagram
For epic brekkie dishes like fried chicken waffles with maple syrup and candied pecans, get along to Urban Soul ASAP.
The Corner Kitchen & Bar
1 North Road, Clevedon
Weekend roadies are much more enticing if food is involved. Make a pit stop at The Corner Kitchen & Bar for one of the best breakfasts in South Auckland.
Red Shed Palazzo
16 Jesmond Road, Auckland
Known as the ‘people’s cafe’, Red Shed Palazzo is child-friendly, dog-friendly and stomach-friendly. Breakfast is a no-brainer—it’s served throughout the day and they even have four different types of omelette. Yummm.
The Artisan
99 Wiri Station Road, Wiri, Manukau
Next time you wander to the wonder of South Auckland, make a beeline for The Artisan. With bright tables and smoothie names like ‘this shit is bananas,’ a smile will be on your dial quick smart.
The Farmhouse Deli
400 Papakura-Clevedon Road, Clevedon
Image credit: The Farmhouse Deli / Instagram
Enjoy the views of the Clevedon while sipping on organic Kokako coffee at The Farmhouse Deli. Serving locally grown and sourced food from their little white villa, this cafe lets you pretend you’ve escaped to the quaint countryside while still being within Auckland’s borders.
Coffee 4 U Cafe
3/17 Ryan Place, Manukau City Centre, Auckland
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Main image credit: Queenies Caffé & Vino | Urban List Dave Marano
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