Cafes

The Best Breakfasts In Auckland And Where To Find Them In 2024

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A delicious looking breakfast at Queenie's Caffe and vino.

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/WestmereGrafton/Karangahape Road, Newmarket/Epsom/Parnell, Greenlane/Royal Oak/Onehunga, Hillsborough, Mt Eden/KingslandPoint 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.

Williams Eatery

g03/85 Daldy Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 

An English muffin, nduja honey, potato hash, fried egg, lemon aioli, and mortadella.
Image credit: Williams Eatery | Instagram

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, as is their sando (pictured). 

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

We tuck into the banana croffle at Chur Bae, one of the best spots for breakfast in 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.

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 

OdettesImage 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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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

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.

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:

Queenies Caffé & Vino

24 Spring Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland

A lovely fig dish at Queenies.Image credit: Urban List Anna Goh

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.

Ada Restaurant

454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland

The incredible Hangi pork belly benedict at Ada, one of the best breakfasts in 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.

Maison Des Lys Pâtisserie

567 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland

Filled croissants at Maison Des Lys.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

A delicious eggs bene at Dear Jervois.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 

Best Breakfast AucklandImage 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 

The interior of the gorgeous Fluff cafe in Grafton shows a neon sign saying So Fluffy and a pastel interior.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.

V.T. Station 

73 David Street Crescent, Newmarket

Keema Per Eedu: spicy lamb keema topped with runny fried eggs and crispy salli chips, with fresh homemade buns.
Image credit: V.T. Station | Instagram

The breakfast game just went up a spice level with V.T Station’s latest brunch offering, Irani Cafe. Inspired by the iconic Parsi cafes in India, this Newmarket tribute to India’s famous V.T Station will transport your tastebuds. We’re starting Sundays right with Irani chai-soaked buttery brioche buns, velvety spiced egg scramble and the historic Kejriwal Eggs: sunny-side ups sitting in tangy mustard-spiked cheese toast.

Blackdrop Eatery

44 Broadway, Newmarket, Auckland 

If your perfect breakfast is a hulking great cookie and a cup of matcha, Blackdrop Eatery is where you'll want to be. The folks there pour some of the best matcha in Tāmaki (from classic to iced strawberry and a bewitching earl grey number) and their cookies are the stuff of dreams. Closed Sundays. 

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

Best Breakfast AucklandImage 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

Best Breakfast AucklandImage 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.

Mutual Friends

2 Morgan Street, Newmarket, Auckland

Best Breakfast AucklandImage 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

A decadent baked dessert at the Flour MillImage 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/Hillsborough

These three neighbourhoods are killing it at the brunch game, and if you don't believe us, just check out these spots below.

Hill House Cafe

Pah Homestead, 72 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, Auckland

A table spread with goodies at Hill House Cafe in South 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. Recently relocated from Manurewa, this gem serves up some seriously drool-worthy eats (we're looking at you, Carbonara Omelette among others) in a vibey atmosphere. 

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.

Pikuniku

167 Great South Road, Greenlane, Auckland 

The chicken sando sandwich at Pikuniku, one of the best breakfasts in 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.

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

The interior of Harlan Pepper Food Co.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

Someone tucks into a pancake stack at The Breakfast Club, one of the best breakfasts in 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

Crispy Tofu Bao Bun, with KINDs famous hot sauce! 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 

Best Breakfast AucklandImage 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

Best Breakfast AucklandImage 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

People sit in the sun-drenched courtyard at Dulcie in Devonport, one of the best breakfasts in Auckland.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 

Brekky is looking mighty fine over at Fields Cafe, where you'll find us tucking into their blueberry ricotta hotcakes, truffle mushroom French toast, banoffee waffles... everything, basically.

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

Best Breakfast AucklandImage 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

Best Breakfast AucklandImage 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

Best Breakfast 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

PatchImage 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

Delicious streaky bacon, spinach, relish and feta briocheImage 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.

Blend Cafe

500 Ti Rakau Drive, Northpark, Auckland

The kimchi fried rice with scrambled eggs at Blend Cafe.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

Best Breakfast AucklandImage 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 

Best Breakfast AucklandImage 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

A cute li'l spot dishing up breakfast butties, Spanish eggs, and mince on toast with a spicy kick. Sweet brekky fans will appreciate Lola's black sticky rice with tropical fruit, coconut and caramelised banana. 

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

A delicious looking dish at Hello StrangerImage 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

Neil's Eggs on display at Neil Cafe, definitely one of the best breakfasts in 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

Best Breakfast AucklandImage 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

Best Breakfast AucklandImage 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.

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

Someone holds two cocktails at Urban Soul 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

A plate of avocado and eggs on toast and a grilled cheese sandwich outdoorsImage 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

If you're after a delicious midweek brekkie in Manukau look no further than Coffee 4 U Cafe. Hidden away from the main strip expect lovely homebaked treats and fine coffee to boot.

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Main image credit: Queenies Caffé & Vino | Urban List Anna Goh

Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.

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