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 Auckland is never over and, being the brekkie-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.
But, living in one of the most breakfast-friendly cities in the world can be difficult. With so many Auckland breakfast spots to choose from, it’s hard to keep tabs on who is serving up Auckland’s best breakfasts. Fear not, breakfast-lover—you’re about to have the ultimate list of the best breakfasts in Auckland right at your fingertips.
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 in Auckland (handily broken down into suburbs, might we add). You’re more than welcome.
Auckland City
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 city.
Odettes, City Works Depot
Beautiful fit out? Check. Silky, smooth coffee? Check. Some of the best breakfast in Auckland? Check. Odettes is a breakfast winner.
Major Sprout, Auckland CBD
With both food and aesthetics on-point, Major Sprout serves up a mighty fine guilt-free breakfast and beautiful bevvies to match.
Lord of the Fries, SNICKLE LANE & K’Road
Burgers for breakfast?! You don’t have to ask us twice. Head to Lord of the Fries (they have two handy locations) for brekkie burgs and ALL the hash browns.
Pollen, Auckland CBD
For gorgeous (and delicious) breakfast food in Auckland City, look no further than Pollen. If eggs benny with pork belly and brioche won’t get you out of bed, we don’t know what will.
Williams Eatery, Wynyard Quarter
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.
Ortolana, Britomart
Ortolana nail the farm-to-table concept like no other Auckland cafe. Feast on their seasonal menu and you won’t be disappointed.
Chuffed, Auckland CBD
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, freeman's bay
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.
Queenies LUNCHROOM, Freeman’s Bay
Queenies Lunchroom is exactly where you need to go when you want to escape the hustle-bustle of the city. Their Turkish eggs deserve a dedicated shout-out.
Hēmi, FREEMAN'S BAY
For a healthy breakfast that tastes more like something you'd have on cheat day, head along to Hēmi. Our pick? The melt-in-your-mouth waffles, available in equally delicious sweet and savoury options.
Giapo, Auckland CBD
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:
Dear Jervois, Herne Bay
Herne Bay wouldn’t be Herne Bay without Dear Jervois. It’s one of Auckland’s best breakfast cafes, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table. Pro tip: the gluten-free waffles are worth it.
Dizengoff, Ponsonby
An oldie but a goodie, Dizengoff continues to dish up some of the best breakfast in Auckland. Our pick is the half and half—perfect scrambled eggs and creamy balsamic mushies with a dollop of homemade pesto. Nom.
POSTAL SERIVCE, Grey Lynn
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.
Mary's, Ponsonby
Mary had...well, one of Auckland’s best breakfasts cafes. With wi-fi and plenty of seats, it’s the perfect place to power out some work over a couple of eggs.
Little Bird Unbakery, Ponsonby
They were responsible for Auckland’s raw food obsession and are showing no signs of slowing down. Visit Little Bird Unbakery to witness some raw, culinary magic.
Catroux, Westmere
Small but mighty, Catroux remains a frontrunner in the Auckland breakfast scene. Their menu is seasonal and always impressive.
HONEY BONES, GREY LYNN
You'll find droolworthy 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.
Grafton/K’ Road
One of the coolest precincts in town has breakfast down pat. For some of the best breakfasts near Auckland city, go here:
Welcome Eatery, Grafton
We’ve forgiven Welcome Eatery for only being open during the weekdays because their food makes up for it...although we wouldn’t say no to having their bacon butty seven days a week.
BESTIE, K' ROAD
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.
Winona Forever, Parnell
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, Epsom
Epsom had no chance of being a best Auckland breakfast spot until Hello Friends & Allies came along. Their red velvet hotcakes are a game changer.
Little & Friday, Newmarket, Ponsonby & Belmont
Doughnuts for breakfast are always a good idea. Little & Friday’s cabinet is chock-a-block with all sorts of breakfast-friendly goodies.
Wake Up Cafe, Parnell
This fun and quirky spot doubles as an art gallery and is worth spending some time in. Wake Up Cafe showcases local art so there is plenty to look at after demolishing one of the many eggs bennies on the menu.
Mutual Friends, Newmarket
Mutual Friends' brekkie menu will brighten any morning—think breakfast bowls, smoothies, and a cabinet overflowing with ready-to-go-treats.
NEWBIE, NEWMARKET
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.
Flour Mill, Epsom
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.
Mt 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.
Harlan Pepper Food Co., Kingsland
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.
Ralph’s, Mt Eden
With a homely vibe, and some of the friendly folk in town head to Ralph’s 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.
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.
KIND, Morningside
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 avocado with smoked chilli peanut butter, pistachio dukkah and heirloom tomatoes is a must.
Petit Bocal, Sandringham
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, Mt Albert
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, Morningside
We love Crave’s focus on the community just as much as we love their chia breakfast pudding.
Geeks On Sainsbury, Morningside
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.
Paper Moon, Mairangi Bay
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, Takapuna
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, Mairangi Bay
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.
The Collins Cafe & Bar, Greenhithe
Cornflake-crusted French toast with vanilla mascarpone, poached pear, banana toffee and pistachio is what you’ve been searching for all along. The Collins is quickly gaining a rep for bringing cheat meal breakfast dreams to life.
Cafe Mimosa, Takapuna
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?
Zomer, Takapuna Beach
What could be better than a weekend stroll along one of Auckland’s most beautiful beaches followed by one of Auckland’s best breakfasts? Zomer has you sorted.
JAM ORGANIC CAFE, TAKAPUNA
Enjoy an epic al fresco 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.
PATCH, SUNNYBRAE
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, ALBANY
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. And while they're not technically breakfast, the lamingtons—legit the size of your face—are an absolute must on any visit here.
Dear Coasties, Orewa
You may have to fight for a carpark (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, Millwater
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 breakfast in Auckland, here’s a quick reminder. These cafes know what’s up.
St Heliers Bay Café and Bistro, St Heliers
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
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.
Meadow, Meadowbank
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, Ellerslie
Ellerslie’s breakfast game has skyrocketed thanks to Marua Road Cafe. Their big breakfast is something we’ll probably never stop raving about.
Woolfy's, Highbrook
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, Howick
Whether you fancy fresh-pressed fruit juice and honey-roasted granola or French toast with all the trimmings, Urban in East have just the brekkie for you. Oh, and did we mention they also do NINE different types of eggs bene?
Hello Stranger, East Tamaki
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.
South Auckland
Southside, don’t think we’ve forgotten about you. We know you have some of Auckland’s best-kept breakfast secrets.
Urban Soul, Manukau & KARAKA
For epic brekkie dishes like fried chicken waffles with maple syrup and candied pecans, get along to Urban Soul ASAP.
Mottletop Espresso Bar, Papakura
Neighbourhood cafe, Mottletop Espresso Bar oozes homely vibes with shelves filled with books and mismatched bone china plates. We reckon the French toast is a must.
The Corner Kitchen & Bar, 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, Karaka
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, Wiri
Next time you wander to the wonder of South Auckland, make a beeline for The Artisan. With bright tables and a smoothie names like ‘this shit is bananas,’ a smile will be on your dial quick smart.
West Auckland
West is sometimes best, especially when breakfast rolls around. Here’s where to find the best breakfast in West Auckland.
Rosebank Coffee & Kitchen, Avondale
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, Titirangi
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, Blockhouse Bay
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, Titirangi
Sitting pretty in Titirangi is iTi. Nestle in amongst the beautiful surrounds 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, Henderson
Oh-so-sweet but oh-so-naughty, Henderson’s Little Sister 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?
While you're at it, get your caffeine fix with the best coffee in Auckland.
Image credit: Odettes, Urban Soul, Lydia Arnold, Lauren Matilda Matthews, Jaiden Bhaga, Kellie Blizard, Supplied, Wono Kim, Kathryn Steane, Marua Road, Hello Stranger, The Flour Mill