Auckland boasts a vibrant coffee culture from enticing hole-in-the-wall spots to large industrial spaces turned cafes, all of which offer an abundance of choices for caffeine enthusiasts who crave a delightful cup of joe at any time of day.
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.
The Best Coffee Shops In Auckland City CBD
Amano
66-68, Tyler Street, Britomart Place, Auckland CBD
For those in the know, Amano is the go-to spot for killer coffee. With queues out the door most mornings, Amano is an extremely popular choice for city-dwellers seeking their caffeine fix. Nab an espresso and pair it with an utterly divine almond croissant for a good time.
Receptionist Cafe
Exchange Lane, 95 Queen Street & Unit 7, 59-67 High Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Receptionist Cafe | Instagram
With two locations in the inner city, Receptionist is the ultimate haven for coffee aficionados. Hosting an array of coffee blends crafted from locally sourced Eighthirty coffee beans, straight out of New Zealand, it doesn’t disappoint.
What sets it apart? It's all about the vibe. We love the chic interior and not only are your "receptionists" rocking sharp suits but they're commitment to the theme is on point down to the wee coffee cups. PSA, the black truffle croissants are to die for.
Rumours
19 O'Connell Street, Auckland CBD
Nestled in a modest and understated spot on O'Connell Street, Rumours is THE spot for specialty coffee enthusiasts. Here, you'll find meticulously crafted brews made from single-origin beans or pour-overs. The baristas exude personality and the ambiance is relaxed and inviting. And let's not forget the latte art—a true display of skill that adds an extra layer of charm to your cup.
Stolen Summer
18B High Street, Auckland CBD
One of the best places for a great cup of coffee at a great price, you can spot Stolen Summer from the inevitable crowd gathered outside. Small but perfectly formed, this wee espresso stand punches well above its weight. Extra points for the mini cookie accompanying your morning brew. Yum.
Remedy Coffee
1 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Remedy Coffee | Instagram
Remedy Coffee is the epitome of cosy vibes. This warm and welcoming cafe will lure you in for a coffee and have you lingering all afternoon.
With top-notch coffee and delectable eats on offer, they also house a number of board games, an old-school arcade machine, and a book exchange for customers, which are arguably all the ingredients for a memorable visit. Remedy fills you with nostalgia and makes you feel at home, complete with consistently divine coffee. What's not to love?
You might also like:
- Where To Dig Into Auckland's Best Breakfasts
- Top Notch Ponsonby Cafes Worth Visiting
- Great Cheap Eats For When You've Spent All Your Coin
Williams Eatery
g03/85 Daldy Street, Auckland CBD
Tucked away beside Daldy Street Park, right in the heart of Wynyard Quarter, this family-owned business is an independent eatery and store (that’s right, you can get Williams Eatery merch) that has become the go-to spot for brunch fanatics and coffee connoisseurs alike.
Bask in the sunshine, sip on a long black, and catch up on the latest news while keeping an eye out for some four-legged friends. Inside, you'll find a spacious yet snug setting, where the service is top-notch. Otherwise, grab an iced latte to go as you walk down Westhaven Marina.
The Best Coffee Shops In Ponsonby/Herne Bay/Grey Lynn/Karangahape Road/Eden Terrace
Bestie Cafe
179/183 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Bestie Cafe on Karangahape Road located in the historic St Kevin’s arcade has been a beloved espresso haunt for as long as we can recall. With glass windows looking out to Myers Park and the Sky Tower, it’s the obvious choice for a brew with a view.
Adhering to a no-fuss approach, Bestie offers up a solid cup of Eightthirty every time. Home to reasonably priced alternative milk (in this economy?) and some standout food options (we’re looking at you Towpath cheese toastie and the hot cake stack)—we couldn’t think of a better way to start the day.
Benedicts Cafe
1/30 Saint Benedicts Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland
Image credit: Benedicts Cafe | Instagram
Burrowed on Benedicts Street in Eden Terrace lies Benedicts Cafe—a spot that, in our view, has been quietly overlooked for too long.
Whether you're in the mood for their classic flat whites, or their iced coffees which go down an absolute treat on a hot day, you’re sorted. Pair this with our current fave treat: Benedict’s carrot loaf with burnt butter cheese icing on top, and you’ll have no complaints.
Orphan’s Kitchen
118 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and wine seven days a week, this cafe-turned-wine bar is a multi-faceted venue catering to all your beverage needs.
Orphan’s Kitchen is effortlessly cool with a sleek wooden interior and few things rival the level of satisfaction you get from a cup of coffee at Orphan's Kitchen which is perfectly complemented by a menu that showcases the finest local produce. The indulgent truffle mac and cheese toastie and the crumpets and cream topped with their homemade jam make irresistible accompaniments to a good cup of joe.
Honey Sundays
203 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland
Image credit: Honey Sundays | Instagram
Talk about flying under the radar... Honey Sundays is the new(ish) kid on the block that serves perfectly brewed Allpress coffee and tasty cabinet treats sourced from local producers. But that's not all—they also double as a surf-based retail space offering up an impressive array of surfboards and swimwear.
Trust us, the coffee here is top-notch, and their cheese scones are out of this world. With its unpretentious vibe and a charming view of the harbour from the veranda, Honey Sundays is the ultimate hidden treasure.
Dizengoff
256 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
If you're a fan of brunching and munching in Ponsonby, Dizengoff is a name that’s surely no stranger to you. This institution of a cafe on Ponsonby Road has withstood the test of time for over 25 years and amassed quite the cult following.
With its consistently stellar food, cheerful service, and coffee blends that dreams are made of, they've earned their spot as a local favourite. Be sure to try their exceptional coconut latte on your next visit.
Ozone Coffee Roasters
1/18 Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Over in Grey Lynn lies epic all-day eatery Ozone Coffee Roasters that steals the show in an industrial and light-filled space. The beans are expertly roasted on-site ensuring that you’ll have a coffee experience tailored to your taste.
Whether you're into black or white espresso, single origins, or speciality brews they've got you covered. And let's not forget their commitment to sustainability—the Ozone kitchen operates at less than 3% waste, making it all the more satisfying.
The Best Coffee Shops In Newmarket/Mount Eden/Kingsland/Morningside
Billy Cafe
79 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland
We are obsessed with Billy, from its trendy fit-out to the distinct red and white Billy branding, and the stylish takeaway cups, it has everything you want from an enjoyable coffee experience. They have a full product line of their own blended coffee from classic to premium blends, best enjoyed sitting out front of the shop.
With views of the Auckland Domain and the iconic Auckland Museum, this is taking your coffee game to the next level. So why not pop in and experience it for yourself?
RAD Cafe
397 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
Image credit: RAD Cafe | Instagram
The perfect way to start your day is with a coffee from Rad Cafe, serving up delicious blends of Rocket Coffee. Their takeaway cups playfully boast that it's “f*cking good coffee”, and we honestly couldn’t agree more.
In the cosy confines at the edge of Mount Eden Village, the staff exude expertise and finesse. With a comprehensive array of coffee offerings, from brewing methods to bean blends, these folks are serious about serving up top-notch coffee. Their brews are seriously rad (pun very much intended).
Dear Deer Coffee
55 Davis Crescent, Newmarket & 130e Onehunga Mall, Onehunga, Auckland
Dear Deer, located in both Newmarket and Onehunga was opened by Yukichi Shikano, hailing from a lineage of coffee enthusiasts, including his grand uncle Morikyo Itomitsu, the founder of the renowned Japanese coffee brand 'Kalita' (which they also happen to stock).
Dear Deer introduces Japanese coffee culture to a new audience as you choose your beans, then specify your preferred roast level and the beans are then roasted on-site and served for you to enjoy in a truly aromatic experience.
The beans on offer are a variety of blends from around the globe (we’re talking from Vietnam to Costa Rica to Taranaki). The whole process certainly adds an extra touch of luxury to your cuppa.
Little Q
460 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland
Open seven days a week, Little Q is known for its impeccably friendly service. Their playful and light interior is matched by the array of colourful smoothies and milkshakes they have on offer, but the real stars of the show are the coffee blends.
Owner Ken has been a barista and latte art championship judge, so naturally Little Q knows what’s up when it comes to coffee and how to present it. Their signature blend is Ken’s Blend, with hints of dark cocoa and pink cherry, and it’s one worth seeking out.
Kind
16 McDonald Street, Morningside, Auckland
Amidst the somewhat industrial Morningside landscape, Kind stands as an inviting eatery, boasting expansive glass surroundings that flood the space with natural light and lush greenery.
As a social enterprise, every sip of your meticulously crafted Supreme coffee supports a cafe with a commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. With a predominantly plant-based menu and an eco-friendly ethos, indulging here is not just a treat for your taste buds but also your conscience.
The Best Coffee Shops On The North Shore
ARK Coffee Company
461-467 Lake Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: ARK Coffee Company | Instagram
ARK has been serving up excellence since 2012, earning a reputation as one of the finest coffee speciality shops in all of the shore. Located in a cosy alleyway, this minimalistic spot is adorned with local artists' works for sale and equipped with great coffee brewing gear manned by the baristas.
ARK has its own brand blends with an array of flavours roasted skilfully in-house. If you don’t want to make the trip out to the shore but this has your mouth watering, you can purchase their blends on their website for you to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
Duo Eatery
138 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland
Since its inception in 2022, Duo Eatery has quickly risen to prominence as one of the North Shore's go-to cafes. Serving up brews of Coffee Supreme, Duo is located in a picturesque neighbourhood with a spacious wooden interior creating an ambiance that is light and warm.
If you want a full sit-down brunch affair, the biggest disservice you can do to yourself is forgo ordering an iced latte and the brûléed custard-soaked brioche accompanied by poached pear and vanilla mascarpone. You’ll be so satisfied that you'll undoubtedly consider it your new neighbourhood favourite.
Looking for more foodie news? Check out:
Main image credit: Benedicts Cafe | Instagram
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.