Us Kiwis have become quite the cafe connoisseurs. Our love affair with oat milk lattes and Instagrammable acai bowls is unmatched—so you best believe you’ll find the Urban List team at our respective locals come Sunday morning. They say that dogs are like their owners—who’s to say your pooch isn’t also partial to a low-fat puppaccino and a catch-up with the crew at the best dog-friendly cafes in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland?
Unfortunately, not all people love our little angels quite as much as we do, but fear not, friends (human and furry), I have searched high and low to find cafes that are fit for a King (Charles Spaniel). So without further ado, browse my list of the best dog-friendly cafes in Auckland that your pupper will be lapping up in no time. I Shih Tzu not.
Drifter Coffee
3 George Lowe Place, Orewa, Auckland
Image credit: Drifter Coffee | Instagram
It's a super cosy, super cruisy affair at this cafe in the beachside 'burb of Orewa. Get swallowed up in their vintage couches while cradling a cup of something hot (but not before choosing a mug from their insanely eccentric collection!), and taking in the calming surrounds of kitschy artwork, surfing boards and a literal forest of houseplants. Let your four-legged friend join you—he or she may even become mates with the owner's ridiculously friendly pooch, Cracka (a bonafide icon round these parts who has been known to lie across your feet and demand a tummy rub). Finish off with a jaunt along Orewa Beach aka one of the country's most beautiful beaches, for a dream dog day out.
Baby G Burger
1879 Great North Road, Avondale, Auckland
It's common knowledge that Baby G makes some of the best burgers in the game. What you might not know, is that this West Auckland spot is also 100% dog-friendly. Head along to their pattie palace in Avondale and chow down on cheesy, smash-style creations like their famous Oklahoma Dreaming number—up to you whether or not you wanna throw a little bit Fido's way (yeah... nah).
Pastrami & Rye
6 Findlay Street, Ellerslie, Auckland & Inside Ponsonby Central, 138 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Pastrami & Rye | Supplied
Slappin' Reuben sammies, slices of cherry pie and at Easter, stout-infused hot cross buns stuffed with bacon—American-style deli Pastrami & Rye sure knows how to show your tastebuds a good time. And your pup can come along for the ride, thanks to the fact their two stores are proudly dog-friendly (here's the boss man himself, Dave, with his pooch Frank). Order up large from their iconic Ellerslie glasshouse before settling in for a feed outside or alternatively, bring ya pup right on through their Ponsonby spot (with the exception of the kitchen, of course!). Follow up the latter with a blat through Western Park.
Ozone Coffee Roasters
1/18 Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: Ozone Coffee Roasters | @wolfwagwilco
Neighbourhood cafe Ozone Coffee Roasters is an absolute must-visit for pup paw-rents and dog lovers alike. Not only is the food second to none (I'm looking at you eggs benny on bubble ‘n’ squeak cakes) with fresh ingredients and intriguing pairings, but they’ll also welcome your pup inside the cafe to sit quietly under your table while you eat (a godsend in winter).
The next-level batch-roasted coffee is roasted right on-site at the back of the building where you’re also welcome to geek out and watch the magic happen right before your eyes. This place is definitely one of the most dog-friendly cafes in Auckland.
Cornwall Park Cafe
Cornwall Park, Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland
On any given day, Cornwall Park has hundreds of dogs roaming the rolling green hills, dragging their owners along for the fun. When you’re ready for a rest, head to Cornwall Park Cafe for a bite to eat. The food is tops and the coffee is roasted to perfection.
Geeks On Sainsbury
1/55 Sainsbury Road, Mount Albert, Auckland
Image credit: Geeks On Sainsbury | @max_the_spitz
Geeks on Sainsbury have lived up to their name because they really are experts at basically all things food and coffee. If you haven’t tried their waffles, you need to. Their coffee? Outstanding. Oh, and did I mention they’re huge dog fans?
There is a 99% chance there will be other dogs (sign me up). If your little angel is well-behaved, there may or may not be a treat at the ready. Once you’ve finished some insanely good tucker, take your fur baby for a stroll to Fowld’s Park for some greenery and a good run around.
Ripe Deli
172/174 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Get up bright and early for your caffeine fix while chomping on one of Ripe Deli's savoury brioche’s (they’re gone by 10am—you’ve been warned) while your pooch laps from the water bowls on offer. It’s all served up in takeaway form, so if you prefer to be on the move, head five minutes down the road to Grey Lynn Park.
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Dear Jervois
234 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland
Image credit: Dear Jervois | @dogsofdearjervois
If you’re looking for an extensive range of scrumptious eats, you can't go wrong with Dear Jervois. Even picky eaters can breathe a sigh of relief because they’re sure to have something you’ll want to tuck into. Their smoothies are ridiculous (and not to mention fab for the ‘Gram).
They’ve even got ‘Dog Parking’, so you can pull up a pew outside and relax knowing your pooch won’t make a run for it. While you’re in the hood, take your fur baby to Herne Bay for a short but sweet jaunt.
Crave
6 Morningside Drive, Morningside, Auckland
One of my personal go-to's. Crave is a social enterprise doing a whole bunch of good in the hood, and they’re serving up some epically good food while they’re at it. They're definitely doggo fans here, with plenty of outdoor seating so your pup can join you for brekkie.
The Full Crave is a must, chocka full of savoury goodness (potato hash anyone?). Or if you’re feeling adventurous, why not give the charcoal latte a shot? Head over to Western Springs afterwards, so your pup can gaze at/harass the geese and enjoy some lovely scenery.
Best Ugly Bagels
City Works Depot, 1/90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland City CBD
The humble bagel—small but mighty and one of life’s simple pleasures really. Best Ugly Bagels knows how to serve ‘em good and they get their title for a reason. If you’re into the classics, the P.B.J (peanut butter and raspberry jam) can do no wrong.
Keen to push the boat out? King Salmon is your friend (king salmon, cream cheese, red onion, capers, dill and lemon juice IYKYK). This epic eatery is also close to Victoria Park, so ask for it to-go and your dog will love you forever.
Benedict's Cafe
1/30 Saint Benedicts Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland
Image credit: Benedict's Cafe | Instagram
Slap bang in the middle of Saint Benedicts Street lies one of Auckland's best spots for breakfast and a damn good coffee. Great then that this is also a sweet spot for your treasured pooch to park up and watch the world go by from one of the two outdoor areas. Make a beeline for the large suntrap courtyard at the back for excellent eats with a side of puppy dog eyes.
Kohi Beach Eatery And Store
237 Tamaki Drive, Kohimarama, Auckland
Soak in the calm blue ocean while sipping on coffee at Kohi Beach Eatery And Store. Your furry little friend will be in dog heaven when you take them for a walk along Tamaki Drive afterwards.
Takapuna Beach Cafe
22 The Promenade, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Takapuna Beach Cafe | Instagram
Right on the beach, Takapuna Beach Cafe knows how to look after its dog-loving guests. With three different dog troughs (small, medium and tall) attached to the walls and plenty of outdoor seating, it’s a dog haven. Afterwards, head to the beach where there are dozens of dogs for your pooch to make friends with. Who knows, you might find a friend or two, too.
Leigh Sawmill
142 Pakiri Road, Leigh, Auckland
Take that pooch for a day trip north, stopping by Whangateau or Omaha for a swim, then dry them off and head to Leigh Sawmill. Not to be confused with the no-dogs-allowed Sawmill Brewery, there’s excellent service at Leigh Sawmill and I just can’t go past the excellent pizza. They also know their beer, so let them choose the ale to match your food.
Winona Forever
100 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Everyone loves Winona Forever. These guys serve up food that somehow tastes even better than it looks. In fact, it’s almost too pretty to eat… almost. Their cabinet food is outrageous and the vegan bowl is *chefs kiss*. A bonus—with Auckland Domain just up the road, you can walk off your food coma and give your dog their daily dose of doggie interaction at the same time—winning.
The Garden Shed
470 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
Going from cafe by day to a friendly bar at night, The Garden Shed also has outdoor seating—perfect for the dog-loving crowd. If you’re feeling extra nice, chuck a few pieces of the handmade meat patty from your Shed Burger to your canine friend as you’re going to need some help to finish this one.
Looking for more pup fun? Check out:
- Best Pet-Friendly Camping In NZ
- Auckland's Best Pet-Friendly Luxury Stays
- Best Pet-Friendly Accommodation In Aotearoa
Main image credit: Camilla and Apollo
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