Cafes

The Best Dog-Friendly Cafes In Auckland For The Ultimate Pooch Date

By Eden Cairns
13th Mar 2024

Two dogs aka Camilla and Apollo sit happily at a cafe, the dog in the background looks particularly happy.

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 Urban List at our local 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), we have searched high and low to find cafes that are fit for a King (Charles Spaniel). So without further ado, browse our list of the best dog-friendly cafes in Auckland that your pupper will be lapping up in no time. We Shih Tzu not.

Homeland

11 Westhaven Drive, Auckland CBD

There's nothing better than a morning walk by the glittering harbour with your faithful hound by your side. Lucky then that Peter Gordon's choice food embassy Homeland is right on the Westhaven Marina loop should you get peckish. 

Absolutely welcoming of our four-legged friends, this is a popular place for a pitstop, a full-on brunch or lunch situation and maybe even a little pick me up in the form of a Kimchi Bloody Mary or two—no judgement here. It's open Weds-Sun from 9am and one thing's for sure, it might just become your new fave on the best dog cafe in Auckland circuit.

Ozone Coffee Roasters

1/18 Westmoreland Street West, Grey Lynn, Auckland

Puppy outside Westmoreland Eatery with a coffee mug on the table.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 (we’re looking at you Eggs Bene 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

Max The Spitz has a pic with a lovely cafe art mocca at Geeks On Sainsbury, one of the best dog-friendly cafes in 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 we mention they’re huge dog fans?

There is a 99% chance there will be other dogs (sign us 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

Dog sitting at an outdoor table with breakfast and coffee at Dear Jervois 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 our 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 the geese and enjoy some lovely scenery.

The Island Grocer 

110 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island, Auckland

Dog sitting outside The Island Grocer on Waiheke IslandImage credit: The Island Grocer | @milsfitt

To experience The Island Grocer you’ll have to take a day trip to Waiheke, but is that even a problem? Your pup won’t be the only one drooling, because the in-store cafe (Merchants) serves up the best coffee and sandos around (don’t get us started on that pastrami, tamarind chutney, bread & butter pickles and Emmental pide).

Special diet or just a tad fussy? Don’t worry, they’re always more than happy to whip you up your very own personalised sarnie (it’s no surprise that they’re a local hotspot). Oneroa Beach is right across the road, aka paradise for any pooch.

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 & 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.

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

A dog sits down to dinner at Takapuna Beach Cafe.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 we 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.

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Main image credit: Camilla and Apollo

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