You Need to Visit These Amazing Aesthetic Auckland Cafes

Cafes are sought after in all cities globally, big or small, and it makes sense! The act of enjoying a nice beverage in a nicely decorated interior chatting with friends or enjoying by yourself is a great feeling. And you’ll find the same in Auckland. New Zealanders, known for their warm hospitality, have got their cafe culture on lock. You’ll find a damn good cup of coffee.

But finding worthy cafes can be time-consuming, especially if you’re on a tight timeline. Luckily, spending 2 weeks in Auckland gave me a lot of time to try a lot of them! So if you like good coffee, aesthetic design, good brunch food, and are visiting Auckland soon, here are some of the most aesthetic cafes you need to visit.

Overview of Auckland Coffee Culture

Apparently, Auckland has more local coffee shops than big chain coffee shops! And like their sibling Australia, most Kiwi’s coffee of choice is the iconic flat white, with the long black behind it. Good espresso drinks are the norm, and the standard. You’ll find great coffee drinks in small and rural towns across New Zealand—I visited a rural town and there was a coffee cart selling espresso drinks! With this affinity for good coffee, it makes sense why locals prefer local coffee shops and roasters to big names like Starbucks. As a result, there are dozens of high quality coffee shops around the city, which make it a coffee lovers playground.

The cafe scene in Auckland also mirrors the city’s dynamic and diverse character. From the quaint Grey Lynn to the trendy lanes of Ponsonby, each cafe contributes something to Auckland’s coffee culture. Personally, I love visiting cafes in different cities and soaking in their interior design. In addition to tourist attractions, I also add good coffee shops to the list of where to go. It’s also a great way to explore different neighborhoods.

Auckland’s Inner City Neighborhoods

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and has many diverse neighborhoods, and each one has something different. While good cafes are not tied to a specific neighborhood, it helps knowing the vibe of Auckland neighborhoods. Maybe you want to spend more time exploring cozy Grey Lynn or prefer the energy of the CBD. It’s also a great way to determine where you want to stay in Auckland if you plan visiting! Cafes pop up and serve the needs of their community, so their intent and patrons reflect in their location. Here are some popular Auckland neighborhoods along with their distinct features:

1. Central Business District (CBD)
2. Ponsonby
3. Newmarket
4. Parnell
5. Wynyard Quarter
6. Grey Lynn
7. Mission Bay
8. Takapuna
9. Mount Eden

Central Business District (CBD)

In the heart of Auckland, you’ll find a dynamic urban vibe, marked by professional office buildings and a mix of professionals and tourists. The area’s appeal is its fusion of commerce and culture, offering an array of cafes, restaurants, and historical landmarks. During the day, the CBD you’ll see people commuting to work and kids going to school. It transforms into a lively entertainment district in the evenings, complete with waterfront views and a diverse nightlife.

Ponsonby

Ponsonby is famous for its delicious eateries and trendy and eclectic atmosphere, with charming Victorian and Edwardian architecture lining the streets. The neighborhood’s appeal lies in its boutique shops, art galleries, and fashionable cafes, drawing in a diverse crowd of artists, creatives, and young professionals. Ponsonby’s overall vibe is a celebration of cultural diversity, offering a vibrant social scene that extends from stylish coffee shops to lively nightlife. It’s the best place to go for a meal; I think I visited at least 5 times in the two weeks I stayed in Auckland.

Newmarket

Newmarket is where locals go to shop or hang out on an off day. It’s where the Westfield mall is and it has a sophisticated urban charm. It seamlessly blends high-end fashion boutiques, modern retail spaces, and historic architecture. The neighborhood has shopping mecca status, attracting a diverse crowd of fashion enthusiasts, students, and families. The overall ambiance of Newmarket is a mix of upscale elegance and contemporary flair, with a range of dining options adding to its cosmopolitan atmosphere. It’s also popular for brunch and dessert cafes!

Parnell

Parnell, Auckland’s oldest suburb, has heritage buildings, upscale residences, and lush greenery. It’s most famous for the Auckland Domain, which is the largest park in Auckland and has a greenhouse, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and more. Its historical charm attracts affluent residents and art lovers alike. It is serene and refined, with art galleries, elegant restaurants, and picturesque parks contributing to its relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.

Wynyard Quarter

Wynyard Quarter presents a modern and vibrant waterfront, with contemporary architecture, recreational spaces, and waterfront attractions. The neighborhood is centered around outdoor activities, dining in seaside restaurants, and attending events at nearby venues. Wynyard Quarter is lively and contemporary, with a focus on waterfront living and a dynamic blend of cultural and recreational experiences.

Grey Lynn

Grey Lynn has a community-oriented ambiance, featuring tree-lined streets, renovated villas, and a mix of traditional and contemporary architecture. It houses a diverse community, sustainability focus, and artistic presence. This neighborhood caters to locals and has an artsy, cultural atmosphere, with local art installations and events contributing to its unique charm. It’s known for its cute cafes and neighborhood farmer’s market. Grey Lynn is my favorite neighborhood and it’s in a great, central location.

Mission Bay

Mission Bay sits right at the water, lending it a relaxed coastal ambiance, with palm-lined promenades and stunning views of Rangitoto Island. The neighborhood’s appeal is centered around its family-friendly atmosphere, water-based activities, and a selection of beachfront cafes and restaurants. The overall vibe of Mission Bay is laid-back and recreational, providing a picturesque setting for leisurely strolls, picnics, and enjoying the seaside lifestyle. It’s tranquil, and there’s a great beach walk along the coast.

Takapuna

Takapuna is a seaside town with a vibrant seaside ambiance, a relaxing beachfront, and beach-style architecture. The neighborhood has a diverse shopping scene, water activities, and a range of dining options. The overall vibe of Takapuna is a mix of urban and beachside relaxation, offering residents and visitors a dynamic coastal experience with a lively atmosphere. There’s also a Saturday market that sells artisan goods in the town center.

Mount Eden

This neighborhood shares its name with an iconic volcanic cone and is a charming and residential area. It has a mix of historic villas and tree-lined streets, with mostly families and professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle. Its greatest attraction is its proximity to the volcanic peak, offering residents easy access to the scenic Mount Eden Domain. In addition, there are a variety of cafes, boutique shops, and cultural attractions nearby. It’s a relaxing and community-oriented area, making it ideal for those who value both natural beauty and urban convenience.

Aesthetic Auckland Coffee Shops

With the neighborhood landscape down, here are some of my personal favorite coffee shops and brunch cafes in Auckland. Since I stayed in Grey Lynn, many of these spots will be closer to or in the inner city. Luckily, that means they’re all accessible by walking, driving, taking public transit, or a combination of all three.

Daily Daily Coffeemakers

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CHta3pMp2bcTrtB37

A small, tidy, minimalist cafe on Karangahape Road that has a tranquil atmosphere. It offers a nice escape from the busy road and has nice seating inside and outside. It’s probably my favorite cafe to people watch from, and you feel so serene sitting inside. They have great coffee and a rotating menu of single origin beans and make great espresso-based drinks.

Daily Bread Ponsonby

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/u7NwwptaKzQXLZyr9

An airy, bright, and lively bakery-cafe that offers communal seating, magazines, and freshly baked pastries and coffee. It’s an incredibly popular and busy branch, but for good reason. The pastries are all fresh and delicious, rivaling those you can find in France! The coffee is great, and the interior is so lovely to sit in. You’ll see lots of people working, reading, or journaling, so it’s a nice co-work space. The ambiance is stellar, truly.

Maison des Lys Patisserie

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bRJHiXeXqLwkUkX87

A vegan French pastry cafe that, I kid you not, has the best vegan almond croissant I’ve had in my life. I can’t believe it’s vegan! the pastries are so good and they offer seasonal bakes. You can also grab coffee there, which I have not tried, but many people in line grabbed both simultaneously. It’s a small place, so it’s better to takeout, but very worth a try.

Postal Service Cafe

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/k1oRciXD9j74hUwd9

Another vegan brunch place serving up traditional breakfast foods and others! They used to be known as Kokako, but recently switch their look. The cafe is in the historic Grey Lynn postal office, and its a stunning building. Food wise, the waffles are really good, fresh, and so is their coffee! I love how much seating there is and the staff are all really friendly. The interior design is spot on and a great cafe to catch up with a friend or do some work in.

Honey Bones

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yXSWgCoySK9NrEZ56

A modern and stylish cafe that serves amazing coffee and even better brunch, savory and sweet! I visited here early in the morning and loved the vibes of this cafe. The coffee was delicious and the ricotta pancakes I had were divine. They have a stack of cool magazines to peruse, and lots of indoor and outdoor seating. It’s a cafe with a very relaxing atmosphere!

Neighbour

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zJwNWbUKGmD7VsoRA

Just down the street of Honey Bones is this wildly popular cafe, with great drinks and even better toasties. It’s a hip, trendy, and minimalist cafe with ample indoor and outdoor seating. On the weekends, it’s extremely busy, to the point where they run out of their famous toasties. I got to try their kimchi toastie and it was delicious. I think their matcha is just okay, but I would love to try their coffee next time.

Scarecrow

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/26XvoRZK8mqQyxPm6

A rustic and cozy brunch cafe serving organic brunch food and local goods. It’s near the Auckland Art Gallery and on a sloped street. They offer lots of organic food on the shelves, as well as other crafted goods. The menu ranges from house soup, to bagels, and fresh salads. All the food has fresh ingredients, so no matter what you pick it will be good. It’s nourishing and delicious food!

Benedict’s

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/BviM4Q2YuD4Gj1ZF8

This is my favorite brunch place in Auckland. The cafe is two storied in a gorgeous building with airy architecture. It’s modern, bright, and stylish, but the real highlight is their food and drink. Their brunch is to die for and they make an amazing iced mocha. There’s lots of seating and the atmosphere is lively yet calming. I’d come here three times a week if I lived closer!

Rumours Coffee

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aEq2cQ16y3MQg5sd9 Probably the most aesthetic and minimalist cafe I visited in Auckland. It has warm brown tones inside with trendy design and seating. It’s not the most conducive for working, as there are few tables and the seating points inward along the walls. But it’s a great, chill space to sit and relax in. And the coffee is on point!

Little Bird Kitchen

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aAxa6AUvueg8USkq7

A lively, bright, and airy vegan (and gluten free) cafe that serves a diverse range of dishes, from Vietnamese crepes to Indian dosa. Everything is freshly prepared with fresh ingredients, and their homemade nut milks are so good. It’s a popular brunch spot that even non-vegan (me) people will enjoy.

Dear Jervois

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rWrujkd4yN9dnBneA

A chic, cozy, and rustic cafe in Herne Bay serving up traditional brekkie food and good coffee. I stopped in here for an afternoon coffee and fries. The cafe is quite roomy inside, with lots of seating, both communal and not. Patrons seem to like working in here and they were more busy than I thought in a random afternoon hour. A very chill and laidback cafe!

Red Rabbit Coffee

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/upHTwoGqgi2aQ8Bk7

A rustic and chic coffee spot that serves bangin’ coffee. They have an outlet in the Westfield mall in Newmarket and it’s the best mall coffee I have ever had. Now, I wish I knew they had an actual store before I left Auckland! The coffee is smooth and balanced, and it’s delicious. From pictures I’ve seen, the interior of the coffee shop is spacious and airy, with lots of seating. This is top of my list whenever I make my way back to Auckland!

My Auckland Coffee Map

Here’s a map of all the places I listed:

All these cafes are relatively close to each other, and mostly in the North and West sides of Auckland. There are probably so many more cafes that I didn’t get a chance to try, but these are the ones I recommend! If you’re trying to choose where to go, here are my recommendations:

For the best single-origin pour-overs: Rumours Coffee & Daily Daily Coffeemakers

Best espresso-based drinks: Rumours Coffee, Daily Daily Coffeemakers, & Red Rabbit

For the best brunch: Benedict’s

Best ambiance: Benedict’s & Honey Bones & Daily Bread

Great casual spots: Neighbor Coffee & Postal Service Cafe

Best pastries: Maison des Lys Patisserie & Daily Bread

Indulge in Good Coffee and Brunch

Auckland has so many great cafe and brunch options, you’ll never find yourself short of good food. Cafe hopping is a great way to take in the local ambiance of a neighborhood, refine your coffee palette, and get to know the local community. It’s also an opportunity to explore less touristed areas of a city and support a local business. There’s no better place to do it in a place that holds high regard to their espresso and coffee. I wish you nothing but the best coffee and food on your trip! Happy travels!