Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and provides a hub for business, education, and entertainment. While the CBD covers an area of only just over four square kilometres, there are so many cafes and eateries on offer that you don’t want to miss. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to pick up a hearty breakfast or an Instagrammable hangout to enjoy with friends, you’re covered with this list of the best cafes in Auckland CBD.
1. Chuffed
Head toward the pink doors at the end of the corridor, and you’ll find Chuffed, one of the best cafes in Auckland CBD. It is open 7 am – 4 pm on weekdays and 8:30 am – 4 pm on Saturdays, making it an excellent venue for brunches and lunches. The menu consists of dishes made with fresh ingredients, such as the “Chilli Scramble” with chuffed scrambled eggs and chilli dressing on sourdough or slow-cooked pork shoulder with pancetta, parmesan, and pesto. The Chuffed Cafe is the best place to go if you’re looking for a great coffee or delicious meal on High Street in Auckland.
2. Scarecrow
The Scarecrow may be one of the most unique cafes in Auckland, combining three key elements: a cafe, grocery, and florist. Enjoy an award-winning breakfast, brunch, and lunch with options including the Vegan Shakshuka made from spiced tomatoes, chickpeas, spinach, and focaccia, and Manuka Smoked Salmon with dill sauce. While you’re here, you can shop for a range of products, including chilled ready meals, fresh flowers, and gift baskets. With sustainability at the centre of their trade, Alison and Paul focus on sourcing natural and local products with a range of honey, olive oils, bread, fair trade coffee, and skin care ranges available in-store.
3. Spectra
Spectre is a modern and vibrant cafe in the Auckland CBD that offers a range of delicious food, coffees, teas, wines and beers. Spectre is a popular cafe in Auckland because it has a warm and welcoming atmosphere where freshness and simplicity are key to an evolving menu that keeps your options fresh and the produce seasonal. Enjoy an all-day breakfast, such as the salmon omelette on kumara sourdough or opt for one of the lunch items, such as the Philly cheese steak roll, available from 11 am. Before you leave, make sure you snap a selfie at one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Auckland, where the decor is spacious and contemporary with a number of quirky details.
4. Rudeboy Eatery and Deli
Another of Auckland’s most Instagrammable cafes is the Rudeboy Eatery, a hip and “easy-breezy” venue that offers a range of photo-worthy dishes that are as artistic as they are delicious. This cafe in Auckland’s CBD is the perfect place to grab a sweet treat after lunch with a range of delicious pastries crafted by the team of patissiers. And the Rudeboy Eatery is ideal for group functions, with a catering service to suit every party from comfort food to avant-garde, with bao buns, quiche, platters, and slices just some of the options available.
5. Auckland Art Gallery Cafe
Bask in the sunny and spacious setting of the Auckland Art Gallery Cafe, situated inside the Auckland Art Gallery building. It is a great place to come for brunch or lunch, offering the opportunity for relaxation and contemplation as you admire the lush green views outside the window. The menu offers a range of dishes, including chicken dumpling soup, honeycomb waffles, and the croque monsieur. While you’re here, check out the gallery’s current exhibits, drop-ins and free workshops.
6. Odettes Eatery
Odettes Eatery is at the core of the Auckland foodie scene. Located in the sunny City Works Depot property with large windows and comfy seating, it’s the spot to park up for long, lazy brunch. Enjoy scrumptious plates of spanner crab omelette and wild mushrooms with black garlic toum to kick off your morning. Level up your weekend brunch with their beef shish kebab. Delicious food fit for a memorable day out. Odettes Eatery is also open for dinner bookings.
7. Bestie Cafe
Bestie Cafe is a laid-back venue in the heart of Auckland (pretty close to Ponsonby!) that offers food without a fuss and the perfect space to relax among friends. Enjoy a range of eclectic brunches such as coconut and cardamom rice pudding or a hot cake stack with whipped butter and fancy maple syrup. Opt for a favourite, such as a cheese toastie or free-range eggs. Try a seasonal bowl from the rotating menu items. Plus, it’s all very picturesque!
8. Melba Vulcan
Melba Cafe is a small, cosy, friendly cafe focused on serving great coffee and delicious food. Located in the heart of Auckland city, Melba Vulcan has been designed to be bright, airy and welcoming, with plenty of seating inside as well as outside. The menu features an array of delicious dishes, including breakfast items like pancakes, eggs benedict and french toast with maple syrup; light lunch options such as salads, sandwiches and wraps; plus the perfect afternoon pick me up – espresso, cappuccino or a latte.
9. Chur Bae
Also located at City Works Depot is Chur Bae, an Auckland cafe that is oozing with character. Nothing fancy but uber modern, Chur Bae is the place to take your friends who want to be shown the best hidden spots in Auckland. With a big focus on food, the team are creating seasonal menus with dishes like wild mushrooms with burnt baba ganoush and carrot loaf with almond mousse. Pair it with a breakfast cocktail, smoothie or bangin’ coffee.
10. Remedy
The Remedy Cafe is excellent for getting coffee, tea and food. It’s also a great place to relax with friends and enjoy good company and is among the most Instagrammable cafes in Auckland thanks to its artwork-adorned walls, plant sales, and quirky decor details. The Remedy Cafe has been open since 2010 and has become one of the most popular cafes in Auckland. They have an extensive menu that offers both savoury and sweet options for breakfast or lunch, including smashed avo on sourdough, three cheese toasties, and chicken tarragon sandwiches.
11. Double Double
Double Double is a cafe in Auckland to add to your must-visit list. This hole-in-the-wall gem has unbeatable charm, with brick walls and a single row of tables. The perfect setting for a hot cuppa and an intimate catch-up. Order a toasted sammie loaded with goodies like truffle salt and gruyere bechamel. Hard to beat. If you’ve still got room, a wonderful pastry from their cabinet would top off your visit perfectly.
12. Williams Eatery
Eat with your eyes at Williams Eatery in Auckland CBD. Beautifully crafted food and coffee is up for grabs here. There’s plenty of room at this cafe so bring the whole family. Williams Eatery can also be hired for private functions! Whether it’s the best bowl of fries that you’re after, or impeccably plated scrambled eggs, this cafe in Auckland will not disappoint.
