Where We Go for Coffee and Breakfast in Auckland

Credit: Photo by Keghan Crossland

If you love mornings built around good coffee, a solid breakfast, and a slow wander through a new city, Auckland’s your kind of town. Whether you’re staying downtown or by the harbour, you’re never far from a café worth your first sip of the day.
Want to experience Auckland like a true local? Here’s where we go for breakfast in Auckland at our favourite cafes.

The Best Cafés Near Auckland’s CBD

Are you the kind of traveller who powers up with caffeine and sprints into the day, or do you believe breakfast is basically a sacred ritual? If you’re a grab-and-go legend, Auckland’s got you covered. The city’s coffee pros move fast, so you can, too. 

But if your ideal morning involves stretching out in the sunshine, order another round and settle in. There’s many cafes that encourage you to linger.

Whatever your pace, Auckland cafés have mastered both moods: speed and slow. The real pro move? Start fast, then find somewhere cosy for round two.

Grab-and-Go or Linger: What’s Your Morning Pace?

Credit: Photo by tommao wang

Whether you’re a fast-moving flat-white-and-go kind of traveller or someone who likes to sip slowly and watch the city stretch awake, Auckland has a café to match your mood. Here’s where you can get a proper flat white near the CBD.

Stolen Summer

This pocket-sized café on High Street is made for early risers and wanderers who prefer coffee in hand over coffee at a table. Freshly baked treats line the counter, the espresso’s quick and consistent, and the vibe is easy-going.

Maggie Bakery

Auckland’s answer to the comfort-food bakery, Maggie is where you grab a buttery pastry or soft bun and set off smiling. The shelves are always stacked with fresh bread, cakes and filled rolls, and the coffee’s strong enough to keep you moving.

Remedy Coffee

Remedy is the heartbeat of Auckland’s caffeine scene: all character and warmth, with the buzz of regulars chatting between shots of espresso. It’s the kind of café where you can sink into a corner with a book or swap travel stories at the counter, knowing your flat white will be one of the best in town.

Kompass Coffee

Just off Kitchener Street, Kompass is calm, bright and quietly confident. Their espresso is smooth, their latte art flawless, and they’re known for inventive drinks like sesame lattes and matcha brews. It’s a perfect midpoint between grab-and-go and linger-all-morning.

Brekkie That Hits the Spot

Credit: Photo by Andy Li

There’s something about that first sip of coffee that makes the promise of breakfast even better. Once the caffeine hits, Auckland’s brunch scene steps up to meet it, and the city doesn’t disappoint.

Odettes

Tucked inside City Works Depot, Odettes is for mornings when you want to slow down and savour the moment. The airy space, lush plants and bright plates make it feel more like brunch in a Mediterranean courtyard than breakfast in the city. 

Their coffee is smooth, the service relaxed, and the menu full of creative twists, perfect for travellers who want to linger, not rush.

Williams Eatery

Down by Wynyard Quarter, Williams Eatery takes breakfast seriously without making a fuss about it. The space is sleek and calm, serving seasonal plates that feel fresh and modern: think whipped feta on rye, shakshuka bubbling in its pan, and perfectly poached eggs.

Bestie Café

Hidden in St Kevin’s Arcade, Bestie has that effortlessly cool Auckland vibe: all sunlight, laughter and the smell of good coffee drifting through. Their menu hits the sweet spot between hearty and fun, with options like bacon butties, breakfast rolls and hotcakes.

Amano

Just a leisurely stroll to Britomart from Auckland CBD, Amano is the definition of city-brunch style. The bakery at the front tempts you with croissants and brioche, while the dining space hums with morning energy. 

Their breakfast menu blends local produce with Italian inspiration, from creamy scrambled eggs to house-made granola and artisan bread straight from the oven. This is one of the few spaces that may require reservations, so plan ahead. It’s worth the wait.

Eating Around Dietary Requirements?

Credit: Photo by Say S.

Auckland makes eating breakfast to your dietary preferences easy. Most cafés in and around the CBD offer vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options. You’ll find menus clearly marked, staff happy to swap ingredients, and coffee bars stocked with every milk alternative.

Honey Café

Right on Lorne Street, Honey Café is a go-to for anyone needing a gluten-free start to the day. Their signature Freedom loaf is completely gluten-, dairy- and nut-free, and they offer GF bagels and toast across their breakfast menu. 

Pair it with a smooth flat white, and you’ve got a relaxed, allergy-friendly café that doesn’t feel restrictive.

The Shelf

The Shelf is known among locals for its cosy, quirky vibe and surprisingly strong gluten-free menu. They offer plenty of gluten free choices and are a go-to in the city for coeliacs seeking brunch without compromise.

Handy Tips so Your Morning Stays Smooth

A good breakfast is even better when the logistics don’t trip you up. Here’s how to keep your morning smooth, from opening hours to getting that bill sorted without the fuss.

Opening Hours

On weekdays, the city’s caffeine lifelines flick on around 6:30 to 7:00 am. Perfect for commuters, early tours, or anyone whose body clock thinks it’s still in another time zone. Come weekends, most cafés roll up the shutters closer to 7:30 or 8:00 am.

Peak Times, Waitlists and When to Book

Auckland brunch crowds build fast, especially 9 am–11 am on weekends. If you’re planning a multi-stop café crawl, start early. Your first coffee around 7:30 am and breakfast before 9 am will save you queues.

Popular brunch spots like Odettes and Amano accept reservations, while smaller cafés often work on walk-ins. Our recommendation? Use Google Maps to check live “busy times” before heading out.

Paying, Splitting the Bill and Accessibility

Most cafés are cashless now, accepting tap-and-go cards and mobile payments. If you’re in a group, ask early about split bills, as some cafés limit transactions at the counter (especially on busy weekends).

Auckland’s central cafés are generally accessible, though older buildings may have steps or narrow doors. Prams and high chairs are welcome at larger spots like Williams Eatery or Melba; smaller espresso bars can be tight during peak hours.

Make Mornings Easy By Staying at Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland

If location is everything, Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland pretty much nails it. Sitting right on Wellesley Street West, you’re within some of the city’s best brekkie spots. Step out the front doors, and you’ll find a number of Auckland CBD cafes within walking distance.

Prefer Staying In? Discover The Hotel’s Own Breakfast Options

Not every morning calls for exploring. Sometimes, you just want to roll out of bed and let breakfast come to you. Downstairs, the Nine Birds Café opens daily from 7:30 am, serving fresh pastries, fruit, and rich espresso that rivals the city’s best.

If you’re feeling hungrier, head to Forester Bar & Grill, the hotel’s full-service restaurant. Think buffet spreads with eggs, bacon, cereals, fruit, and hot coffee on repeat: the classic hotel breakfast experience but with a polished, local touch. 

The Stay Itself: Comfort With a City View

When you finally return from your café crawl, the hotel’s rooms are a welcome sight. Expect spacious suites, harbour or city views, and comfortable beds.

Every room comes with the essentials for a smooth morning: in-room coffee and tea setup, room service, air-conditioning, and fast Wi-Fi. There’s also an on-site fitness centre and indoor pool, for those who prefer to balance indulgent brunches with a quick swim.

Book your stay at Hotel Grand Chancellor Auckland today, and wake up and smell the coffee every morning.