These are Auckland's coolest cafés

Auckland opens in new window’s eclectic culinary scene serves up food that is as interesting as the settings – think beachfront hotspots to retro-modern diners. Whether you want a leisurely coffee, a lazy weekend breakfast or grub on the go, make like the locals to head to these hotspots.

Odettes Eatery

Don’t let the 1950s diner-style lettering fool you – the food at Odettes opens in new window is anything but the retro, greasy fare you’d expect. The menu changes seasonally and, while you’ll find staples such as scrambled eggs or fruit and yoghurt, culinary influences from North Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East means that the food is anything but standard. Try the bircher with labneh or scrambled eggs with halloumi and spicy, fruity mustard.

Bestie Cafe

This hipster café is tucked inside St Kevin’s Arcade, a historic building on bustling Karangahape Road in central Auckland. Grab a spot facing the floor-to-ceiling windows at the back for views of Auckland’s Sky Tower, or head to the front for great people-watching. Bestie Café’s opens in new window all-day breakfast menu boasts creative offerings like a chilli-fried egg over flatbread, chorizo, labneh and pickles, and peanut butter donuts served with bacon.

Ambler

Point Chevalier, or Point Chev as it’s known locally, is a beachfront suburb set on Waitemata Harbour, a 10-minute drive west of Auckland’s CBD. Stop by Ambler opens in new window, a chic, new café on the main road for breakfast bruschetta piled with juicy tomatoes or come later in the day for seasonal oysters with shallot vinaigrette – they’re some of the best in town. Point Chev is a popular spot for young families, too, and Ambler knows their market – they’ve got a kids menu and a second dining area with space to park your pram and let the little ones run amok.

Takapuna Beach Cafe

On sunny mornings, Takapuna Beach Cafe opens in new window hums with locals enjoying breakfast after a morning walk, run or ride. The sun-drenched café sits at the northern end of a long stretch of sand, with sweeping views of the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto Island. For a treat, try the malt and honey smoothie – it’s delicious.

Buoy

This glass-walled café sits in the Westhaven Marina under Auckland Harbour Bridge, overlooking row after row of docked boats. Take a seat at Buoy opens in new window for wholemeal crêpes with spiced apple and walnuts, eggs Benedict with potato hash or a heavenly smoked salmon rosti. Afterwards, grab a takeaway coffee and stroll along the water towards the city.