Patch Café – Playful Plates in Sunnybrae
Patch Café brings fun, flavour, and a fresh vibe to the heart of Sunnybrae. Inspired by the area’s strawberry field past, this local gem serves up café favourites with clever twists—think Ooey Gooey Benny and Omelettin’ It Slide. With a creative all-day menu, great coffee, and breezy indoor-outdoor seating, Patch is the perfect spot for brunch, lunch, or a casual catch-up.
Good to know: Easy indoor–outdoor seating, great for sunny days
Insider tip: Go mid-morning to beat the brunch rush and snag an outdoor table
Fika With Me – Slow Down & Savour in Birkenhead
Tucked into Birkenhead Village, Fika With Me invites you to pause, connect, and enjoy good food in a warm, welcoming space. Inspired by the Swedish tradition of ‘fika’—taking time to appreciate life’s little moments—this café is a true neighbourhood gem. Expect a wide-ranging menu with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options, plus Halal chicken and steak. Whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment, Fika is all about relaxed vibes and feel-good food.
Pair it with: Browsing Birkenhead Village shops
Best for: Relaxed catch-ups, solo coffee moments
Takapuna Beach Café – Fresh Flavours by the Sea
Perched on the water’s edge, Takapuna Beach Café is an all-day dining destination that brings people together over fresh pastries, vibrant seasonal dishes, and award-winning gelato. Open from sunrise to sunset, it’s the perfect spot for coffee with a view, a long lunch, or a sunset treat—welcoming locals and visitors alike with good food and laid-back beachside charm.
Good to know: Open from sunrise to sunset with a prime beachfront location
Pair it with: A beach walk or swim at Takapuna
Fields Café – Albany’s Local Favourite
Rooted in Albany’s history and inspired by the diversity of today, Fields Café serves up fresh, seasonal breakfast and lunch dishes in a relaxed neighbourhood setting. With a menu that draws from global flavours yet stays true to simple, honest cooking, Fields is a go-to for locals of all ages looking for good food, great coffee, and welcoming vibes.
Pair it with: A stop at nearby Albany shops or parks
Best for: Easy weekday lunches, local meet-ups
Kinfolk Café – Seasonal Plates by the Bay
Kinfolk Café brings relaxed, thoughtful dining to the heart of Long Bay Village. Just a short stroll from the beach, it’s known for its beautifully presented, seasonal dishes and quality coffee. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients and a simple, modern menu, Kinfolk is your go-to for slow brunches, casual lunches, or laid-back catch-ups. Warm, welcoming, and always in season—Kinfolk feels like your new local from the very first visit.
Good to know: Short walk from Long Bay Beach
Insider tip: Weekdays are quieter and perfect for lingering
Lily Eatery – Simple Things Made Well
Tucked into the heart of the North Shore, Lily Eatery is a local gem known for its from-scratch philosophy and seasonal, feel-good food. Open for breakfast and lunch, it’s a relaxed, family- and dog-friendly spot where the menu changes often but always includes gluten-free options and indulgent cabinet treats. A true community favourite.
What to try: Seasonal brunch dishes
Insider tip: Gluten-free options are consistently excellent
Dulcie – Elevated Daytime Dining by the Water
One of Auckland’s most sophisticated daytime eateries, Dulcie pairs a refined, locally focused menu with breathtaking harbour views. Set in a light-filled space with high ceilings and minimalist design, the setting is as impressive as the food. Enjoy brunch or lunch in the courtyard or by the water, with Atomic coffee, NZ wines, and local craft beers. A standout spot for relaxed luxury.
Good to know: Sophisticated daytime-only venue
What to try: Refined brunch plates
Black Cottage Café – Your Cosy Corner in Coatesville
Nestled in the heart of Coatesville, Black Cottage Café is a warm and welcoming local favourite. Founded as a place to gather over great coffee and honest food, it continues that legacy under new owners Rami and Ramnita. With fresh energy and a passion for quality, they serve up seasonal fare in a charming setting. Whether you're after a relaxing brunch, a coffee catch-up, or a peaceful solo moment, Black Cottage is your go-to neighbourhood haven.
Pair it with: A countryside drive around Coatesville
Best for: Quiet catch-ups, solo coffee dates
The Collins Café & Bar – Brunch, French Toast & Charm
Tucked into a beautifully renovated villa in Greenhithe, The Collins Café & Bar is your go-to destination for all-day brunching and relaxed al fresco dining. Whether you’re dining solo, catching up with friends, or bringing the whole family (dogs included), this North Shore favourite offers something for everyone. Inside, the café’s spacious layout features a welcoming foyer, a sun-soaked dining room, and a cosy corner with armchairs and a fireplace. Outside, a generous garden setting with picnic tables and lush greenery invites long, lazy meals in the sun. Whether you're after a midweek pick-me-up or a weekend feast, The Collins is the kind of spot you’ll keep coming back to.
Good to know: Set in a beautifully renovated villa
Insider tip: Grab a picnic table outside on sunny days
Fernielea Café – Family-Friendly Dining in Coatesville
Set among the greenery of Coatesville, Fernielea Café is a local favourite for relaxed, family-friendly dining. With indoor, patio, and garden seating, there's space for everyone—including a fenced outdoor play area with a trampoline, sandpit and playscape for kids under eight. Parents can enjoy brunch and coffee while little ones stay entertained. The menu includes brunch classics, hearty lunches, and sweet treats, with a kids’ menu full of favourites. Fernielea is casual, welcoming, and ideal for sunny weekends with friends or family.
Pair it with: A relaxed weekend outing with family
Best for: Families with young kids
Beaufort + Co – Albany’s Go-To for Great Food & Coffee
Since 2020, Beaufort + Co has been a favourite in Albany, Northcross, and the Bays. This locally owned café and catering business offers a seasonal all-day menu, daily cabinet treats, and excellent coffee in a warm, relaxed setting. With plenty of gluten-free, vegan, and keto options, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re popping in for brunch, grabbing a sweet treat, or hosting an event with their tailored catering service. Great food, great service, and a strong community vibe—Beaufort + Co is your neighbourhood spot done right.
Best for: Brunch, takeaway coffee, casual meetings
Insider tip: Plenty of gluten-free, vegan and keto-friendly options
Supernova – Wholesome, Rustic Dining in Milford
Supernova brings no-fuss, feel-good food to Milford with a menu of vibrant salads, breakfast favourites, and wholesome bites made from local produce. The space is stylish and simple, with duck-egg tiles and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. It’s licensed too—so whether you're in the mood for a Kokako coffee or a crisp wine, you're sorted. Don’t miss their famous lemon hotcake, served in a cast-iron skillet with seasonal fruit, lemon curd, and maple butter. Rustic, fresh, and always satisfying.
Good to know: Focus on local produce and simple flavours
What to try: Famous lemon hotcake - order early as it sells out
Loafer’s Bakery – Where Golden Crusts Meet Gourmet Fillings
Tucked away on the North Shore, Loafer’s Bakery is a local favourite for artisan breads, buttery pastries, and standout pies. Famous for their flaky crusts and bold flavours, favourites include the creamy butter chicken and sweet-savory chicken cranberry. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or lingering over a coffee, Loafer’s delivers comfort food done right.
Good to know: Artisan bakery with a strong local following
Insider tip: Go early for the best pie selection
