Auckland's Newest Coffee Spots
Photography by India Essuah.
Five sweet new cafes to visit for your morning (and midday and afternoon) caffeine hit.
While you're likely to have a local haunt you're loyal to, these new cafes might have you breaking out of your usual routine. They've all popped up recently and all but one are here to stay a while.
Roost, Ponsonby
With its rustic design and heavy wooden fittings, Roost is a little taste of the country in the middle of Ponsonby. Ruben Maurice, of Vulcan Lane Bagels in the city, is part of the team behind Roost. You'll find many of his creations on the menu, alongside simple savouries and pastries in the cabinet. Brewing Atomic Coffee, there's more to this little spot than you can see from the street – step inside to find fold-out benches and roosters stencilled on the wooden walls. It's super simple but a far cry than the inner-city's brand of slick minimalism.
Corner of Crummer Street and Vinegar Lane. Open Monday to Friday, 7am – 2pm.
Little & Friday, Newmarket
The Little & Friday team have moved into a spacious new home in Newmarket. Tucked away on McColl Street, the cafe boasts beautifully wide windows and large tables perfect for sharing the ridiculously delicious treats you'll find in their cabinet; in my experience, each visit to Little & Friday tends to turn into a game of musical desserts. In the cup you'll find Coffee Supreme, but there's always a range of Six Barrel Soda – which comes artfully arranged on a ceramic platter – if the day's too hot to sip on espresso. 11 McColl Street, Newmarket. Open Monday to Sunday, 8am – 3:30pm.
Bestie, Karangahape Road
Until Bestie turns into a fully-fledged cafe next month, you'll find their wee coffee cart brightening up the end of St Kevin's Arcade on Karangahape Road. At the moment they're serving up eighthirty coffee and snacks – read our interview with owner Emma Lyell (previously of Coco's Cantina) about the team's plans for the gorgeous space. Or, better yet, pop along and find out for yourself!
St Kevin's Arcade, Karangahape Road. Open Monday to Friday, 7.30am – 2.30pm.
Sai's Espresso Freehouse, Britomart
It's only just opened and already has plans to close, so this is a spot you should head to sooner rather than later. At Sai's you can take your pick between four different types of coffee – Shaky Isles, eighthirty, All Press and Coffee Supreme are all available – as is a delectable selection of pastries and cabinet food. This isn't spot made for lingering, without tables and chairs it's a perfect pitstop for those on the run. Corner of Gore and Tyler Streets, Britomart. Open Monday to Friday, 7am – 3pm.
Long + Short, Parnell
A hole-in-the-wall spot serving Atomic Coffee and a small but tempting range of cabinet food, espresso bar Long + Short opened late last year on Parnell Road. With its beautiful, clean design and expertly-made brews, this tiny spot is bound to have already become a favourite with those in the area. 211 Parnell Road, Parnell. Open Monday to Friday, 7am – 3pm.
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