A perfect poached egg is worth travelling for and these great little finds do it right.
There are few things worth getting out of bed early for but an awesome breakfast is definitely top of the list. We’re big on starting the day with a delicious eggs benedict or fluffy pancakes and have scouted the top spots in towns throughout New Zealand to enjoy a tasty breakfast.
Bank Street Social Club, Whangarei
Bank Street Social Club is a great place to rock up to brunch on a sleepy old Sunday. They’re open from 9am till 3pm serving their extensive and tasty lunch menu. Last time I went there I had the chicken and avocado burger which came with onion rings AND fries! Two fried things on one plate - I was in heaven.
Goodness Gracious, Newton
If you are uptown in Auckland then this is the place to go for the best breakfast of bodacious bagels. Step inside this little hidden gem on New North Rd and it's like being transported into a bagelry in New York's Lower East Side. Like its name suggests, this great little bagel shop that could serves up delicious versions that truly make you go, "Goodness Gracious, that was good!" And if you are a bit of a yoga/health nut like me then don't miss their kale and banana green smoothie. It's so good it's like you made it at home! Oh and coffee is off the Richter Scale tasty.
Little & Friday, Belmont
When I crave a breakfast quiche, I travel over the Bridge to the home of Auckland's favourite cafe, Little & Friday, and indulge in one of their classically delectable, cheesy treats. One of my recent loves was for a brussel sprout, bacon and goats cheese tart that made me completely forget my childhood hatred of the bright-green, tightly-bound brassicas. And you can't have breakfast at Little & Friday without enjoying a sweet treat with a (second) coffee. The donuts are to-die-for and what's excellent is that these little cream puff creations totally count as one of the best early morning food groups. Thank you Little & Friday for being in my life and the life of every Aucklander. We adore you!
Fat Dog Cafe & Bar, Rotorua
Hands-down Rotorua’s most wel–known and loved cafes… and for a reason. Fat Dog has a funky, chilled vibe and great food to match. Go for "The Fat Dog Works" …bacon, eggs, hash browns, sausage, tomato and chunky toast. Yum!
John’s Bakery & Café, Hastings
At the helm of this main-street café is master baker, John van der Berk, known for his award-winning pies. They also do superb breakfasts – try the Big Bakers breakfast, with bacon and sausages, eggs, tomatoes, hash browns and ciabatta toast with options of steak or mushroom sides, or for the sweet tooth how about the French Toast Stacker. Either dine inside or sit out and watch life in the Art Deco city slip by.
Clareville Bakery, Clareville
One of the best places for brunch is Clareville Bakery, try the creamy locally sourced Parkvale mushrooms, Basque eggs or baker’s breakfast. The bread is perfect, crunchy crusty ciabatta and the coffee is the perfect accompaniment. If you don’t feel like a meal, enjoy a bacon buttie, freshly made pastries or real vanilla custard cronuts.
Olive, Wellington
If the weathers good Olive is the place to be. The wait on food is never unreasonable, and you do get to sit in Wellington’s best outdoor area. It’s got excellent service, and the food is seasonal and on point, I’m yet to receive an over poached egg with my order at Olive. If the weather doesn’t allow seating outside, try get into the second room with banquette. I’m a fan of simple brunches so I usually get the eggs ‘your style’ on sourdough, though if you have a sweet craving the maple infused french toast with blueberry compote.
Stella Cafe, Hokitika
For a superb brunch set a little off the beaten track of Hokitika, Stella Cafe has an excellent cabinet and full brunch menu to take your pick from. There’s loads of outdoor dining and they’re open during public holidays, hooray!
Hello Sunday, Sydenham
Hello Sunday is renowned for its amazing brunches so it would be crazy to leave them off this list. The eggs benny is certainly a popular option - look out for changes on the menu which happen regularly over the year. Keep an eye out from when they open evenings too!
Modaks Espresso, Dunedin
If you’re thinking brunch and are in Dunedin then you can’t get past Modaks. The vegetarian brunches are unreal and the coffee is some of the best in town. The quirky and kitschy decor makes the cafe a chilled out space to hang out in.
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