16 Jan 2023
Winter is coming, but that won't stop our brunching.
The concept of brunch has really taken off in the past few years and the meal usually falls into one of two categorise, boozy bottomless or cosy comfort food. Today we’re looking for the latter, because sometimes all you need is a casual spot to perch in while you sip coffee and nibble away at a hearty meal. With winter on the horizon, here are the cosiest spots to keep warm while getting your brunch fix in.
Upon arrival at Fields you’ll notice that comfort is key, curl up on a bean bag or lounge beneath a beach style brolly while you indulge in your brunch needs. This brunch spot has plenty of space to spread out with a group of friends or nestle into a cosy corner at a table for two. Fields pays homage to Albany’s roots with a large variety of delicious brunch food, a collaboration of the areas past and present comes to fruition in their menu. From their tropical pudding to their truffle mushroom gnocchi, you really can’t ask for more!
Brunch with a view never looked so good, nestled on the first floor of the Hilton sits Bellini. With a wall of windows, you can sip from your cup of tea and see the City of Sails in action with an unbeatable view of the harbour. Choose between the chic interior of lounge seating or take brunch outside and dine on the waterfront. Dig into an omelette customised to your desire or spend an afternoon in luxury at their High Tea and have an experience you’ll never forget.
Woolfy’s industrial-styled interior brims with the history of the area, the café is a combination of metalwork and exposed bricks which creates a warm cosy space. Their outdoor area is perfect for every season and welcomes additional brunch buddies in the form of dogs. Woolfy’s boasts an all-day brunch and lunch menu of both sweet and savoury dishes, so if you’re in the mood for their cookies and cream toast or the quickie burger, you’re in luck. And worry not vegetarians, if you’ve been missing out on a full English brekkie then look no further. Tofu scramble, vegan sausages, vegan red pepper labneh.
With multiple prime real estate locations throughout Auckland, this is the perfect spot to hide away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a seat for two inside or lounge beneath their heaters outside, you will definitely need the space as Goodness Gracious specialises in legendary bagels that swallow the plate whole. Let your worries disappear in the fun atmosphere, great service and best bagels in town. The menu spoils you for choice but the veggie bagel is a great option, combining halloumi, avocado, salad and tobacco sauce for a casual brunch you’ll want again and again.
Situated on the busy Mount Eden Road, The Garden Shed is a slice of serenity through their novelty front doors. Decked out in the theme of “A Garden Shed”, picture a Peter Rabbit-esque interior – full of sweet knick-knacks, homely decor, and their very own secret garden, complete with an in-house waterfall. Rug up warm and take a trip to The Garden Shed, if only to try their DIY s’mores and garden platters while surrounded by your very own rainforest.
Affectionately nicknamed The Fed by regulars (and there’s a lot of regulars) Fed Deli is not only one of the best-loved eateries in Auckland, it’s also one of the cosiest. Getting a table here can be a bit of a challenge but, don’t worry, whether you’re outside with a blanket or in a snug booth you’ll be happy as Larry. Inspired by a classic New York Deli, everything from the tablecloths to the bottomless filter coffee fits the bill. Pioneered by Al Brown, it’s no surprise that the poutine and cheesecake here is famous around Auckland. Open til’ late, brunch, lunch, dinner or dessert – The Fed is always a good option.
Simple and elegant, Orphans Kitchen’s interior is a surprisingly accurate representation of their food. Raw-edged long wood tables and stools covered in soft furry cushions give this spot a warm, intimate feeling – you’ll barely notice you’re sharing the tables. Offering up a seasonal and ever-changing selection of modern contemporary café food, the mainstays of Daily Bread toast with toppings and top-notch coffee will have you coming back. Operating with strong ethics of sustainability and New Zealand heritage, eating here brunch to dinner just always feels good.
Just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Dominion road, Olafs is a multi-award-winning bakery and café with a different vibe from it’s surrounding it. Priding itself on true European artisan breads and pastries, Olaf himself, a German-trained baker and pastry chef with 20 years under his belt, provides the baked goods – need we say more? Comfortable booth seating and blankets for outside, you can even sit and watch Olaf and his bakers work live if you want. We recommend you embrace the bakery aspect and try the spelt sourdough bagel with salmon. You won’t be disappointed.
As well as being a godsend for vegans and plant-based eaters, KIND is a fresh, plant-covered paradise. The Morningside eatery is located on the corner of McDonald Street, easily spotted by their great glasshouse store front, cushioned seats, and hanging ceiling plants. Stepping into the white oasis, the smell of coffee, fresh baked treats, and fresh air fills the space. Dine off their KIND menu, filled with plenty of plant-based dishes and drinks, best enjoyed in the company of your favourite people in amongst KIND’s kind vibes.
Tucked down a little corridor off High Street, there’s something secretive about visiting Chuffed. But it’s definitely the kind of secret you want to have. Opening up into a bright bustling courtyard, the warm sunlight that bathes in through the skylight and furry white throws set the scene perfectly for cuddling up all afternoon. Owner-come-barista, Scott McLean has a true passion for coffee and it shines through with the brews here, consistently velvety and fresh. Seasonal sammies and free-range offerings make this another feel-good spot to dine-in. But don’t limit Chuffed to brunch, if it’s a classic cocktail or a hearty lunch (we recommend the Slow Cooked lamb) Chuffed has got you covered.
Well-loved by students and workers alike, Remedy Coffee is the perfect place to cosy up among the books and enjoy a stellar cup of coffee or a bite to eat. A wooden interior, old-school board games, and endless shelves of books make this one of the snuggest spots to posse up for a few hours (whether you’re with friends or just craving a good people watch.) Known for their award-winning toasted espresso, the coffee is a must-try. If you’re a little more peckish, don’t fret – from toasted bagels, fancy toast and quinoa bowls, Remedy will quickly become your new local.