This Central City Spot Has Been Awarded Auckland’s Favourite Café For 2022

Highly Recommended: Crave Café in Morningside

Situated in the heart of downtown Auckland, Amano has grown to be an institution in the city’s hospitality scene, now an integral part of the historic cluster of buildings it sits in amongst.

The rustic-chic juxtaposition of the building itself is enough of a talking point to capture anyone’s attention. Between exposed brick, wide open-plan kitchens, and shining polished marble countertops, Amano delivers an essence of traditional Italy, struck with a contemporary flair.

A well-rounded eatery through and through, Amano is often the first stop for coffee-hungry city-dwellers, as well as the final stop on a romantic date night come nightfall. For this award, we’re highlighting the stunning mornings Amano creates for breakfast and brunch guests.

Between a full-functioning breakfast menu (which changes seasonally, depending on the available produce), Amano also has their own bakery, churning out delicate European pastries. Take your pick between the seated dining room on the Quay Street side with views out to the Waitemata Harbour or make it a pit stop at their Tyler Street takeaway side. Either way, you’re guaranteed some of the best coffee in the city and deliciously perfect treats to fuel your day. 

“If you ever see delicious pastries all over Instagram, they’re probably from Amano,” says fellow Cult Icon Awards expert judge, Joyce Lau of Food Review NZ.

And we have to agree, Amano is the apex of photo-worthy without having to compromise taste or quality. Every aspect on your plate has a place in the flavour palate and the quality of the produce shines through each bite.

To start the day, our recurring favourites are Smoked Warehou Pate with a poached egg and salsa verde on sourdough, the Prosciutto on smashed potato with chilli and a poached egg, and the Bran Loaf with seasonal fruit, mascarpone, and hazelnut.

Cradle into a nook in the sunny dining room and basque in all Amano has to offer – there are a thousand reasons why Amano is the ultimate Cafe we love.