Papamoa Beach woman Linda Mathers also won a new Renault Clio Expression valued at $26,990, after voting for her favourite cafe.
The top three café finalists in each of the six regions are:
Auckland
Charlie & George Café, Mount Wellington
Local Café, Whangaparaoa
Grand Espresso Café, Orewa
Upper North Island
Capers Epicurean, Rotorua
Nourish, Tauranga
Columbus Coffee, Whangarei
Lower North Island
Springvale Café, Whanganui
Lush Café & Gelato, New Plymouth
Ten O'clock Cookie Bakery Café, Masterton
Wellington
Sweet Vanilla Kitchen, Lower Hutt
Elements, Lyall Bay
Karori Park Café, Karori
Christchurch
Purple Weka Café & Bar, Riccarton
Terra Viva Café & Deli, Burnside
Savoire Café & Wine Bar, Merivale
South Island
Rhubarb, Dunedin
Ironic Café, Dunedin
Jester House Café, Tasman
Head judge Kerry Tyack said judging involved a rigorous assessment of each café with the process comprising three tiers of judging, a hallmark of the competition.
"The competition has two goals. The first is to alert Kiwi consumers to the range of fantastic café fare that's available right around the country. The second is to identify and recognise the best of the best and to reward their efforts.
"Judges are looking for a combination of stylish ambience, a warm welcome, attentive service as well as appetising and satisfying food and drink. Overlaying all this is a conscious celebration of the entrant's region, its produce and any features that makes it special.
"And of course, there needs to be clear evidence of the wow factor that keeps happy customers coming back to the café."
