4 of the best brunch spots in Auckland

Little and Friday cafe in Belmont, Auckland. Photo / Richard Robinson

North: Little & Friday
43C Eversleigh Rd, Belmont

This is a charming experience - the beautiful baked goods are served on quaint mismatched vintage plates and the coffee and tea come with cute collectors' teaspoons. This is one of the best bakeries in the city, offering sweet and savoury goodies that are hard to resist. Whatever you do, don't leave without one of their famous jam doughnuts as a treat for later.

South: Ruby Red
30B Coronation Rd, Mangere Bridge

Ruby Red is a cute space with red vinyl bench seats, a children's play area, and nods to retro New Zealand, with an Edmonds flour tin used to hold utensils, 60s crockery and decor, and vintage teaspoons and cake stands. The food is excellent, reasonably priced with generous servings. Grab a bottle of Foxton Fizz for nostalgia's sake, to drink on the way home.

East: St Heliers Bay Cafe and Bistro
387 Tamaki Drive, St Heliers

This is a latest outpost of the Hip Group, the people who gave us the Takapuna Beach, Richmond Rd, and Kohi cafes, plus Ortolana and Milse at Britomart. And once again they have created a cool and chic spot. The prices are at the steeper end for brunch ($14-$26) but the menu is innovative and the food delicious. We loved the folded egg and smoked fish salad.

West: Humbug
32 Rua Rd, Glen Eden

It can be hard to get a park at Humbug, such is its popularity. It's worth the effort though, especially if you're eating out with kids - there's a separate family room with play area including toys and books to keep young ones entertained. And if you're sans kids, the main room is a quiet retreat with floor to ceiling windows and retro artwork. The food is top-notch, as is the coffee.

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