Sit outside and soak up the view. This is what you call prime real estate - prime views of Rangitoto. The food matches the view - there's a good variety and everything is well-presented. Slightly higher prices, but worth it for those sea views.
* Review here.
Devonport Stone Oven Bakery and Cafe
5 Clarence St, Devonport
With an enormous selection of cabinet food, this is definitely recommended for lunch on the run or to stock up on goodies for a picnic on nearby Cheltenham Beach or North Head. Excellent coffee, cakes, bread and more.
Latin Larder
170 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna
The sunny courtyard out the back is in demand. It's a good spot to devour this cafe's fantastic food, such as Eastern Eggs with chickpeas, spinach, tomato, chilli yogurt and kasundi, and enjoy the charming service. We recommend if you come here take home a few sweet treats from the cabinet. The lemon tart was particularly good.
* Review here.
Kohu Rd Creamery and Cafe
44 Portage Rd, New Lynn
No outdoors area here but there is an icecream bar - serving, of course, the famous Kohu Rd icecream. Follow it with one of their terrific coffees. There is a short menu of open sandwiches, pies, risotto and the like but the main buzz here is definitely the stuff you get in a cone. Recommended: the golden syrup flavour. Divine.
Mecca
85-87 Customs St West, Viaduct Basin
The menu stars the breakfast bruschetta, all your basic vege food groups on a slice, and an excellent eggs bene. The service is swift and child-friendly; if the neighbouring super-yachts aren't enough, crayons and paper are available to keep the tots distracted while you sip your coffee.
Parkside Cafe
775 New North Rd, Mt Albert
If you want to combine a visit to the park for the kids with a leisurely brunch in the sun, this is a good spot to head. With its industrial lampshades, exposed brick walls, art and high ceilings, it's an attractive place to rest for the morning after running around the famous Rocket Park across the road. The food is as good as the vibe.
* Review here.
Takapuna Beach Cafe and Store
The Promenade, Takapuna
Views don't come much finer than this. Find a seat outside (be warned, it's a battle) and you'll never want to leave. The cafe has been well designed to let the outside in and the menu has lots of offerings beyond the standards. And even those are served with rare finesse. We recommend the gelato smoothies and sorbet spritzers. And if you have to wait, enjoy the outlook and think it's cute to see that four-legged friends have their own hitching post and water bowls.
The Falls
Cnr Alderman Dr and Edmonton Rd, Henderson
Set in a beautifully restored hotel built in 1854, this cafe ticks a lot of the boxes. Great seating outside overlooking Falls Park where the kids can run around while you eat and drink and you'll be greeted and seated by a maitre d'. The menu has great variety and the coffee is very good.
* Review here.
The Log Cabin
442 North Rd, Clevedon
Make a beeline for the outdoor tables on the grass in the sunshine, plenty with umbrellas, to make the most of a beautiful day. It's a nice place to stop for a bite to eat before or after a trip to the Clevedon Markets or Maraetai Beach, and worth another visit for dinner.
* Review here.
The Luscious Food Store
547 Te Atatu Rd, Te Atatu Peninsula
The large garden out the back is the drawcard for this place. You can even enjoy your brunch sitting on the mats under the shade of trees if you wish. There's a sandpit, chalkboard wall and even a go-kart to keep the kids entertained. Browse the deli section and counter cabinet or order from the modern menu. Lovely.
Wintergarden Cafe
20 Park Rd, Auckland Domain, Grafton
The cafe's setting overlooking the duck pond is perfect - make sure you sit out on the deck to take in the view. As impressive as the surrounds are, so too is the menu - whipped goat's cheese with serrano ham, butter pears and arugula; kedgeree of smoked hapuku and creamy orzo ... It's a little on the expensive side, but worth it.
* Review here.
Northcote Tavern
37 Queen St, Northcote Pt
There's nothing too crazy on the menu here - don't miss the pan-fried gurnard with hand-made chips and salad. Make an afternoon of it and bring the kids - there's plenty of space for them to run around out in the garden bar and there is even a petanque court. If you want to stay on and have a few drinks, the ferry stops nearby. Northcote Tavern is one of the best pubs in Auckland and has great views to go with its good food.
* Review here.
Out of Auckland
If you would like to travel a bit further for some delish fare, try these.
Jetty Cafe
160 The Esplanade, Petone, Wellington
A great family-friendly spot with one of the best views in Wellington with Matiu/Somes Island directly in front, the CBD over to the right and the picturesque jetty close by. The food is fairly standard but this is a great place to head for a family get-together over summer - and a beach walk afterwards.
* Review here.
Deckchair Cafe
2 Marine Pde, Mt Maunganui
Deckchair is well set out for its summery surrounds. It makes the most of its fantastic beachside location with plenty of outdoor seating. They use fresh local produce too - we recommend you try the delicious green eggs and ham: crumpets with ham, poached eggs and pesto hollandaise. The meals are generous and beautifully presented.
* Review here.
Tay Street Beach Cafe
Cnr Tay St and Marine Pde, Mt Maunganui
Breathe in the sea air and enjoy the excellent food and service. This place is well known for making customers feel welcome - we like that!
* Review here.
Lime Caffeteria
Cnr Fenton and Whakaue St, Rotorua
It can be hard to find a table at peak times, but that's generally the sign of a good cafe. The menu features tasty brunch offerings and the cabinet counter is full of delights such as savoury brioche and elegant cakes. Nearby to parks and the lake.
What do you think of our list? Where are your favourite places to eat brunch?
