Regionals dominate NZ Cafe of the Year comp

All of the finalists in the Cafe of the Year comp are from regional NZ.Photo / Thinkstock

About 400 small eateries across the country have come up with their best bacon and bean recipe in a bid to take out the title of New Zealand's Cafe of the Year.

A public poll of more than 20,000 people has narrowed them down to a top 15 - all from regional New Zealand.

In its very first year, entrants had to come up with their best bacon and beans recipe to tie in with the competition's sponsors.

A panel of judges, hand picked by the Restaurant Association of NZ, will now head to each establishment to consider appearance, atmosphere, service, meals and overall experience. A winner will be crowned on November 12 and will feature on TV segment, Food in a Minute.

Finalists:

Upper North Island: Chocolate Brown (Warkworth), Urban Soul (Botany, Auckland) and Paper Moon (Mairangi Bay, Auckland).

Central North Island: Bosco Café (Te Kuiti), Capers Café (Rotorua) and Corogate Café (Thames).

Lower North Island: Mega Café (Masterton), Café Ahuriri (Napier) and Macfarlanes Café (Inglewood)

Upper South Island: Maggies Kitchen (Greymouth), Artisan by Rangiora Bakery (Rangiora) and Luciano Espresso Bar (Christchurch).

Lower South Island: The Roost Cafe (Oamaru), Jagz of Village Green (Invercargill) and The Green Room Café (Gore).

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