Little & Friday
We love that Little & Friday don't try to reinvent the wheel when it comes to their sweet and savoury treats, opting instead to pull off the classic flavours perfectly. On any given day you might find lemon or ginger loaves, tiered cakes made with berries or chocolate, tarts topped with seasonal fruit, and gallettes piled high with roasted vegetables. Cosy up with a handmade mug of coffee or one of their lovely teas by Fine and Dandy chamomile and cinnamon would be our winter pick. Take home something from the jars brimming with cookies and toffee brittle, or one of their infamous raspberry cream doughnuts. Afterwards. check out Newmarket's array of boutiques and stores.
11 McColl St, Newmarket
Pah Homestead
Since taking over the Wallace Arts Centre cafe last year, Homestead has garnered a reputation for their sweet and savoury house-made crumpets. Their latest black doris plum creation alone is enough of a reason to visit this Hillsborough spot. Other menu picks include slow-cooked mushrooms with polenta, shallots and salsa verde for breakfast, or mirin-cured salmon with farro, preserved olive leaf and pickled ginger for lunch.
Work up an appetite by browsing through the exhibitions that are on at the adjacent gallery run by the James Wallace Arts Trust. Until September, each of the Wallace Art Award's Paramount Winners are on show, providing a journey through the highlights of New Zealand's contemporary art scene. If it's a nice day, head out into the grounds and nearby park for some fresh air.
72 Hillsborough Rd, Hillsborough
Paris Butter
Nick Honeyman's French bistro is known for its classic French fare and is perfect for a fancy dinner or brunch, without the intimidation factor. There's a sommelier on hand to talk you through any questions you might have about the wine list, and if you visit for brunch you'll find enticing options such as salmon gravlax with slow scrambled eggs and mustard creme fraiche, or truffled fromage blanc omelette, frisee (chicory) salad.
For dinner, choose between spinach and goat's cheese ravioli with heirloom tomatoes and olives, duck pie with mushroom and leek, or braised beef cheek with truffle jus and pomme puree. Of course there's also the steak eye fillet with Paris butter, and many classic French desserts to pick from as well.
166 Jervois Rd, Herne Bay
Pasta & Cuore
Handmade pasta is the main drawcard to this inviting and authentic Italian restaurant, but its charcuterie board with soft cheese and tigelle (a small round flat bread served hot off the iron) is a delicious option too. It makes some of the city's most delicious comfort food think tagliatelle with classic bolognese beef ragout or baked Roman semolina gnocchi with pecorino and parmigiano, butter and sage.
If you're wanting to organise something extra special, book a spot in one of its pasta workshops and learn the secret to making perfect pasta at home. Or, if you're feeling inspired, head over the road to the award-winning Time Out Bookstore and pore over a few Italian recipe books filled with even more delicious ideas.
409 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden
High Tea at Cornwall Park Bistro
We were delighted to find out Cornwall Park Bistro does a good old-fashioned high tea every day. Its menu includes bite-sized sandwiches filled with pulled turkey, radish and herbed butter there's also tartare of salmon or a cucumber, egg chive and sorrel option while the sweet-toothed can dig into fresh scones with clotted cream and jam, vanilla panna cotta, or handmade Turkish delights and macarons.
Of course, the tea selection is vast, with 10 varieties on offer. Just lovely. Bookings are essential, visit Cornwallparkeateries.com.
Michael Horton Drive, Cornwall Park, Epsom
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Held on Saturday and Sunday mornings, this market is the most delectable way to start your weekend. There are fresh breads and pastries galore, alongside artisan cheeses, preserves, fresh produce, or cooking ingredients. Choose something fresh and hot (maybe some authentic crepes, or even paella) and sit down to enjoy the market's friendly, buzzing atmosphere.
There's bound to be more to choose from than you can polish off for breakfast, so be sure to pick a few things for a leisurely afternoon tea at home too. From here, it's also only a 10-minute walk to Parnell's pretty Rose Garden.
69 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell
Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery
If you're up for a little adventure out west, swing by Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Art Gallery, which has a constant stream of intriguing exhibitions. We sometimes have trouble making it past the gift shop, which is filled with ceramic treasures and beautiful jewellery, but leave some time to climb the gallery's bright yellow staircases for beautiful views of Titirangi.
You'll also have plenty to talk about over coffee if you head to one of the local cafes the newest being Park Road Kitchen, which has a packed cabinet of salads and lunch options. Other local favourites include Stripe Cafe (the coffee is brilliant) and Deco Eatery if you're after something a little more refined.
420 Titirangi Rd, Titirangi
Honey Bones
Grandma will be ahead of the game if you treat her to brunch at this Grey Lynn eatery as it's only been open a few weeks. Relax and admire Honey Bones' impeccable fit-out and specially made ceramics while your coffee makes its way to you. Try the smoked sardines with whipped manchego, orange coriander and radish on sourdough (yes, it looks as impressive as it sounds). The humble bowl of porridge gets a makeover, it's made with buckwheat and adorned with black doris plum, berries, chia cooked with coconut milk.
Our pick just might be the Turkish poached eggs with yoghurt tahini, mushrooms, harissa oil and crisp sage, served with toasted sourdough.
480 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn
