The Best Cafes in Newmarket

We’re a bit spoilt for choice when it comes to the food scene in the inner city Auckland suburb of Newmarket. If you’re in the area and not sure what to try next, here are my top 5 cafe recommendations that all do amazing food and coffee!

Bambina

Bambina cafe is well known to Aucklanders for their pretty plating of brunch dishes making it a very Instagrammable brunch spot. Since mangoes are in season currently, I tried their new Mango Sticky Rice Pudding recently and it was the perfect sweet + fruity brunch dish.

I also recommend the Thai Beef Salad which is so fresh and flavourful with perfectly cooked steak throughout. Other dishes that I’m very keen to try are the Banoffee French Toast and Garlic Prawn Spaghetti.

Find them at 3/25 Teed Street, Newmarket, Auckland 1023

Garland Iced Mocha at Bambina Cafe

The Candy Shop

This gem always has a line of people queuing for a table on the weekends and it’s pretty easy to see why, the food here is delicious. They offer classic brunch dishes as well as some with an Asian influence like the Mahn-Doo and Omurice. I also highly recommend their Eggs Benedict, it’s definitely on another level compared to other eggs benny’s around Auckland.

The cafe space is cosy but that’s what adds to it’s charm, it’s especially nice sitting outside in the courtyard area which has a bit of a European feel to it. And what’s better if you’re still somehow hungry, Duck Island is right next door to satisfy any cravings for icecream!

Find them at 2/8 Osborne Street, Newmarket, Auckland 1023

Gilli Cafe

With a very spacious and modern interior, Gilli Cafe has become my go to cafe in Newmarket to enjoy my morning coffee and get some work done. It seems to be a go to spot for workers at nearby offices to have meetings too. It’s a relaxing, comfortable space with good coffee and they even have a range of the popular OKO desserts too (these are the best cakes to treat yourself!)

The only dish I’ve tried from the menu so far is the Smashed Avo which was very enjoyable with the almond dukkah and balsamic glaze. There’s a few more dishes I’m keen to try here, especially the Homemade Peanut Butter Granola and the Cajun Chicken Burger.

Find them at 143 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland 1023

Oat Flat White at Gilli Cafe

L’affare

L’affare is a pioneer of New Zealand’s coffee culture so when I stumbled upon their cafe in Newmarket I knew it was going to be good. The company’s mission is to bring the best and freshest coffee to New Zealanders so it’s safe to say you won’t have a bad coffee here.

In terms of the food, I’ve had brunch here a couple of times now and since I enjoy trying brunch dishes that are a bit different, my favourite dish here is the Black Rice Porridge. It’s a very well balanced dish in terms of flavour + texture, really love the sweetness of the mango. The Cornbread French Toast is another winning dish for all the sweet tooth’s out there.

I also find the service here to better than most other cafes in Auckland where staff are very attentive and the food comes out quickly. Overall, L’affare is great brunch spot where it’s hard to fault anything!

Find them at 22 Melrose Street, Newmarket, Auckland 1023

Leafe Cafe

Undoubtedly the best mall cafe that New Zealand has to offer, Leafe is little oasis when you need a break from shopping. With lots of greenery and indoor plants, it’s a relaxing environment to enjoy brunch.

I always end up ordering the Mexican Omelette as it’s just so tasty but there are lots of other dishes I’m yet to try -the Buttermilk Chicken Burger and Blueberry French Toast both sound amazing.

My favourite drink here is the Kumara Latte. I wasn’t sure what to expect but it was smooth, perfectly sweet with a prominent kumara flavour. I hope more cafes around NZ will add this drink to the menu, it’s like comfort in a cup.

Find them inside Westfield at Level 2/277 Broadway, Newmarket, 1023

Iced Matcha Latte at Leafe Cafe