Baked goods are our weakness, and that extends to a chewy sourdough, a doughnut filled with light-as-air creme patissiere, or a croissant filled with almond paste. We’re particularly partial however, to ones involving flavorful and sweet aspects.
If you’re in the same club, you’ll have likely hunted out your favourite spot to meet your cravings. Hip, creative patisseries and bakeries are absolutely everywhere in many bustling cities (Sydney has particularly good ones) but just in case you’d like to extend your options, we’re sharing our favourite spots in Auckland.
Daily Bread
10 locations across Auckland
We know you’ll be familiar with one of the city’s most popular bakery destinations, but what to try once you get there? Daily Bread’s offering is similar across its 10 locations (plus you can get most things delivered!) so you can always find your favourites. For us? It’s all about the dense, nutty hazelnut croissants and hazelnut pain au chocolat with a decent hunk of Valrhona dark milk chocolat inside. A close second? The ring-shaped cinnamon & brown butter doughnut.
Beabea’s
160 Garnet Rd, Westmere
The place for those in the know, there is plenty of chat around town about this bakery’s incredible hot cross buns around Easter time, but the real ones know it’s all about their classic iced bun. We love the set up, with each day’s offering lined up on the counter ready for your perusal (and Instagram photos).
Cinnamon Squared
41 Victoria Street West, Auckland central
Taking the current obsession with cinnamon rolls to the next level, Cinnamon Squared offers delectable buns made with organic Ceylon cinnamon, premium butter, and high-quality milk. Go for a classic or get sticky with one of their limited-edition iced flavours, updated daily.
Vaniyé Patisserie
1/7 Windsor St, Parnell and 2/15 Fleming St, Onehunga
Turning sweet treats into edible fine art, award-winning Vaniyé Patisserie is the place to go if you really want to impress your guests. The flavours are just as beautiful as the outside appearance, created with traditional French dessert and pastry techniques. Not such a sweet tooth? There are also divine savoury tarts and filled baguettes on offer.
Fort Greene
327 Karangahape Road, Auckland central
We’ve been known to dream about the crisp, buttery flakes of Fort Greene croissants, which are absolute perfection all on their own. However, if you’re hungry, get the breakfast croissant with scrambled eggs, Moroccan ketchup and greens, and if you’re a fan of sweet, you cannot miss the limited-edition pastries. Recent examples include the chocolate cremeaux, Nutella and praline cruffin and citrus ricotta and pistachio croissoli.
Mibo Bakery
Classic favourites plus weekly specials offering unique and delicious new combinations? We’re in! You might be lucky to find a spot to eat at busy times, but that only goes to show the locals (and those that travel just for these delights) know a good thing when they find it.
