Anyone who dabbled in the ‘lockdown sourdough’ trend will know how much work really goes into making just one loaf, but thanks to Auckland’s many skilled bakers who rise for work when most of us are still slumbering, the calibre (and quantity) of goods available at our fingertips is higher than ever. While our collective appetite for delicious baked goods shows no signs of waning, ordering online or stopping by for click and collect takeaways is a great way to support your local bakeries at this time.
The 2021 Denizen Everyday Heroes survey saw over 12,000 votes cast in support of local businesses during these challenging times, with the aim of shining a light on the people and places that make every day a little bit better. From independent, family-run outposts to prolific sourdough slingers, here are Auckland’s best-loved bakeries as voted by you.
MOST VOTED: Amano, Britomart
Not just a delicious all-day eatery with some of the best pasta and burrata in town, Amano also boasts a bakery window that draws in hungry crowds seven days a week. Celebrating the finest European baking traditions, you’ll find loaves of sourdough and ciabatta sitting alongside pastries, cakes, tarts and some of the tastiest sandwiches around. Croissants are also a speciality, with the irresistibly flaky almond croissant a must-try.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Daily Bread, Citywide
Since opening its first outpost in Point Chevalier in early 2018, Daily Bread has pursued excellence in the realm of artisanal baked goods. As well as being home to some of the best sourdough in town, its other treats (think cheese twists, cardamom morning buns, and various fruit danishes) add yet another reason to visit one of its six locations around the city.
HONOURABLE MENTION: Crafty Baker, Titirangi & Glen Eden
This artisan, family-run bakery is a firm favourite for not only its superior baked goods but also its overall approach. All its products are made from scratch with quality ingredients, including organic dairy, free-range eggs, natural vegetable or fruit-based colourings and seasonal produce. Crafty Baker’s sourdough is a particular highlight, thanks to its 15-year-old starter.
The rest of the best…
Little & Friday, Ponsonby & Newmarket
Wild Wheat, Citywide
The Baker’s Cottage, Kingsland
Bread & Butter, Grey Lynn, Ponsonby & Milford
La Voie Française, Mt Roskill
Tart Bakery, Grey Lynn & Commercial Bay
The Dusty Apron, St Johns
4&20, Remuera
Fort Greene, Karangahape Road
Olaf’s Artisan Bakery, Mt Eden
Saigon Pasadena Bakery, Point Chevalier
La Petite Fourchette, Auckland CBD & Wynyard Quarter
The Midnight Baker, Mount Eden
The Real Bread Project, Helensville
Mizu Bread, Eden Terrace
Pandoro Bakery, Citywide
Hong Kong Bakery, Mangere
