Commercial Bay has quietly become one of the city centre’s most reliable destinations for a well-timed treat, with a roster of sweet options that go well beyond the obvious. Here’s where to direct your afternoon cravings.
Gloria’s
There’s a reason the queue at Gloria’s never quite disappears. The cookies, baked fresh daily in flavours that range from burnt butter dark chocolate to caramelised white chocolate macadamia and triple choc, arrive warm, soft in the centre, and dangerously easy to finish before you’ve reached the escalator. Sharing is technically an option, though not one we would recommend.
Bluebell’s Cakery
Bluebell’s cupcake of the month is a Biscoff affair, and a persuasive one at that. A vegan chocolate base comes filled with Biscoff spread, topped with a cream cheese icing that leans heavily into that distinctive caramelised spice, and finished with a biscuit crunch and a shard of dark chocolate. Plant-based, yes. Restrained, absolutely not.
Doe Donuts
Doe Donuts has made a name for itself by turning familiar desserts into doughnut form, and doing it with real finesse. The current roster includes a crème brûlée number with torched sugar shell and vanilla crème pâtisserie, alongside an Oreo cream edition that leans into everything you want from that combination. Each one is handcrafted, generously filled, and gone far too quickly.
J’aime les Macarons
What started at a Christchurch farmers market over 14 years ago has become one of New Zealand’s most reliable macaron destinations, and their Commercial Bay outpost brings a genuine taste of Parisian pâtisserie to the waterfront. The classics hold their own (Salted Butter Caramel and Bitter Chocolate are as good as you’d hope), but it’s the seasonal creations that keep regulars coming back: think Feijoa Custard Crumble and Sticky Date Pudding. The hazelnut, espresso and milk chocolate cookie is also well worth your attention.
Burger Burger
The mini doughnuts at Burger Burger deserve more attention than a side-order billing suggests. Warm, soft, dusted in cinnamon sugar, and served alongside salted caramel sauce and whipped cream for dipping, they’re the kind of sweet afterthought that quietly becomes the highlight of the meal.
Best Ugly Bagels
For those who prefer their sweetness with a little less theatre, Best Ugly delivers. Raspberry jam and cream cheese layered into a freshly baked bagel, simple, satisfying, and the sort of thing that proves you don’t need a pastry case to qualify as a proper treat.
Good Dog Bad Dog
If you’ve never had a fried Oreo, this is your moment. Good Dog Bad Dog takes the biscuit, batters it, and fries it until the outside is golden and crisp while the centre goes soft and molten with chocolate. It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t require justification, just commitment.
Mokki
For something on the lighter, brighter end of the spectrum, Mokki deals in ceremonial-grade matcha and organic soft serve açaí bowls packed with antioxidants. The classic matcha latte is a study in calm energy, while the strawberry matcha, made with real fruit puree, leans into something more vibrant. For those after a genuine treat, the Matchamisu Latte is worth the detour. Nourishing, refreshing, and a welcome counterpoint to everything else on this list.
