The Best Places for Dessert in Auckland

Tucked between a small alleyway in the Britomart precinct, Milse has been delighting dessert lovers with its unique creations since 2013. Along with a remarkable selection of gelato sticks and cabinet treats, their decadent à la carte menu offers an interesting blend of flavours. If you’re trawling the suburban streets with a group of like-minded sugar addicts, make sure to try out Milse’s tasting menu.

Giapo is a seasoned dessert institution in Auckland – and a definite must for all sweet-tooth travellers passing through the city. Their gourmet gelato offerings are always changing and evolving, so no one visit will ever be the same. The cozy parlour is always bustling with locals and tourists, but the sensory experience is worth the wait – their lovely staff will give you taste samples, and a full walk through of their flavours before you settle on your icy treat.

With a name that means ‘to crave’ in Gaelic, this delectable restaurant knows the dessert game inside and out. In fact, co-founder and chef Brian Campbell has been in the patisserie business for several years – he even did a brief stint at the aforementioned Milse. Miann’s colourful gourmet treats include gelato cakes, petit gateaux, bonbons, gelato sticks, and high-end à la carte selections.

With multiple establishments in Auckland, Little and Friday is a local favourite for sweet indulgences and bakery goodies. They’re renowned for their delicious doughnuts, though any item on their menu will keep you satisfied. A varied selection of cakes, tarts and slices make a tasteful appearance among their offerings.

Chocoholics will fall in love with this classic boutique café at the heart of Parnell Village. Their incredible menu boasts and array of chocolate-filled treats – and they have their fill of gluten and dairy free options too. And if you’re new to New Zealand cuisine, this café can also introduce you to the ever-traditional pavlova.

We’re spoiling you for choice when it comes to chocolate selections. If you’re soaking up the beautiful beaches along the North Shore, make sure to grab yourself a treat from this sweet Takapuna café. Belgium chocolate cakes, banana split ice cream, blueberry marscapone waffles, and gooey chocolate puddings are just some of their incredible offerings.

What’s not to love about a cookie cafe and milk bar? True to convention, Moustache’s freshly baked goodies include classic cookies, cookie cakes, giant cookies, and vegan treats. If you need something extra sweet to wash everything down, you can also order milkshakes, hot coffee or a simple glass of cold milk.

Take your tastebuds on a Parisian patisserie journey with this delightful boutique dessert paradise. Macarons, madeleines, gluten-free almond friands, cappuccino chocolate mousses and a trove of French patisserie staples are among Vaniyé’s delicious indulgences. This classy establishment also caters for those suffering from nut allergies.

Colourful cupcakes, macarons, cakes and cheesecakes welcome you into this lovely Hillsbourough café. The brainchild of Karla Goodwin, Bluebells Cakery has been treating locals with its sweet bakery sensations for over three years. Freshly made doughnuts are available during the week, too – you’ll have a choice between salted caramel or raspberry filling.

Freshly made waffles, an incredible range of gelato and sorbet flavours, and monstrous milkshakes – those are some of the exquisite desserts that await Casa del Gelato’s visitors. They started out in Ponsbonby, and have since expanded to multiple locations. If you have a big appetite, definitely try one of their freakshakes – it’ll be a feast for the eyes as well as a treat for your tastebuds.