It’s like this place was made for me. Everything is meat and dairy free here, including the huge cabinet of sweet treats, like cashew butter blueberry cheese cake!! A cute place to eat in, but they do everything on the menu to takeaway too.

I have been known to travel across town to get this dessert to takeaway. Sago pudding with coconut cream and palm sugar syrup. YUM! Note: Best accompanied with champagne. 

Vegan banana bread and almond milk chai latte. Addicted.

It’s often hard to find a sweet treat when you can’t eat dairy, so when I discovered the dairy free macaroons amongst this goldmine of deliciousness, I ate 3. I have it on good authority that the rest of their cakes are equally tasty, and their cafe menu and counter food are worth the trip too.

Cupcake phenomenon aside, there's something pretty special about a bite sized cake, especially when they come in a box that looks like a flower. But this place isn't all about their mighty good cupcakes. They also do the most amazing bespoke cakes, which come in all shapes, flavours and dietary needs. 

If you love a good bargain, but you're not into trawling through racks to find a gem, Tatty's is a great alternative. Carefully curated vintage and designer second hand goods. I always walk out with something great!

Juliette Hogan makes my kind of clothes. Simple, well made and perfectly fitted. You won't ever regret a purchase from here.

Christina Crabb approaches making clothing a lot like making a piece of art. Her iconic Miss Crabb styles can be worn all year round and never of out of style.

Perfect shoes for every occasion. Classic designs with a playful edge.

Best for drinks with friends through the week.

A great spot for one on one time over a wine or two.

The closest thing to a speak easy this side of the millenium.

Hands down best cocktails in town, made even tastier by the intimate setting and friendly staff that serve them.

Still the best espresso martini in town.

Roger Hunter’s Garden Centre is the jewel of Mangere. Endless rows of botanical bargains and pink wheelbarrows meet you at the gate, and you’ll find Roger onsite taking your money, making you smile and giving out free gardening advice most days of the week.

This is without competition the restaurant I frequent most in Auckland. Most Sunday's I can be found here catching up with friends or family (and on occasion recovering from a few too many drinks the night before). Big communal tables make it super social, it's consistently delicious and service is quick (as long as you're in before 12pm - if you not you risk a long wait on the weekends). On my must try list is the crispy squid, cabbage and combination seafood dumplings and the sago and taro pudding. 

This place is always busy, but the staff are always efficient and attentive with quality results and reasonable prices. A great place to treat yourself to some downtime - pedicure in massage chair with a magazine - heaven!

Vegan banana bread and almond milk chai latte. Addicted.

Consistency is something I rate highly when it comes to food, especially the cheap and cheerful kind. Rasoi is consistently good, with a changing selection of tasty vegetarian and vegan curries, roti rolls and samosas. As far as value for money goes, this place is tops.

Recently discovered this place and can’t get enough of it! Delicious fresh salads, kosher goods and super cute decor.

Hands down the best laksa in Auckland. This small corner restaurant is generally packed, but service is always quick and the food is consistently delicious. The portions are huge too - 2 people can easily share a laksa when eating in (portions are a little smaller when you takeaway, but still bigger than average). Yummmmmmm!

It’s like this place was made for me. Everything is meat and dairy free here, including the huge cabinet of sweet treats, like cashew butter blueberry cheese cake!! A cute place to eat in, but they do everything on the menu to takeaway too.

If you're a fan of industrial decor you'll be like a kid in a candy store at The Vitrine. The owners bring back vintage and antique treasures from their regular European buying trips. If you're looking for a secondhand bargain, you're not going to find it here, but if you're happy to pay for a piece that's truly unique, there'll be plenty that catches your eye. 

If you're a fan of vintage knic knacks and curio, you'll be like a kid in a candy store at this place. They do a good coffee too.

Second hand and vintage treasures await you at this North Shore warehouse. Some rummaging to be done to find a real bargain, but even their more curated selection of goodies come at a resaonable price.