For some, dessert will always be the true main event of a meal. And for those people, there’s good news - there are more establishments dedicated to the sweet-toothed masses than ever, with bars and cafes concentrating on delicate or decadent desserts in a variety of ways. We take a look at the dining spots which allow customers to skip straight to the sweet course.
Milse, Auckland
The City of Sails has a flourishing dessert scene, with Milse – found in the heart of Britomart – one of the most popular destinations for devotees of dessert.
And it’s not hard to see why.
Customers can choose to dine in or take a sweet treat away, with tempting tarts, gateaux, verrines and other concoctions on display that need to be seen (and tasted) to be believed.
And for the true dessert lovers, there is Milse’s famous three-course degustation menu, the ultimate in after-dinner indulgence.
Found at 27 Tyler Street, Britomart, Auckland
Miann, Auckland
Not far from Milse is another of the city’s new dessert strongholds, Miann, on Fort Street.
Miann means “to desire or crave” in Scottish Gaelic, and it’s a feeling easily brought on when faced with their colourful variety of pastries, macarons, eclairs, gateaux and intricate chocolate creations.
During the week, the restaurant and patisserie is open from 8am until late, meaning punters can indulge their sweet tooth any time it may hit.
Found at 57 Fort Street, Auckland CBD
Sky Café, Auckland
Those who prefer a world-class view alongside their dessert would be wise to head to Sky Café, found 182 metres up the Sky Tower
The café’s Cold Rock is a popular feature, where customers can create their own blend of three Kapiti ice-cream flavours and toppings. They can also get their ice-cream hit by simply adding a scoop of it to the sweet treats on the a la carte menu.
And the café offers the best of both dessert worlds, with a cracking selection of cheeseboards, featuring Kapiti’s award-winning cheeses. Together with a glass of wine and a bird’s-eye view of Auckland, it’s a tough combination to beat.
Found at The Sky Tower, Corner of Federal and Victoria Streets
Louis Sergeant Sweet Couture, Wellington
Wellingtonians can enjoy a little piece of Paris when looking for their daytime sweet treat in the city.
The cabinets at Louis Sergeant Sweet Couture are bursting with beautifully made eclairs, macarons, pralines and other French pastry concoctions.
The café also offers brunch and lunch options, but it’s those tasty sweet morsels, paired with an exquisitely brewed cup of tea, that sets it apart.
Found at 146 Featherston Street, Wellington
Strawberry Fare, Wellington
An oldie, but a popular goodie, Wellington’s Strawberry Fare does have brunch and light meals on its menu, but its real focus is dessert – and it’s the reason customers keep going back.
The desserts are more in the classic category than the high-art creations found elsewhere, but it is the comfort of a delicious cheesecake, crème brulee or sticky date pudding that ensures a loyal following.
Found at 25 Kent Terrace, Mt Victoria, Wellington
Strawberry Fare, Christchurch
Strawberry Fare is also the name of a popular spot for dessert in Christchurch.
Again, its loyal following is built on the classic desserts on offer, such as dreamy cheesecakes and tiramisu. And its entire menu section dedicated to sweet treats of the chocolate variety no doubt keeps customers coming through the doors.
Found at 19 Bealey Avenue, Merivale, Christchurch
Little Boutique Dessert Company, Dunedin
Further south, dessert connoisseurs can sate their sweet cravings at this establishment operating out of Angus Restaurant in Dunedin.
Specialising in designer cakes and luxury desserts, these after-dinner treats almost look too good to eat.
Found at 7A St Andrew Street, Dunedin