Your guide to the best of the big players and hidden haunts of Ōtautahi’s café scene. After a killer cup of joe or a silky smooth latte? Cityscape has done the rounds to bring you up to date on the city’s café scene, from the latest hotspots bringing some serious international cool through to those with legendary status.

1. Black & White Coffee Origins
Pretty much everything at this micro-roaster is made on site, from the cakes, muffins, pastries and sandwiches, to the coffee roasted by the café’s own roast master. Best for… in-house roast.

2. Black Betty
The flagship café of Switch Espresso, this is an excellent choice for brunch and a perfectly brewed coffee. Best for… stocking up on brewing gear.

3. Bunsen
The Arts Centre’s own alchemy lab, where the baristas are pros at many different espresso and soft brew methods. Best for… trying something new.

4. Café Stir
You’ll be served quickly and with a smile here, but that won’t stop you from wanting to linger at a sunny outdoor table, enjoying an always-interesting view of New Regent Street and all its bustle. Best for… people watching.

5. The Caffeine Laboratory
Seriously good java (courtesy of Lyttelton Coffee Co.) is the order of the day at the two-storey charms of this delightful New Regent Street fave. Best for… a bit of quirk.

6. Christchurch Adventure Park Café & Bar
This mountain biking, ziplining and walking park has its own coffee offering, serving light meals and bar snacks perfect for refuelling after sending a trail. Best for… recovery.

7. Child Sister
A very cool building and amazing food – specialising in light brekkie, eggs bene, and brunch with a little something different. Best for… Korean fusion-inspired brunch.

8. Lux Espresso
Seasonally inspired food is the star here, with fresh salads and sandwiches alongside smoothies or freshly squeezed juices. It’s also in prime position in the CoCA Centre of Contemporary Art. Best for… artistic inspiration

9. Frank’s Café
A Linwood institution. Frank’s provides great service and delicious Kiwi fare that keeps people coming back. Famous for its brunch menu, quality cabinet food, burgers and pizzas. Best for… food you’ve always loved.

10. Espresso Studio by Fushoken
This small hole-in-the-wall espresso bar serves its black gold from a lane window, putting out Tokyo-cool vibes right by Riverside Market. Best for… caffeinating your market shopping.

11. Hello Sunday
This former Sunday school in Elgin Street, Sydenham, houses a multi-award-winning brunch and daytime dining hotspot turning out inspired eats. Best for… smashed avo. Millennial style.

12. Little Pom’s
Tasty and nutritious fare that features house-made nut butters and go-to brunch offerings served alongside craft beers, wine, and local Allpress Espresso. Best for… a beer with your brunch.

13. MADE Espresso Bar
Residing in a building designed by Christchurch architects Warren and Mahoney, this café opens right up to the street, making it a great spot to settle in on a warm day. Best for… a before-work pick-me-up.

14. Miro
Francesca Voza’s brilliant culinary venture housed in the former Caffe Roma site. Sip on signature breakfast cocktails and enjoy eats from the old-skool grill. Best for… a bit of Christchurch coffee history.

15. Mitchelli’s Café Rinato
The former Poplar Lane staple is settled into its reborn home in The Tannery. Best for… breakfast served on proper Italian-style ciabatta.

16. The Pantry at Mona Vale
The perfect scenery for a wander, a meal, or a famous Mona Vale High Tea featuring sandwiches, cheese, scones, tarts and top-notch tea or coffee. Best for… water features.

17. taste @ twenty
A little bit fresh produce store, a little bit community hub, and plenty of cabinet food and perfectly-brewed Hummingbird Coffee to have on the hop. Best for… stocking up for a Port Hills picnic.

18. Town Tonic
The bistro-style open kitchen lets diners experience the action as the culinary team work their magic. The food is complemented by fine wine, craft beer, cocktails and gin menu. Best for… watching what you eat (literally).

19. Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters
Effortless cool prevails here, where the crew roast their own specialty beans and bang out amazing shredded-beef flatbread. Best for… coming again and again to sample everything.

20. Untouched World Kitchen
A delectable menu full to bursting with sweet and savoury treats for vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, gluten free or raw diets, presented with a touch of fine artistry. Best for… exotic plant-based options.

Bonus... The Coffee Monster
OK so it’s not a café, but this monster probably supplies a bunch of the cafés you love. The Coffee Monster is a coffee educator, roaster, blender and brewer that hooks Christchurch establishments up with quality coffee beans and cold brew. Best for… learning how to make a killer cuppa.

Check out our guide to the best cafés for brunch in Christchurch.