Sweetest spots in Porirua

It’s an unassuming destination worth searching for. An industrial corner of Plimmerton houses a tasty, cosy bakery.

Urban Bake House might be most famous for its fresh loaves and pies, but its sweet goods have a strong fan base as well. In the cabinets you’ll find Danish pastries, cakes, muffins, quiches, and sandwiches. Classic croissants and cinnamon scrolls share shelf space with more decadent creations. Treat yourself to a chocolate almond croissant or macarons. Those with dietary requirements are covered, too. Urban Bake House has cakes, bread and pastries that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

It’s a spot by the beach that hits the right spot. The Cake Café Plimmerton has your sweet tooth covered. In addition to beautiful custom cakes made to order the café produces much sought-after cupcakes. Mum and daughter team Cate and Natalie bake up a cupcake storm with every flavour imaginable. There are also cheesecakes, brownies, cookie sandwiches, and a savoury selection, too. You’ll be spoilt for choice.

There’s a micro-bakery hidden away in Whitby. The Regal Shortbread Co. has become a household name in the area. As you would expect, shortbread cookies are the drawcard but there are plenty of other treats to entice you. Scones, tortes, croissants, and pies are regular cabinet fixtures along with gingernut biscuits and South African milk tart. The shop has an environmental conscience, too. All the packaging is home compostable, and there’s a cup library if you forget your reusable cup.

It’s on good authority that Local Authority is a popular Porirua café. This pocket-sized coffee spot punches above its weight, delivering an excellent array of sweet eats. For breakfast you can have sweet porridges and a toast menu with both sweet and savoury options. The doughnuts and bliss balls keep the locals coming back for more too. For drinks there are smoothies and People’s Coffee provides the beans for your hot drink. The cabinets do cater for the savoury-minded as well — the jalapeno cheese scones being one standout.

With views out to Ivey Bay and Porirua Harbour, Little Green Olive provides an oasis for those travelling through Mana. Consisting of a refurbished shipping container sitting on a large wooden decking, the café is an innovative design. Its striking green colour is a big nod to its name and benches and outside tables provide relaxed seating for customers.
Little Green Olive focuses on sustainability. Local producers supply ingredients and packaging and waste are kept to a minimum. There are also plenty of unprocessed foods on the menu and heaps of fruit and vegetables.

A popular place for the Titahi Bay community and beyond, t bay café is a great place to meet for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and drinks. A full breakfast and lunch menu is complimented by a cabinet packed with fresh baking. The team makes all the food fresh and in-house using locally sourced ingredients.

From Thursday to Saturday t bay café opens late to serve delicious pizzas. The chefs have been working behind the scenes to concoct Neapolitan-style pizza. It’s also fully licensed and independent so there is a wide selection of beer and wine to choose from.