Get to the Point

COFFEE TO WAKE THE DEAD

First started in Te Atatu, this Brazilian roastery is so popular it's expanded to include three coffee shops, with one smack bang in the middle of Pt Chevalier Rd. You can't miss it — it's bright red. The coffee there is just as fiery: choose from a range of four roasts, including organic, but if you're feeling particularly bleary, their Road Runner roast is billed as "the strongest coffee in the world".

198 Pt Chevalier Rd, anastasiscoffee.com

DAILY BREAD

If you walk along Great North Rd wondering where Daily Bread is, don't worry, you're not the only one. It's in the old unassuming bank building. Walk up the steps and into bakery heaven: there are pies in the warmer, racks of sourdough behind the counter and cabinets full of doughnuts and pains au chocolat. The coffee comes with housebrand hazelnut milk — and stick around to watch Daily Bread's bakers doing their thing. It can be hypnotic.

1210 Great North Rd, dailybread.co.nz

FRANCESCA'S PIZZERIA

The pizzas at Francesca's Pizzeria are authentic, of that there is no doubt. "This is fantastic, authentic, wood-fired pizza," we wrote when we reviewed it last year. They also do a nice array of pasta and gnocchi. It also has rave reviews from a wide base of loyal customers. "Possibly the best pizza in Auckland," says one Google reviewer. But, if you're ordering takeaways, be warned that there's often a bit of a wait, but one that's worth it.

201 Pt Chevalier Rd, (09) 846 5303