We’ve found ourselves coming back to Giraffe a few times now — always in the morning, before the harbour gets busy. It’s one of those spots that just works perfectly for breakfast: calm, bright, and with that peaceful buzz that only the waterfront has before the city properly wakes up.

The restaurant sits right on the edge of the Viaduct, and in the early hours, the view really shines. Boats are still, the water catches the light, and the air feels fresh with just a hint of sea breeze. Inside, Giraffe feels relaxed — modern décor, wooden tones, and big windows that let the sunlight spill through. It’s not flashy or loud, which is probably why we keep coming back. It’s the sort of place where you can start the day slowly, with a coffee in hand and a view that makes you feel like you’re on holiday, even if you’re not.

The coffee is always consistent — smooth, strong, and served quickly. Staff seem to know their regulars, and even when it’s busy, service stays warm and easy-going. You never feel rushed, which makes a difference when you’re not quite ready to jump into the day yet.

The breakfast menu has a good balance — enough variety to feel interesting, but not so big that it’s overwhelming. We’ve tried a few different dishes over our visits:

The eggs benedict is a favourite — perfectly poached eggs, creamy hollandaise, and generous servings of smoked salmon or bacon.
The smashed avocado on sourdough comes piled high, with just the right hit of lemon and spice.
On cooler mornings, the porridge with fruit compote is comforting and nicely presented, not overly sweet like some versions can be.
And for something a bit heartier, the Giraffe big breakfast is just what you’d expect — classic, well-cooked, and satisfying without being greasy.

It’s clear the kitchen takes care with the food — everything arrives well-plated, hot, and fresh. The ingredients taste local, and while it’s definitely not the cheapest breakfast in Auckland, you can taste the quality.

One thing we’ve noticed is how calm the staff make the space feel. Even when the tables fill up, there’s never that chaotic café energy. They’re friendly but give you space — perfect for sitting with the morning paper, chatting quietly, or planning the day ahead.

If you sit outside, you get a front-row seat to the harbour. It’s a great spot for people-watching — joggers, dog walkers, and boats heading out for the day. On cooler mornings, the staff are quick to offer blankets or adjust the heaters, which is a nice touch.

If there’s one small thing we’ve noticed, it’s that service can occasionally take a little longer once it gets close to lunchtime, especially if a larger group arrives. But in the mornings, when the pace is slower, it’s never been an issue for us.

After breakfast, it’s nice to take a short walk along the water before the crowds and midday heat roll in. Giraffe feels like the right kind of place to start that sort of day — relaxed, good coffee, and views that make you pause for a minute before heading off.

It’s become one of those reliable favourites for us — not because it’s fancy or trendy, but because it feels consistent. You know the coffee will be good, the food will arrive just as it should, and you’ll leave feeling like the day’s already off to a good start.

For anyone staying near the Viaduct or just looking for a calm, quality breakfast spot in the city, Giraffe is well worth the stop.