Back to work? 6 perfect lunch spots Across Aotearoa

Best for: Executive meetings and business lunches

Tucked away in Hamilton East on Grey Street, Sentinel Cafe has earned a reputation as the go-to spot for Waikato's business community. What sets this café apart is its exceptional coffee paired with thoughtfully crafted breakfast, brunch, and lunch menus that cater to busy professionals.

The real drawcard for work lunches? Sentinel offers executive meeting rooms for hire, making it the perfect venue when you need to combine a quality meal with a productive discussion. Their catering service is equally impressive if you're hosting in-office. Open Monday to Friday from 7am to 3pm, the hours align perfectly with the working week.

Why we chose this: The combination of excellent Modern NZ cuisine, dedicated meeting facilities, and weekday-focused hours makes Sentinel an ideal choice for Hamilton professionals looking to impress clients or catch up with colleagues.

Best for: Team lunches and client entertaining

There's a reason Wellington loves Charley Noble – and it's not just the spectacular fire pit cooking. This vibrant waterfront eatery has become a capital city institution, earning a coveted Hat in the Cuisine Good Food Awards and recognition for their outstanding drinks list.

The open kitchen concept means you can watch the talented team prepare your food over unique fire pits, creating a dining experience that's as entertaining as it is delicious. With weekday lunch service running from 11:30am to 3pm, it's perfectly positioned for those longer business lunches where you want to make an impression.

Why we chose this: Award-winning food, theatrical presentation, and a buzzing atmosphere make Charley Noble the ideal venue when you want your work lunch to feel special. Perfect for celebrating team wins or wooing important clients.

Best for: Creative meetings and corporate events

Set within Dunedin's historic Warehouse Precinct, this purpose-built establishment combines outstanding café dining with impressive function facilities. The repurposed warehouse building provides a unique backdrop that sparks creativity – perfect for those brainstorming sessions or team planning days.

Precinct Food's team of chefs and hospitality specialists take genuine pride in creating food experiences that exceed expectations. Their modern menu showcases fresh, delicious fare, while their licensed café space offers the flexibility for both casual catch-ups and more formal business occasions.

Why we chose this: The combination of innovative cuisine, atmospheric heritage setting, and dedicated function space makes Precinct Food a standout choice for Dunedin professionals seeking something beyond the ordinary.

Best for: Corporate meetings and quick business lunches

Located on First Avenue in Tauranga's CBD, Alimento Eatery delivers exactly what busy professionals need: great coffee, great food, and great service, all wrapped up in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

What makes Alimento particularly appealing for work lunches is their thoughtful café layout, specifically designed to accommodate corporate meetings. The friendly and professional staff ensure your guests are well looked after, whether you're hosting a quick catch-up or a more substantial working lunch. Their Modern NZ menu includes excellent vegetarian options, making it easy to cater to diverse dietary requirements.

Why we chose this: Purpose-built for business groups with professional service and a layout that works for meetings – Alimento understands what the Bay of Plenty's business community needs from a lunch venue.

Best for: Team lunches and private group meetings

From the talented team behind Albany's Fields and Māngere's Percy comes Huddle Cafe, a neighbourhood gem in St Johns that's become a firm favourite with local workers and businesses alike. Located on Morrin Road opposite Colin Maiden Park, this contemporary café was purpose-designed with connection in mind.

The standout feature for business lunches is Huddle's private function room, which seats up to 20 guests – ideal for team meetings, client presentations, or department catch-ups. The café serves excellent Atomic coffee alongside a seasonal menu featuring Modern NZ fare with creative twists. With plenty of parking available and weekday hours running from 7am to 3pm, it ticks all the practical boxes too.

Why we chose this: The dedicated private room, proven hospitality pedigree, and genuinely welcoming atmosphere make Huddle the smart choice for Auckland teams wanting to bring it in over a quality lunch.