If you’ve ever visited an Altezano Brothers espresso bar, you’ll be well aware that though the baristas exhibit an ultra cool, relaxed air, they are also extremely serious about coffee. Bringing the bean devotion to a new home in Auckland, the team has just opened its latest outpost in the burgeoning development, Snickel Lane.

Though petite, there’s been plenty of consideration put into the Paul Izzard-designed pitstop. There are two serving counters, one facing out towards Commerce Street and the other within the lane itself, the latter of which invites coffee drinkers to stop and sit awhile thanks to a smattering of wood and leather furnishings from UFL. Über handy for downtown workers in need of a quick morning fix, we should also make mention of the sweet treats from boutique bakers on offer — the ideal accompaniment to that first flat white of the day. Serving up speciality brews from the espresso machine, filter or fridge, the new hole-in-the-wall caters to all preferences and is (we expect) merely a taste of the good things to come down at this new downtown district.

Open 7 days, from 7am-4pm.