Some places seem as if they’ve always been there — woven into the rhythm of a community, and for Devonport locals, Stone Oven is one of those places. A mainstay for over two decades, the beloved café had weathered its share of challenges. But when Brendan and Dani took the reigns four months ago, they saw not just a space in need of revival, but an opportunity to honour the past while shaping the future. “Stone Oven blends warmth, nostalgia, and a fresh, vibrant energy,” says Brendan.

With backgrounds spanning fine dining institutions like Paris Butter, The River Café, and a five-year tenure at Cazador (where Brendan was head chef), the couple has hospitality in their bones. They’ve done the food truck hustle while raising a young family, and now, with their kids a little older, stepping into a bricks-and-mortar eatery feels like the right next move.

Their vision for the Devonport institution was nostalgia, but elevated. Stone Oven’s menu reimagines Kiwi café staples with a refined touch — think eggs benedict with hollandaise espuma, avocado on sourdough lifted with gochugaru and radish, and a venison smashburger that already has regulars talking. The cabinet stays true to its roots, with freshly baked lamingtons and lolly cake on offer — a nod to the café’s early days.

On the coffee front, they take their brews very seriously indeed. They’ve partnered with Eighthirty, pouring their classic espresso blend alongside rotating single-origin filter options. A top-tier slayer Steam EP machine ensures every pour is dialled in, and sustainability is front of mind — milk from Kaipaki Dairies arrives in reusable vessels, while surplus filter coffee finds new life in their grapefruit cold brew. Matcha has also become a focus, and as much, Stone Oven’s is some of the best in the city. Soon, a liquor license will usher in Italian Aperitivo cocktails, local beers, and a wine list showcasing New Zealand’s best.

The space itself tells a story. A century-old building, restored with care. Rustic charm meets mid-century modern, thanks to a hands-on collaboration with Millé — painted, plastered, and lovingly revived by Brendan and Dani themselves. Every imperfection embraced, every detail considered. “We’re obsessed with our old building,” says Brendan, “We love every little nook, cranny, and imperfection (and there are plenty!).”

At its heart, Stone Oven is about connection — to place, to the past, and to a culture of hospitality that makes Auckland’s café scene one of the best in the world. As Brendan puts it, “We’re selling nostalgia. We’re selling Auckland.” And Devonport is all the better for it.

Opening Hours:
Monday — Friday, 7am — 3pm
Saturday — Sunday, 8am — 3pm

stoneoven.co.nz