Auckland Restaurants

Princes Wharf and adjoining Viaduct Quay, an easy stroll from the city's major thoroughfare, Queen Street, offer dozens of eateries in every style from cheap-and-cheerful to superposh. High Street, running parallel to Queen Street on the Albert Park side of town, is a busy café and restaurant strip. Vulcan Lane, between Queen and High streets, has some pleasant bars. Asian immigrants have created a market for a slew of cheap noodle and sushi bars throughout the inner city; the more crowded, the better.

Outside the city center, the top restaurant areas are a 10-minute bus or cab ride away on Ponsonby and Parnell roads. Dominion and Mt. Eden roads in the city, as well as Hurstmere Road in the seaside suburb of Takapuna (just over the Harbour Bridge) are also worth exploring with the creation of a dining precinct called The Commons. The mix is eclectic—Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, and Thai eateries sit alongside casual taverns, pizzerias, and high-end restaurants.

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  • 1. Cibo

    $$$$ | Parnell

    When you are in the mood for superb food without any drama head to Cibo. The name means "good food" in Italian, and it is apt for this restaurant, which has been around for more than 20 years. Chef Kate Fay is known for smart innovative food and the service is led by co-owner Jeremy Turner, who is possibly Auckland's best maître'd. This is a popular venue for weddings, so don't be surprised if you can't get a table on a summer Saturday.

    91 St. Georges Bay Rd., Auckland, Auckland, 1052, New Zealand
    64-09-303–9660

    Known For

    • Excellent innovative Italian food
    • Exceptional wine list
    • The best place for a long lunch

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Sat.
  • 2. Fish

    $$$$ | City Center

    This light-filled restaurant with floor-to-ceiling glass looks across the harbor to trendy Devonport and the Bayswater boat marina. The menu is based on high-quality fresh local produce, particularly fish and meat cooked to perfection. Salads are made the minute before they are served. The windows are so big you might need your sunglasses on a bright day, and reservations are advised.

    147 Quay St., Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
    64-09-978–2000

    Known For

    • Superb seasonal and local dishes
    • Bright and buzzy ambience
    • Excellent views
  • 3. Giraffe

    $$$$ | City Center

    Located in the buzzy heart of the Viaduct, Giraffe unites the best local foods with flair and fun. It's open from breakfast until late and whether you are a meat eater or a vegan, the menu will leave you satisfied. The wine list is fantastic and the atmosphere cosmopolitan.

    Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
    64-09-358–1093

    Known For

    • Regularly changing menu of high-quality food
    • Locally focused wine list
    • Relaxed atmosphere with great service
  • 4. O'Connell Street Bistro

    $$$$ | City Center

    This former bank vault, on one of the city's fashionable backstreets, has a cozy bar from which you can watch passersby through thin venetian blinds. It has garnered a loyal clientele who keep returning for the food and service. The wine list is big and imaginative, showcasing varieties rarely seen elsewhere. Great for lunch, the bistro is popular with the business crowd.

    3 O'Connell St., Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
    09-377–1884

    Known For

    • <PRO>large and varied wine list</PRO>
    • <PRO>intimate and sophisticated atmosphere</PRO>
    • <PRO>superb, ever-changing menu</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Sun. No lunch Sat., Credit cards accepted
  • 5. Soul Bar & Bistro

    $$$$ | City Center

    There's always something to see at the Soul Bar and Bistro, which fronts the Viaduct Basin on the harbor. The menu is modern with a traditional twist and changes to match the season, but you will always find something good, whether your interest is in fresh fish, meat, or something from the plant family. On the terrace, you're close enough to the moorings to study the paintwork on the yachts, and at night, the bar and outside tables are packed with a polished and often noisy crowd.

    Viaduct Harbour, Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
    64-09-356–7249

    Known For

    • Sensational wine list
    • Hip atmosphere
    • Outside seating on terrace
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  • 6. Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill

    $$$$ | City Center

    Overlooking the water from the upper level of the restored Ferry Building, this seafood restaurant is an Auckland institution that draws foodies and families alike. It serves seasonal New Zealand seafood on a menu that references a number of cuisine styles. Meat-eaters can choose lamb, eye fillet (beef tenderloin), and perhaps cervena (farmed venison). On warm nights, reserve a table outside on the balcony, where you can watch the ferries come and go.

    Quay St., Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
    64-09-307–0486

    Known For

    • High-quality seafood
    • Unique and tasty meat options, including venison
    • Stunning harbor views
  • 7. Mexican Café

    $$$ | City Center

    This very busy café has been serving up great Mexican-style food since 1983. People go as much for the noisy, friendly vibe as they do for the food such as the chicken fajitas or vegetarian burritos. It's best to go before the lunch or dinner crowds if you don't want to wait.

    67 Victoria St. W, Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
    09-373–2311

    Known For

    • <PRO>tasty Mexican food</PRO>
    • <PRO>great value</PRO>
    • <PRO>big crowds during prime mealtimes</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Credit cards accepted
  • 8. Non Solo Pizza

    $$$$ | Parnell

    If you've had a busy day and want to roll on and be surrounded by animated diners this place is for you. The food can be ordered individually or with bowls to be shared by the table. Lunchtimes are busy when people head for a table in the Italian-style courtyard. There's always pizza with traditional toppings, and the green salad is excellent.

    259 Parnell Rd., Auckland, Auckland, 1052, New Zealand
    64-09-379–5358

    Known For

    • Delicious pizza
    • Great range of pastas
    • Fabulous desserts

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Mon., Reservations essential
  • 9. Ostro Brasserie and Bar

    $$$$

    Housed in the artfully renovated Seafarers Building overlooking the harbor, Ostro has a buzzy bar, superb food, and some of the best people-watching in Auckland. Enjoy lunch, dinner, or something in-between in a relaxed brasserie style. Reservations are only accepted for large groups, so walk in, wait, and enjoy.

    Tyler St., Auckland, Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
    64-09-302–9888

    Known For

    • Seasonal menu of New Zealand classics
    • Excellent wine list
    • Waterfront views
  • 10. Tanuki's Cave

    $$$$ | City Center

    A flight of dimly lighted stairs leads down to this buzzing Japanese yakitori and sake bar. The oblong bar is usually jammed with film-festival types, the young art and fashion crowd, or classical music lovers eating before a concert in the nearby Town Hall. Order small plates of Japanese food and sip at more than 20 types of sake by the glass.

    319B Queen St., Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
    64-09-379–5151

    Known For

    • Japanese small plates
    • Wide range of sake
    • Hip crowds

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: No lunch
  • 11. The Sugar Club

    $$$$ | City Center

    For a high-end dining experience, this is the place to go—53 floors up in the Sky Tower. The decor is reminiscent of 1930s Italy, while the food and views attract a range of diners. Dishes are served in starter-size portions and you order in sets of three through to six. It's not cheap, but the span of the cuisine speaks to innovation and fun.

    Federal and Victoria Sts., Auckland, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand
    09-363–6365

    Known For

    • <PRO>interesting food combinations served small plate-style</PRO>
    • <PRO>gorgeous citywide views</PRO>
    • <PRO>high prices</PRO>

    Restaurant Details

    Rate Includes: Reservations essential

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