Auckland’s Best New Restaurant Openings Of 2026 You Need To Know About

Here at Urban List New Zealand, we spend a lot of time thinking about the next meal. Whether it’s a bar, bakery, restaurant or pop-up event, we’re all ears (and appetite). From restaurant collabs (check out The Feed for food news across Aotearoa every week), special events, or new openings from seasoned hospitality legends—Tāmaki Makaurau hospitality is a thing of resilience, flavour-forward creations and all about sharing culture and ideas, one tasty plate at a time.

Here are the best openings in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland right now. 

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Aka Rooftop

Level 15 Radisson Red, 33 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD

Image credit: Views of the city from Aka Rooftop | Vicki Young

Having just opened for bookings this month in May, Aka is the largest outdoor rooftop bar in Australasia, perched above Tāmaki Makaurau right in the city centre on Lorne Street. With panoramic views and a modern Asian menu (Aka means ‘red’ in Japanese), expect Southeast Asian-influenced bites led by seasoned Head Chef Edberg Loh (Marina Bay Sands, Cafe Hanoi, Xuxu Dumpling Bar). From juicy karaage with ginger marinade, crunchy san choy bau, to wontons loaded with crab—and that’s just to name a few of my picks on the mouthwatering menu. Make your way (up 15 levels in fact), stat. 

Agnès

98 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead

Image credit: Agnès | Supplied 

Agnès is all about bringing back old school hospitality of classic bistro food done well. From breakfast matcha yoghurt soft-serve to their house-made Cumberland sausage with beef fat chips during the day, to chef’s ideal burger (we’re talking dry-aged beef, raclette and onions) with wine over golden hour. There’s something for every kind of appetite at this all-day to night neighbourhood eatery and wine bar. Read about our visit ahead of their opening day here. 

Aarth

1/333 Parnell Road, Parnell

Image credit: Aarth | Supplied 

Aarth is the debut restaurant from chef Vicky Shah (Cassia, Sidart, Ki Māha) reimagining modern Indian dining in Tāmaki Makaurau. Translating to “deeper meaning,” Aarth is about exploring the history, emotion and symbolism in Indian cuisine. Get ready for flavour combinations that will excite your tastebuds from snacks to desserts (yes there’s two) and have you reaching for another drink (check out their stylish Kindle cocktail list).

From a playful pink-hued kokum oyster dotted with vibrant green curry leaf oil, whitebait bhaji with lime leaf chaat masala, their take on a Kiwi Butter Chicken in snack form, or transport yourself across India with their choose-your-own chutney adventure with “lamb and too many chutneys.” It’s tender, spicy, comforting, refreshing and you’ll want to save some aloo paratha for that chutney mop. Finish with a nostalgic nod to “Mango Lassi,” complete with charred pineapple, mango custard and pops of sweet lychee. 

Aarth’s menu is a love letter to flavour and texture inspired by heritage, a delicate balance of spices and pleasantly unexpected combinations of ingredients at each bite. Currently open nights from Wednesday to Sunday, 5.30pm to late (with daytime offerings coming soon).

Bistro Allpress

1 Gordons Road, Waiheke Island

Having just opened over the summer, Waiheke’s very own olive grove Allpress Olives now has a bistro amongst the groves, serving casual bistro-style plates inspired by European cantinas and Aotearoa produce. From small bites like beef tonnato with spicy extra virgin olive oil, to hearty mains like rotisserie chicken of the day, as well as their olive wood-fired pizza selection—all perfect options for an all-day graze, with an Allpress EVOO martini in hand. Book here. 

Bravo at Cracker Bay

9 Westhaven Drive, Auckland CBD

Along the Auckland Harbour is the latest marina addition Cracker Bay at Westhaven—Bravo at Cracker Bay is giving dreamy dining by the water, from breakfast through to night. Start the day with tiramisu French toast, or savoury options like nduja flatbread (do add a fried egg) for breakfast. Snack on prawn toast for lunch and dinner, or push the boat out (pun-intended) with The Bravo Seafood Platter—complete with prawn toast, market oysters, sashimi, tuna tacos, plus the option to add half a crayfish. There’s something for every appetite on the menu come dinner—from smash burgers to steak frites, rally the crew for an all-day getaway at Cracker Bay, the new summer hang. A sister to Ayrburn in Arrowtown, finish the night with one of their Ayrburn wines while admiring one of the best sunset views in Tāmaki Makaurau. 

Goldie's Bar & Yard

138 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna

Image credit: Goldie's Bar & Yard | Supplied

Goldie’s Bar and Yard has just opened in Takapuna, bringing a slice of Wild-West-meets-Palm-Springs to the North Shore with this latest new venue from Star Group. Expect long lunches featuring Southern-inspired bites and cocktails through day to night, and get ready for big line-dancing energy in the golden-hour glow (along with live country music and a mechanical bull if you dare). With bites like Goldie’s fried chicken (don't forget the bourbon BBQ sauce), a fluffy slab of "Texan toast" with a big quenelle of jalapeño honey butter on top, and their show-stopping Honky Tonk Hammer of slow-roasted beef shin to share (pre-order only)—along with a cracker drinks line-up featuring Goldie’s own beers, plus cocktails (and mocktails) like cinnamon foam Cowboy Cold Brew and Arnold Palmer's Southern Iced Tea. Bring your dancing shoes (or should we say cowboy boots) and head to Goldie’s, stat. 

Hapunan

2 Anzac Avenue, Auckland CBD

Image credit: Hapunan (CBD store) | Facebook

For those who have been to Hapunan in Huapai or been lucky enough to get a plate of their sell-out Lechon Kawali meets Bicol Express at the night markets (I have fond memories of that crispy spiced chicharon topping from my encounter at the then Balmoral Street Food Markets), you’ll be stoked to know they’ve opened up their second store in Tāmaki Makaurau city centre earlier in March. Don’t forget to get their award-winning Adobo del Diablo (pictured)—and a scoop (well, container-full and we’re not complaining) of house-made ube ice cream to finish too.

Kurētā

22/26 Albert Street, Auckland CBDImage credit: Kurētā | Supplied

Named after the Japanese word for ‘crater,’ kurētā is a new omakase experience inspired by the volcanic landscapes of Japan and Aotearoa with flame and charcoal cookery. The intimate dining space seats only 30 guests, with interior design touches like charred timber (yakisugi), distressed leather, stone and bronze metal, and a menu by Chef Aki that reflects the natural elements of fire, earth and water.

With an 10-11 course chef-led omakase journey, expect Japanese and Aotearoa produce highlighted in an omakase experience like no other—from truffled chawanmushi, kina sauce and caviar on wagyu yakishabu, to Te Matuku oysters with miso-carrot purée and milk foam. Book your seat at the table here. 

MAMA

Osborne Lane, 3B York Street, Newmarket

Image credit: MAMA | Supplied (Photography by Alex McVinnie)

From drinks and small snacky plates for a light dinner, to pizza night, steak night (with a big glass of Italian red) or indulging in the comforts of MAMA’s signature vodka red sauce spaghetti to yourself—there’s something at Mama’s for however you feel, every day of the week.

Lasagne corner lovers rejoice, Mama’s version gives all the crispy textural bits and big flavours. With a ragù bolognese made with beef, venison and liver for that savoury oomph, it’s then layered and baked by the trayful, cut into slices and grilled with a bold reinterpretation—an intentionally burnt top, reminiscent of the highly sought-after corner piece at the dinner table.

RETURN

165 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby

Image credit: RETURN | Supplied (Photography by Amber Soljan)

Return is a nod to husband and wife duo, Chef Matt and Barbara Lambert’s Aotearoa homecoming—a return to independent hospitality and their internationally-recognised culinary innovation they’re bringing to their next chapter in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Located on Ponsonby Road (the former Ponsonby Road Bistro space), Return brings a relaxed and refined dining approach, drawing design inspiration from their first restaurant in New York, The Musket Room (which received a Michelin star months within opening in 2013, and retained through to 2020). Return is a nod to their culinary journey which has come full-circle since coming back to Aotearoa. Return reflects Chef Matt’s refined and playful approach to modern Aotearoa cuisine. Working closely with the seasons and championing a local network of small-scale farmers, growers and producers is part of their food philosophy.

With signature snacks like chef’s take on ‘fish & chips,’ featuring a beer-battered cracker with cured white fish, pickled onions, fresh herbs and house-made tartare, to a decadent deep-fried bone marrow topped with kina (yes, you heard that correctly), to name a few of the flavoursome first bites ahead of the rest of the menu showcasing Aotearoa kaimoana and wild game, alongside fresh, seasonal produce. Having just opened their doors earlier in April, we’re excited for their return to the Aotearoa dining scene. 

Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner with à la carte and tasting menus—bookings recommended. For more information, bookings, menu information and pricing visit return.nz. 

Sfera

124 Queen Street, Northcote Point

Sfera transports you straight to what feels like an Italian summer in Tāmaki Makaurau. The menu is relaxed and made for sharing—from the fluffiest slab of focaccia with butter and anchovies, to the crowd-fave crispy calamari (but with zucchini added too—a nod to a delicious combination enjoyed while on their Italian food adventure).

Shavings of rockmelon and prosciutto are brought together on a bed of whipped ricotta with honey and basil oil, and don’t forget those melt-like-butter lamb belly skewers (if you’ve missed them from Candela, you’ll be pleased to know they’re making an appearance here).

Sienna 

Located in TRIBE Auckland Fort Street, 40 Fort Street, Auckland CBD

Image credit: Sienna at TRIBE | Supplied

Having opened in October last year, Sienna is bringing the sunny So-Cal inspired vibes all season, at the ground floor of TRIBE on Auckland’s Fort Street. From breakfast bowls to baja cod tacos, they’ve just introduced a new bechamel-smash burger and flank steak on the menu. Pair with their signature cocktail line-up before kicking back at their trendy TRIBE accommodation upstairs (we’ll have a frozen margarita with mango and tajin please).

Tacotearoa

1 Elliott Street, Auckland CBD

Serving up Mexican street food in a humble small container in the city, Tacotearoa Chef Raymundo’s birria tacos are on point. Originally from Mexico, chef has been doing this for a long time—from the U.S, Australia to Aotearoa (including previously over six years as head chef at the iconic Mexican Cafe in Tāmaki Makaurau)—he’s now slinging serious flavours at this inner-city gem. Make a trip to the city just for this one, stat. 

Wagyu Shogun

726 Manukau Road, Royal Oak

Image credit: Wagyu Shogun | Supplied (Photography by Office Fuji)

A specialty wagyu restaurant has just opened and it’s bringing authentic Japanese A5-grade Kuroge wagyu from Kagoshima all the way to Tāmaki Makaurau. From the chef-owner that brought Cocoro to Tāmaki Makaurau, and along with Daizo Yamada (Group Director of Taste of Japan Limited), Wagyu Shogun concept was created—bringing the taste of real wagyu, traditionally reserved for special occasions and now available everyday (and at a reasonable $39.80 per person).

With only 15-20 sets each lunch and dinner service daily, you have to get in quick. With an emphasis on making it accessible and approachable (they operate on a self-serve kiosk service), there’s three set menus to choose from. Each set comes with 125g premium wagyu, unlimited steamed rice and miso soup. Additions such as house-made yakiniku sauce and wagyu curry gravy, red yuzukosho and fresh wasabi, are also included to bring a different flavour profile when eaten with each bite of wagyu, as well as dessert made by Chef Tokuyama. Bookings recommended. 

Water Boy

413 Tamaki Drive, St Heliers

Image credit: Water Boy | Supplied  (Photography by Hamish Melville)

Water Boy brings the sun and fun all day with big beach energy, waves of chill surf club culture, and a coastal pub menu that’s got something for everyone—whether you’re watching the game with a drink, on a family dinner out or just swinging by from a fun beach day out with friends.

With an elevated coastal spin on Aotearoa produce, expect playful dishes like West Coast whitebait not only in fritter form, but on a freshly-baked, blistering slab of pizza brushed with fragrant garlic oil and herbaceous rosemary salt. Don’t skip the snack section—get the crowd fave smoked beef bites, complete with house-made mustard aioli and the essential dill pickle, it’s the ultimate food match to a crisp, cold beer (there’s craft and classics like Lion Red on tap).

Workshop Bread Co.

1 Stokes Road, Mount Eden

Image credit: Workshop Bread Co. | Supplied (Photography by Alex McVinnie)

When Tāmaki Makaurau institution Olaf’s was up for sale, owners Kim Mundy and Peter Gardner saw it as the perfect opportunity for their popular bakery Gourmet Gannet to expand. Since taking over Gourmet Gannet in 2023, they had reached a point where they just didn’t have enough physical space to keep up with demand (literally running out of fridge space).

With this recent addition in Mount Eden, Workshop Bread Co. has allowed them to scale-up and build a tight-knit community on this side of town. Pop in to get your freshly-baked sourdough and stay for breakfast and lunch. With a dine-in menu based around their bread and good food from scratch—you can even order a Workshop Bread Taster on the menu which showcases three of their breads with accompaniments.

Za’atar Bakehouse

Pop-up window next to Lebanese Grocer, 61/65 Pitt Street, Auckland CBD

Image credit: Za’atar Bakehouse | Vicki Young 

The name Za’atar Bakehouse is a nod to the za’atar made by Elie with oregano grown from his parents’ garden in Pōneke. It’s the star ingredient in Elie’s take on a Lebanese breakfast. Usually made with only just za’atar or just cheese back home, he likes to add both, along with a custom cheese blend to mimic Akkawi—the stretchy and salty cheese quintessential to manakish (a.k.a. Lebanese pizza), I don’t think I’ll forget that woody fragrance of flame-kissed za’atar and bubbling cheese. Best enjoyed piping hot, there and then, along with freshly cut heirloom tomatoes, bright green herbs, and salty pops of olives.

마장동 1946 Butchery

231 Archers Road, Wairau Valley

Image credit: 마장동 1946 Butchery | Vicki Young 

From the team behind Strolling Troll, Bricks Roastery, Seoul 1946 Roastery, is the latest venue from The 1946 company—their in-house butchery to Korean charcoal barbecue venture. With a sleek and modern fit-out, kitted out with top tier individual charcoal barbecue and extraction at each table, pick your protein and choice of preparation. From unseasoned rich-marbled cuts to go with house-made signature sauces, to a savoury and sweet soy-based Majangdong marinade over melt-in-your-mouth beef short ribs—plus all the banchan sides to refresh your palate. Don’t forget a side of chilled bibim noodles post-barbecue or a hearty kimchi stew with rice too. Book here. 

Special Mentions

‘The Shed’ at Te Motu Vineyard

76 Onetangi Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island

Image credit: ‘The Shed’ at Te Motu | Vicki Young 

Chef Rowan Stewart has recently returned to lead the kitchen, having worked at Te Motu prior (with Yutak Son, who is now at Bistro Saine). Along with a talented kitchen brigade, the dishes that come out celebrate Aotearoa at its finest—from fresh produce plucked straight from the incredible garden we spotted on our tour (including an off-menu wedge of cabbage, charred until juicily sweet), to the freshest kaimoana sourced from just down the road.

Save some focaccia to go with the Pekepeke Kiore (Native lions mane). Cooked until crispy with steak-like edges and a tender fall-apart centre, and dressed with a zingy sauce au poivre which honestly would have fooled me for a vibrant green peppercorn steak. 

Ada

Located in The Convent Boutique Hotel, 454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn

Image credit: Ada | Supplied

The new chapter of Ada has arrived. With vibrant flavours and a whole lot of soul, Ada’s nod to Latin American and Spanish cuisine is made for sharing with family and friends. With their new Head Chef Sebastian Valdes and his talented team, get ready for crunchy canchita-topped Peruvian-style ceviche in vibrant sunshine-yellow leche de tigre (tiger’s milk) made with ají amarillo (yellow chilli), truffle and anchovy pinxtos and a crema catalana you’ll want to have all for yourself. Get all the details here. 

The Corner

602/604 Remuera Road, Remuera

Image credit: The Corner | Supplied

The Corner has officially reopened with a refreshed menu and interior, offering a new chapter for one of the neighbourhood’s most loved locals. In collaboration with local recipe developer Melie Ferrier, the kitchen team has introduced a menu that reimagines pub classics with modern, shareable favourites, designed for everything from casual catch ups to long evenings with friends. A standout on the menu is Melie’s Lumache alla Vodka, featuring lumache pasta tossed in a rich vodka sauce with prawn, nduja, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

The menu update is complemented by an interior refresh across the bar, courtyard, and bathrooms by Ctrl Space—drawing on classic London pub inspiration with modern touches. The refreshed brand identity, designed by Lucy Kirkwood of Friends of Friends (who also designed Waterboy) mirrors the open and inviting energy that defines The Corner experience.

The Grill

Located in Horizon by SkyCity, 85 Hobson Street, Auckland CBD

Image credit: The Grill | Supplied 

Chef Lesley Chandra has recently taken up the helm as Head Chef at The Grill, and the latest additions to the menu reflect the elegant and refined style you may recognise from his former restaurant Sidart. From a nod to a nostalgic Kokoda from his childhood in Fiji presented as Market Seafood Ceviche (with pops of sea grapes), to his Thai-style lamb cutlets with lemongrass, lime and cashew (a reflection of his time at acclaimed Auckland restaurants). 

Along with the existing menu, the wagyu steaks at The Grill need no introduction. Seared and rested in their own fat, we recommend their dry-aged bavette cut from Southern Stations Wagyu in Ōtautahi—an underrated, flavoursome cut.

Coming Soon

La Buvette by Bare Wine

104 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn

Bare Wine is expanding above ground, with their eighthirty coffee and local pastries from Copain since opening their doors to their new home mid-May, with a cave à manger coming soon. Meaning 'refreshment stand,' or a casual bar in French, we're so excited for a place to grab a glass of wine and great snacks to come soon at their new home. While La Buvette is currently open during the day (Wednesday to Saturday, from 7am to 2.30pm) they're still at their Brown Street store pouring wines until they're able to open evenings. Head to Bare Wine in the meantime for great plates and pours in the evenings, from their current kitchen resident Kane from Elsewhere who is bringing all the great ferments and flavours he's known for, alongside freshly baked sourdough, cheese and charcuterie. 

Cassia (v3)

Albert and Wyndham Streets, Auckland CBD

Award-winning modern Indian restaurant Cassia is on the move once again, announcing plans to relocate from its current home within the SkyCity Auckland dining precinct this winter. Set to open this August—the new home beside voco Auckland City Centre will be Cassia’s new home, after almost three years at SkyCity (which they had relocated to after the floods in their Fort St restaurant in 2023).