Where To Eat & Drink In Auckland

Ho, ho, holy snowball. December is nearly here and it's time to get our Christmas party on. Is it just us, or did this year really sneak up on us?

Make markets your favourite weekend morning ritual and kick on with mates for the night markets too. Here is our (extensive!) list of the very best Auckland markets.

Grab a pie and a pint, put your thinking cap on, and get ready to show off your obscure knowledge. Who knows? You might even come out on top. 

Private dining is the ultimate fantasy—home-style dining (if your home’s hella plush) surrounded by all your favourite people, where tastebud tantalising dishes materialise in front of you, care of a top-tier chef. If I’m dreaming don’t wake me up.

If there's one food trend that's defined 2025 thus far, it's Dubai or knafeh chocolate. What started as a candy bar bringing together pistachio cream, tahini, and kataifi (a type of shredded pastry) inside a crackable, paint-splattered chocolate shell, created by Sarah Hamouda of Fix Dessert Chocolatier in Dubai—has inspired an infinte number of copcats across the globe, and just as many sweet treats (think cookies, pastries, even cocktails). 

Nothing cheers me up more on a cold Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland day (any day, to be fair) than wrapping my mitts around a mug of hot chocolate. Whether it’s a classic number done right, or a more adventurous drop laced with peanut butter or peppermint, served in an edible cup or even topped with bright pink fairy floss, sippin’ on a hot choccy is always a good time.

For tasty kai with bangin' views, make a beeline for the Auckland Viaduct. 

Takapuna is one of my favourite suburbs in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Not only is it home to one of the most popular beaches on the North Shore, it also boasts a long list of amazing places to eat and drink and that's a combo that makes this food writer very happy indeed.

There’s something about dancing I just can’t get enough of. Whether it’s dancing in the moonlight, dancing in the dark or dancing in the rain, there really is nothing greater.

From chic patisseries and pretty pink ice cream parlours to boujee burger joints, Ponsonby's got it all.

With its top-notch eateries and unrivalled views of the Waitematā Harbour, Wynyard Quarter is one of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s most beautiful spots. 

We live for new openings (especially the kind that involves food) and know you do, too. Fortunately, Auckland is the city that just keeps on giving when it comes to new restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries—we really are a lucky bunch.

Whether payday is a distant memory or you simply don’t want to spend your life savings on a meal, don’t go running for those two-minute noodles just yet. There are plenty of cheap eats in Auckland that are minimal on coin but maximum on deliciousness.

Korean food has officially taken over Auckland—and we're not mad about it. Whether you're in it for fiery Korean fried chicken, bubbling bowls of stew, or sizzling hot BBQ, this is your go-to guide to the best Korean restaurants in Auckland.

Matariki is here and it's time to feast. 

Fear not, breakfast-lover—you’re about to have the ultimate list of the best breakfasts in Auckland right at your fingertips.

We've rounded up the best of the best bars, with oldies, newbies and everything in between. No matter the specifics, all of these places have one thing in common: they're a damn fine spot to sink a drink.

Whether you’re a matcha convert or you’re curious about the vibrant green tea that's taken the world by storm, Tāmaki Makaurau has you sussed. Let's find your perfect match-a. 

Skip dinner altogether and go straight into a sugar-glazed euphoria.

We’ve looked high and low and we’ve scouted the best places to eat if you’re gluten free—because there’s no need to miss out.

We love Japanese food an awful lot here at the Urban List. And who’s to blame us? From sushi to sashimi to sake, Japanese cuisine delivers deliciousness on all levels.

Ahhh brunch, the perfect blend of breakfast and lunch we just can’t get enough of, which is lucky because the brunch game is strong in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Doughnuts are having a moment—and that’s totally fine by us. Whether you like them dusted with sugar, oozing with chocolate custard or stuffed with cream, there’s something for everyone in this doughnut lovin’ city of ours. We’ve rounded up the best places to get the best doughnuts in Auckland. Dough-not delay, try one today.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why settle for the usual smashed avo when you can take a morning trip around the globe—no passport required?

Bargain bevvies, a bar snack or two and some quality yarns make for the ultimate after-work wind-down.

Whether you're after breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner or a little somethin' somethin' this ANZAC Friday, there's loads to choose from. 

Whoever came up with this cunning way of eating cake for breakfast (or any other meal, for that matter), we thank you for your service.

If you’re looking to woo someone special, celebrate a milestone or perhaps even pop a special question, our handpicked list of the most romantic restaurants in Auckland has your next date sorted. Food, wine, romantic vibes, views—they’re all here.

If there’s one day that can trigger the battle of the high teas it’s Mother’s Day, and this year is no exception.

Easter is upon us and a long weekend of resting and feasting awaits. Take this holiday as a chance to go out to get your wine and dine on because that’s what we’ll be doing!

Whether you’re in the mood for a slow sit-down and sip, or a takeaway coffee to accompany you on your daily errands, from Auckland CBD and Ponsonby/Herne Bay/Grey Lynn/Karangahape Road/Eden Terrace to Newmarket/Mount Eden/Kingsland/Morningside and The North Shore, Urban List has downed a dangerous dosage of caffeine to create the ultimate list of Auckland’s best coffee shops that you’re going to want to bookmark ASAP.

As Kiwis, a love of pies is practically in our DNA. These hearty pastries have been keeping us fuelled for generations and are the perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or even a cheeky brekkie.

Get ready for the sticky fingers, doughy bellies and warm fuzzies, as you eat your way through our list of Auckland’s best cinnamon buns.

Easter is fast approaching and for the sweet tooths amongst us (me!), this is pleasing news indeed. After all, what other holiday is celebrated by stuffing your face with as much chocolate as humanly possible?

Chocolate may get most of the attention at Easter, but it isn't the only treat we're coveting once the season for bunnies, eggs and unabashed gluttony rolls round. Yip, that's right fam—we're talking about hot cross buns, or HCBs.

The economy may be in dire straits but your bank account need not be—cheap eats are not a thing of the past. In fact, you can tuck into a lunch that’s quick and healthy for less than twenty bucks, even if you work in Auckland CBD.

We’ve rounded up our go-to picks for that bakery run—whether you’re a sucker for a kiwi classic, a modern Asian sweet, gluten-free sausage roll or a vegan croissant—we’ve got you.

Whether it’s Mother’s Day, a special occasion, or you just wanna spoil someone (but also yourself!), high tea is always the answer. Lucky for us, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has no shortage of spots serving up a swanky high tea with alllll the treats, including tea, cake, and if you're lucky, a cheeky glass of bubbles.

Grab your tickets to this free family-friendly event filled with fireworks, local dance and drum performances, lion dancing and beautiful lanterns lighting up the grounds. With over 60 food stalls and lines out the door each year—we’ve rounded up our top food picks while enjoying the sights and lights.

Hello lovers, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so if you haven’t made plans yet, you'd better hustle.

Eat a rainbow this Auckland Pride with eight must-try chromatic dishes from local hospo legends. 

Sport is basically a religion here in Aotearoa, and meeting your mates to share a drink and yell sports-themed profanities is a rite of passage. And when you can’t make it to a game, there’s no better way to experience nail-biting sport than with a drink in your hand and plenty of people to create the vibe. 

There’s no shortage of events and entertainment available in Tāmaki Makaurau from comedy shows and international superstars to theatre, or just a good ol' gig, we’re spoiled for choice. With that in mind, there’s one thing every music lover, theatre enthusiast, art fan, or comedy connoisseur needs: a satisfying pre-show bite.

It's official—Onehunga is one of Auckland's most hip albeit underrated suburbs. Studded with historic buildings and delightful villas, this charming neighbourhood has really amped things up in recent years on the eating-out front, with a host of top-notch bars, restaurants and cafés coming to the fore.

I scream, you scream... well, you know how it goes. Whether it's fresh and fruity or rich and chocolatey, in a cone, on a stick or in a cup, we just can't get enough of the cold stuff. So without further ado, here's our pick of the coolest (yes, we did just do that) ice cream and gelato shops in Auckland.

Piping hot and packed full of flavour, ramen is as good for the soul as it is for the stomach. It's no wonder this drool-worthy dish, which features noodles swimming in a lush savoury broth, topped with goodies like braised or barbecued pork and soft-boiled eggs—is one of Japan's most popular dishes and an absolute fan favourite here in New Zealand.

Fish and chips. They’re pretty much our national tucker. Here are our picks for the best fish and chips shops in Auckland.

If you’re like us and love a juicy berry punnet or two, then read on to find the best pick-your-own strawberry fields in Tāmaki (and beyond). 

Whether you’re diving into the mad scramble that is Boxing Day sales, after a top-tier refuel mid-beach day, or soothing a deathly hangover on New Year’s Day, don’t waste your calories (and dollaz) on shoddy fare. It’s time to celebrate. Come 2025, it’s a new year and a new you, and that new you deserves to be fueled by the finest kai Auckland has to offer.

Finding a restaurant to eat at in Auckland on Christmas Day isn't always easy (the phrase 'needle in a haystack' springs to mind). Well never fear, 'cos we've done the hard yards for you and found out who's open to play host this year so you can sit back, relax and make merry while someone else does all the work.

We love a good market, especially one with the word 'Christmas' attached! So hop in the car, crank up the Mariah (your secret's safe with us) and head along to one of these incredible Christmas markets coming to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this holiday season.

Legend has it that at summer’s end or ‘Samhain’—the inspiration behind Halloween traditions—the veil between the world of the living and the underworld is at its thinnest. The dead will walk.

We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again: rooftop bars are the shiz. What’s not to love about sitting sky-high, sipping on a beverage and taking in an epic view? Auckland’s best rooftop bars are dotted across the city and come in all shapes in sizes.

If there’s something New Zealanders know how to appreciate, it’s a well-cooked, tender steak. Coupled with roasted vegetables and a cheeky glass of fine red wine, you can’t go wrong with a simple steak dish.

Dive into Urban List's top picks for the best Italian restaurants in Auckland.

Show your pup some love and reward them for being a good boy or girl at these dog-loving establishments.

Whether you're a margherita purist, a meat lover or into a serious deep-dish, we’ve found the best pizza in Auckland for you to devour. These joints offer fresh, quality ingredients that can make the experience feel almost healthy (almost). 

Grab a spot by the water, dig in to a tasty something and let the City of Sails treat you some next-level hospitality at Auckland’s best waterfront eateries.

The only thing worse than staying in on Sunday is being lumped with the responsibility of having to find a good restaurant that’s open on Sunday night. While usually a thankless task we've scoured all our favourite eateries to put together a list of where to eat in Auckland on a Sunday night. 

‘Monday-itis’ can be cured by two things: a good meal and a strong beverage.

Forget everything you thought you knew about vegan and vegetarian food. Far from its can-o’-chickpea origins, vegan fare is now unapologetically delicious.

Juicy, creamy burrata dishes are ripe for the picking in Auckland. Some simple, some jazzed up. Some pocket-sized, some re-imagined as full-size mains. All very, very scrumptious. 

You bring the booze and they’ll take care of the food at any one of these fine Auckland establishments. Read on to discover the best BYO restaurants in Auckland and get ready to eat, drink and be merry!

We’ve tracked down the best all-you-can-eat restaurants for when à la carte just doesn’t cut it. Stretchy pants advised.

From creamy kormas and crispy pakora to dry fire-breathing curries and fluffy biryani, here are the best Indian restaurants in Auckland.

Father’s Day is just around the corner (1 September if you’re wondering) and while not all of us have a father we almost certainly all have someone who’s unabashedly cracked dad jokes with reckless abandon.

There's only one thing better than a dumpling and that's a plate of them, along with a generous portion of chilli crisp for dipping. 

There's something about the humble schnitzel that never fails to satisfy. Perhaps it's the crispy golden crumb on the outside, or the juicy, tender meat on the inside—whatever the reason, one thing's for sure, this timeless comfort food that's a favourite amongst the European set is as popular now as it's ever been.

They say that dogs are like their owners—who’s to say your pooch isn’t also partial to a low-fat puppaccino and a catchup with the crew? 

From table-bending BYO banquets to Pad Thai in your pjs, we've got you covered with our pick of the best Thai restaurants in Auckland.

If you’re sticking around Tāmaki Makaurau this Waitangi Day—Tuesday 6 February to be exact—you’ll be delighted to know a bunch of top notch eateries will be open for brunch, lunch, a cheeky tipple or three, or an all-out feast. 

If we could only eat one dish for the rest of our lives, there's a good chance it'd be fried chicken.

​What’s a Sunday without a roast? We’re talking juicy, succulent pieces of meat drowned in gravy, paired with crispy, seasoned veges and—if you’re lucky—a fluffy Yorkshire pud on the side. 

As far as baked treats go, cookies are king, and we don't discriminate.

Espresso martinis are like the grown-up version of a coffee, a harmonious yet powerful blend of alcohol and caffeine that will see you through the night (and potentially into the next day).

Ah, the margarita—one of Mexico's finest exports. There really is nothing better on a sultry summer's evening (or, at any time of year really) than a glass of this thirst-quenching, tequila and lime-laced tonic (especially when enjoyed by the beach, as is often the Mexican custom).

Ask an Aucklander what their favourite food is and chances are dumplings will rank pretty high—and we can’t get enough of these tasty little morsels ourselves. 

We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again: rooftop bars are the shiz. What’s not to love about sitting sky high, sipping on a beverage and taking in an epic view? Auckland’s best rooftop bars are dotted across the city and come in all shapes in sizes.

So, we’ve rounded up a few Auckland based business who nail the grazing craze with their exquisitely put together platters. So get amongst this trend and make your next event a little bit extra.

Coffee, cream and a dash of booze—what isn’t there to love about the faithful Italian dessert?

During the winter months all we want to be is niiice and toasty. And there’s no better way to achieve said goals than dining by a crackling fireplace.

We gotta hand it to the Frenchies, they’ve got it goin’ on.

Whoever came up with this cunning way of eating cake for breakfast (or any other meal, for that matter), we thank you for your service to society.

November, what are you doing here?! The silly season is on its way, which means end of year work partay planning should be in the works. Stuck for where to book your workplace shindig? Never fear, we’ve come up with the best venues to have your Christmas function in Auckland this year.