Where To Eat & Drink In Auckland

Discover the best places to eat and drink in Auckland—restaurants, bars, coffee joints and gig venues, curated by Urban List.

Highlights

Rest Of The Best

A basket of bread, a slab of cheese, a negroni and a single lit candle on a table.
Restaurants

11 Of Auckland’s Best Private Dining Rooms

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.
Food

Where To Gorge On Dubai Chocolate-Inspired Treats In Auckland

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). 
A cute pink mug of hot cacao decorated with chocolate sprinkles in the shape of a heart.
Food & Drink

Where To Sip On The Best Hot Chocolates In Auckland This Winter

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.
Things To Do

The Best Nightclubs In Auckland

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.
A number of delicious-looking Korean dishes which you can feast on for cheap.
Restaurants

The Best Cheap Eats In Auckland

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.
Restaurants

The Best Korean Restaurants In Auckland

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.
Four mouthwatering doughnuts from Wen & Yen
Food & Drink

Auckland’s Best Doughnuts To Get Your Mouth Around

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.
Someone makes latte art at Benedicts Cafe, one of the best spots for coffee in Auckland.
Food & Drink

The Best Coffee Shops In Auckland To Get Caffeinated At

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.
A group of people sit around a high tea table setting in a garden.
Food & Drink

The Best High Tea In Auckland

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.
Hungry punters reach for some gorgeous seafood bites at MoVida.
Restaurants

Where To Grab A Pre-Show Bite In Auckland City

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.
Someone holds a colourful ice cream from Duck Island Ice Cream, one of the best ice cream shops in Auckland.
Food & Drink

The Best Ice Cream And Gelato Shops In Auckland

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.
The chef assembles a delicious bowl of ramen at Auckland's Chop Chop Noodle House.
Restaurants

The Best Ramen Joints 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.
Plates of delicious food from Cassia.
Food & Drink

What’s Open In Auckland On Boxing Day, New Year’s Day And Summer Holidays

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.
A massive steak with a pot of green sauce beside.
Best Of

Auckland’s Best Steakhouses

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.
A massive platter of meat at Smoking Shack, one of the best places to eat in Auckland on a Sunday.
Restaurants

Where To Eat In Auckland On A Sunday Night

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. 
A simple schnitzel on a plate at The Bavarian.
Food & Drink

Where To Load Up On Auckland’s Absolute Best Schnitzels

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.
Man holding a pink berry margarita.
Bars & Pubs

Where To Sip On The Best Margaritas In Auckland

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).
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.
Food & Drink

Auckland’s Best Christmas Party Venues

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.