Restaurants

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. 

It’s that warm, old-school hospitality with a smile from seasoned hospitality professionals that I get right away—yet it also feels like rocking up to a friend’s place, when they ask if I’m hungry yet. Welcome to Za'atar Bakehouse, your new breakfast spot.

The Springs Tavern is Auckland’s newest neighbourhood pub; a laid-back, family-friendly (and yes, dog-friendly) spot made for after-work drinks, weekend catch-ups and everything in between. 

When Roses Dining Room closed earlier this year, the hospitality and wider community were shook. But it wasn’t long until they announced there was another venture in the works—and along came Blue. 

Found on the ground floor of the Beca building, all-day eatery, Mensa is the perfect spot to soak up that glorious sunshine, ideally with a coffee and slice of freshly baked sourdough pizza in hand. 

It was only just last week when I finally tasted the mole my taste buds have been waiting for—from a colourful, vibrant cantina called Sagrado, tucked away in St. Kevin’s Arcade.

It’s a Tuesday night in Auckland city but you’d easily mistake it for the weekend at Sumi. The new izakaya spot by owner-chef Jason Lee (Wakuwaku, Katsu Katsu, Tsuru Tsuru) in City Works Depot is humming.

Wander down the cobblestones of Saint Patrick’s Square and you might happen upon the luxurious first floor of newly-built Hotel Indigo, housed in a restored heritage building. You can enter through the other side too—the Albert Street entrance blending into the concrete jungle as if it was always there (just look for the elegant Bistro Saine font out front).

When you hear the words surf club, what comes to mind? I think of ice cream, pizza, and Alf Stewart (I haven't watched Home & Away in years, but I understand the Summer Bay Surf Club is still standing. Poor old Mr. Stewart, I'm not so sure).

If you’d told me there’d be a future where I’d be sitting in Perch, no dumplings in sight, I’d have been perplexed. But in this new era of Perch, there’s plenty to keep bellies full and, dare I say it, you won’t even miss the dumplings. 

Head to Lola Rouge for pan-Asian eats whipped up with the utmost finesse. 

Travelling across the busy Auckland strip of Great North Road, you’d easily drive past if you didn’t know about this dreamy food haven. The ex-convent, tucked away in Grey Lynn, has since been converted into a beautiful boutique hotel with a sun-lit bistro called Ada. Having changed hands a couple of years ago, Aaron and Fran of rockstar hospitality fame (with projects across Tāmaki such as St. Marg’s, Pie Rollas, Major Tom, Hello Friends + Allies, Winona Forever, Just Like Martha, Rude Boy, and Friday I’m In Love to name a few) reimagined Ada with modern Māori twists to our culinary scene thanks to the beautiful kai from Chef Kia Kanuta and the team. For those who knew about that squid ink spaghetti with paua cream (and a rēwana fry bread mop)—you’d already know Ada is a pretty magical place.

It seems like 269 Parnell was under construction for millennia, so much so that we’d long stopped expecting anything to materialise behind it. 

Dessert might seem like an unusual place to start a review—especially one focusing on Chinese cuisine—but then again, Cāntīng is far from your usual restaurant. 

If fine wine luxury's a bit of you (it is), you'll want to head to The College Hill Wine Room by David Nash, glass-first. 

The famous cinnabun from Hill House Cafe has returned to South Auckland.

It all started as a gelato dream for Hannah Engelsman, founder and CEO (a.k.a official title as Gelato Fanatic) of Little ‘Lato. 

Inspired by To’ona’i traditions (Sunday brunch or feasting in Samoan) and the multicultural culinary fabric of Aotearoa coming together at the dinner table, Chef Wallace (Uelese) Mua is bringing his culinary ode to Auckland in the form of JW Marriott's Trivet. 

St Marg's has emerged from the ashes of the ol’ Thirsty Dog, complete with lush olive-green banquette seating lining sun-facing windows, pops of indoor greenery, organic cotton and rice paper lamp shades. 

Tucked away in the bustling heart of Greenlane, surrounded by a sea of office buildings, lies Turtle: Pizza and Pints—a hidden gem that might just be missed if one isn’t in the know. 

There’s now one more reason to head to Auckland’s City Works Depot and that’s the addition of Norma Taps, located just a mere 20-second stroll from the legendary Best Ugly Bagels, this dapper new spot has quickly become a local favorite.

Traditional Vietnamese cuisine has traversed the Pacific to find a new home on Hurstmere Road, where it's been given a contemporary (and potentially Auckland-best) makeover. This elevated take on what is undoubtedly some of the world's most flavoursome food can be found at Hanoi Haven—a chic new eatery that's replaced the now-unrecognisable Bird On A Wire spot, fronting Takapuna's Fortieth & Hurstmere laneway.

Sweet tooth aching harder than a cavity? Energy levels at an all-time low? Perky's Coffee and Dessert Diner is here to save the day (and night!). This family-run, American vintage-inspired joint slings hot coffee, delectable bites, and signature Snow Bowls—a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that’s as Instagrammable as it is tasty. 

It’s impossible to miss the giant neon-lit tiger as you wander up Durham Street West. The glowing cat signals a departure from your daily—cross the threshold and you’ll find yourself in Hazy Tiger, a trippy wonderland of Korean eats and sip-worthy libations. 

Sarah Macdonald has a grounding energy about her. Astonishing given she’s the co-founder of not one but three eateries—an impressive feat in any climate but especially so in the current economy. 

As if Ponsonby Road wasn’t already our go-to for all things eating, dining and shopping, this foodie precinct / Ponsonby paradise has welcomed a new contemporary Chinese restaurant to the area.

If you're looking for a buzzing spot for lunch and dinner in Albany, look no further than Sum Made. 

Following their success in Dunedin, the team behind the popular Chinese restaurant Impression Manor has opened a new eatery in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

When *everyone* gets a rooftop spot with stunning harbour views, you know you’re in for a treat. Queens Rooftop, the 360-degree, sky-high wrap-around bar atop the Deloitte building and Commercial Bay is Auckland’s newest grand dame. 

The grande dame of Auckland dining is officially 30, and every bit as flirty and thriving. 

You would be hard-pressed to find a restaurant that ticks as many boxes as Advieh, the latest gem from acclaimed Chef Gareth Stewart. 

Tucked away above Parnell Road, you'll find War Pacific Island Fusion. Here, traditional Fijian cuisine is given a thoroughly modern makeover, resulting in incredible fusion-style dishes that you won't find anywhere else in Auckland (and arguably, the country)—served with a generous sprinkling of island flair. The brainchild of chef and owner Krisneel Chand who's spent over 14 years perfecting his craft in five-star resorts in Fiji, WAR (wild and raw) is his gift to the people of Auckland.

Italian food always makes our blood run hot, especially the kind coming out of the kitchen at beloved Wellington eatery, Fratelli.

Fife Lane is like your local steakhouse, on steroids (and was, in fact, named one the World's 101 Best Steak Restaurants for 2023). This Tauranga gem brings together incredible food and wine in a super chic setting, with a bespoke glass meat locker and dedicated wine room all adding to the experience.

It's been a hot minute since we had anything served to us beneath a cloche. At Embra, however, presentation is paramount so that means yes, you may encounter the occasional cloche—or perhaps shellfish bisque topped with an entire crab, albacore tuna tartare buried beneath rye crumbs and enoki mushrooms to mimic a garden, black-and-white-striped squid cannelloni, and pithiviers so beautiful, they wouldn't look out of place on the royal dining tables of old (see picture, above). We believe the proper term for this kind of cuisine is 'fine dining on steroids'.

After serving the people of Waikato for close to two decades, Palate has recently moved into a funky new premises at SkyCity Hamilton. Recognised by its greenery-clad exterior and neon yellow sign, we're already anticipating that this new version of an old favourite will be here for many more years to come.

Any restaurant that sees fit to serve doughnuts for dinner is our kind of spot (savoury doughnuts no less, pumped full of yellow curry beef and 'glazed' with kewpie mayo—see the mouthwatering evidence, above).

We're a sucker for a pretty cocktail, which means we're in big trouble when we visit Londo—because this spot has pretty cocktails coming out of its proverbial ears. Think ruby-hued clover clubs, whiskey sours the colour of sunshine and a strawberry tequila fizz that's dangerously reminiscent of the ice cream floats of our youth.

Christchurch, you're a lucky bunch with a restaurant like 5th Street in your midst. Whatever your foodie inclinations (pasta and natural wine, steak and beer, or perhaps even fried chicken washed down with a cocktail), this stylish venue has you sorted.

Still rocking the Auckland Italian food scene, Otto (formerly Cotto) is one of the top Italian restaurants in the city. This spot showcases that Italian food doesn’t always have to come with a hefty price tag, with their menu ranging from $8-$28 and every single dish tasting like a million bucks. 

Vibrant cocktails meet contemporary dining at Ember restaurant and The Aviary cocktail bar.

Prepare to experience the flavours of Saigon at Việtflames, where you can get your fix of Vietnamese food without even stepping on a plane. Located in Sylvia Park, this eatery has reopened in a new location in the heart of the popular Mount Wellington shopping mall. 

A brand new Chinese BBQ with a difference has opened in Newmarket.

If your ideal 'last supper' involves a big bowl of pasta and a plate piled high with cannoli, read on. Ellerslie's cool new pasta joint, Bianca, does both dishes exceedingly well—so well in fact, eating them may cause you to think you've bypassed the death part of that picture altogether, and gone straight to heaven.

Back for another season beachside gem Aryeh by Executive Chef and Restauranteur Lucas Parkinson (Wānaka's Ode) is the place to hit this summer. 

Date night just got a whole lot more delicious with Tala, Parnell’s hidden gem, opening its doors and slinging sleek, contemporary yet traditional Samoan fare.  

Otherworldly cocktails and noodle dishes come together at The Nightcar, Auckland’s newest hidden bar and restaurant.

Following in the footsteps of one of Auckland’s most acclaimed and accolade-laden restaurants was undoubtedly an ambitious endeavour for hospo heavyweights Sid and Chand Sahrawat—let alone to open within the same location.

The wonderful world of Japanese-Italian cuisine has just landed in Ponsonby. The name ‘Itameshi’ is the Japanese word for Italian food and, in essence, that’s exactly what’s being served. While you could call it ‘fusion’, a word that’s become a catch-all phrase for culinary eclecticism (which there’s nothing wrong with, by the way), we hesitate to do so—as Itameshi’s menu, created by 30-year-old chef Roy Yu, is elevated in a way we’ve never seen before. 

If there's one food we could live on for the rest of our lives, it's pasta. And there's one spot that's currently doing this carby cuisine better than the rest.

Consider your after-work feed, treat-yo-self lunch cravings officially taken care of—Brew’d Hawt has opened a second spot in Victoria Street in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s CBD. The quirky fried chicken and elevated comfort food empire is growing.  

We all know and love renowned Chef, Michael Meredith, and if you don’t, then you definitely should. 

If you consider yourself a bona fide food enthusiast, the mere mention of Josh Emett should send your taste buds into a frenzy. The esteemed chef having worked under Gordon Ramsay for 10 years has left his mark in Auckland with his upscale dining experiences at Onslow and The Oyster Inn on Waiheke, not to mention Queenstown's Rata. Now he's adding to his Auckland-based portfolio.

Bringing Spanish sensibilities to the (very chic) table, Bonita is the answer to the prayers we didn’t even know existed. 

One of Auckland’s most chic destinations for degustations also happens to be one of the most creative—helmed by chef Nick Honeyman and 23/2024 Cuisine Chef of the Year Zennon Wijlens.

If there’s one place in Auckland worth your hard-earned coin, it’s naturally going to be Broke Boy Taco. More to the point: their first post in Mount Albert, opening on October 18 and complete with a secret menu. 

The duo behind some of Auckland’s (if not Aotearoa’s) best smash burgers are getting ready to open the doors of their new permanent space at 1879 Great North Road, Avondale.

An epic new leafy oasis by the legends behind Lucky 8 and Mr Hao has just opened in the heart of Auckland and it will legit blow your mind.

A vibrant new eatery has joined the familia at Auckland's City Works Depot, bringing with it a drool-worthy line-up of authentic Mexican tacos, margaritas, and other delights.

If you’re a devoted follower of the legendary Filipino food truck, Hapunan, you’ll be delighted to hear that they’ve found a permanent spot in Huapai, so you can tuck into their culinary delights on the reg. 

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

They say the devil works hard but have you ever heard of David Lee? Lee, alongside a dedicated and talented team, is the name behind some of Auckland's most beloved and award-winning eateries and chances are, they’re already regulars on your dining rotation.

As one door closes, a delicious one opens. Taking residence in the gone-but-never-forgotten space of former beloved bar Peach Pit is Tempero—Auckland’s brand new Pan-Latin bistro and bar. 

If you’re a shore guy or gal then listen up. Cult vegan Thai restaurant, Khu Khu, has opened a second location in Milford, so you can fill your face with delicious vegan fare until your heart's content—and trust us, your heart will be left feeling very content after a night at Khu Khu. 

BOSSI is an exquisite new Italian restaurant nestled into the ground floor of The Pacifica, the country's tallest residential skyscraper located on Commerce Street in Auckland's CBD. Some may already be familiar with the BOSSI name—they opened an authentic Italian deli named DELI di BOSSI, right next door in April.

Welcome to Cassia—the home of Indian food, but almost certainly not as you know it. Under the direction of renowned chef Sid Sahrawat (who also owns Sid at The French Café and Ponsonby's restaurant and cocktail bar, KOL), this glam hotspot is dishing up some of the most groundbreaking Indian cuisine around.

No one does food quite like the French. Don't believe us? Treat yourself to a meal and a drink or two at Auckland's hot new Parisian-inspired cafe/bistro and wine bar, Paname Social, and see if you don't agree.

Nothing beats escaping to the countryside for a day, especially when there's wining and dining involved—can we get an amen? Enter Plume, the gorgeous vineyard restaurant located about an hour's drive north of Auckland amongst the glorious rolling hills of rural Matakana.

There's something incredibly intoxicating about Indian food—all that wonderful spice, smoke, and intense flavour. And the latest spot to get us fired up over this mouthwatering cuisine is Times of India, a hot new restaurant from the owners of 1947 (aka one of Auckland's most beloved Indian eateries).

A definite must-try on any foodie's list, Britomart's Amano consistently serves up a mean breakfast, lunch and dinner, whatever you're craving. If you're up for freshly-baked melt-in-the-mouth pastries, breads and other delights, join the queue for a taste of what Aucklanders have known ever since Amano first opened in 2016—this is the only way to start your day.  

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

Searching for a space to host your next event? Or simply need to wind down to some groovy tunes towards the end of a long work week? Well boy do we have news for you...

Imagine everything you want in an elevated fast food joint, and you’ll find that—plus some—at the newly-opened Brew’d Hawt in South Auckland. 

A grand favourite of the brunch scene has swung open its recently remodelled ivy-draped doors, extending its hours and offerings in the chicest return possible.

Picture this: succulent pieces of slow-cooked duck, drenched in a peppery sauce and apricot salsa, all poured into a soft duck-fat flour tortilla. Or perhaps a mountain of fluffy chocolate mousse, dripping in olive oil and sprinkled with salt. Or how about some crunchy beef 'nuggets', stuffed with juicy meat and dressed in a punchy green chilli sauce?

Tucked away on Brecon Street in the heart of town, Bella Cucina is a must-visit Italian restaurant on any Queenstown escape. 

The *most chic* cinema experience has set up shop in Ponsonby Central: Silky Otter along with its incredible SO Lounge. Not just any flicks and snacks situation, you’ll start with a concierge greeting (skipping any pesky lines) and be led straight to your own spot at the sleek SO Lounge restaurant and bar area to while, if you so please, pre-film.

Mr. Brightside invites you to come out of your cage and look on the bright side of life at their rooftop bar. Located at the heart of the city in Oxford Terrace, this penthouse-style bar is perched on top of the iconic Public Trust Building. With panoramic 360 views of the city, your troubles melt away as you gaze out at Port Hills, the Avon River, Cathedral Square and at the snowcapped mountains in the distance. The bar is covered with a retractable roof, making it the perfect spot to catch some rays while enjoying some tipple in the warmer months.

With "Oceanic eats. Drink. Party." as its slogan, you can bet that Lulu Bar is the place to go in Te Aro for a fun time. With nods to the flavours and traditional techniques from Hawaii to Aotearoa, your tastebuds will be swept across the pacific with a menu that draws inspiration from the islands.

Experience fine dining in a laidback, relaxed environment at Lillius. Located at the Eden Terrace end of Khyber Pass Road, the space exudes understated luxury with its sapphire and gold hues and plush velvet upholstery. From the dining area, you can peer under the arched feature wall to watch the chefs at work in the open kitchen at the restaurant's rear. 

Where do we even start? If you haven’t heard of this absolute gem, then your world is about to get a whole lot better. As you walk up the cobblestone path to the gorgeous white weatherboard cottage that is Mora Wines & Artisan Kitchen (formerly Akarua), you’ll feel instantly at home. This well-loved and well-known Central Otago winery not only has a boutique cellar door on-site where you can sample their latest and greatest award-winning wines, but it serves up absolutely delicious food from 9 am - 5 pm daily. Whether you’re after a destination breakfast venue (one of the best around in our opinion) or a long-lunch location, this is the spot.

If you love to wine and dine with a view then listen up, we’ve found a stunning spot for you to hit up this summer that will transport you to the heart of the Amalfi Coast. 

The North Shore food scene is on fire right now, with Duo Eatery the latest spot to set our appetites alight. Located on Birkenhead's iconic Hinemoa Street, this is the newest venture from Jordan Macdonald of Culprit and Lowbrow fame (and the first with his talented wife, Sarah) and as to be expected—it's an absolute treat.

Indian cocktail bar and tandoor eatery, KOL, has been holding its own as one of the leading restaurants in Auckland since it was ushered into existence by hospitality power couple Sid and Chand Sahrawat back in 2022. So when the pair announced KOL's closure in early 2025, I was gobsmacked. 

Who said plant-based eating had to be boring? We think not. Gone are the days of salads and mushroom burgers being the only plant-based options on the menu thanks to eateries like East—Auckland’s Asian-Vegetarian restaurant.  

Locals often say Karangahape Road's Sri Pinang is the best Malaysian food in Auckland. The fact that it’s BYO, and the food and corkage is cheap as chips are just the cherry on top. And they're not the only ones who think so—their beef rendang has been named an Auckland Iconic Eat and they've even been named one of the best restaurants in the world (and the only one in NZ) according to Condé Nast Traveler's interactive food map of the world. Ka pai Auntie Angie!

Editor’s Note: This venue is permanently closed

The only thing better than straight-up seafood is seafood with sea views—can we get an amen? Even better if those views are of the sparkling Waitemata Harbour, seen through floor-to-ceiling windows 15 storeys up.

There are very few places in Auckland that provide you with the perfect spot to hide away from the world—all while looking down on it, drink in hand and dinner popped before you. 

Tears were definitely shed when Saxon + Parole closed its doors late last year, but every cloud has a silver lining and in this case, it comes in the form of Origine—Ben Bayly's latest venture with business partner, Chris Martin and their respective wives, Cara and Lucile, which has just opened its doors at Commercial Bay.

The hottest ticket in town right now is Ooh-Fa—a brand-new pizza and wine bar from the masterminds behind Karangahape Road's phenomenally popular pasta joint, Pici. That's right fam, in what could be the most genius move of 2022, the team that acquainted us with cacio e pepe and olive oil cheesecake have opened a dedicated pizzeria on Dominion Road.

Auckland’s BYO scene has a bold new addition. It’s bright, it’s beautifully decorated, and it’s bursting with flavourful dishes. Simply put, it’s time to grab a bottle and pop by Java (formerly It's Java).