Karangahape Road is a wildly colourful (it actually has two new rainbow crossings) and fabulous destination for locals and tourists, with loads of fantastic restaurants, cafes, shops, impressive public art and pretty residential streets to wander—making it a go-to spot for many to meet up with mates.
With new dedicated cycleways courtesy of Auckland Council and Auckland Transport, you can now get there more quickly and efficiently so you can start your foodie adventure faster. Plus, the council has widened the once-crowded footpaths—so there's even more room for you and your crew to enjoy tasty eats outside. If you do dine al fresco next time you're there, keep an eye out for the silver discs set in the pavement that reflect the ever-evolving colours and patterns of the street and pay homage to the area's Māori adventurers who walked this ridgeline hundreds of years ago.
Here are nine of our must-visit hot spots on Karangahape Road for your next catch-up with your crew.
Cotto
Some say we eat with our eyes, so if that rings true for you, then take yourself straight to Cotto for its incredible range of tantalising homemade Italian plates fit for royalty. With all pasta freshly made in-house, you can expect your meal to have added homemade-with-love feeling. Order a bowl of your favourite pasta and you’ll feel like you stepped right into the Amalfi Coast without the 24-hour flight.
Atelier
Introducing Atelier, the newest kid on the Karangahape block. The aptly named restaurant is all about serving exquisite French food. The heavenly French fare is in a league of its own at Atelier, making it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
Madame George
Madame George champions modern Peruvian cuisine while celebrating local producers and incredible homegrown ingredients to create unforgettable share-style plates. From its velvety ceviche to its mouthwatering pork chicharrones and succulent steaks, Madame George will whisk you away on a bold and smoky flavour adventure.
Bar Céleste
Neo-bistro Bar Céleste is about as chic as it comes with a stunning rotation of dishes on the menu. Its warm design helps to capture the gorgeous afternoon sunshine that radiates through the windows while you tuck into plates like cavelo nero gnocchi and lemon-perfumed ricotta and Otago cockles with fino sherry, chilli caramel and Thai basil.
Joy Bong Thai
If you’re looking for a cosy night out with big bold flavours and plenty of spice, push Joy Bong Thai to the top of your list. This casual dining restaurant has a relaxed vibe, ideal for a laidback and long-overdue catch-up with the whole gang. Food-wise, the restaurant offers a range of delicious banquet menus—ideal if you suffer from decision-making fatigue.
Candela
This Iberian-inspired kitchen is all about emphasising the finest quality of produce in simple yet unforgettable ways. With a heavy focus on seafood (think house-pickled mussels, white anchovies, trevally ceviche and octopus with squid ink), the flavours at Candela absolutely sing off the plate. Our tip: start your night early and grab a bunch of tasty share plates to enjoy as the sun goes down over Auckland. Perfect.
The Eagle Bar
Everyone is welcome at The Eagle Bar, a quaint haunt ideal for late-night conversations and catch-ups. The venue boasts a bunch of nightly specials making it an ideal spot to swing by at the end of your pay cycle.
The enhancement of Karangahape Road has been delivered by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport and is a sign that other exciting projects are on the horizon. To find out about the next big development in the midtown area, head over here.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Auckland Council. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Image: Sourced from @atelierkrd Instagram.