Where To Eat & Drink In Auckland

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. 

Once a Facebook community for the hangry during COVID-19,  now a vibrant assortment of IRL food festivals and events, and a digital platform dedicated to all things tasty, the rise of Chow Luck Club has been an impressive one. 

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. 

You probably already know Lulu’s. 

A brand new bar concept has opened up in Snickel Lane. And we're stunned. 

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.

A space which was once a parking ticket booth has been transformed into the vibrant purple hues of Fankery.

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.

How's this for an epic love story—Minseok Lee was never a big fan of baking, but when he met his partner, Ellie, she told him how much she adored sweet treats. So naturally, he did what any loved-up man would do and went into business with her on the now-viral cinnamon bun joint, Cinnamon Squared, where he currently bakes up to 600 cinnamon buns A DAY. The moral of the story: find someone who loves you like Minseok.

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).

Funny that the first thing I noticed about Kinfolk had little to do with the actual food—rather, it was the artwork on the back wall depicting three women on lilos, eating pasta. I like this place already, had been my immediate thought.

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. 

You know that episode of Friends where Ross loses it over someone at work stealing his sandwich? “MY SANDWICH?!” Well, we're not so different to old mate Ross here, because that'd 100% be us, should anyone try to mess with our own sando of choice: anything from new kid on the block, Fitzroy Deli.

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

Neat Cakes is now open for walk-ins. 

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.

Tyler St Sport is the cracking new venue from Foley Hospitality aka the group behind several other top Auckland establishments including Soul Bar & Bistro, Andiamo, and Somm Wine Bar & Bistro. Solid credentials, to say the least.

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

Hidden away on Mills Lane is a brand new speakeasy-style cocktail bar punctuated with sleek blue neon—Quinn.

Parasol & Swing just got an enigmatic younger sister and she can sure handle a shaker. 

Ponsonby Central just scored the cookie shop. They’re soft-baked, they’re chunky, they’re entirely plant-based and they’re pulling people off the streets of Ponsonby for a fix. 

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.

From Charles and Patrick Williams—the good folks who brought us Williams, one of Tāmaki's most frothed cafes (by restaurant royalty and hungry punters alike)—comes Bowler, a bangin' salad and açaí bowl pitstop tucked inside Les Mills on Victoria Street. 

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

If Wes Anderson hung up his director's hat and opened a cafe, it'd be the kind of place with pastel margaritas, diabolically cool wallpaper, and eggs benedict topped in fluffy, candyfloss-coloured hollandaise. 

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. 

It’s your lucky day every day at the Good Luck Club. 

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. 

Located in the old Misters Real Food digs on Wyndham Street, GOAT—short for "Greatest of All Taste" with love, from India—is a culinary adventure you won’t want to miss.

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. 

An idyllic tea space has brought all the comfort and ease of the Third Space to a champagne glass. Here, life pauses. Here, it’s all about drinking tea and blissing out. In fact, that’s exactly what the name means ‘cha’ being the Chinese word for tea and ‘bliss’, well, we could all do with more of that on the daily. 

Hankering for something golden and crispy? Look no further than this certified Newmarket favourite.

From the smoky depths of Grey Lynn, there’s a new pitmaster in town—and a hot contender for the best BBQ joint of the year.

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. 

Venture down one of the smallest, most secret lanes in Auckland CBD and you’ll happen upon a bar and cellar you won’t want to leave. Sitting pretty among a florist and botanical gift shop, a Thai vegan eatery, a Japanese restaurant, and a barista, Isle On Snickel completes a micro-climate that’s a welcome relief from the frenetic energy of the city. 

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. 

Rising from the proverbial ashes of the old Conch digs, Nami Record Bar might just be your next favourite hangout. It’s certainly one of ours. 

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. 

Never have we ever had a toasted sandwich quite like Toasty's.

When the Manurewa-based eatery Hill House Cafe got its marching orders from Nathan Homestead for seismic works our collective hearts dropped. But, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Hill House has announced that they are moving to a new historic home—Pah Homestead in the stunning Monte Cecilia Park in Hillsborough. Hell yes. 

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.

As Gloria's closed its Karangahape Road doors late last year, we were left with quite possibly the worst Christmas present on record. However, we’re back in the good books for 2024 as the sandwich shop has emerged in a brand-spanking new iteration in Auckland's Commercial Bay.

Noble Rot ain't your average wine bar (though you probably surmised that from the name). Evidenced in the countless accolades it has received since opening, which include Cuisine Magazine's 'Best Wine Experience in NZ' for three years running, there really is no better spot to enjoy a glass in Welly.

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.

A brand new, five-star hotel has opened at Auckland Airport and it’s set to turn what you thought you knew about airport hotels on its head. Overlooking the buzzing international terminal with spectacular runway views and out to the Manukau Heads, Te Arikinui Pullman Auckland is a fascinating place to spend a few hours, a day or a night.

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 you're looking for the best breakfast in Te Atatū—or Auckland, even—let us introduce you to Neil Cafe. Nestled in the heart of Te Atatū Peninsula along Neil Avenue (get it?), this groovy little spot is serving up some seriously delish brunch dishes, including a game-changing take on poached eggs.

Community is queen when it comes to places we love to hang out but it’s not a vibe that’s exactly easy to pull off. You will, however, find it by the gallon (or should we say pint) at Side Hustle, the newest addition to Morningside Precinct. 

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.

All hail The Muriwai Deli, back open after a devastating enforced closure due to the havoc wreaked by last year's Cyclone Gabrielle. But now the boys are back stronger than ever. Opening from 8am Friday to Sunday and now on Friday and Saturday evenings at the brand-spanking new bar, come through for a bevvie or two.  

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.  

Ellerslie Village stalwart Pastrami & Rye has been delighting customers since first opening its doors back in 2016 and rather than rest on their laurels, the bowtie and flat cap-wearing team's creativity just keeps on coming.

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.

The team behind Deadshot and Caretaker have just unveiled their latest creation, and this one comes with a hidden karaoke room and prosecco on tap. 

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. 

Meet Domo Bakery, Takapuna's newest Asian-inspired cafe with a twist that's taking Auckland's pastry scene by storm. Newly nestled in the heart of this vibrant coastal community, Domo is already capturing the hearts and palates of croissant connoisseurs far and wide (Hamiltonians, we see you!).

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.

When it comes to baked goods, Butter Baby is a bonafide triple threat (and by that, we mean you'll find them on our best cookies, best cinnamon buns, AND best doughnuts lists—pretty impressive, right?).

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.