Restaurants

The Most Romantic Restaurants In Auckland To Impress Your Date At

By Ava Wardecki
12th Feb 2024

Chef Henry prepares at Tala, one of Auckland's most romantic restaurants.

Ah, romance. There’s nothing quite like it. Cosying up to your main squeeze, cuddles, sneaky smooches and an intimate dinner for two warms the heart like nothing else. 

If you’re looking to woo someone special, celebrate a milestone or 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.

Tala

235 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Someone tucks into a signature dish at Tala, one of Auckland's most romantic restaurants.Image credit: Tala | Instagram

Date night just got a whole lot more delicious with the uber-chic Tala, Parnell’s hidden gem slinging sleek, contemporary yet traditional Samoan fare. Perch by the bar and get a full view of the Umu—a traditional Samoan open-fire oven—or nestled in the banquettes for a more intimate, but just as fabulous dining experience.

You won’t find traditional courses here. Rather, a bookmark of foods you can expect in your sitting. Fun comes in the form of raw ramen. Like the two-minute noodle packets you’d gnaw on as an impatient kid, only made light and air-whipped, crunchy, and topped with a few veggies and savoury sauces.

Or how about a whole fried, but very chic, Kaleve fish? Island-style with its own gravy and totally boneless? For a true Samoan experience that whisks you away from everyday life with the utmost of intimate vibes, Tala is a great choice for date night.  

Paris Butter

166 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland

Tuna/ Smoked potato/ fermented honey/ Ginger/ Smoked pork “tea”  Surf & Turf 👀, a balance between the ocean and the land, simple yet powerful at Paris Butter.Image credit: Paris Butter | Instagram

One of Auckland’s most romantic 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.

While the signature Evolution Menu offering is, naturally, always on the change, each visit to Paris Butter will trustily supply five things: convivial service, one of the best wine selections and the glassware to boot (important, we say), endlessly inventive courses, a full belly at the end of your night (always a plus with fine dining). Not to mention, in a sleek, dimly-lit fit-out that simply oozes charm and an uber-romantic vibe. Big yes.

Kazuya

193 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland

An impeccably dressed dish at Kazuya.Image credit: Kazuya | Instagram

Hidden behind an unassuming door on Symonds Street lies possibly one of Auckland’s best-kept—and most romantic—secrets. With low lighting, plush seats, an intimate setting and amazing service, this is one meal you’ll want to linger over at your impeccably-dressed table.

The Asian-fusion dishes at Kazuya are so delightfully presented, they almost look too good to eat… almost. Enjoy a seasonal five or seven-course set menu or go all out and indulge in Kazuya’s nine-course degustation menu.

Whatever you decide on, we promise you’ll leave Kazuya with a belly full of goodness, a smile on your face and a promising start to the night.

Bar Magda

25b Cross Street, Auckland CBD

The dining room at the underground Bar Magda, one of the most romantic restaurants in Auckland.Image credit: Bar Magda | Urban List Wono Kim

Bar Magda has all the makings of a romantic night out. This speakeasy-style bar and bistro is located underground and oozes charm and character from every perceivable pore (think exposed brickwork, low lighting, and seriously cool artwork).

For the ultimate date-night vibes, ditch the bar and head for the bistro area, where you and your lover will be treated to a selection of tasty dishes with a unique Filipino twist (presumably while sipping on a glass of wine or one of their many epic cocktails). Basically, this place is a total vibe.

Esther

4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD

The interior of Esther at QT Auckland.Image credit: Esther | Instagram

Whisk your love away to the sun-soaked shores of the Med when you dine at Esther. Located on the ground floor of the QT Hotel, this gorgeous spot has all the charm (and flavour!) you'd expect of a trip to the French Riviera or Greek seaside, pairing a warm and welcoming fit-out with a rustic, flavour-packed menu courtesy of celeb chef Sean Connolly.

Cosy up next to the huge country-style kitchen complete with gold woodfired pizza oven, then work your way through chef Sean Connolly's famous steak tartare—linguine with lemon, saffron and Parmigiano—and a slice of baked Basque cheesecake for afters. Pro tip: follow up with a lush cocktail at Rooftop at QT, the hotel's super stylish rooftop bar.

Atelier

292 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD

Delicious emulsion is added to a tuna dish at Karangahape Road's Atelier.Image credit: Atelier | Urban List Wono Kim

There aren't many spots better suited to a romantic night out than Atelier. Situated inside the old Karangahape Road Post Office, this French-inspired restaurant and bar offers cosy tables and mood lighting for days, along with a menu that's guaranteed to make you swoon.

Get things started with the aptly titled Le French Love cocktail, followed by a feast of Pain de Campagne with brown butter, wild pork croquettes with raclette cheese and black garlic miso, kumara crisps with hazelnut hummus, and herb-seared tuna with tomatoes, avocado mousse and citrus emulsion.

Of course, there's only one proper way to end a meal here—and that's by spoon-feeding one another their glorious mille-feuille.

Ghost Street

Basement Level, Tuawhiti Lane, 27 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland

A dumpling is held aloft at Ghost Street.Image credit: Ghost Street | Instagram

Take your love underground, literally, at Britomart's very own subterranean restaurant—Ghost Street. Located beneath Café Hanoi, this space is the perfect spot for you and your beloved to escape for the night.

Ambience? There's plenty, with exposed brickwork, ghost stories painted on the walls, and mood lighting galore. It doesn't hurt that the food here is outrageously delicious, with a menu inspired by the hole-in-the-wall eateries dotted along Bejing's famed food street (we're talking crispy dumplings, juicy noodles... all the good stuff).

Plus, there's something rather charming about their ordering system—simply check off what dishes you'd like on your menu, then clip it to the string hanging above your table for collection.

Le Garde-Manger

466 Queen Street, Auckland CBD

A view from the cosy window upstairs.Image credit: Le Garde-Manger | Instagram

A romantic escape to Paris not on the table at the moment? Not to worry, a table at Le Garde-Manger will certainly do the trick instead. Make like you’re finishing off a day’s galavanting in the city of love, and nestle in for a cosy dinner at their Queen Street locale.

Authentic dishes are reminiscent of bistros you’d find dotted around French cities, like onion soup, coq au vin and tartiflette. The French touches don’t stop there: cosy interiors, gingham tablecloths, and a warm atmosphere keep this place cosy and will have your partner’s heart melting more than their gooey chocolate dessert crepes.

Pasta & Cuore

409 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland

Handmade pasta at romantic restauramt pasta e cuore.Image credit: Pasta & Cuore | Instagram

Translating from Italian to mean ‘Pasta and Heart,’ it comes as no surprise that Pasta & Cuore is one of Auckland’s most romantic restaurants.

Just like the pasta, the dining area at this Mount Eden institution is casually chic and complete with a festoon-lit outdoor area, making for an ideal low-key date night spot.

You’ll want to spare a moment of looking lovingly at your date, and cast your eye over the wine list instead—an amazing list of fine red, white and sparkling drops await.

La Marée

21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD

A delicately smoked seafood dish at La Maree.Image credit: La Marée | Supplied

Sofitel’s sophisticated bistro, La Marée, has all the makings of the ultimate romantic night out. You’ll find a menu full of exquisite French set menus or a-la-carte meals—including the romance staple of oysters and caviar.

Not to be missed is their sumptuous seafood tower, which will delight a sea-food lover with three levels of fresh, local kaimoana.

You’ll also find options a-plenty that'll keep the spark well alive once you’ve wined and dined: pop by the dedicated Sabrage Champagne bar for a flute of France’s finest bubbles, head to the waterfront for an after-dinner constitutional or treat yourself to a decadent staycay in one of Sofitel’s stunning rooms above.

Gerome

269 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

The interior of Parnell's Gerome Restaurant.Image credit: Gerome | Instagram

Charming little Parnell is home to many of Auckland’s most romantic restaurants—and Gerome is one of the shiniest gems in its crown. Here you’ll find no shortage of nooks and cosy crannies in which to indulge in a night of fine food and fine company.

Enjoy views of the Parnell strip from their upper-level window, grab a plush booth across from their glamorous and gilded bar, or people-watch on their terrace as you dig into an abundance of shared dishes.

Modern yet rustic Greek fare is Gerome’s thing, so expect dishes that burst with freshness and flavour. Trust us when we say sparks will be flying aplenty here—and no it’s not just their woodfired meats.

Bar Céleste 

146b Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD

Oysters, fresh bread and butter at Bar CelesteImage credit: Bar Céleste | Urban List Wono Kim

Dimly lit interiors, a killer wine list and delectable sharing plates? Yep, K' Road’s sweetheart neo-bistro Bar Céleste has all the makings for one of Auckland’s most romantic restaurant destinations.

You’ll find a succinct, yet sweet, selection of wholesome plates: think garden-to-table fresh veggies, top-notch seafood and local meats all perfectly plated.

Better yet, the Celeste team now takes dinner bookings—ensuring you can surprise your main squeeze with the dinner they deserve without a hefty wait time. 

Onemata

Park Hyatt Auckland, 99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD

Image credit: Onemata | Instagram @chefhopeede

Picture this: you, your lover, an exquisite dinner, and magical waterfront views. Sounds like a pretty romantic set-up, right? Well, you'll find all this and more at Onemata—Park Hyatt Auckland's gorgeous ground-floor restaurant, where stunning interiors meet refined Kiwi kai.

Cosy up in front of the full-length glass windows and take in breathtaking vistas of Auckland's Viaduct while making your way through dishes like lamb agnolotti, grilled oysters, and even fried chicken.

Don't forget to leave room for dessert—the 'berries and cream' with vanilla pavlova, rhubarb, raspberry, champagne, and strawberry sorbet has romance written all over it.

Baduzzi

10/26 Jellicoe Street, North Wharf, Auckland

Torta caprese with dark chocolate, raspberry sorbet & coconut espuma.Image credit: Baduzzi | Instagram @balanceyourplate

Nothing says romance like sharing a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs, Lady and the Tramp style. At Wynyard Quarter hotspot Baduzzi you can do just that—with premium handmade meatballs don't you know.

Slink into their sumptuous tufted booths, and sink your teeth into their polpette made with everything from red meat to crayfish, along with a dish or two of fresh handmade pasta.

You won’t want to leave without tucking into their tiramisu, torta caprese pictured above or ricotta cannoli for dessert. Trust us, your date and your taste buds will love you for it.

Feriza’s

7/12 Jellicoe Street, Auckland

Image credit: Feriza's | Facebook

Sumptuously decorated with jewel tones, blown glass chandeliers and touches of gold, Feriza’s makes for the most plush dinner date backdrop.

As one of Auckland’s most romantic restaurants, you’ll be spoilt for choice with Middle Eastern-inspired plates and platters for two. After all, sharing is caring.

From dinner right through to their decadent desserts, each dish will arrive perfectly plated—on glamorous Ottoman-esque crockery to boot. Better yet, it’s right across from the waterfront, so you're perfectly placed for a romantic post-dinner stroll.

Casita Miro

3 Brown Road, Waiheke, Auckland

Two people clink glasses at Casita Miro.Image credit: Casita Miro | Instagram

Dedicate an entire day to eating and drinking your way around everything Casita Miro has to offer. Start with a ferry to Waiheke, and then settle in for a day of basking in the romantic atmosphere of the rustic Spanish-styled Casita.

You’ll be able to indulge in shared platters, tapas or a four-course fiesta—with the vineyard's own wine to match, of course. For an extra romantic touch, whisk your date away to the vineyard for a romantic stroll around the vines. 

Mudbrick Restaurant

126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke 

Image credit: Mudbrick | Facebook

Another impossibly romantic destination on Waiheke Island is Mudbrick. It’s home to a sprawling vineyard, an exquisite cellar door, luxury cottages and of course, one of Auckland’s most romantic restaurants.

Fine dining is at the heart of this menu, so expect exceptional flavours and textures presented as plated works of art.

If you're after a slightly more casual vibe the Archive Bar and Bistro is a welcome new addition. Of course, the real star of the show here is the wine, which is best enjoyed sitting al-fresco in Mudbrick’s courtyard, while watching the sunset over the picturesque rolling hills.

Ortolana

33 Tyler Street, Auckland CBD

One of the most romantic inner-city restaurants is none other than Ortolana. Smack-bang in the middle of Britomart, Ortolana is the perfect date spot for busy city bees looking to settle in for a night of post-work wining and dining.

You’ll find an ever-changing selection of Italian-inspired dishes on the menu here, all made from fresh produce from their very own Kumeu farm. Twinkling fairy lights, chic comfortable interiors, impossibly fresh food and a stellar wine selection—this place has got the casual romantic vibes down-pat. 

The Sugar Club

Level 53, Sky Tower, Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD

Someone takes a photo of the view at the Sugar ClubImage credit: The Sugar Club | Instagram

Take your date game up to the next level—literally—and indulge in a night of fine dining above Auckland’s skyline at The Sugar Club. Whether you opt for a la carte or a degustation session, their ever-changing, inventive and innovative menu will certainly woo your loved one.

Each dish comes out plated to perfection and boasts only the finest local and imported ingredients. Your taste buds aren’t the only things in for a treat here, as views sweep across all corners of Auckland city. With this backdrop, it’s no wonder this gem is perfect for celebrating milestones and even popping certain special questions. 

The Grove Restaurant

Saint Patrick's Square, Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD

The interior of The Grove, one of the most romantic restaurants in Auckland.Image credit: The Grove | Instagram @hhts0728

Cosy and inviting, The Grove Restaurant is the perfect destination for a romantic dinner for two. As one of Auckland’s best fine dining establishments, your date will be dazzled by the top-quality calibre of the dishes.

Taste your way through a myriad of textures and flavours, as you settle in for a ‘petit’ degustation of nine courses or a twelve-course extravaganza. Oh, and we can’t forget about the wine—The Grove has you covered with a highly curated, comprehensive list.

Make a real trip of it with a stay at one of Auckland's best hotels. 

Main image credit: Tala | Instagram @manjawachsmuth

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