There’s no doubt Tāmaki Makaurau is a haven for the epicurious. No matter your budget—from cheap and cheerful to total baller—there are all manner of top-tier eateries to sink your teeth into. So you can get straight down to chowing down, we’ve pulled together Urban List's pick of the best restaurants, bars and cafes to feast at in the CBD. You’re welcome.
Here are the best restaurants, bars and cafes in Auckland CBD.
Never miss a new opening or upcoming event in Auckland again—get us in your inbox here.
The Best Restaurants In Auckland CBD
East, 63-67 Nelson Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: East | Facebook
Their Sunday yum cha is everything. Lock it in.
Queens Rooftop & Wineshop, Level 21/1 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
She's sleek, convivial and statuesque. From caviar bumps and sundowners, to a white choc ice cream Alaska you won't want to skip.
Gilt Brasserie, 2 Chancery Street Chambers, Auckland CBD
If triple cheese souffle sounds like a bit of you, you'll want to wrangle yourself a table immediately.
Sssam Jang, 26 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD
For when you want to tuck into immaculate Korean fare in vibey neon green surrounds and still be able to pay your rent.
BOSSI, 10 Commerce Street, Auckland CBD
An irresistible Italian restaurant in the heart of the CBD where you're guaranteed to return to try errrrything on the menu.
Tanuki’s Cave, 319B Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Yakitori skewers and small bites in a delightful, cosy setting with plenty of sake and plum wine. Their deep-fried, almond-coated kumara balls are the stuff of dreams.
Advieh, 1 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Advieh | Instagram
Middle Eastern food for the masses, whether you're on a spicy hot date, showing your in-laws around town, or dining with the pickiest palate.
You might also like:
-
Your Cheatsheet To All The Best Italian Spots In Auckland
-
Where To Eat In Auckland If You're Gluten-Free
-
Auckland's Top Dog-Friendly Restaurants And Bars
Brew'd Hawt, 151 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD
Fried chicken done right and cheesecake to follow.
Ghost Donkey, Commercial Bay, Level 2/1 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Decked out with a starry red ceiling, this place is a serious contender in Tāmaki Makaurau’s Mexican food scene. Fill your face with their ‘carrot mince’ nachos.
Metita, SkyCity, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Michael Meredith's Pacific fare is flavoursome and wholly inimitable. Put it on your plate, stat.
Bivacco, 115 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Bivacco | supplied
Treat yo’self to a lavish Italian spread with a stunning view to match. Save room for a helping of their decadently creamy zabaglione-filled tiramisu.
Gangnam Station, 329 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Stripped back, well-priced Korean food in an endearing box restaurant.
Fat Puku’s Smashed Burgers, 1/492 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Smashed burgery goodness with ‘frosted’ skinny fries and milkshakes in a retro wonderland.
Onslow, 9 Princes Street, Auckland CBD
World-class and worth every cent, Onslow is an experience all of its own. Think fried bread, a salmon trolley, and exquisite desserts.
Alma, 130 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Alma | supplied
Dishing up Andalusian soul food like no other, pull up a seat at Alma for flamed, charred and smouldering kai you’ll want to gorge on for days.
Seoul Night, Shop 1, 16/20 Fort Street, Auckland CBD
Step through a drinks machine and you’ll find yourself in a subterranean Korean bar with the best anju (for the uninitiated that means Korean bar food) and refreshing soju slushies.
Mr Taco, 75C Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD
Mr Taco is the authentic taqueria your tastebuds will crave forevermore. Be sure to try the cactus tacos.
Culprit., Level 1/12 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Culprit. | supplied
Constantly creating new and surprising dishes, Culprit. is art as food incarnate. Come hungry.
Hello Beasty, 95-97 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
Contemporary New Zealand blends with Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisines in a fusion that just screams get in my mouth, stat.
Cassia, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
A swish, light and bright restaurant whipping up some of the most groundbreaking Indian cuisine around. The perfect spot whether you’re after pani puri and cocktails or a full feast.
Ahi., Commercial Bay, Level 2/7th Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Translating to ‘fire’ Ahi never fails to delight with its homegrown, authentic Aotearoan flavours.
Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar, 86 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Depot | supplied
Whether you’re after petite breakfast beignets, an evening of freshly shucked oysters or everything in between, Depot is a great time, ever time.
Hugo’s Bistro, 67 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD
Smoked kahawai croquettes, yuzu granita and Brussels sprouts you’ll actually want to eat, all this and more awaits you at Hugo’s Bistro.
Hazy Tiger, 22 Durham Street West, Auckland CBD
Top-tier Korean eats in neon-soaked, club-reminiscent surrounds and the largest tteokbokki in town.
Mr Morris, Galway X Commerce Street, Britomart, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Mr Morris | Facebook
Renowned chef Michael Meredith’s exceptional restaurant slings modern Pacific and NZ flavours in the heart of Britomart. Pro tip: the kitchen counter is the best seat in the house.
Sumthin Dumplin, 18/26 Wellesley Street & 12 O'Connell Street, Auckland CBD
Uncomplicated authentic dumplings in pork, beef, prawn, chicken and tofu varieties, all with rad names.
Masu, 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Japanese heaven specialising in the centuries-old ‘robata’ or fireside cooking method developed by northern Japanese fishermen.
Sunflower Thai Vegan Restaurant, 6/50 High Street, Auckland CBD
Offering a cheap and cheerful veggie twist on traditional Thai dishes with an abundance of meat and fish substitutes galore, this laid-back spot is one of the best around.
Mighty Hot Dog, 47 Chancery Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Mighty Hot Dog | supplied
A deep-fried lesson in utter indulgence, sometimes you just need a hot dog on a stick rolled in dough, fried for the gods, coated in sugar and served with lashings of sauce.
The Fed, 86 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Rest easy knowing there’s never a day where you can’t get your mitts on the curd-gravy-fry trifecta that is poutine.
Cafe Hanoi, Tuawhiti Lane, 27 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland CBD
Loved for its chic decor as much as its stunning flavour blend of traditional Hanoian street food with North Vietnamese and New Zealand cuisines.
The Sugar Club, Federal X Victoria Street, Level 53, Sky Tower, Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: The Sugar Club | supplied
Another culinary gem by Peter Gordon, chowing down on exquisite food from the height of one of the city’s most epic icons is simply the best.
Esther Restaurant, QT Auckland, 4 Viaduct Harbour, Auckland CBD
Inspired by the sun-soaked shores of the Med, Esther is a feast for the senses that’s finished perfectly with a big ol’ slice of baked Basque cheesecake.
Mexico, 23 Britomart Place, Auckland CBD
Bite into seasonal specials, do a tequila tasting and revel in the rich culture that this menu pays homage to.
Ghost Street, Tuawhiti Lane, 27 Galway Street, Britomart
Beijing-inspired juicy seafood, melt-in-your-mouth braised brisket, crispy dumplings, succulent noodles, fresh greens and next-level cocktails in a secret underground haunt.
Gochu, Commercial Bay Level 2/1 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Goshu | supplied
The spicy pork milk buns with beurre blanc sauce will change your life, period.
FISH Restaurant, Hilton Auckland, 147 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Sustainably caught seafood paired with views of the glistening Waitematā Harbour. Think scampi tail eclairs, grilled crayfish tail, torched clams, flamed ora king salmon and more.
Huami, SkyCity, 87 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Eat your way across China with a curated menu featuring flavours from Canton, Sichuan, Huaiyang and Beijing. Delish.
Kingi, Tuawhiti Lane, 29 Galway Street, Auckland CBD
Sustainably sourced seafood that’s as fresh and delicious as it is bougie.
Tacoteca, City Works Depot, 1/90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Tacoteca | Instagram
Their guac is spiked with grilled pineapple and charcoal oil so just imagine how next level their tacos are.
Botswana Butchery, Ferry Building, 99 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Book in at Botswana Butchery for a top-notch taste of the Deep South in a swish setting, whether you’re on the prowl for lunch, dinner or bar snacks.
Ima Cuisine, 53 Fort Street, Downtown, Auckland CBD
Head to Ima for more shawarma, falafel and couscous than you can shake a kebab at. Home-cooked, nutritious and delicious.
Oyster and Chop, Market Place, Viaduct, Auckland CBD
Oysters and steak with one of Auckland CBD's most iconic views.
1947 Eatery, 60 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Wrap your mouth around all the things at this atmospheric, modern Indian eatery where every mouthful is an utter delight.
The Best Bars In Auckland CBD
Bar Albert, 13 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Bar Albert | supplied
Welcome to the highest rooftop bar in New Zealand. You may need to wait to gain access to this jewel sitting pretty 38 floors up, but boy is it worth the wait.
Rocketman, 10 Roukai Lane, Auckland CBD
Kitted out in space regalia with just the right amount of neon light, this spot’s the perfect place to escape from the world for a while, and maybe challenge a stranger to some karaoke.
The Nightcar, 44 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Champagne trolley service and Chinese noodles galore. Need we say more?
Little Culprit, Wyndham X 151 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Culprit’s lush sister, Little Culprit serves lashings of atmosphere, cocktails and kai.
Caretaker, 40 Customs Street, Britomart Place, Auckland CBD
Find your way into this sultry subterranean speakeasy and kick back as the expert mixologists whip you up a custom tipple (or three).
Mo’s, 5 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Practically an institution, Mo’s was vibin’ before vibes were a thing. Swing by for great cocktails, beer and wine, and stellar hospitality.
Soul Bar & Bistro, Lower Hobson Street X Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
A favourite for years now, go for the absolutely glorious salt and pepper squid.
Mezze Bar, Durham Street East, Auckland CBD
The perfect place for spending a lazy evening sharing Mediterranean tapas, mezze and a cheeky slice of cake.
Parasol and Swing Company, 7/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Parasol and Swing | supplied
Organic wine, mind-blowing cocktails and actually life-changing eats perched on a rooftop in the Viaduct—what’s not to love?
The Churchill, Four Points by Sheraton, 396 Queen Street, Auckland CBd
Gin lovers will be starry-eyed at this cracking bar stacked with 170 gins and an elegant food menu to match.
Saint Alice, Levle 1/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
For when you want to feel luxe. Order up a round of oysters with a side of parmesan truffle fries and all your worries will melt away.
The Best Cafes In Auckland CBD
Rude Boy Deli & Eatery, 34 Sale Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Rude Boy Deli & Eatery | Facebook
Hefty, colourful portions and cabinet food that screams ‘eat me right now’.
Chur Bae, Shed 13A/90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD
If you’re after a brunch empire, look no further. Prepare to sink your teeth into some of your favourite brunch dishes with a delicious Korean twist.
Odettes Eatery, City Works Depot, 90 Wellesley Street, Auckland CBD
You can depend on Odettes for a sensational feed every goddamn time, and the leafy open space is perfect for catching some sunshine.
Williams Eatery, g03/85 Daldy Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Williams Eatery | Facebook
The fit-out, team, and absolutely bangin’ food in this unassuming spot come together to create one helluva atmosphere.
Amano, 66-68 Tyler Street, Britomart Place, Auckland CBD
Serving up rustic Italian-inspired cuisine, this eatery is big on environmentalism opting for ethically farmed, sustainably caught and no waste.
Best Ugly Bagels, City Works Depot, 1/90 Wellesley Street & Commercial Bay, Shop 22, Lower Albert Street, Auckland CBD
Renowned for bagels brimming with all the treats, from bougie AF to dependable classics like Marmite + Cheese. It doesn’t get better than Best Ugly Bagels.
Kompass Coffee, 2 Kitchener Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Kompass Coffee | Instagram
The best matcha in the city, bar none. Plus, they do fancy things with croissants that you’ll definitely appreciate.
Chuffed, 43 High Street, Auckland CBD
Boasting a chilli scramble that’s everything, plus signature Black Forest crumpets, when you eat here, you’ll walk out chuffed (we had to).
Scarecrow, 33 Victoria Street East, Auckland CBD
Part urban farmers market, part gourmet kitchen, everything at Scarecrow is top-notch. Their Breakfast Greens will gently lift you out of even the worst hangovers.
Hi Toastie, Elliott Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Hi Toastie | Instagram
'Gram-worthy lattes, puffy hot dogs, and toasted sandwiches that aren't messing around. All churned out from a cheery container box.
Hungry for more? Check out:
-
Restaurants Across Aotearoa Worth Travelling For
-
Quiz Nights To Flex Your Fun Facts At
-
The Plant-Based Eateries You Should Know About
Main image credit: East | Facebook.
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.