Belmont And Devonport

The Best Restaurants In Belmont And Devonport 

Vondel

8 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland

Image credit: Vondel / Facebook

Vondel is where even the pickiest eaters will find something delicious to devour, no matter what the time of day. From chocolate banana bread with salted hazelnut butter for brekkie, to haloumi burgers with kimchi slaw and a cheeky cocktail for dins—consider your boxes ticked.

Yaza Gelato x MaVa Pizza

8 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland

Yeah yeah, we know a gelato shop isn't exactly a restaurant, but when you combine it with a pizza pop-up, it'll pass. Enter Yaza Gelato, where you'll find ice-cold confections in flavours like creme brûlée and their best-selling pistachio alongside slices of bonafide Italian pizza from Ma Vá's food truck on Thursday and Friday nights.

Sheppards Corner

131 Lake Road, Belmont, Auckland

This corner site in Belmont has been a gazillion different things to date, but none have whet our appetite quite like the current iteration—Sheppards Corner. Joining a food truck and sister eatery in Kingsland, this is the home of taco bowls, queso cups and other tasty Mexican grub, with a side of kitschy Texan décor.

Danryu

10 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland

Seafood by the seaside is an obvious combo, and no one does this better than Danryu (aka one of the best Japanese restaurants in Auckland). Expect only the freshest kai moana around including oysters, tuna rolls, and platters weighed down with sashimi, prepared with the finesse typical of Japanese chefs. Don't forget the obligatory shot of sake!

Signal Hill

24 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland

Set slightly back from the main shopping strip with a sunny deck strung in fairy lights, Signal Hill certainly makes a stunning first impression. The menu is just as grand—think popcorn cauliflower and pan-seared scallops for mains, followed by avocado mousse and affogato for dessert.

The Best Cafes In Belmont And Devonport 

Lily Eatery

12 Wynyard Street, Devonport, Auckland

Image credit: Lily Eatery / Instagram

Tucked away down a side street, this charming spot packs a serious punch when it comes to brunch, with pulled pork eggs bene and housemade crumpets infused with brown butter just some of the dishes we've enjoyed in the past. Oh, and affogato topped with an entire canelé.

Daily Bread

43 Eversleigh Road, Belmont, Auckland

The spot made famous by Little & Friday has been tastefully reimagined by bakery powerhouse, Daily Bread. Get all the usual pastries, pies, and other DB goodness here along with your daily caffeine intake, which we recommend enjoying in the spacious garden out back.

Dulcie

33 King Edward Parade, Devonport, Auckland

Cutesy name aside, this is one of the sweetest spots in Devo to grab a drink and a bite to eat. Enjoy the sea breeze in your hair (or just sea views if you wanna sit inside) and order up large on curried scrambled eggs, killer pannies, and eggs bene on cacio e pepe hash browns. 

Win The Day Coffee

3 Westwell Road, Belmont, Auckland

Drink coffee out of kitschy mugs, pore over vintage golfing attire AND channel your inner Tiger Woods/Lydia Ko/Happy Gilmore on a miniature, custom-built putting green. Welcome to Win The Day Coffee, the cooler-than-cool coffee spot operating outta two old garages down an unassuming side street in Belmont.

Chateaubriant

87A Vauxhall Road, Devonport, Auckland

Anyone who says they don't like French food is lying. And we have just the way to prove it—shove them in front of the cabinet at Chateaubriant, which is heaving with mouthwatering pastries, tarts, and other Francophile-friendly delights, and see if they don't break. If that doesn't work, see how they get on with an order of croque madam or Nutella crepes.

The Best Bars In Belmont And Devonport 

Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar

53/55 Victoria Road, Devonport, Auckland

Image credit: Vic Road Wine Bar & Cellar / Facebook

We're suckers for a hidden courtyard. which is just one many things this charming spot has going for it. A sort of bar/eatery/bottle shop hybrid, you're just as welcome to wile away a few hours over a glass of vino and some snacks, as you are to grab a bottle of something cheeky to enjoy at home.

Tiny Triumphs

5 Clarence Street, Devonport, Auckland

Tiny Triumphs is beloved by locals for its chill vibe, live music, and craft brews. We also appreciate the knick-knacky décor, which adds to the overall charm and eclecticism of the place. As far as bars go, this truly is a triumph.

Want more like this? Check out Devonport | The Best Things To Eat, Drink And Do In This Charming North Shore Village. 

Wairau Valley And Glenfield

The Best Restaurants In Wairau Valley And Glenfield

Sumthin Dumplin

170 Wairau Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland

Image credit: Sumthin Dumplin / Facebook

Welcome to the North Shore branch of Tamaki's best dumpling shop, which we've been crushing on since its baby days in the CBD. Expect all your fave Sumthin Dumplin eats (go the mighty beef and cheese!), and not a thing less.

The Best Cafes In Wairau Valley And Glenfield

Patch Cafe

108 Sunnybrae Road, Hillcrest, Auckland

Image credit: Patch Cafe / Facebook

You'll find this spacious cafe tucked away amongst the workshops of Sunnybrae. Perfectly poured coffees and smoothies collide with a solid all-day menu, and a cabinet bursting with pastries, cakes, and other gorgeous goodies like their drop-dead-gorgeous lamingtons. Brownie points for the cute mural.

VIBE Coffee Roasters

1/15 Porana Road, Wairau Valley, Auckland

Obvs you're gonna get a great coffee here (perhaps a hokey pokey latte?), but that's not all. Whether you wanna smash back some laksa prawn fettuccine, Norweigan waffles or a Sichuan dumpling salad, this spot is a total—well—vibe.

Lulu

8 Link Drive, Wairau Valley, Auckland

We love a cafe with a kitschy logo almost as much as we love a cafe that serves matcha French toast. Lulu has both, so consider us smitten. The FT is an obvious highlight, but there's also a beaut polo bao (pineapple bun) filled with hazelnut chocolate cream you should know about.

Loafer's Bakery

3 Manuka Road, Bayview, Auckland

All hail the chicken cranberry pie from Loafer's Bakery, which—just quietly—will knock your tastebuds into another stratosphere. Not to mention their increds cookies which are thicc and chonky, just how we like 'em. Struggling to find the place? Just look for the eternal queue out the door.

The Best Bars In Wairau Valley And Glenfield

The Postman's Leg

43-51 Downing Street, Glenfield, Auckland

Image credit: The Postman's Leg / Supplied

Many a legless night has been enjoyed at this beloved watering hole. However The Postman's Leg is more than just a pub with a pun-y moniker (FYI it's named after a one-legged mailman who once worked in the area)—it's one of the Shore's favourite spots for a pint and a pizza, thanks largely to its sprawling outdoor area.

Takapuna And Milford

The Best Restaurants In Takapuna And Milford

Lil Ragù

150 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland

Image credit: @babichemartens / Instagram

Pasta is the true master of our hearts—especially the kind that's cooking inside Lil Ragù's kitchen-on-wheels. This humble food truck is slinging some of the most mouthwatering noods imaginable, along with Italian cocktails and mouthwatering sides from its al fresco locale in the heart of Taka. Buono!

Nanam

178 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland

Nanam has been part of the Takapuna foodscape for as long as we can remember. The secret to their longevity? Delish, Filipino-inspired dishes like hand-rolled beetroot buns stuffed with pork belly, and tres leches tiramisu.

Tokki

87 Kitchener Road, Milford, Auckland

For unique Korean eats that scream 'get in my belly', check out Tokki. Top chef Jason Kim has this cuisine on lock with metre-long noodles, melona s'mores, and dumpling-stuffed chicken wings. You're welcome.

Hanoi Haven

40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland

Find some of the city's best Viet eats (including increds aubergine chips and a killer iced coffee) at this veritable oasis. With food and a fit-out this sick, we're tempted to never leave (much like an actual holiday in Vietnam...).

Rosie's Red Hot Cantina

The Strand, Takapuna, Auckland

It's no secret we have a thing for Mexican cuisine—especially when there's slushy margs involved. Joining a sister eatery in the Viaduct, this bustling cantina has you sorted with monster nachos, birria tacos and more frozen margaritas than you can poke a straw at, all within perving distance of the water. Winning.

The Best Restaurants In Takapuna And Milford

Luna All Day

98 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland

Image credit: Luna All Day / Facebook

We've been fans of Luna All Day (formerly Luna Bakehouse) since they started the viral round croissant craze here in Auckland. There's a distinct Asian influence to the food here, which has recently come to include bowls of brightly coloured bingsu (shaved ice), pies, mochi tarts, and doughnuts.

Supernova

116 Kitchener Road, Milford, Auckland

The Gallagher brothers can shove their champagne supernova, 'cos we've found something even better: this Supernnova serving Korean chicken burgers, shakshuka, and beef tacos. Plus a mean cuppa joe and a cabinet stacked with dope treats. Oasis, eat ya heart out.

Kinship

392 Lake Road, Takapuna, Auckland

What for many years was a dairy has now been transformed into a hip coffee spot in gold and forest green. Again, this one has a sister site elsewhere in Auckland (Mt Eden, to be precise), and is not only bringing solid brews to the table, but killer toasties, ice cream, and milkshakes too. Get on it.

Scandibunz

199 Shakespeare Road, Milford, Auckland

Here an expat Swede is serving up insane Swedish cinnamon buns (including those stuffed with marzipan and chocolate) alongside gorgeous salads and sammies. Oh, and a pretty green princess cake that would bring your fave Disney P to tears.

Takapuna Beach Cafe & Store

22 The Promenade, Takapuna, Auckland

Award-winning gelato, freshly brewed coffee and perfectly baked pastries—and that's just in the takeaway section! Sprawled across a corner site overlooking the beach, this hugely popular cafe also has a swish all-day menu and (shut the front door) gelato shakes.

The Best Bars In Takapuna And Milford

Pym's Of Milford

154 Kitchener Road, Milford, Auckland

Image credit: Pym's Of Milford / Facebook

Pym's is a true love letter to Milford; run by three locals and featuring nods to the Milford of yesteryear (e.g. a vintage photo wall) plus a menu championing local ingredients. Sip on a classic Pimm's cocktail while smashing back a Pym's classic burger (because when in Rome), or get amongst their widely revered prawn cocktail (the dish, not a drink!).

Fantail & Turtle

Goodside, Smales Farm, 72 Taharoto Road, Takapuna, Auckland

Despite the name, you won't find any fantails here, nor any turtles—but you will find some of the Shore's dopest drinks, some solid eats, and a beautiful setting to enjoy them in (their status as the 2024 Supreme Winner at the NZ Gastropub Awards all but confirms this). The gin selection is especially impressive, and uses botanicals sourced from their on-site garden.

The Milford Motel

1A Shakespeare Road, Milford, Auckland

Take a trip to Palm Springs, sans your passport with The Milford Motel. This gorgeous specimen of a bar is where you can sip on tipples beneath oversized umbrellas and amongst cacti, fairy lights, and other pretty touches. It's California dreaming, in your own backyard.

Want more like this? Check out Takapuna’s Best Restaurants, Bars And Cafés And Where To Find Them.

Greenhithe And Coatesville

The Best Cafes In Greenhithe And Coatesville

Black Cottage Cafe

308 Riverhead Coatesville Highway, Coatesville, Auckland

Image credit: Black Cottage Cafe / Facebook

There's only one way to describe this spot, and that's tranquil AF (something that applies to the entire suburb of Coatesville, if we're honest). Their outdoor patio is the stuff al fresco dreams are made of, perfect for downing coffees and cabinet treats or tucking into something more substantial like their smashed avo and shakshuka (another Iconic Auckland Eat).

The Collins Cafe & Bar

20 Greenhithe Road, Greenhithe, Auckland

This Greenhithe spot is smashing it, and not just because of their famed French toast stacked with all the treats. Bao buns, sweetcorn fritters, roti, creamy mushrooms, and fried chicken burgers are also on rotation here, so take your pick. Add some Allpress Coffee into the mix and you have a breakfast/lunch/(and on select nights) dinner of champions.

Fernielea

302 Coatesville Riverhead Highway, Coatesville, Auckland

Fernielea, how cute thou art. Not only do you have a sweet name, but a charming outdoor area complete with tables amongst the trees and a magical playground. As for your menu? We can hear the steak sammies and pork belly on mash calling our name, followed by a slab of something sweet (Biscoff pie, perhaps?).

Albany And The Bays

The Best Restaurants In Albany And The Bays

Gao

Shop 5, 198-200 Dairy Flat Highway, Albany, Auckland

Image credit: Gao / Facebook

Gao has plenty of 'tude, featuring walls covered in edgy, oriental murals. Aesthetics aside, it's also where you'll find lip-smacking Asian fusion in the form of yum cha, colourful cocktails, and a bottomless brunch that tips the scales with more than 15 dishes. Oh, and don't forget their banana spring rolls.

Burger Burger Torbay

934 Beach Road, Waiake, Auckland

We'll never tire of a Burger Burger burger (try saying that 10 times), especially one we can eat while overlooking the ocean. In addition to panoramic water views and all the classic BB grub you know and love, this spot is also home to a 'tuckshop' during the day serving smoothie bowls, toast, coffee, pastries, and breakfast butties.

La Spiaggia

470 Beach Road, Murrays Bay, Auckland

If you're trying to avoid carbs, look away now—because La Spiaggia is coming in hot with a 19-strong menu of wood-fired pizzas and almost as many pastas. However we may have just the thing to appease you: a slice of Nutella and Ferrero Rocher cheesecake.

Long Bay Surf Club

4/56 Bounty Road, Long Bay, Auckland

Smash back some Sea pizza (pepperoni, double cheese and sriracha) or a plate of Surf & Turf (grass-fed ribeye and tiger prawns) while sipping on Mermaid's Martinis (rum, triple sec, lime and aloe vera water) at this chill venue in the beachside 'burb of Long Bay. And don't skimp on dessert—the mint, raspberry and white choc sundae is a sweet sensation.

Ramen Takara

4 Anzac Road, Browns Bay, Auckland

You will have heard us bang on about Ramen Takara before, and there's a reason for that. Owner/exec chef Yuki's dad ran a true blue ramen shop in Japan (beneath the shadow of Mount Fuji, no less), and she's keeping the tradition alive with piping hot bowls of noodles in a huge range of flavours (13, to be precise) at this sister shop to Ramen Takara in Ponsonby. Happy slurping.

The Best Cafes In Albany And The Bays

Cindy's Cookies

85 Beach Front Lane, Browns Bay, Auckland

Image credit: Kathryn Steane

If Cookie Monster were real, he'd be a Browns Bay resident for sure. That's 'cos some of the city's most epic cookie creations can be found here, in a cute little bakery along the beachfront. Whether you want a biccie inspired by your fave choccy bar, or one topped with a hippo, wallowing in a chocolate watering hole—Cindy has got your *furry blue* back. P.S. The milkshakes are also well worth a sip.

Fields Cafe

4 Appian Way, Albany, Auckland

Situated in a literal field is this spacious cafe, complete with a playground for the kiddos (zen coffee break incoming). If you can manage to look past the beautifully presented cabinet, try ordering the Tahitian vanilla crepes, kahawai croquttes with fried egg, or coconut pandan hotcakes.

La Tropezienne

92 Clyde Road, Browns Bay, Auckland

This bakery/cafe/patisserie has been around for as long as we can remember, with at least a thousand reasons why it's stood the test of time. Their gorgeous religieuse, mille feuille and Paris Brest, prepared by a small army of bonafide French pastry chefs, to name but a few.

Major Tom

87 Apollo Drive, Rosedale, Auckland

Ground control to all Urban Listers—this cafe has been dishing up the goods since forever ago, and has even spawned a further two branches. Epic brekkies are kinda their signature (hello soft shell crab benedict!), though they also have some seriously stacked cabinet food and drinks up for grabs (rocky road iced chocolate, we see you).

Beaufort + Co

52F Oteha Valley Road, Oteha, Auckland

Beaufort + Co are best known for their outrageous doughnuts (at Christmas time, for example, they make one topped with an entire mince pie). However this certainly isn't a one-hit-wonder kinda sitch, with bacon butties, s'mores wafffles, and 'mince on toast' featuring red wine and espresso braised beef cheek, also up their sleeve. Keep an eye out for their evening events, which in the past have included boozy doughnut decorating classes.

The Best Bars In Albany And The Bays

21 Days Bar & Brasserie

37 Clyde Road, Browns Bay, Auckland

Image credit: 21 Days Bar & Brasserie / Facebook

Down the far end of Browns Bay beach you'll find this sleek spot, which is less a bar and more an all-day eatery serving superb food and drink, including a dedicated wagyu menu, burnt basque cheesecake, and another epic example of a prawn cocktail (there's clearly something in the water here on the Shore). Special shout-out to the dessert cocktails, in flavours like After Dinner Mint and Perky Nana.

Northcote And Birkenhead

The Best Cafes In Northcote And Birkenhead

Real Burger

30 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead, Auckland

Image credit: Real Burger / Facebook

For times when only a juicy pattie smashed between two toasty buns will do, pay a visit to Real Burger. We dig the retro diner vibes as much as the menu, which along with 'real' good burgers, features some seriously slappin' fried chicken and loaded fries.

Osteria Uno

140 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland

This one's for the pasta lovers. Indeed, you won't find a better bowl of the stuff here on the Shore (possibly Auckland), so don't be shy. Made daily from only the finest durum wheat, you'll be treated to the likes of lamb shoulder parpadelle, prawn tortellini, and beef short rib mafaldine. And if you feel like you need something else, there's also a damn fine tiramisu up for grabs.

Bon Pinard

134A Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland

For a casual drink and a bite to eat, consider Bon Pinard your bestie. Expect Euro wine bar vibes with a vino list longer than your arm, complemented by a short but sweet menu of snacks and small plates (we'll take the cheese plate with NZ honeycomb, please and thank you). For the best seats in the house, hit up the cute dining area outside.

Duo Eatery

138 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland

Cafe by day and restaurant by night, this is the final (and in fact, OG) jewel in the MacDonald crown (Jordan and Sarah MacDonald also own Osteria Uno and Bon Pinard). Look for the coffee cup with four legs, and you'll know you've found the right spot, which is where custard-soaked brioche and coffee sit comfortably alongside cocktails and crayfish mafaldine.

The Engine Room

115 Queen Street, Northcote Point, Auckland

Your culinary engine will be in overdrive at this stalwart of the North Shore dining scene, famous for dishes like pork schnitzel and twice-baked goat's cheese soufflé (which we once heard they sell hundreds of every week). Plus the vibe here is always super cheery, and that's something that should be prized as highly as the food.

The Best Cafes In Northcote And Birkenhead

Purrs & Beans

188 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland

Image credit: Kathryn Steane

Wanna cuddle cats while you sip your coffee? There's only one right answer to that question, unless you're allergic. And this, the country's longest-running cat cafe, is just the place to do it; providing a clan of friendly felines to smooch while you down a brew, plus tasty cabinet treats from The Vegan Treatory and more. Don't forget to pick up some cute merch on the way out.

Sugar At Chelsea Bay

100 Colonial Road, Birkenhead, Auckland

Did you hear about the cafe with lamingtons the size of your face? That's here. And slinging such an almighty treat kinda makes sense, given that this is part of the one-and-only Chelsea Sugar Factory. If lamingtons ain't your thing, no problem—they've got a tonne of other sugar-laced goodies in the cabinet, plus an a la carte menu. Something else they're dishing up in a plus-sized portion? Beaut Waitematā Harbour views.

Rollers Bakery

54 Northcote Road, Northcote, Auckland

The first thing about Rollers Bakery that caught our attention was their happy little slice-of-bread logo (what can we say, we're a sucker for cute stuff), followed by their amazeballs doughnuts. However we quickly realised that they also do a damn fine pie and pastry, too. P.S. The bacon and egg rolls are also low-key incredible.

Cheese On Toast

96 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland

Cheese on Toast seems a kinda humble title for the home of Tāmaki's best toasties. One of three sites around Auckland, this spot specialises in housemade sourdough toasted sammies stuffed with a signature three-cheese blend and other fillings that will keep you fuelled for the entire day, no joke. Their spicy pork belly number is an absolute epiphany.

Fika With Me

5 Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead, Auckland

When it comes to Fika With Me, there are just two words you need to know: masala, and hash. This spicy egg-topped dish—part of a mouthwatering cafe menu conceived by Fijian-born chef Deepak—is so good, that it was named an Iconic Auckland Eat. Pair it with a brown butter coffee or Nutella hot chocolate, if you dare.

The Best Bars In Northcote And Birkenhead

Northcote Tavern

37 Queen Street, Northcote Point, Auckland

Image credit: New Zealand Pubs Past & Present / Facebook

Sometimes you just wanna sink a pint at an old-fashioned pub so with that in mind, get on over to the historic Northcote Tavern. This charming spot with one of the most sizeable beer gardens around has been slinging brews since the 1850s; and anywhere with those kinda credentials is well worth a visit. On the food front, you can't go past their pies and Sunday roasts.

Stafford Road Wine Bar

141 Queen Street, Northcote Point, Auckland

We have nothing but praise for this wine bar, which is where you'll find us curled up in the corner with a glass of vino in one hand (or perhaps a negroni spagliato, IYKYK), and the other picking away at something delicious (probs the assiette). Pro tip: duck across the road to the iconic Bridgeway cinema for a post-drink movie.

The Beer Spot

54 Northcote Road, Northcote, Auckland

Consider this—one of six Beer Spot locations across Auckland—your tappy place. Choose from more than 40 rotating brews plus grub from their current food truck in residence (The White Lady, for example), coupled with laidback garage vibes. Chur.

Want more like this? Check out The 15 Best Restaurants To Dine At On The North Shore.

Main image credit: Long Bay Surf Club / Supplied