Karangahape Road, darlings!
Vibrant, creative, electric. Possibly the most bangin’ precinct in all of Tāmaki Makaurau. A short walk from downtown, a hop across from Ponsonby. Step on the strip, and you’re sure to bump into toe-tappin’ beats, tasty kai, and a fabulous queen or two. So you can get straight down to treating yo’self, we’ve rounded up the top spots to drink, dine and vibe on the legendary K' Road
So in no particular order, here are the best restaurants, cafes and bars on Auckland's Karangahape Road.
The Best Restaurants On Karangahape Road
Roses | Rotating guest chefs and winemakers, a wine bar, and a bottle shop to stock up on your faves from the night. Need we say more? Oh, private dining and creative catering? Yeah, they do that too.
Open Coffee/Open Late | Cafe by day, party by night (sometimes). Open Coffee pulls brews from 7 am daily, then pours them every Thursday and Friday from 5-11pm. Win the morning, ignite the night.
Sneaky Snacky | Showstopping, potentially artery-clogging, glazed doughnut fried chicken burgers. Yeah, you heard that right, and we're here for it. A burger so messy they give you gloves, plus there’s ramen that'll blow your mind. Both are worth every penny (and every calorie).
Pici | Stripped back, rustic, handmade Italian fare you’ll dream about for weeks. The best cacio e pepe in the land.
Apéro Food and Wine | Another of Karangahape Road’s best restaurants is this cosy spot with all the wine. Apéro is the sophisticated simplicity we crave on a regular basis, and you will too.
Image credit: Acho's | Facebook
Candela | Whether you’re on the lookout for some cheeky tapas and a cocktail or three, or a full-flung Menu of the Day, Candela’s Spanish and Latin American-inspired dishes will go down a treat.
Otto | A refreshed, regened Cotto with the same energy and vibe. Otto serves classy Italian without the price tag: seasonal ingredients, fresh handmade pasta, and drool-worthy desserts.
Lowbrow | Droolworthy generously-sauced Sandy’s, deep fried chicken wings and decadent desserts combine with low-intervention wines, cocktails and craft beers.
Ziggle | This cult-fave Karangahape Road restaurant serves ridiculously good Korean Fried Chicken as is or stuffed inside a burger. Colonel Sanders who?
Sri Pinang | Top-notch Malaysian food and BYO that won’t break the bank. Their beef rendang is world-famous.
Image credit: Atelier | Facebook
Atelier | A favourite haunt renowned for its exquisite French-inspired food, beautiful cocktails and warm, friendly team.
Bar Céleste | French fare but not as you know it. One of the best restaurants on Karangahape Road? Oui.
PokPok Thai Restaurant & Bar | Missing those Fridays after work at Joy Bong? PokPok is the new kid on the block that has you covered — a fresh twist on Thai cuisine, blending authentic flavours with modern Western options.
Bar Magda | Filipino-inspired hot and cold plates and tipples in a secret speakeasy-style bar and bistro on Cross Street.
Java | Deftly delivering a flavour bomb of Indonesian cuisine in neon surrounds, plus it’s BYO. Eat everything.
Gemmayze St | A Lebanese institution tucked into St Kevin’s Arcade. Opt for a phenomenal four-course ‘jeeb’ or mouthwatering ‘mezza’, with something sweet to finish.
The White Lady | The spot for a dependable toastie when you’re deep into a night of debauchery, The White Lady food truck now has permanent digs in St Kevin’s Arcade,
Carmen Jones | Moreish, uh, Moorish tapas in a boho, cosy setting with loads of scope to cater to specific dietaries.
Uncle Man’s | Stop by for utterly delicious, authentic Malaysian street food that doesn’t cost the earth.
Coco’s Cantina | This Italian eatery feels like home. It’s atmospheric and has killer Happy Hour specials (which include gluten-free and vegan pasta dishes). You might just want to live here.
Satya Spice And Chai Lounge | Delve into Southern Indian street food in this edgy, hessian-rich setting.
JoyBong Thai Restaurant | Bring the crew and soak up the vibes at this longstanding K' road institution. The pad Thai is a must.
The Best Cafes On Karangahape Road
Little Algiers | Down-to-earth Algerian soul food to feed mind and body. A firm local favourite.
PieFee | Home to the internet-breaking pie-coffee hybrid (yep, that’s a coffee served in a pie, complete with chocolate coating and sprinkle rim).
Image credit: Bestie | Facebook
Bestie | Your friendly neighbourhood cafe is aptly named. Head along for laid-back, honest food and leave with a spring in your step.
Fort Greene | For the most legit sandos in all the land (and a whole lot of other things), where practically everything is made from scratch, dig into Fort Greene.
The Lebanese Grocer | Authentic Lebanese food with a small selection of fresh menu available all day. Big yes.
The Best Bars On Karangahape Road
Image credit: Sly Bar | supplied
Sly Bar | You’ll have a ball at this grungy yet sumptuous spot… if you can find the way in.
Barcita | Make a beeline for the back of Spanish/Latin American-inspired eatery and wine bar Candela and you’ll happen upon a macking bar and balcony called Barcita, and you’ll be utterly stoked.
Caluzzi Cabaret | If dazzling drag and all-round fabulousness is a bit of you, your night will be well-spent at Caluzzi.
Eagle Bar | Fun, friendly vibes and offkey singing on Thursday's iconic karaoke nights. Good times.
Whammy Bar | Our favourite dive bar, Whammy is a lil’ kooky, and always vibey, with a fistful of grunge glitter for good measure.
Bozo | Linger a while at this cool gin and craft beer oasis and it’ll always be time well spent.
Image credit: Verona | Facebook
Verona Cafe & Bar | One of the oldest and best bar and eateries on Karangahape Road.
Acho’s | Refreshing drinks with all the boujee bites. Think kushikatsu, edamame and lotus root.
Downtown more your vibe? Check out all the best places to feast in Auckland CBD.
Main image credit: Acho's.