Whether it's a big ol' bowl of dumplings, a decent coffee and a slice of cake, or a juicy burger with all the trimmings, we're beyond stoked to get our hands on some takeaways at Alert Level 3.
Here's our list of where to find the tastiest takeaways for pick-up and/or delivery in Auckland throughout Level 3. Scroll to the bottom to scope out the comments on our Insta post for a rolling list of who's open—they're coming in thick and fast!
Cordis High Tea
CBD
For the grandest picnic in the land, we recommend Cordis' new Picnic High Tea. Yes, one of Auckland's most luxurious hotels is now dishing up a takeaway version of its famous high tea, with exquisitely handcrafted sweets, savouries and scones, as well as your choice of luxury TWG tea (and for a lil' extra, bubbles). Order here.
Beau Wine Bar
Ponsonby
This is Beau's last week offering takeaways (ending Sunday 21st November) and they're going all out with chicken and chive dumplings, spring onion pancakes, sweet and sour prawns, crispy pork ribs, and yuzu panna cotta with miso crumble. Alternatively, grab one of their epic picnic platters and get amongst. Also available for delivery. Order here.
Hotel DeBrett
CBD
If you like the sound of smoked salmon pinwheels, gin and tonic cupcakes, and pink pavlova, cast your eyes over the new High Tea Picnic Box from Hotel DeBrett. This gorgeous selection of treats is a steal at $65 for two, plus for an extra $10 per person, you can grab one of their 1920's-dress-up packs with faux pearls, gloves and more to truly enjoy your meal in style. Find out more, here.
It's Java
Grey Lynn
Dishing up authentic Indonesian street food like mie goreng, deep-fried marinated beef ribs, and a tonne of sambal, It's Java is totally deserving of your Level 3 takeaway vote. Find out more, here.
Onemata
Wynyard Quarter
For a feast fit for a (Kiwi) king and queen, you can't go past Onemata at Park Hyatt Auckland. Their new Onemata At Home offering showcases the very best of New Zealand produce, with a menu that will change each fortnight. First up is braised coastal lamb shoulder (or slow-baked whole roasted cauliflower for the vegetarians) with roasted duck fat potatoes, glazed carrots, rocket greens, and the icing on the cake—sticky date pudding with salted caramel. Also available for delivery. Order here.
Bar Magda
K' Rd
This new kid on the block has you sorted with an exotic 'Family Feast', available every Friday-Sunday and featuring a selection of lush dishes like pot roast beef cheek with parsley, garlic and ginger gremolata, along with the option of added sides and dessert, plus beer, wine and cider to wash it all down. Order here.
Hero Sandwich House
CBD
Let's get one thing straight: these are not your average sandwiches and if you don't believe us, just look at the current menu. You'll find charred brisket roti and truffle melts, along with a dish we'd happily give away our right arm for—jalapeño fried chicken scones. Find out more, here.
Ockhee
Ponsonby
Treat yourself to a feed of some of the city's best 'Seoul' food from Ockhee, who are slinging Korean fried chicken and incredible-tasting dubbap, with delivery also available. Order here.
Café Hanoi
Britomart
Their award-winning Vietnamese fare is sure to satisfy all cravings—think scrumptious rice paper rolls, aromatic vegan curry, and flavour-packed pork spare ribs. Also available for delivery. Order here.
Cheese on Toast
Three Kings
Toasted sammies, but make it epic. That's what the crew at this cult hole-in-the-wall spot do best, and the good news is you can get your hands on these bad boys, along with coffee and toast proper, throughout Level 3. Have your pick of the full menu including the penultimate Cheese on Toast dish, Just Cheese (housemade sourdough stuffed with vintage gouda, Maasdam, and parmesan). Find out more, here.
Madame George
K' Rd
Let Madame George tempt your tastebuds this lockdown with their gorgeous Peruvian menu. There's much to love here, not least their new Pan con Chicharron—one of Peru's most iconic sammies, bursting with slow-cooked pork belly, kumara, and salsa criolla. Find out more, here.
Dedwood Deli
Ponsonby
Trust us when we say, Dedwood Deli's sandwiches are in a league of their own. From chipotle chicken to beef brisket, Korean pork belly to steak chimichurri, with these by our side (or rather, in our belly), Level 3 is almost tolerable. Oat bowls, bagels and of course, coffee are also available. Order here.
Pici
K' Rd
If you'd like to tuck into a bowl of the city's best pasta, Pici are here to help. They're dishing up fresh pasta and pasta kits along with natural wines, with delivery options also available. Order here.
The Hunting Lodge
Waimauku
So you want truffle and parmesan fries, woodfired pizza or perhaps just an insanely good antipasto platter with a bottle of wine? No problem, cos The Hunting Lodge has your back. Order here.
Sidart
Ponsonby
Sidart is bringing us a divine four-course meal kit for two ft. a cured alpine salmon entree, your choice of spiced pork belly or wagyu sirloin, tiramisu, and a selection of cheeses. Order here.
Street Feast
Titirangi
Titirangi's much-hyped food hall, home to incredible street food vendors like Jo Bro's Burgers, Sapa Kitchen, and Mar & Tierra, is officially open for takeaways throughout Level 3. Order here.
Gochu
Commercial Bay
This week, dive into the Gochu Dinner Box for two. For just $80 you'll get chicken sliders, a swordfish consommé, grilled lamb ribs, tomato salad AND something sweet to finish. Though if you just fancy a pack of Gochu's famous milk buns with beurre blanc dipping sauce, or some of chef Jason's epic fried chicken, they're available too. Order here.
Flour Mill
Epsom
Swing by their cute takeaway window and stock up on gorgeous home-baked goods and premium Kokako coffee. Find out more, here.
Cocoro
Ponsonby
Behold Cocoro's jaw-dropping Nigiri Sushi Oke, a selection of sushi that is as incredible to look at as it is to eat and available right throughout Level 3, with more delicious options coming shortly. Find out more, here.
The Caker
K' Rd
The Caker is baaack, baby. We recommend nabbing yourself their brand-new citrus, olive oil, and pistachio number (and sharing it with NO-ONE). Order here.
Sumthin' Dumplin'
CBD
Order up large, because these are some of the freshest, tastiest dumplings you'll ever eat (the beef ones are especially delish—kinda like a mini cheeseburger, without the bun). Available from their Lorne Street store, with delivery also available. Order here.
Patch
Sunnybrae
North Shore peeps, Patch should be top of your takeaway list cos they have great coffee, home baking AND seriously beaut smoothies. Find out more, here.
Good Dog Bad Dog
Ormiston
If you live in South-East Auckland, you're in luck because Good Dog Bad Dog is re-opening just for you. Hoagies and hotdogs, here we come... Update: These guys are now popping up on select days at The Candy Shop in Newmarket, so citysiders can also get their fix. Find out more, here.
Cassia
CBD
Meal kits are the order of the day at award-winning Indian eatery, Cassia. Choose from three options, all containing entrees, mains, sides of rice and naan, and tiramisu for dessert, or opt for one of their brand-new BBQ kits containing their legendary goan lamb chops, tikka chicken sliders, and more. Order here.
Parade
Ponsonby
Great news, the stuffed-pretzel kings/burger legends will be slinging their signature deliciousness throughout Level 3. Find out more, here.
Ghost Street
Britomart
Dig into a sumptuous Chinese feast thanks to our friends at Ghost Street, who are serving up a moreish selection of dishes including baked cha siu pork buns, biang biang noodles, fried organic chicken legs, and Hong Kong-style egg tarts for afters. Order here.
The Real Bread Project
Helensville
West-dwelling folk will be rapt to know that they can now pick up black forest doughnuts, apple crumble danishes, and other delights from local legends, The Real Bread Project (don't forget the coffee!). Order here.
Cocos Cantina
K' Road
The home of hearty, Italian-inspired food cooked with love, which at Level 3 looks like meal kits with your choice of spaghetti and meatballs, or ricotta and spinach balls, accompanied by a yummy salad and an even yummier chocolate torte. Also available for delivery. Order here.
Homeland
Westhaven
Thank you, Peter Gordon, for promising to bring us your famous cheese scones, amongst other gourmet delights, throughout Level 3. Order here.
Bali Nights
Ponsonby
Nab yourself a legit Indonesian feast courtesy of Bali Nights. These guys specialise in some seriously tasty (and on occasion, spicy) cuisine, including their moreish vegan satay skewers. Order here.
kingi
Britomart
New kid on the Britomart block, kingi, have you covered with their 'kingi fun pack', ft. a decadent three-course meal for two including burrata and Basque cheesecake (hell yes). Order here.
Fort Greene
K' Rd
Been missing Fort Greene's baked goodies? You're not alone. Now you can place same-day orders for sandwiches and coffee, or pre-order their famously tasty bread and pastries for the following day. Order here.
Esther
Viaduct
The QT's signature restaurant is dishing up a range of gorgeous dinners (including a mouthwatering bolognaise with pre-mixed house negronis), generously portioned pies and their incredible burnt Basque cheesecake. Oh, and don't forget that deluxe picnic tote filled with goodies like L’Authentique duck liver parfait, Ortiz anchovies, and G.H. Mumm Champagne. Order here.
Bar Céleste (as Cantine)
K' Rd
Stuff your face with garlic frites and Bar Céleste's iconic filet o' market fish burger, followed by a stack of brown butter and Valrhona dark chocolate chip cookies—basically your dream meal, right? Order here.
Fabric
Hobsonville
If you live out Hobsonville way, we recommend picking up some takeaway treats (think pastries, cakes, scones, hot sammies, and of course, coffee) from Fabric. Plus, you'll get to enjoy them with a side of waterfront views. Find out more, here.
Gemmayze Street
K' Rd
Feast on old faves like hummus and slow-cooked lamb shoulder, along with new dishes like Lebanese pizza. Yummm. Order here.
Mighty Hotdog
CBD (AND sOON, ROYAL OAK)
If you love Mighty Hotdog's unique sugar-coated treats as much as us, listen up because they're now available for takeaway and in some cases, delivery. Cue the drool. Order here.
1947 Eatery
CBD
Modern Indian in the form of nibbles (think curry chips and chaat), mains (spinach kofta and daal), and other exotic dishes. Also available for delivery. Order here.
Bowl & Arrow
Orakei
While Bowl & Arrow's Commercial Bay and Newmarket stores will remain closed until Level 2, you'll now be able to get their life-giving smoothie bowls from Orakei. Also available for delivery. Order here.
Sid At The French Café
Eden Terrace
These guys have your Level 3 sorted with their deluxe meal kits (choose from vegetarian, pescatarian, or chef's signature), laden with treats like mushroom, miso and truffle pie, duck with kumara puree, and a decadent chocolate, raspberry and hazelnut dessert. Alternatively, get amongst one of their new BBQ and salad kits containing hand-picked beef sirloin steaks, spiced chicken drumsticks, marinated lamb chops, pork and fennel saussies, and a tonne of sumptuous sides to go with. Order here.
Saan
Ponsonby
If it's fine-dining Thai with out-of-this-world flavours that you want, look no further. Saan has everything from tiger prawn pad thai and crispy roast pork belly for the carnivores, to wok-seared eggplant and vegetable massaman curry for the plant-lovers. Order here.
Fantail & Turtle
Smales Farm
Lord help us, Fantail & Turtle are running a pop-up drive-thru where you'll be able to order buttermilk fried chicken or 'wickeder' wings with chunky fries, slaw, and gravy. Find out more, here.
The Pie Piper
K' Rd & Eastridge
We want treats, and when do we want them? Now! Enter The Pie Piper, who's once again gracing us with their deliciousness, including whole-size peaches and cream pies, and brownie and cookie boxes. Order here.
Gorgeous New York Pizza And Pasta Bar
Mount Eden
Arguably some of the tastiest pizza and pasta in Auckland, now available for your Level 3 pleasure. Find out more, here.
Jervois Steak House
Herne Bay
Pick up (or if you live close, get delivered) West Coast whitebait fritters with lemon butter sauce and chives, forest mushroom pappardelle with truffle, rocket gremolata and pecorino, and crème brûlée tart with hokey pokey and marshmallow for afters. Order here.
Goodness Gracious
Eden Terrace, Parnell & Takapuna
Seek them out for coffee, smoothies, and grilled New York-style bagels in a myriad of options (we personally like The Wilbur—pulled pork with coleslaw, aioli, and apple chutney). Also available for delivery. Find out more, here.
Sneaky Snacky
K' Rd
Ever wondered what a doughnut burger tastes like? Never fear, Sneaky Snacky have your back(y). Enjoy one of these bad boys either plain or glazed and loaded with your choice of juicy wagyu beef or crispy fried chicken. Follow with more doughnuts for dessert. Find out more, here.
Ampersand Eatery
Orakei
Premium coffee? Check. Yummy baked goods? Check. Piping hot and mega delish takeaways? CHECK. Thanks, Ampersand, we'll be seeing you... lots. Find out more, here.
SMOKIN COLE BBQ
Grey Lynn
Say hello to heat-and-eat packs of melt-in-your-mouth BBQ meat (and chicken wings) washed down with truffle mac 'n' cheese and creamy potato and gravy. Order here.
Williams Eatery
Wynyard Quarter
Mind-blowing brunch and lunch dishes are their speciality, and in Level 3 that takes the form of Lebanese pitas and bowls, as well as cookies. Find out more, here.
Mr Hao
Albany & Mount Eden
The legends at Mr Hao are back with set menu feeds ft. spicy chicken wings, fried noodles, and pork dumplings—what are you waiting for? Get ordering. Find out more, here.
Bestie
K' Rd
If burgers, milkshakes, and doughnuts are your jam (um, duh), best pay a visit to Bestie. They'll also have some of their more classic dishes up for grabs, along with a shitload of coffee. Find out more, here.
V.T. Station
Newmarket
Authentic, exquisitely crafted Indian street food including melt-in-the-mouth charcoal-grilled meats and of course, curries is winging its way to you in Level 3. Find out more, here.
Peach's Hot Chicken
Panmure
The fried chicken kings are back. If you've been dreaming of their Baller Sandwich all lockdown-long, now's your chance to finally sink one (or three). Order here.
The Candy Shop
Newmarket
Little Bird Kitchen
Ponsonby
Yass, the healthiest fare in town is finally ours again, thank you Little Bird. We can't wait to get our hands on some of that sweet plant-based goodness (which, btw, is also available for delivery). Find out more, here.
Khu Khu Eatery
Ponsonby
Yes, Auckland's home of vegan Thai (and an Urban List fave) will be back in action for Level 3. Find out more, here.
Stanley Avenue
Milford
North Shore peeps should check out Stanley Avenue, which has some of their most-loved dishes up for grabs throughout Level 3 including burrata, black tea half chicken, and slow-braised beef cheek. Order here.
Food Truck Collective Vendors
Auckland-wide
We know how much ya'll love street food so get a load of this—Hapunan, Double Shot, Carmel Israeli Street Food, Sweet As Crepes, and Amaranto are just some of the many street food vendors dusting off their aprons to bring you delicious eats in Level 3, with more to come. Find out more, here.
Ripe Deli
Grey Lynn & Smales Farm
Here you'll find coffee, sweet treats, and their trademark sammies and salads, plus a range of mouthwatering freezer meals (which are also available, alongside select goodies, for delivery). Find out more, here.
Burger Burger
Newmarket, Ponsonby & Takapuna
Get your hands on some of the best burgers in the biz (we've been dreaming about sinking our teeth into one of these bad boys for weeks). Don't forget the potato skins and/or charred broc! Order here.
Supernova
Milford
One of the North Shore's newest (and in our opinion, greatest) brunch spots is open for business, and by that, we mean bacon and egg baps and killer coffee. Find out more, here.
Elmo's
Ponsonby
Eat your weight in pizza, pasta, and burrata thanks to Elmo's, aka one of the best pizza bars in Auckland, and an absolute Urban List fave. Delivery is also available. Find out more, here.
Whitestone Cheese Bar
Wynyard Quarter
Cheese, glorious cheese—something the folks at Whitestone Cheesebar have by the bucketload. We recommend their cheese rolls, washed down with a cup of Havana coffee. Oh, and did we mention they have cheese and wine hampers in the pipeline? Find out more, here.
Va Bene/Parnell Porker
Parnell
Whether you're in the mood for beautiful European-style fare like beef bourguignon and duck leg chasseur, or something a little less fancy like a half-rack of BBQ pork ribs with potato and gravy and chipotle slaw to go with, Va Bene and their sister project, Parnell Porker has your back. Find out more, here.
Ada
Grey Lynn
In the mood for pizza fritta and cannoli? Ada can help with that. Find out more, here.
Tiger Burger
Grey Lynn
Check them out for some of the most flavoursome (and innovative) burgers that'll ever pass your lips, including their famous Kimcheese offering. Order here.
Mr Morris
Britomart
Michael Meredith and the team are serving up some rather glorious dinners for Level 3, with the first week's menu consisting of options like beef short rib with brioche and butter pudding, lamb shoulder with pani popo, and roasted pork belly with rhubarb frangipane tart. Order here.
Cazador Delicatessen
Mount Eden
Avoid disappointment and get in early for their legendary pies, though let it be known that they also do damn good pastries, sammies, sweet treats, and coffee. Don't forget some deli goods to take home. Find out more, here.
Wynyard Pavilion
Wynyard Quarter
Think coffee and bacon butties for brekkie, followed by Margherita pizza and fried fish tacos for dinner. Find out more, here.
Green Door Pizza
Newmarket
It is with happy hearts (and even happier tummies) that we announce these guys are popping up at The Candy Shop in Newmarket. Choose from a short-order menu of insanely delicious, 13" pizzas including their mouthwatering mortadella number with guindilla chillies and stracciatella. Order here.
Juke Joint BBQ
Birkenhead, City Works Depot, Commercial Bay, Mt Eden, Onehunga & Orakei
Dig into beef brisket sammies, chicken wings, and macaroni jalapeno poppers, thanks to our friends at Juke Joint BBQ (don't forget to grab yourself a pack of Brothers Beer while you're at it). Plus, every order over $20 comes with free tots. Delivery is also available. Order here.
And here are some other local legends who are setting up their stalls for some level 3 goodness...
Keen for a little drop with your fancy meal? Check out the best alcohol delivery services in town.
Image credit: Cordis