Nothing screams comfort food (and indeed, deliciousness) more than a big ol' bowl of gooey mac 'n' cheese, are we right? This beloved dish brings carbs and dairy together in the most beautiful way possible and lucky for us, there's no shortage of mac 'n cheese magic to be found around Auckland.
From classic, American versions that are heavy-handed on the cheese, to more unconventional options laced with truffle, spices, and even lobster, here are Auckland's best mac 'n' cheese dishes for you to try.
Botswana Butchery
Auckland CBD
The mac 'n' cheese at Botswana Butchery is out the gate (though hopefully not before making a pitstop on your plate). A case of as good as, if not better than what it looks (you can see for yourself how good it looks above), this bad boy has been wooing Aucklanders with its indulgently cheesy, pancetta-laced self for several years now. Get amongst.
Soul Bar & Bistro
Auckland Viaduct
We couldn't compile a list of the best mac 'n' cheese in town without including the OG. Trust us, Soul Bar’s version is one of the best in Auckland. They make theirs with ham off the bone and a parmesan crust and it’s nothing short of a carb-heavy masterpiece.
Paname Social
Auckland CBD
Paname's mac 'n' cheese is a chic wee number, which is to be expected from this fancy French spot in the heart of the CBD. Think finely chopped pieces of juicy lobster tail folded through a rich, cheesy sauce, with a cheeky chipotle-dusted topping to finish. No judgment here if you take it upon yourself to order seconds.
Peach's Hot Chicken
Panmure
There's a lot to love about Peach's Hot Chicken, including their amazing mac 'n' cheese. This baby is pumped full of pimento—and with one of the owners hailing from the unofficial home of mac itself (America)—you know it's gonna be good. Of course, it'd be remiss not to mop up said mac 'n' cheese with some of their famous Nashville fried chicken.
Nanny's Eatery
Kingsland
Serving exceptional Jamaican comfort food, do yourself a favour and order up some of Nanny's Eatery's already legendary and wonderfully punchy five-cheese mac 'n' cheese. It's some of the best in town and goes down particularly well with some jerk chicken and a boozy ginger beer.
Andiamo
Herne Bay
Our wee lineup wouldn't be complete without a mention of the offering at beloved Herne Bay eatery Andiamo. Here the holy trinity of bacon, chilli and cheese (fontina, cheddar and parmesan, to be precise) is deliciously melded with macaroni to produce an exceptional taste sensation. You can gobble up this mac 'n' cheese as a starter or main, but if you can't get there any time soon you can serve up a dish right at home using their delicious mac and cheese recipe. You're welcome.
SMOKIN COLE BBQ
Grey Lynn
Prepare for a serious mac attack when you visit SMOKIN COLE BBQ. Their mac 'n' cheese is legit delicious and combines all the classic, carb-y elements you know and love with a dash of mustard (and a hint of truffle if you choose). Sign. Us. Up.
Oyster & Chop
Auckland Viaduct
For a restaurant synonymous with oysters, you might be surprised to discover that Oyster & Chop also makes a mean mac ’n’ cheese. Their version combines smoked provolone cheese with a delicious truffle crumb. Simple, elegant, and oh-so-delicious, what more do you want?
Good Dog Bad Dog
Commercial Bay, Point Chevalier, Ormiston, Onehunga
Just when you thought mac 'n' cheese couldn't possibly get any better, Good Dog Bad Dog went and slapped it on top of a frankfurter. This game-changing combo ain't for the faint-hearted but if you love carbs—and meat—get amongst. P.S. They've also introduced mac 'n' cheese-stuffed quesadillias to the menu, and also sling scoops of the stuff on its own.
The Oyster Inn
Waiheke Island
Want your mac with ocean views? Yes, cheese! Enter The Oyster Inn, whose mac 'n' cheese has been a regular on the menu since opening in 2012. Now sitting proudly on owner Josh Emett's menu you can enjoy it two ways: au naturel, or with crispy slab-cut smoked bacon. Baked to golden, crispy perfection every time, we may have hopped on a ferry just to enjoy this dish.
Jervois Steak House
Herne Bay
We could smooch whoever decided to bring truffle to the mac ’n’ cheese party. Herne Bay’s Jervois Steak House cook their mac ’n’ cheese in a skillet alongside smoked ham hock and truffle for a truly glorious carbs-meets-cheese experience. It will go perfectly with your medium-rare Savannah Angus and is one of the best mac ’n’ cheese dishes in Auckland.
Wynyard Grill
Wynyard Quarter
Last but certainly not least, Wynyard Grill offers not one, not two, but THREE different styles of mac ’n’ cheese, and you’re going to want to try them all. Start with cheddar and chorizo followed by gooey brie and chives before moving on to truffled mushrooms and Swiss. Seriously, get it in your belly. You might need to be rolled out the door but a great mac ’n’ cheese will always be worth it.
Just gouda have some more cheese? Here’s where to find the best cheese shops in Auckland.
Image credit: The Oyster Inn, Botswana Butchery, Soul Bar & Bistro, Paname Social by Dave Marano, Peach's Hot Chicken & Nanny's Eatery by Wono Kim, Andiamo, SMOKIN COLE BBQ by Wono Kim, Good Dog Bad Dog, The Oyster Inn, Jervois Steak House, Wynyard Grill.