At Urban List, we've spent a lot of time thinking about what makes the difference between a good restaurant and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's very best and, for us, there are a few key boxes it needs to tick. From the ingredients and menu to the chef's execution and plating, first and foremost the food needs to be exceptional. But we reckon a restaurant's decor, vibe and service are all just as important—you feel the difference straight away. These are the sorts of restaurants that turn into absolute favourites.
It’s an incredibly tough list to narrow down, especially with all the stunning new restaurants popping up around Auckland on the reg. However, we've eaten our way around town to bring you our list of Auckland's best restaurants—in no particular order—so dig in.
The Best Auckland Restaurants At A Glance
- Best Auckland CBD Restaurant: Queens Rooftop & Wineshop
- Best Fine Dining Restaurant: Tala
- Best Italian Restaurant: Bossi
- Best Japanese Restaurant: Masu
- Best French Restaurant: Atelier
- Best Korean Restaurant: Tokki
- Best Vietnamese Restaurant: Cafe Hanoi
- Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Forest
- Best Thai Restaurant: Khu Khu
- Best Steak Restaurant: Jervois Steak House
- Best Romantic Restaurant: Forest
- Best Restaurant On Waiheke Island: Tantalus Estate
- Best Rooftop Restaurant: Parasol & Swing
- Best Restaurant For Groups: Hazy Tiger
- Best Affordable Restaurant: Broke Boy Taco
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Queens Rooftop & Wineshop
Level 21/1 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Queens Rooftop | Jake Dennis
She's sleek, convivial and statuesque—with a bar that nods to the glamour of the great skyscrapers of yesteryear. Queens Rooftop is a 360-degree, sky-high wrap-around bar atop the Deloitte building and Commercial Bay and you ought to book in, stat. All about plates big and small that cater to every hankering, you'll revel in a sunset with a side of caviar bump, boost those vitamins with the freshest of green goddess lettuce wedges, and indulge gleefully in a dreamy white choc ice cream Alaska with cherry compote and Italian meringue.
"I love unwinding at Queens Rooftop. It's got great views and a lively atmosphere." - HIranya Ratnayake, Chef at Hilton Auckland
Ada
454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: Ada | Instagram
A sun-lit bistro tucked away in an ex-convent-turned beautiful boutique hotel? Sign us up. Again, and again, and again. Most recently helmed by Chef Kia Kanuta, diners were treated to a modern Māori twist and we had no notes. But when Kia stepped away at the end of 2024, we waited with bated breath to hear who would take on Ada's next chapter. Cue: Chef Alfie Ingham and a menu worthy of Ada's top tier reputation, with plenty of space to unfold in new ways.
BOSSI
10 Commerce Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Bossi | Jono Parker
BOSSI is the real-deal Italian eatery in the heart of the city that does absolutely everything right. The brainchild of Jenna Carter, this eatery has famiglia and hospitality at its heart, with warm, friendly service and nods to Jenna's late Italian-born Nonna featured throughout (we especially love her portrait behind the bar—just look at those incredible shoes!). A constantly evolving menu of beloved Italian fare will keep you coming back for more. Executive Chef Shaun Dowling and the team keep their finger on the pulse of creativity and are constantly reinventing their menu while keeping some classics—why mess with perfection—while offering new iterations on previous favourites.
Load up on more of Auckland's best Italian restaurants here.
Forest
243 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
Image credit: Forest | Instagram
Serving up the ultimate plant-based fare, not only is Forest the best vegetarian restaurant in Auckland right now, it's also one of Auckland's best restaurants overall. Independently owned by chef Plabita Florence and operated in collaboration with Kate Underwood, every dish is a plateful of art and constantly evolves with the flow of the seasons so you'll want to put this one on rotation. Their deep-fried feijoa season is a highlight of the annual culinary calendar and be sure to wrap your mouth around their beer-glazed purple kumara with marmite cream.
Get the scoop on Auckland's best vegetarian and vegan restaurants here.
Gemmayze Street
St Kevins Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Gemmayze Street | Babiche Martens
The lauded Gemmayze Street is so legit that a section of their website is dedicated to hummus. Tucked away in a cosy corner of St Kevins Arcade, head here to get schooled in Lebanese cuisine from babganouj and falafel to jazar roasted carrots, shish barak mushroom dumplings, homemade pide and the sweet kiss of knefe. With fabulous cocktails ripe for the drinking also (za'atar stormy anyone?) be sure to come thirsty, too.
"All the food feels soaked in history and love and they've got a mocktail that tastes like Turkish delight I wish they sold by the litre." - Hugo Grrrl, drag king and comedian
Atelier
292 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Atelier | Instagram
This classy French bistro brings its A-game to Karangahape Road with delightful cocktails like the goblet-like Le French Love (pictured), inventive tapas like the unforgettable smoked trevally rillettes, chicken cordon bleu with mushroom ketchup (yes, really), and divine mains like the roasted rosemary camembert. Don't miss Atelier's mille-feuille dessert—layers of crisp, golden pastry woven with vanilla custard and topped with salted butter caramel and chantilly cream—which has already reached legendary status. As the French would say, magnifique!
Darling On Drake
27 Drake Street, Auckland
Image credit: Darling On Drake | Instagram
With opulent decor, a sprawling outdoor deck and a meticulously crafted food and drink menu, a trip (or two) to Darling On Drake is essential. Home of the $200 cocktail that went viral last year, every iteration of their menu is even more spellbinding than the last. Our current culinary muses include pork and paua sausage rolls, grilled courgettes with cashew cream, potato scallops with vinegar powder and curry spice, coconut and lime mousse and their darling Matcha Martini.
Roses Dining Room
454 Karangahape Road, Auckland | Closing Soon! Last Day 28 March
Image credit: Roses Dining Room | Michael White
The ever-charming Roses Dining Room is an owner-operator-led vibrant playground for emerging chefs and winemakers with a menu that morphs adding to the allure. Stepping through the bottle-lined walkway, you're greeted by an intimate room bathed in a soft, purple glow with half a dozen tables adorned with fresh flowers and flickering candles. A residency restaurant featuring a lineup of handpicked chefs, one week you might be digging into a rice cooker chicken masterpiece, the next, a lamb dish with a side of burnt beetroot. As for the wines, all are produced organically by low intervention small family-run makers, largely from Aotearoa. Every year, the crew release their very own Roses Dining Room bottle of wine, too.
Hazy Tiger
22 Durham Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Hazy Tiger | supplied
It’s impossible to miss the giant neon-lit tiger bathing as you wander up Durham Street West. The glowing cat signals a departure from your daily—cross the threshold and you’ll find yourself in Hazy Tiger, a trippy wonderland of Korean eats and sip-worthy libations. From matcha-infused cocktails and elderflower martinis to fried chicken skin, street food-style oil tteokbokki, and a dessert duo to end all desserts, you're going to want to hit this spot, stat.
We've got every single one of Auckland's best Korean restaurants here.
Apéro
280 Karangahape Road, Auckland
Image credit: Apéro | Facebook
Taking its name from the urban French tradition of enjoying a quality drop and bite in good company, it comes as no surprise that Apéro is one of the best French restaurants in Auckland. In true French bistro fashion, delectable lunches and dinners are served as a mix of small sharing and grazing plates, with the odd hearty dish thrown into the mix. French bistro classics are aplenty here: there’s a terrine of the day, a signature Apéro charcuterie board as well as saussies with pickles and mustard that’s served by the quarter metre, for the lovers of meat out there. In true French style, there’s a plentiful wine menu full of quality drops. Whichever one you pick, rest assured that it’s been lovingly handpicked and received the seal approval by Apéro’s local wine legend, Mo. Now go forth and sip and graze your way through this menu—you can thank us later.
"My favourite local restaurant is Apero because it's got the right balance of fun, delicious food, delicious wine—they just do it so well. Mo's amazing at the front—so relaxed but very knowledgeable, he just knows how to work the room—and Leslie, she's a wizard with technique. We'd usually start with charcuterie and I love the ribeye they do. I usually leave the wine to Mo because he knows what I like." - Sid Sahrawat, Chef (Cassia, Anise, Sid At The French Cafe, Sidart)
Aryeh
20 Seaview Road, Piha, Auckland
Image credit: Aryeh | Babiche Martens
If you’ve had it up to here with fancy fare that leaves a dent in your wallet but not your appetite, rest assured you won’t find that at Aryeh. Executive Chef and Restauranteur Lucas is all about very generous sure-to-food-coma portion sizes and that's one of the reasons why we reckon Aryeh's one of Auckland's best restaurants. The beachside gem is in full swing through the summer months with 3 and 5-course Trust The Chef menus, a Wednesday Test Kitchen and takeaway fish and chips to enjoy picnic-style on Piha beach. Head here for hyperlocal, non-pretentious fare that's as delectable as it is gorgeous.
Parasol & Swing
7/204 Quay Street, Auckland
Checking all the boxes for suntrap, mind-blowing cocktails, seasonally-evolving hearty eats, good vibes and even better pricing, it's easy to see why Parasol & Swing is one of Auckland's best restaurants and cocktail bars. Experts in innovation, it's as much the perfect spot for an elegantly boozy sundowner—with fried pickles slathered in Togarashi ranch—as it is a spirited catch up with mates over bao and burgers. If you find yourself there before 10pm, make your way through their showstopping cocktails (ahem, looking at you Rosé Tinted Glasses) exquisitely-glassed like you've never seen before.
See also: The Broken Lantern, ACS and Mea.
Cafe Hanoi
27 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland
Image credit: Cafe Hanoi | Instagram
Long-hailed as one of Auckland's best Vietnamese restaurants, Cafe Hanoi continues to deliver top-tier dishes year after year. Book here for all your favourite Vietnamese flavours in the form of fresh rice paper rolls, crispy bánh xèo pancakes, spring rolls and green rice-coated tiger prawn cutlets plus caramel pork belly and plenty of Asian greens. And if the hungry beast needs to be tamed you can score their signature set menu for $75 per person or their plant-based edit for $70. They've been known to do a spicy marg with one helluva kick to it, from time to time too.
See also: Ghost Kitchen and Perch.
Anise
210 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland
Image credit: Anise | Supplied Babiche Martens
The latest venture of Sid and Chand Sahrawat, at Anise, the food centres around not one, not two but a myriad of Asian cuisines—Pan Asian to be exact. As a result, the menu oozes excitement, giving subtle nods to a rich tapestry of traditional flavours from the East, wrapped up in the most picture-perfect plating settings under the guidance of head chef Tommy Hope. With incredible cocktails, on-point service and a gorgeous courtyard and open kitchen, you'll be thinking of your trip to Anise long after you've savoured your last bite. Make a trip back to try Auckland's famed French Cafe, which is now housed in an intimate, 35-seater dining room across the courtyard.
Tala
235 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Image credit: Tala | Urban List Vanessa Zhao
Date night just got a whole lot more delicious with the uber-chic Tala, Parnell’s new hidden gem, opening its doors and slinging sleek, contemporary yet traditional Samoan fare. Perch by the bar and get a full view of the Umu—a traditional Samoan open-fire oven—or nestle on the banquettes for a more intimate, but just as fabulous dining experience. You won’t find traditional courses here. Rather, dining here is more about the journey, from the welcome drink at the door to the final collection of bittersweet desserts, Tala is an experience for all the senses.
Bianca
Unit 4/2 Robert Street, Ellerslie, Auckland
Image credit: Bianca | Urban List Wono Kim
Bianca, helmed by renowned ex-Cotto and Ada Chef Hayden Phiskie, slings outrageously good pasta dishes like a rich pork shoulder ragu mafaldine and a delicate ricotta-filled ravioli. The stripped-back aesthetic featuring a clean fit-out and semi-open kitchen pairs perfectly with the food, which adopts the same no-fuss approach. Beyond pasta, Italian delights like housemade focaccia and delectable desserts such as a chonky cannoli and an incredible tiramisu tart are also highlights.
"My favourite dessert spot has to be Bianca in Ellerslie. They make a killer tiramisu and have such a beautiful selection of natural wines." - Maddi Garrett, tattoo heartist and director of Studio Alora
Tempero
352 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Tempero | Instagram
Meticulously and deliciously melding together flavours and influences from Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, Peru (and then some), chef Fabio Bernardini and his tight-knit team have created an intimate space where authenticity shines and Pan-Latin dishes delight at Tempero. Think Brazilian bite-sized bread morsels stuffed with cheese, sweet yet smokey crispy black-eyed pea cakes (acarajé) stuffed with okra and palm heart and smooth passionfruit mousse to finish.
The Nightcar
44 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: The Nightcar | Urban List Wono Kim
The Nightcar is the answer to Aucklanders' prayers: generous late-night opening hours, stackable portions, exquisite Chinese cuisine, a champagne trolley, and a wine and cocktail list as meticulously crafted as its sleek interior. Oh, and nestled away from plain sight in the heart of the city. Noodle hankerings are covered—chicly—with small cold and noodle dishes that are encouraged to pair, or top with their smaller plates. Chomp away on thick sweet and savoury noodles or gooey and savoury Gan Lao Mian, heavenly duck spring roll cups, and vegetable dishes that are far from boring. And for the final touch? Everything, from cocktails and wines to sweet and savoury are listed in order of gentle to punchy flavours—the lifehack we didn't know we needed.
Slurp your way through Auckland's Best Chinese restaurants.
Metita
90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Metita | Instagram
Culinary mastermind, Michael Meredith, is back with his third venture, Metita—a Pacific-inspired restaurant named after his late mother, who taught him everything that he knows. Metita has brought its reimagined Pacific cuisine to the heart of SkyCity with a menu which is filled with delectable delights, made from fresh, flavoursome ingredients showcasing Pacific cuisine at its finest. While the fare is inspired by Samoa (where Michael grew up), it’s not traditional Pacific food as you know it. It's reimagined with a modern twist. With an extensive drinks menu to match, Metita is a masterpiece.
Broke Boy Taco
964 New North Road, Mount Albert, Auckland
Image credit: Broke Boy Taco | Urban List Vanessa Zhao
If you're wondering how a neighbourhood taco joint has made it onto the list of Auckland's best restaurants then you obviously haven't tried Broke Boy Taco. Finding a permanent home on the Mount Albert strip following sell-out pop-ups around the city, this is THE place to try Birria tacos that are unlike anything you've ever tasted this side of the Atlantic. The brainchild of Kentucky native Sean Yarborough who spent many years in the Mission district of San Francisco (affectionately known as Little Mexico), he's brought his fully loaded tacos, quesadillas and the off-menu Broke Boy secret noodles to the grateful people of Auckland and boy do we love him for it.
Bonita
131 Main Highway, Ellerslie, Auckland
Image credit: Bonita | Website
Bringing Spanish sensibilities to a sleek Ellerslie bistro, Bonita dishes up a new level of food obsession. Think burrata with roast grape, mortadella with green olive, squid ink risotto croquettes, and sensational grilled broccolini. One look at their drinks menu (or prosecco, cocktail and quirky sangria-filled taps) and the obsession intensifies: from beer to natty wines to classics from Spain and near, or a spicy shishito-infused margarita and a sublime watermelon and peach hwachae cobbler.
Tokki
87 Kitchener Road, Milford, Auckland
Image credit: Tokki | Supplied
Chef Jason Kim of Gochu fame has opened Tokki, a dreamy Korean eatery on the North Shore complete with metre-long noodles, crispy chicken prawn dumplings, and even a whisky trolley for the perfect finish. Tucked away on the main stretch at 87 Kitchener Road, this number also happens to be the year of Jason's birth, which if you're familiar with the Chinese zodiac, you'll know is the year of the rabbit (aka the luckiest of the signs). And tokki, of course, is the Korean word for rabbit. Talk about auspicious. To those of you who live in the area (or anywhere north of the bridge, for that matter), permission to brag is now officially granted.
Ragtag
162 Garnet Road, Westmere, Auckland
Image credit: Ragtag | Urban List Eric Jang
Shaking up the taco game is Ragtag. Enjoy '100% unauthentic tacos' (their words, not ours) alongside natural wines and a selection of other South American-inspired treats. Run by the talented Dan Freeman (ex-Alma and once upon a time, a contestant on My Kitchen Rules), Ragtag will have you dreaming of their slow-cooked duck, drenched in a peppery sauce and apricot salsa, all poured into a soft duck-fat flour tortilla. Or perhaps the chocolate mousse, dripping in olive oil and sprinkled with salt. Or how about the crunchy beef 'nuggets', stuffed with juicy meat and dressed in a punchy green chilli sauce? Get in our mouths already.
Ooh-Fa
357 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
Image credit: Ooh-Fa | Urban List Jamin Drupsteen
From the masterminds behind Karangahape Road's phenomenally popular pasta joint Pici, Ooh-Fa has nestled onto buzzing Dominion Road in the form of an intimate neighbourhood haunt. Slinging a small but perfectly formed menu of exceptional 70-hour proofed sourdough pizzas whose toppings change on the reg, a focus on divine natural wines and sides and desserts that will leave you reeling, Ooh-Fa is always a good time.
OCKHEE
171 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: OCKHEE | Instagram
Coupling authentic Korean fare with cool-kid vibes, OCKHEE on Ponsonby Road is always buzzing. We're low-key obsessed with their hot pots or jeon gol, arguably the most popular item on the menu as these bubbling stews loaded with beef, tofu and other goodies are nothing short of game-changing. Keep an eye on their Instagram for some seriously covetable merch to rock while you're sampling all the mouth-watering menu has to offer.
Pici
183 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Pici | Instagram
The bijoux eatery that punches well above its weight, Pici in St Kevin's Arcade is so much more than its hero dish of cacio e pepe. With vibes for days, friendly service and consistently epic dishes that will send your taste buds into a spin, you can even pop into their bar next door, Tappo, to further explore their conscious wines pre- or post-dinner.
Java
322 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Java | Urban List Eric Jang
One of Auckland's most beloved Indonesian restaurants has new digs on Karangahape Road so follow the red neon lights to Java and enter an eclectic, pastel pink and pistachio world devoted to epic Indonesian dishes. Trust us when we say you’re in for a treat here: the size and flavour of each dish are all but rivalled by the prettiness of the presentation. But what do you expect from the legends who are also behind Ponsonby hotspot, Bali Nights?
Kazuya
193 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland
Image credit: Kazuya | Instagram
If you're after fine dining at one of Auckland’s best Japanese and European fusion restaurants, then Kazuya hidden away on Symonds Street is where you want to be. Head chef and owner Kazuya Yamauchi whips up dishes that are so delightfully presented, they almost look too good to eat… almost. Enjoy a seasonal five or seven-course set menu or go all out and indulge in Kazuya’s nine-course degustation menu. Whatever you decide on, we promise you’ll leave Kazuya with a belly full of goodness and a smile on your face.
Mr Morris
Corner of Galway & Commerce St Britomart, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Mr Morris | Urban List Wono Kim
Renowned chef Michael Meredith's exceptional restaurant Mr Morris slings modern Pacific and NZ flavours in the heart of Britomart. Just like the simple and beautiful space, the high-quality yet unpretentious menu is also a masterpiece filled with delectable delights, showcasing New Zealand’s incredible produce with a Samoan flair. Pro tip: the kitchen counter is the best seat in the house.
Bar Céleste
146b Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Bar Céleste | Facebook
A French-inspired neo-bistro and wine bar that is sure to have your taste buds tingling and your toes tapping way into the night, Bar Céleste is where the cool kids hang out. Pull up a perch in their cosy interior or watch the world go by from the front of the space, and order up the gnocchi with crème de comté & fermented chilli, freshly shucked oysters and something from their finely curated wine list. Try and catch their famous Filet O' Market Fish burger too if you can. A great spot for pre-, post and everything in between, Celeste is a jewel on Karangahape Road's crown.
Ahi
Commercial Bay Level 2/7 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Ahi | Instagram @tezmphoto
A true garden-to-table restaurant, expect innovative, delicious locally sourced NZ cuisine from well-known chef Ben Bayly, served up in an exquisite dining room with on-point service. With fruit and vegetables grown in the Ahi Garden (we're not kidding, it's even got its own Instagram) Ahi is an absolute class act.
Bali Nights
4 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Image credit: Bali Nights | Instagram
Java's sibling, Bali Nights is a slice of Indonesian paradise in the heart of Ponsonby. From fried vegetable fritters and skewers with peanut dipping sauce to a whole grilled snapper and fried banana with coconut ice cream for afters, these guys have this flavour-packed cuisine on lock and it's all served in a fun, lively atmosphere that's primed for good times. P.S. We ain't vegan, but Bali Night's tofu and tempeh skewers could be just the thing to convert us.
Beau Wine Bar
265 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Beau | Instagram
Elegant wines come together with tasty bites at this friendly neighbourhood gem, which is never not busy (says it all really, doesn't it). Beau Wine Bar is a classic with two alfresco spaces and a cosy dining room within. With a European-inspired menu that's designed to share, Beau keeps things simple with an array of modern plates—now just because they’re simple doesn’t mean they lack in flavour. It’s quite the contrary—we like to think of it as simple yet extremely satisfying.
Jervois Steak House
70 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: Jervois Steak House | Instagram
Jervois Steak House is the steak house to rule them all, with some epic sides to boot (seriously, we could live off their candied kumara). The Herne Bay restaurant uses premium beef and lamb cuts, served on their own or drizzled in sauce (the truffle chipotle and horseradish béarnaise paired with Black Angus sirloin will blow your mind). Meat-eaters won't find a classier spot than this.
Paris Butter
166 Jervois Road, Herne Bay, Auckland
Image credit: Paris Butter | Instagram
If Michelin were in New Zealand, Paris Butter, under the guidance of Cuisine's Best Chef award winner Zennon Wijlens, would likely earn a star or two (as co-owner Nick Honeyman has just achieved in France). While the signature Evolution Menu offering is, naturally, always on the change, each visit to Paris Butter will trustily supply five things: convivial service, one of the best wine selections and the glassware to boot (important, we say), endless inventive courses, a full belly at the end of your night (always a plus with fine dining). Not to mention, in a sleek, dimly-lit fit-out that simply oozes charm.
El Sizzling Chorizo
136/138 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: El Sizzling Chorizo | Instagram
Forget what you know about barbeque and let El Sizzling Chorizo show you how it's really done. Their Argentinian take on the practice will stoke your appetite in a way you didn't know was possible. A small but perfectly formed menu of different cuts and also empanadas is complemented by a cheeky red or two.
Cassia At SkyCity
90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Cassia At SkyCity | Instagram
You can't keep a good spot down. Cassia continues to prove that Indian cuisine is so much more than curry (seriously, where else can you get oyster pakora?). Under the direction of renowned chef Sid Sahrawat (who also owns Anise, The French Cafe and Ponsonby's restaurant and cocktail bar, KOL), this glam hotspot is dishing up some of the most groundbreaking Indian cuisine around. The cocktails alone are worth a visit.
Khu Khu
171A Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, 91 Kitchener Road, Milford & Snickel Lane, Level 7/23 Customs Street East, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Khu Khu | Urban List Dave Marano
There's no better place for punchy Thai cuisine than Khu Khu, and you won't believe that everything here is vegan. Seriously, bring along your carnivore friends and see if they don't agree. Think all of your fave Asian classics coming together with a vegan twist for one big party in your mouth. You’ve got flavoursome curries, fresh papaya salad, crispy spring rolls, oodles of noodles and so much more, now in Ponsonby, Milford and Auckland CBD.
Baduzzi
Wynyard Quarter, 10/26 Jellicoe Street, North Wharf, Auckland
Image credit: Baduzzi | Instagram @helenas.kitchen_
Believe the hype, Baduzzi is home to some of the most delicious meatballs that will ever cross your plate and is one of the best restaurants in Wynyard Quarter. And with the romantic vibe dialled right up, your very own Lady & The Tramp moment is all but guaranteed. A stalwart on the Auckland dining scene, this pretty-as-a-picture restaurant is always a good time.
Tantalus Estate
70/72 Onetangi Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island, Auckland
Image credit: Tantalus Estate | Instagram
Quite possibly our fave winery on Waiheke or beyond, Tantalus Estate ticks all the right food and booze boxes. This spot oozes charm from its impossibly stunning dining rooms to the outdoor terrace overlooking the vines. A menu stuffed full of seasonal delights made from the highest-quality ingredients this has your next long lunch all over it. Want to keep it casual? Pop into Alibi Brewery down the stairs where the beer is on tap direct from the microbrewery above. Be sure to squeeze in a stroll through the vines before you leave.
MASU
90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: MASU | Instagram
A longtime entry as one of Auckland's best Japanese restaurants, at MASU you'll get dinner AND a show thanks to their insanely epic robata grill. Here, the contemporary Japanese dishes are cooked in a traditional style over the hot coals of the grill and served up right before your eyes. One of Chef Nic Watt's greatest Auckland restaurants (no shade, INCA), MASU is the place to come for authentic Japanese fare, sake and incredible cocktails.
Bar Magda
25b Cross Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Bar Magda | Urban List Wono Kim
Make no mistake, Bar Magda is just as much a bistro as it is a bar, with exciting and inventive Filipino plates aplenty. The menu certainly doesn’t disappoint, just like the space, it is a beautiful affair that is home to a variety of hot and cold plates with sour, salty, sweet and spicy flavours. Showcasing the best of New Zealand seasonal ingredients with a Filipino twist. And did we mention it's underground, found behind an unassuming black door with a white cross? Amazing.
Otto
375 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Otto | Instagram
Once known as Cotto, Otto combines the triple threat of excellent food, vibe and service laying on the carbs with dishes like kumara gnocchi and beef-cheek lasagna. Can't decide? The seemingly bottomless set menu is one of the best-priced in town and will see you rolling out of the door with a fat smile on your face, guaranteed.
Looking for more? Check out:
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Main image credit: Gemmayze Street | Instagram.
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