Tāmaki Makaurau’s Viaduct Harbour is simply put, a happening spot. It's got stellar ties to the America’s Cup, glittering Waitematā views, and some of the city's best dance floors. Ranking equally as highly is the kai.
From waterside-cellar doors to plenty of seafood, and more cocktails than you can shake a golf club at (and, in actual fact, you can do that too) consider this your guide to wining, dining and—of course, people watching—on Auckland Viaduct.
That said, here's my list of the absolute best Viaduct Harbour restaurants and bars .
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Date Night Restaurants
Somm Wine Bar & Bistro
Shed 22, Princes Wharf, Auckland CBD
Image Credit: Somm Wine Bar & Bistro | Instagram
If you're looking for date night restaurants, Viaduct newbie Somm is a real catch. A wine bar served with a view of Auckland’s waterfront (and sometimes, the great ships of the city), there’s a lot to love about this urban cellar door. Firstly, there are over a hundred wines—most of them local—to try by the glass.
Or, settle in for bottle after bottle in this sleek space while you enjoy a food menu that goes far beyond the ‘light bites’ of a bar. I'm talking about a full restaurant offering of gourmet pizzas, cheese and charcuterie platters, and some of the best pate you’ll ever have. I also rate Somm for having one of the smoothest private dining nooks in Auckland—red velvet curtain and all.
Holey Moley
204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Holey Moley | Facebook
In the mood for a round (or 13) of sticky-in-a-good-way debauched mini golf? Holey Moley is just the place. Go straight to the bar, order a Sugar Caddy, and thank me later. You’ll be treated to an iconic sweet yet tart cocktail that’s garnished with a dainty little lolly kebab. Perfect for keeping your sugars up if you’re going to put through *that* GOT-themed hole. Should you need something a little more substantial, the burgers here will do the trick.
Esther
4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Esther | Facebook
Another of the best Viaduct restaurants for dates is Esther. While you won’t get a smack-bang view of the water, you’ll absolutely get the best of the land and sea on their menu. Plus, you’ll be perfectly placed for a romantic post-dinner waterfront stroll. Mediterranean dishes are the main focus here—as is grabbing a snap of their iconic puff bread for Instagram. It’s hard to pinpoint a must-try dish, because everything—from their taramasalata to roast lamb, baked honeyed cheese to basque cheescake—commands the hearts and tastebuds of Aucklanders.
Rooftop Bars
The Parasol & Swing Company
7/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: The Parasol & Swing Company | Facebook
I don’t reeeeaally need to introduce the gem that is Parasol & Swing aka the crème de la crème of Viaduct Harbour bars, but here I go: A huge rooftop, smack-bang waterfront basin views, mind-blowing cocktails and tastefully tropical interiors.
If you’re mulling over the cocktail—of which options are endless and divided into levels of strength—let me recommend the trusty Clover Club. It’s a foamy, earl-grey, raspberry and gin crowdpleaser that’s covered in tangy fruit powder. Otherwise, you’ll find plenty of wines and beers, all well-curated. Food is just as much of a feat here: You’ll find fresh Cali-style food, like elevated tacos, guac, salads, oysters, and burgers galore. Come hungry.
Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co
Level 2, 204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Brewing Co | Facebook
It’s the place with the bowling alley. And the industrial bar vats behind the bar. And that sweeping, open-air terrace three floors up. Yep, it’s Dr Rudi’s: Auckland Viaduct's trusty sidekick for your after-work, late-night or sports-watching plans. Absolutely everyone is catered to here, from beers galore on tap and bottled, classic cocktails, every kind of pub-grub and even a kids menu. It’s also one of the best Viaduct restaurants for groups that don't quite require the need for a private function.
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Saint Alice
Level 1, 204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Saint Alice | Facebook
She’s the girl to visit when you want to feel luxe. Order a round of Saint Alice’s oysters, a side of parmesan truffle fries, a bottle of bubbles and you’ll see what I mean. It’s one of the best examples of harbourside surf-and-turf: There’s hearty yet chic mains featuring steaks, market fish, plus pizza galore. Snacking is also serious business here, from fried chicken to terrine, bruschetta and salmon ceviche. This, a signature cocktail, perching at one of their plentiful window seats—no wonder Saint Alice is considered one of the best Viaduct Harbour bars around.
Best Spots For Groups And Celebrations
Soul Bar And Bistro
16-18 Corner Of Lower Hobson Street & CustomStreet West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Soul Bar and Bistro | Facebook
When it comes to Viaduct restaurants, Auckland icon Soul Bar and Bistro reigns supreme. Dine here to set your tastebuds all a-flutter—but not before pausing for a snap on their steps.
Their pornstar martini is legendary, and leads the pack of an ever-evolving and fun cocktail list. Speaking of fun, you’ll want to keep an eye open for SOUL PUNCH events, which theme an entire menu and electric ambience to something happening in pop culture.
Classic bistro fare is at the heart of Soul’s offering, which lends itself to everything from power-lunches to after-work drinks, hot dates and family affairs. Think local meats, creamy risottos, and oh-so-silky pasta.
After-Work Drinks And Happy Hour
Bivacco
115 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Bivacco | Supplied
Treat yourself to a lavish Italian spread with a stunning view to match at Bivacco. In true dolce vita style, you’ll feel right at home in this breezy restaurant, whether you’re in your casual ‘fit or fully glammed up.
Sundays are sacred here: where they offer one of the best buffets in Auckland, the ‘Sunday Feast.’ It’s sprawling with pasta, fresh seafood (you are waterfront, remember) and sweet plates. Come a-la-carte-dining, you can expect bright, colourful plates bursting with produce and more spritz colours than you can shake a linen napkin at.
Brownie points are also in order for one of the best Viaduct happy hours around (or as they like to call it, aperitivo hour, where between 4-6pm on weekdays your drink comes with complimentary nibbles).
Waterfront Fine Dining
Onemata
99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD
Image Credit: Onemata | Facebook
Oh she’s a sleek one. I'm talking about Park Hyatt’s sophisticated spot, Onemata. You’ll find a veritable taste of New Zealand kai right here, plated with finesse. You’ll even be graced by the presence of a sommelier—a welcome rarity, in our town—to guide you through umpteen matches and bottles. Next door, Park Hyatt’s The Lounge also offers one of the best high teas in town—complete with smack-bang views out to the harbour and looking back towards the city.
Casual Eats And Hidden Gems
Hello Beasty
95-97 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
Image Credit: Hello Beasty | Website
One of the most instantly-recognisable (you’ve 100% seen that waving neon cat) and best restaurants Viaduct-wide is Hello Beasty, with their Japanese, Korean and Chinese fusion.
The flavours here will slap you across the face, from chili-oil drenched dumplings to cold cuts (which includes a chinese-style burrata) kimchi confit duck leg and their signature KFC, Korean-Fried Cauliflower. Sound overwhelming in the best way possible? Don’t worry, they’ve got a couple of nifty “feed me” chef’s selection menus to dig into. Oh, and vegetarians and gluten-free friends will love the fact they have two huge menus to cater to them.
Bar Mea
7/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Bar Mea | Instagram
With a total of 14 seats, it’s a quality over quantity here at Bar Mea. The same can be said about the food: burgers (gourmet, of course) oysters, and nibbles galore are at the heart of their story.
It’s Parasol & Swing’s little sister (literally, they’re tucked just beneath the hotspot) so expect lip-smacking cocktails with a tropical spin, alongside a rotation of craft brews. You’ll be sitting right against the Viaduct walkway, so expect top-tier people, pooch and yacht watching.
Grape & Olive
21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD
Image Credit: Grape & Olive | Website
If you're searching for Instagram worthy restaurants, Viaduct cutie Grape & Olive will more than do the trick. Named after life’s greatest pairing, this Sofitel’s locale makes for effortless grazing—and the odd daydream of a Mediterranean escape. After all, you’re right around the corner from megayachts and the mural looks as if it was lifted straight off a Dolce & Gabbana dress.
Naturally, wine and champagne options are a’plenty and their cocktails are given a French spin. Large plates are simple—a chic charcuterie board or a burger—while French and Italian small plates and hor d’oeurves make it an easy dinner destination.
Boracay Garden Restaurant
124 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Boracay Garden Restaurant | Website
It’s an IYKYK spot among the Filipino community and those who love darn. good. food. I'm not exaggerating by saying that Boracay Garden Restaurant is a true feast for the senses, after all, the chances of seeing a Boodle Fight (aka a traditional Filipino feast served on meters and meters of banana leaf) here is pretty high. Give them a call at least two days before hand, and it’s all yours. They also do an all day Filipino-style breakfast dessert, catering plates and well, anything you want for a first-class-food-coma.
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Main image credit: Dr Rudis Rooftop Brewing Co
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