Takapuna is one of our favourtie suburbs in all of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Not only is it home to one of the most popular beaches on the North Shore, it also boasts a long list of amazing places to eat and drink.
Whether you're after a cone of award-winning gelato on the beachfront, a stomach-stretching Vietnamese feast within an indoor oasis, or tacos and frozen margs overlooking the water, here are Urban List's picks for the best restaurants, bars and cafés in Takapuna.
The Best Restaurants And Bars In Takapuna
Takimi Mazesoba
4/40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
New Zealand has never had a solo dining cubicle ramen spot so you bet we almost fell off our chairs when we heard Takimi Mazesoba had opened. The cubicle concept is a favourite the world over. Wood panels separate you from the next ramen-slurper allowing you to give your steaming bowl of ramen your undivided attention which, of course, is exactly what the heaven-sent dish deserves. Head here to dine in peace with a bowl of near-brothless dry ramen complete with thick, chewy wheat noodles.
Hanoi Haven
40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Follow your nose to Hanoi Haven, a self-proclaimed “culinary love letter to Hanoi." This beautifully decorated space is dishing out Vietnamese eats with a dash of French flair, including but not limited to crispy fried spring rolls, piping hot bowls of beef pho, sticky fried chicken wings, and cream caramel flan. Trying one of their vibrant cocktails is also a must (Vietnamese espresso martini, you forever have our hearts).
Nanam
178 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Nanam | Facebook
Botticelli Restaurant & Wine Bar
8 Anzac Street, Takapuna, Auckland
Botticelli is cute, cosy, and has been dishing up incredible Italian from its spot on Anzac Street for three decades. Graze over antipasto, fork-spin your way through a big ol' bowl of pasta, gorge on risotto, eat your body weight in pizza and don't forget to check out their tiramisu, lemon meringue or chocolate mousse (there are no wrong choices here, people). Being a wine bar, you can trust that they also offer some solid vino options.
Tokyo Bay
20 The Strand, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Tokyo Bay | Facebook
Tokyo Bay brings together two of life's greatest pleasures: Japanese food, and the beach. Located right by the seaside with amazing views to boot, this spot has so much to be impressed by. We recommend hitting up their outdoor dining area for an early-evening dinner in the sun, which will likely include some next-level sushi, sashimi, tempura, and teppanyaki. Don't forget to also check out their exotic desserts.
TOK TOK
129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Asian eateries don't get much better than TOK TOK, sitting pretty on the corner of Hurstmere Road and The Strand. And when we say pretty, we're not lying—decked out with strings of lights, Vietnamese furniture and pops of greenery, this is one super gorgeous spot. The décor of course is only as good as the food, and we can assure you, there are certainly no worries here. Channelling drool-worthy South-East Asian flavours into fusion dishes like popping prawns with yuzu mayo, sweet and sour pork belly, and matcha chocolate fondant, dining here is a legit case of died-and-gone-to-heaven.
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Burger Burger
40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Burger Burger | Facebook
Hands down one of our fave locations for a spot of Burger Burger (perhaps because of its proximity to the beach, so we can walk off the food baby that inevitably follows). Pull up a pew in the all-weather outdoor dining area (complete with an Instaworthy mural by Auckland artist, Andrew J Steel) and smash into a meal of insanely delicious burgers, fries in every form imaginable, and a Duck Island milkshake (or a cheeky cocktail!) to wash it all down. Dream. Meal.
Fantail & Turtle
Goodside At Smales Farm, Takapuna, Auckland
The best place to sink a drink in Takapuna is surely Fantail & Turtle. This trendy bar, located in the Goodside precinct at Smales Farm, may be away from the beach but one look at the menu and you'll forget all about the whole sun and sand thing. Their extensive gin collection (enhanced with botanicals from their on-site garden) is a major drawcard, as is their impressive selection of wines, beer and cocktails, while they also know how to rustle up some seriously good grub (the jalapeño wontons and buttermilk fried chicken are legit). Side note: for the best seats in the house, check out their cool glasshouse.
Al Forno
34 Anzac Street, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Al Forno | Facebook
An eatery that has won the hearts of locals and non-locals alike, Al Forno is Takapuna's very own slice of Italy. Forget carbs for a night and settle in at this charming restaurant (complete with a mural of the Italian countryside) where you'll choose from a mouthwatering selection of antipasti, wood-fired pizza, pasta, and more. If you're bringing a date, we recommend the spaghetti bolognese, aka your best shot at nailing a Lady and the Tramp moment. Finally, Al Forno gets extra brownie points for serving legit Italian wine.
Taylors On Hurstmere
168 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna
Taylors On Hurstmere claims to have Takapuna's best wine list, and we might be inclined to agree. Yes, this is defo the place to go if you're in the mood for a glass of vino (they even host regular wine tastings), however, let it be known that it also slings some pretty great grub (think jumbo spring rolls, tequila chicken, and pork belly with crackling). Rounding out this one's credentials is its incredibly friendly vibe, which makes it a spot you'd be proud to call your local.
Rosie's Red-Hot Cantina
The Strand, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Rosie's Red-Hot Cantina | Facebook
The sister eatery to Rosie's Red-Hot Cantina in the Viaduct, this beachside spot is seriously 'smokin. Californian cantina energy mixes with punchy eats like birria tacos, quesadilla pizza, tequila floats and churro ice cream sandwiches, plus candy-coloured frozen margs to wash it all down.
Sakebar Nippon
34 Anzac Street, Takapuna, Auckland
Catch 21 Eatery
Shop 8, 33 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Catch 21 Eatery | Facebook
The Best Cafes And Other Eateries In Takapuna
Honey
12 Huron Street, Takapuna, Auckland
Domo Bakery
90 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Domo Bakery | Facebook
Domo Bakery is where you go to scoff crème brulee danishes and Biscoff croissants. Look for the cute green signage and prepare to eat some of the best sweet treats of your life (as experts in this area, this is not something we say lightly). Down a coffee—either hot or iced—for the full Domo experience.
Duck Island Ice Cream
Shop 3, 67-73 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Takapuna without ice cream is like ice cream without ice (or cream). This beachside 'burb is practically made for strolling the shoreline with a scoop in hand, which you should probably get from ice cream royalty, Duck Island, who have recently moved into the neighbourhood. Take your pick of 24 incredible flavours (ambrosia, fairy bread, and toasted marshmallow among them) as well as ice cream sandwiches, pints, and ice cream cakes. Oof.
No. 1 Pancake
33/45 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: No.1 Pancake | Facebook
Takapuna, you lucky thing—you're also home to one of just two No. 1 Pancake stores in the city. World famous in Auckland for their hotteok, or Korean pancakes, which come stuffed with all manner of moreish fillings (we recommend the potato and cheese, which has become something of an icon around these parts), a visit here means one thing: you won't be leaving hungry.
Mimosa
460 Lake Road, Takapuna, Auckland
If you like wholesome food, you're gonna love Mimosa. This cute spot, recognised by its French bulldog logo, is always buzzing and you can put that down to the fact that they do a great cup of coffee, along with tasty, primarily organic and gluten-free goodies. We're particularly partial to their waffles (always changing in flavour, but known to include red velvet and lemon turmeric).
Takapuna Beach Café
22 The Promenade, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Takapuna Beach Café | Supplied
Forget the best cafés in Takapuna, this is one of the best in Auckland and has the awards to prove it. Located in a prime position next to the Takapuna boat ramp, complete with a light-filled dining room and sun-drenched deck, you couldn't get much closer to the water if you tried. And it's not just the location that has us sold. Takapuna Beach Café also do an amazing selection of brekkie and lunch dishes, and even more amazing pastries, bread, and gelato (again, award-winning, and again, some of the best in Auckland).
La Tropezienne
69 Lake Road, Takapuna, Auckland
No one does food quite like the French, and while the birthplace of the baguette may be almost 20,000 kilometres away, the good news is—La Tropezienne isn't. This little slice of French paradise can be found on Lake Road (they also have stores in nearby Milford and Browns Bay), and is where a team of genuine French bakers and pastry chefs spend their days creating only the most gorgeous French treats. There are pies, quiches, and of course, baguettes, but the real reason we come here is for the sweets. Choose from a line-up of jaw-dropping cakes, tarts and patisserie, including our personal fave, the religieuse coffee (choux pastry filled with velvety smooth coffee cream).
Street Organics
1 Byron Avenue, Takapuna, Auckland
Image credit: Street Organics | Supplied
With a name like Street Organics, you know this spot is gonna be good (and good for you!). Whipping up delicious, nutritious goodness is their absolute speciality and they make navigating today's many diets (gluten-free, plant-based, vegetarian, keto, and even low-FODMAP) a breeze. Hit them up for a feed of blueberry protein pancakes, beef rendang eggs bene or peanut butter granola, or get creative with their build-your-own meal option (both available all day).
Iiko Sando
30 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
Iiko Sando takes food cuteness (it's a thing) to a whole new level, with perfectly formed finger sandwiches and other treats that look like something right out of a Pokémon game. We especially love the fruit sandos—a popular Japanese snack where slices of fluffy white bread are stuffed with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Take said cuteness to even greater heights, with one of their adorable lunch boxes.
Honourable Mention
The Old Lolly Shop
480 Lake Road, Takapuna, Auckland
You know that saying, like a kid in a candy store? Well, we know a place where you can experience that saying, for reals. We're talking about The Old Lolly Shop of course, which has moved into a new spot on Lake Road. Careful not to let the sight of all that sugar go straight to your head, 'cos there's plenty of it—from candyfloss and cola bottles to aniseed wheels and acid drops. If you're lucky, you might even see owner/confectioner, Stephen, hand-spinning his famous old-fashioned lollipops. Pure, unadulterated magic.
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Main image credit: Hanoi Haven | Facebook
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