The Best Viaduct Restaurants And Bars Auckland Has To Offer
Alice Rich
Contributor & Former Editor | Urban List NZ
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 and drink offerings.
From waterside-cellar doors to plenty of kaimoana, and more cocktails (as well as mocktails) than you can shake a cocktail shaker at—consider this your guide to wining, dining and of course, people watching—on Auckland Viaduct.
That said, here's our list of the absolute best Viaduct Harbour restaurants and bars.
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Jump to:
- Date Night Restaurants
- Rooftop Bars
- Best Spots For Groups And Celebrations
- After-Work Drinks And Happy Hour
- Waterfront Fine Dining
- Casual Eats And Hidden Gems
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.
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. Speaking of, their high tea offerings are absolutely Instagram-worthy, complete with a dessert trolley with all the pastries and cakes to satiate any sweet tooth (do try the signature tiramisu). 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 a.k.a. 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 wood-fired pizzas galore. Snacking is also serious business here, from fried chicken to terrine, bruschetta and salmon ceviche. Along with a house cocktail (I recommend the Blackcurrant Bramble) or mocktail (the peppery-lime Rose Fizz is great), perched 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. They also have an excellent non-alcoholic mocktail list to match, too (like their passionstar martini). Along with a drink, their 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 their crowd-fave calamari, creamy Tom Kha risotto, and truffle mac 'n' cheese with front-seat views of the water.
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 (with it swirled through a massive Parmiggiano Reggiano wheel), fresh kaimoana (you are waterfront, remember) and sweet plates like signature tiramisu and chocolate fountain. 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). Speaking of nibbles, sign up to their Bivacco Bar Club and get food specials like half-price pizzas on Monday to Wednesday, as well as exclusive wagyu burger and fries for $15 and $20 steak frites deals everyday.
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 led by the creative Executive Pastry Chef Callum Liddicoat and his talented team—complete with smack-bang views out to the harbour and looking back towards the city.
La Marée
Located in Auckland Sofitel Viaduct Harbour, 21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD
Image credit: La Marée | Vicki Young
Having just refreshed their French-forward menu late last year and under the new leadership of Executive Chef Mani, La Marée is another sleek one, just steps away from the waterfront. Located inside the lush Auckland Sofitel Viaduct Harbour, La Marée honours Aotearoa produce with a touch of French zest— from their signature kaimoana platter showcasing local produce like Cloudy Bay clams, to bouillabaisse with pāua finished with Waiheke Island chardonnay. Save room for stunning citrus-forward desserts (cue the lime meringue pie, reimagined by creative pastry chef Rose).
Casual Eats And Hidden Gems
Hello Beasty
95-97 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
Image Credit: Hello Beasty | Vicki Young
One of the most instantly-recognisable (you would'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 with flavour: from chili-oil drenched dumplings and cold cuts (which includes a chinese-style burrata, which you must add a spring onion flatbread to mop with) to hibachi tiger prawns drenched in garlicky, kombu butter, and we can't skip their signature grain-fed beef eye fillet and prawn-crab toast (so good it's an iconic Auckland dish). Sounds 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 dedicated menus to cater to them as well.
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.
Sabrage
Located in Auckland Sofitel Viaduct Harbour, 21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD
Image Credit: Sabrage | Instagram
Having just re-opened earlier this year (previously a Medi-themed fave Grape & Olive), Sabrage is a champagne and wine bar in the heart of the waterfront. This Sofitel’s locale makes for effortless grazing—and the odd daydream of a European escape. After all, you’re right around the corner from megayachts and sparkling water views.
Naturally, wine and champagne options are a’plenty and their cocktails are given a French spin. With a drink in hand, opt for a chic charcuterie board or a fried snacks to start—the perfect hors d'oeuvre with your bubbles. Save room for bigger bites like their Tartare de boeuf, and chocolate sauce-drenched profiteroles with vanilla ice cream to finish. For dinner, don't forget to check out their La Marée for full French-meets-Aotearoa fare, led by Executive Chef Mani and the talented team.
Boracay Garden Restaurant
124 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Boracay Garden Restaurant | Website
It’s a local go-to 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 (a traditional Filipino feast served on meters and meters of banana leaf) here is pretty high. Award-winning Head Chef Vicente Deloterio and his team are showcasing traditional Filipino food with modern twists on the menu. From all-day Filipino-style breakfast (we'll have anything with silog a.k.a. garlic fried rice and a runny egg please), catering plates and well, anything you want for a first class Filipino food coma.
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Main Image Credit: Dr Rudi's Rooftop Brewing Co. | Facebook
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