Monday, a.k.a. the most hated day of the week. Statistically speaking, more people are in a crap mood on a Monday than on any other day (OK, that’s made up, but probably accurate). Fatigue, bad moods, headaches…they're all signs of ‘Monday-itis’, the symptoms of which can be cured by two things: a good meal and a strong beverage. However, just when you think it’s time to lift your spirits with a dinner out, you get slapped with the fact that most decent eateries are closed on this hell of a day because, like you, they clearly hate Mondays too.
Suffer no more, we think you deserve better so we’ve put in the hard yards to make Monday dining a breeze. And we’re pleased to report we’ve found heaps of eateries in and around Auckland that fit the bill and so in no particular order, let the feasting begin!
Here's where to eat in Auckland on a Monday.
Hanoi Haven
40 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
If you find yourself on the shore in need of a feed on a Monday, head to Hanoi Haven. And don't skip the ginger and soy sauce caramel-spiked eggplant chips.
GOAT - From India With Love
12 Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Short for "Greatest Of All Taste" you won't find butter chicken at GOAT. Nope, this is real Indian cuisine minus the fiery spice levels.
Sammy's Deli & Diner
136 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Two words: immaculate sandos. We could kick back and graze at Sammy's Deli & Diner for hours.
Impression Restaurant
395 Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
It's Dunedin's favourite Chinese restaurant, now in Tāmaki (and on a Monday, even). Here's everything you need to know about Impression Restaurant.
Queens Rooftop & Wineshop
Level 21/1 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
When *everyone* gets a rooftop spot with stunning harbour views, you know you’re in for a treat, especially when said rooftop is Queens and you'd totally forgotten they're open on Mondays.
Hazy Tiger
22 Durham Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Hazy Tiger | supplied
Springing forth from the enticing red glow of neon (and the latest creation from the people who brought us Seoul Night) Hazy Tiger serves atmosphere, plus wicked Korean eats and tapped cocktails in the realm of Matcha Yuzu. Plus, all the dishes clock in at either $8, $11, or $16, and they're not stingy on the portion sizes.
Itameshi
4 Williamson Avenue, Grey Lynn
Epically hangry but doom-scrolling through menus online is only getting you down? You might just be craving something totally different which is exactly what Itameshi does. Technically it's Japanese-Italian fusion but it's closer to absolute wizardry and is sure to lift any day of the week, even a Monday.
Parasol And Swing Company
7/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Yes siree, Parasol and Swing is open on a Monday which means excellent fare (from burgers and tacos to surprisingly magnificent iceberg lettuce wedges) and hella 'Grammable cocktails are but a booking away.
Advieh
1 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Middle Eastern food for the masses, whether you're on a spicy hot date, showing your in-laws around town, or dining with the pickiest palate, Advieh's a great pick.
Bar Magda
25b Cross Street, Auckland CBD
There's something sultry about subterranean Filipino-inspired Bar Magda and Monday's the perfect day to indulge, especially given the do a mean aperitivo hour from 5-6.30pm.
Seoul Night
16-20 Fort Street, Shop 1, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Seoul Night | Instagram
Step through a drinks machine and you’ll find yourself in subterranean Korean bar, Seoul Night, which just so happens to have the best anju (for the uninitiated that means Korean bar food) in Tāmaki and refreshing soju slushies.
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Good Luck Club
7/30 Walters Road, Takanini, Auckland
It's giving elevated diner with smashed burgers, a sizzling pour-over cheese burg' situation, fried chicken, and shakes for days. On the hunt for fuss-free American-style fare in generous portion sizes? Head to Good Luck Club.
Bonita
131 Main Ellerslie Highway, Auckland
If you're in need of a cosy spot with incredible food (sometimes Korean-style tapas, sometimes something else entirely) and game-changing cocktails, Bonita's for you.
Brew'd Hawt
151 Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD | 12 Putney Way, Manukau City Centre, Auckland
For fried chicken done right and cheesecake to follow, bite into Brew'd Hawt.
Gilt Brasserie
2 Chancery Chambers, Auckland CBD
If triple cheese souffle sounds like a bit of you, you'll want to wrangle yourself a table at Gilt Brasserie immediately. This spot ticks all the boxes for a fancy night out.
The Breakfast Club
1179 Great North Road, Point Chevalier, Auckland
Treating yourself to brunch on a Monday? Go on. And The Breakfast Club's neon-soaked, piled-high plates are a great shout.
Bossi
10 Commerce Street, Auckland CBD
Pining for really freakin' good Italian fare (even if you're gluten-free)? Book a table at Bossi, stat.
Tacoteca
City Works Depot, 1/90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Tacotea | Instagram
Tacoteca's guac is spiked with grilled pineapple and charcoal oil so just imagine how next level their tacos are
Amano
68 Tyler Street, Britomart, Auckland CBD
Serving up rustic Italian-inspired cuisine, Amano is big on environmentalism opting for ethically farmed, sustainably caught and no waste.
Kiss Kiss
1 Rocklands Avenue, Balmoral, Auckland
A neon oasis inspired by the famed street food of Thailand, get in on all the technicolour glory of Kiss Kiss.
Caretaker
40 Customs Street, Britomart Place, Auckland
If you're in the mood for bespoke cocktails in a dreamy speakeasy setting with live jazz from 9pm, Caretaker's for you.
One Tree Grill
9 Pah Road, Epsom, Auckland
Whether that special occasion falls on a Monday or you just want to start your week off in style, you can't go wrong with the veritable Epsom institution that is One Tree Grill.
The Emerald
581 Manukau Road, Greenwoods Corner, Auckland
Image credit: The Emerald | Instagram
You might have to fight tooth and nail to get a reservation at The Emerald but your efforts will be rewarded with many pretty plates, all of which will make your tastebuds rejoice.
Sri Pinang
356 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD
Top-notch Malaysian food and BYO that won’t break the bank. Sri Pinang's beef rendang is world-famous.
Prego
226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Does it get more glorious than a long lunch in the afternoon sun with pizza and Prosecco? We think not. Prego's where it's at.
Fat Puku’s Smashed Burgers
1/492 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Burgery goodness with ‘frosted’ skinny fries and milkshakes in the retro wonderland that is Fat Puku's Smashed Burgers.
16 Tun
10-26 Jellicoe Street, Auckland
16 Tun has more craft beer from independent brewers than you can tipsily brandish your empty glass at, plus bar snacks, you know, for balance.
Ghost Donkey
Commercial Bay, Level 2/1 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Ghost Donkey | Facebook
Decked out with a starry red ceiling, serving tacos and ‘not tacos’ Ghost Donkey is proving itself a major contender in Auckland’s Mexican food scene.
Ahi.
Commercial Bay Level 2/7 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Translating to ‘fire’ Ahi never fails to delight with its homegrown, authentic Aotearoan flavours.
Baduzzi
10-26 Corner Jellicoe Street Unit 2, North Wharf, Auckland CBD
For Italian cuisine in all its ancient glory (think hearty meatballs and the best pasta), hit Baduzzi.
Ghost Street
27 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland CBD
Ghost Street is all about Beijing-inspired juicy seafood, melt-in-your-mouth braised brisket, crispy dumplings, succulent noodles, fresh greens and next-level cocktails in a secret underground haunt.
The Fox
85-87 Customs Street West, Viaduct Basin, Auckland CBD
Very decent pub grub straight from the motherland awaits you at The Fox, complete with a list of ‘Licence to Swill’ cocktails, British ales and a notable gin selection.
Ragtag
162 Garnet Road, Westmere, Auckland
Head to Ragtag for everything you never expected (but definitely needed) to appear in a taco, plus a whole lot of other lovely things.
Cafe Hanoi
27 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Cafe Hanoi | Facebook
Cafe Hanoi is loved for its laid-back atmosphere and minimalist decor as much as its stunning flavour blend of traditional Hanoian street food with North Vietnamese and New Zealand cuisines.
Everybody Eats
306 Onehunga Mall, Onehunga | 133 Line Road, Glen Innes, Auckland
Head to ONE in Onehunga or Tātou in Glen Innes on a Monday for Everybody Eats—a three-course, pay-as-you-feel, community dining experience.
Saint Alice
Level 1/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
For when you want to feel luxe, Saint Alice is the one. Order up a round of oysters with a side of parmesan truffle fries and all your worries will melt away.
Corelli’s Cafe
46 Victoria Road, Devonport
The friendly, creative vibe of Corelli's Cafe gets us every time with its eclectic (and extensive) menu and a treasure trove of cabinet food.
Sumthin Dumplin
12 O'Connell Street, Auckland
Image credit: Sumthin Dumplin | Facebook
With uncomplicated dumplings in pork, beef, prawn, chicken and tofu varieties, there's just something about Sumthin Dumplin (sorry not sorry).
Onslow
9 Princes Street, Auckland CBD
When the occasion calls for a little fine dining on a Monday night, call in at Onslow, Josh Emett's jewel in the crown.
Mezze Bar
9 Durham Street East, Auckland CBD
Mezze Bar's the perfect place for spending a lazy evening sharing Mediterranean tapas, Moroccan tea, and a cheeky slice of cake.
Satya Chai Lounge
515 Sandringham Road, Auckland & 271 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBED
For a menu brimming with South Indian delicacies, accept none other than Satya.
Little Jimmy
The Empire Buildings, 557 Manukau Road, Epsom, Auckland
Littly Jimmy is a friendly neighbourhood eatery is dishing up its legendary lamb ribs and cool vibes every night of the week. Yes, please.
Wise Boys
604 Great North Road, Grey Lynn | Commercial Bay, 7 Queen Street, Auckland
Indulgent plant-based burger goodness is the name of the game at Wise Boys, complete with shakes, fries three ways, onion rings and soft serve sundaes.
Want more? Check out:
- Your Ultimate Guide To Auckland's Slickest Bars
- Auckland's Best Non-Alcoholic Bevvies Worth Raise A Glass To
- The Finest High Tea Spots In Auckland
Main image credit: Hanoi Haven | Wono Kim.