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, I think you deserve better so I’ve put in the hard yards to make Monday dining a breeze. And I'm pleased to report I’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.
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
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.
Onemata
Inside Park Hyatt Auckland, 99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD
Luxe waterfront dining is calling you at Onemata. This gorgeous spot is known for its sumptuous dishes made with the crème de la crème of Kiwi ingredients, including sweet treats prepared by dessert royalty Callum Liddicoat.
Pici
183 Karangahape Road, Auckland
The fact that you can get Pici's famous cacio e pepe on a Monday night is an absolute miracle. Things only get more unbelievable when you match it with a cheeky glass of vino, and their iconic cheesecake (IYKYK).
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.
You might also like:
Hotel Ponsonby
1 Saint Mary's Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Sipping on Hotel Ponsonby's cult-status coconut margs, on a Monday night? No, you're not dreaming. Tag on some schnitty or a burger for a more well-rounded meal.
Apéro
280 Karangahape Road, Auckland
Apéro is one of renowned chef Sid Sahrawat's faves, which means it should probably be one of yours, too. Picture fine wine and French food prepared by Toulouse native, Leslie—what more could you want to kickstart your week?
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.
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.
Bianca
Unit 4/2 Robert Street, Ellerslie, Auckland
Plates of luscious pasta and one of the city's best takes on tiramisu—Hayden Phiskie's Bianca is the perfect cure for Monday-itis.
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. Hit them up on Mondays for a lunch date (11:30am-3pm).
Jervois Steak House
70 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
There's one steak house to rule them all here in Auckland, and it's JSH. But this ain't no one-trick-pony kinda joint—they also do killer sides (don't miss the candied kumara) and desserts. Nom.
MASU
90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD
MASU is an icon of the Auckland dining scene, not least because it's open on a Monday. Head into the CBD and enjoy an epic menu of contemporary Japanese conceived by celeb chef Nic Watt, including dishes cooked on their famed robata grill.
Otto
375 Karangahape Road, Auckland
Otto (formerly Cotto) is dishing up some of the city's tastiest Italian, but what's even more delicious is the fact that their menu starts at around $8. Take your friends, your partner—heck, even your Nonna.
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.
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.
Tempero
352 Karangahape Road, Auckland
Treat your tastebuds to outstanding Pan-Latin cuisine at K' Road fave, Tempero. Think crab gratin, lamb tacos, and tuna tiradito followed by horchata sorbet and churros.
Bistro Saine
51 Albert Street, Auckland CBD
Get a li'l fancy on your Monday night with a visit to the newly-opened Bistro Saine. Serving up Euro bistro vibes and fare to be reckoned with, this CBD baddie is on-track to become one of Auckland's best restaurants.
Takapuna Surf Club
111 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland
There's a lot to love about Takapuna Surf Club: the ice-cold margs, the blistered-crust pizzas and the boozy tiramisu. Not to mention the beaut beachfront views, and the fact it's open on a Monday.
Prego
226 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Does it get more glorious than a long lunch in the afternoon sun with pizza and Prosecco? I think not. Prego's where it's at.
Fat Puku’s Smashed Burgers
1/492 Queen Street, Auckland CBD | Shop 1/12 Jellicoe 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.
Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits
31A Normanby Road, Mount Eden, Auckland
If ever there was a night of the week that called for a glass of vino, it's a Monday. Take your pick from the treasure trove at Normanby Fine Wine & Spirits, but not without adding on some of their beautiful delicatessen-style plates.
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.
Sumthin Dumplin
Various Locations
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). Mission Bay is their only venue NOT open on a Monday.
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
Various Locations
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 dishing up 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.