There’s no shortage of events and entertainment available in Tāmaki Makaurau from comedy shows and international superstars to theatre, or just a good ol' gig, we’re spoiled for choice. With that in mind, there’s one thing every music lover, theatre enthusiast, art fan, or comedy connoisseur needs: a satisfying pre-show bite. Whether you're craving a quick snack to go or a leisurely meal to savour, we've curated a list of Auckland city spots guaranteed to satisfy your pre-show cravings.
Here are the best pre-show bites in Auckland CBD.
Bar Magda
25B Cross Street, Newton, Auckland
Image credit: Bar Magda | Instagram
Running from 5-6:30pm every day except Tuesday, Bar Magda's Aperitivo Hour is one of the best menus to hit to fuel up before a show. The snack feasting platter, which clocks in at $50 or $65 for two, is a quickfire sample of some of Bar Magda's signature Filipino-inspired dishes plus a couple of extras. Think: lumpia of crab and prawn (similar to a spring roll), barbeque skewers, "pyanggang" lamb ribs, parmesan custard, grilled chicken and duck liver parfait, and spiced ham terrine with a bunch of seriously gorgeous cocktails. (Don't leave without trying the peach and rose cup gin with a stunning rose-shaped ice cube.)
MoVida
Level 2 Seaferers, 52 Tyler Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: MoVida | Jamin Drupsteen
Frank Camorra’s MoVida brings Spanish food and culture to the heart of Auckland CBD. Tuesday through Saturday from 12-5pm you can get amongst their Pinchos Time where you can enjoy an ever-changing selection of Pinchos (think fluffy calamare buns, freshly shucked oysters, and the most glorious olives of your life) for just $5 a piece. And there's plenty of drinks special to wash it all down. Yes please.
Bar Non Solo
Level 2 Seafarers, 52 Tyler Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Bar Non Solo | Facebook
Conveniently located on the other side of MoVida, and a short stroll from Spark Arena, Bar Non Solo has a Pre Show Menu available from 4-7pm on Spark Arena event dates. For just $30 per person you'll snag more meats, pizza, and apéritifs than you can shake a slab of grilled sourdough at. Our fave? The margherita pizza with fior di latte and basil, which pairs perfectly with an Aperol Spritz.
Ghost Street
Basement Level, Tuawhiti Lane, 27 Galway Street, Britomart Auckland
Image credit: Ghost Street | Wono Kim
Ghost Street is a subterranean eatery that offers up Xi’anese food using local produce. While not having a specific pre-show offering, the ordering style here has each patron ticking their desired items and hanging it up, so the service is efficient if you’re in a time crunch. Don't skip the Biang Biang noodles—you’ll be dreaming about it for days.
The Brit
122 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: The Brit | Facebook
This gastro-pub is bustling on any given night of the week and given it's a stone’s throw from Spark Arena and walking distance to major inner-city gig spots like Q Theatre and the Civic, The Brit’s got you. The menu is luxe pub grub—think pizzas, wagyu burgers, loaded sandwiches, and more. If you're out on a Sunday, order yourself a plate from their Sunday Roast (available from 6pm onwards). If your event's on a Monday, the 2-for-1 pizzas are an absolute steal.
Mexico Britomart
23 Britomart Place, Britomart, Auckland
Image credit: Mexico | supplied
Recently revitalised Mexico Britomart does not disappoint with a daily 4-6pm margarita happy hour serving up $24 carafes and $14 glasses. Even better? If your show is on a Tuesday, the Taco Tuesday offering gets you either a fried chicken or cauliflower taco with a margarita for $18, or a non-alcoholic Mexican soda for $12. Say less.
Depot
86 Federal Square, Auckland
Image credit: Depot | Facebook
An iconic location for classic Kiwi eats, Depot is an all-day eatery operating from 7:00am 'til late every night. The snapper sliders and freshly shucked oysters keep us goin’ back for more. They don’t take bookings, so this walk-in friendly spot is the epitome of convenience for a pre-show bite with quick service and a central location, especially if you have an earlier show.
Jungle 8
M17, 39 Elliott Street, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Jungle 8 | Facebook
Looking for a cheap and cheerful Asian-fusion tapas spot? Look no further than this vibrant, neon, leafy sanctuary that transports you to the busy streets of Vietnam. Only a skip away from the Civic, the Auckland town hall, Q Theatre and other locations, Jungle 8 will have you in for a treat. From the chicken wings, to the salads, to the eggplants, this place will get you fed and full for $8.88 a pot. Need to quench your thirst? Try the Buy Vien Haze, a tequila-based cocktail with dragon-fruit; a fruity showstopper.
Tanuki's Cave
319 B Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Tanuki's Cave | Facebook
No pre-show list is complete without Tanuki’s Cave. Within arm’s reach of Q Theatre, the civic and other inner-city venues, this Japanese-inspired restaurant is tucked away underground. This yakitori and kushiage bar features a vibrant ambiance with dim lighting, hanging lanterns and artistic murals; teleporting you to Tokyo. So head in to this walk-in bar for some chilled sake only and meat on a stick (yes please).
Thai Street
3/12 Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Thai Street | Facebook
Heading to a show at the ASB Waterfront Theatre? Thai Street's where it's at. From the tangy Tom Yum soups to the aromatic green curry, to a sweet and spicy pad thai for the noodle enthusiasts, this place is gold. Whatever you fancy, you’ll be satiated and show-ready.
Bar Celeste
146b Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland
Image credit: Bar Pizzeria Celeste | Instagram
If you’re heading to a show on Karangahape Road (Phoenix Cabaret anyone?), you’ll want in on French-inspired neo-bistro Bar Celeste. Better still, they're moonlighting as Pizzeria Celeste over the winter months. Chef Nick Landsman is playing around with craft pizzas all winter, and the flavours are innovative. Grab yourself a Vodka Nduja pizza, some suppli (that's deep-fried Roman rice balls), and fries, and wine to pair. Bon Appétit.
Atelier
292 Karangahape Road Newton, Auckland
Image credit: Atelier | Wono Kim
If you’re in a snacking mood, and have a Thursday show, Atelier runs a happy hour all night on Thursdays with charcuterie and cheese starting at $10, wine and tap beers for $10, and cocktails for just $17. Otherwise, the same offer runs on Wednesday and Fridays between 4-6pm. Talk about snacking in style.
Looking to pre-load? We'll just leave Auckland best happy hours here.
Main image credit: MoVida | Jamin Drupsteen.