Auckland

There’s something about dancing I just can’t get enough of. Whether it’s dancing in the moonlight, dancing in the dark or dancing in the rain, there really is nothing greater.

At Urban List, we've spent a lot of time thinking about what makes the difference between a good restaurant and Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland's very best. 

From chic patisseries and pretty pink ice cream parlours to boujee burger joints, Ponsonby's got it all.

With its top-notch eateries and unrivalled views of the Waitematā Harbour, Wynyard Quarter is one of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s most beautiful spots. 

We live for new openings (especially the kind that involves food) and know you do, too. Fortunately, Auckland is the city that just keeps on giving when it comes to new restaurants, bars, cafes and bakeries—we really are a lucky bunch.

Whether payday is a distant memory or you simply don’t want to spend your life savings on a meal, don’t go running for those two-minute noodles just yet. There are plenty of cheap eats in Auckland that are minimal on coin but maximum on deliciousness.

Korean food has officially taken over Auckland—and we're not mad about it. Whether you're in it for fiery Korean fried chicken, bubbling bowls of stew, or sizzling hot BBQ, this is your go-to guide to the best Korean restaurants in Auckland.

Matariki is here and it's time to feast. 

Fear not, breakfast-lover—you’re about to have the ultimate list of the best breakfasts in Auckland right at your fingertips.

We've rounded up the best of the best bars, with oldies, newbies and everything in between. No matter the specifics, all of these places have one thing in common: they're a damn fine spot to sink a drink.

Matariki a.k.a. Māori New Year is just around the corner (Friday 20 June to be exact). A time of reflection and new beginnings, Aotearoa is busting out all the stops with a treasure trove of ways to celebrate.

Whether you’re a matcha convert or you’re curious about the vibrant green tea that's taken the world by storm, Tāmaki Makaurau has you sussed. Let's find your perfect match-a. 

Skip dinner altogether and go straight into a sugar-glazed euphoria.

Private dining is the ultimate fantasy—home-style dining (if your home’s hella plush) surrounded by all your favourite people, where tastebud tantalising dishes materialise in front of you, care of a top-tier chef. If I’m dreaming don’t wake me up.

We’ve looked high and low and we’ve scouted the best places to eat if you’re gluten free—because there’s no need to miss out.

We love Japanese food an awful lot here at the Urban List. And who’s to blame us? From sushi to sashimi to sake, Japanese cuisine delivers deliciousness on all levels.

Ahhh brunch, the perfect blend of breakfast and lunch we just can’t get enough of, which is lucky because the brunch game is strong in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Doughnuts are having a moment—and that’s totally fine by us. Whether you like them dusted with sugar, oozing with chocolate custard or stuffed with cream, there’s something for everyone in this doughnut lovin’ city of ours. We’ve rounded up the best places to get the best doughnuts in Auckland. Dough-not delay, try one today.

No matter your budget—from cheap and cheerful to total baller—there’s all manner of top-tier eateries to sink your teeth into.

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but why settle for the usual smashed avo when you can take a morning trip around the globe—no passport required?

Bargain bevvies, a bar snack or two and some quality yarns make for the ultimate after-work wind-down.

Whoever came up with this cunning way of eating cake for breakfast (or any other meal, for that matter), we thank you for your service.

If you’re looking to woo someone special, celebrate a milestone or perhaps even pop a special question, our handpicked list of the most romantic restaurants in Auckland has your next date sorted. Food, wine, romantic vibes, views—they’re all here.

If there’s one day that can trigger the battle of the high teas it’s Mother’s Day, and this year is no exception.

Easter is upon us and a long weekend of resting and feasting awaits. Take this holiday as a chance to go out to get your wine and dine on because that’s what we’ll be doing!

Whether you’re in the mood for a slow sit-down and sip, or a takeaway coffee to accompany you on your daily errands, from Auckland CBD and Ponsonby/Herne Bay/Grey Lynn/Karangahape Road/Eden Terrace to Newmarket/Mount Eden/Kingsland/Morningside and The North Shore, Urban List has downed a dangerous dosage of caffeine to create the ultimate list of Auckland’s best coffee shops that you’re going to want to bookmark ASAP.

As Kiwis, a love of pies is practically in our DNA. These hearty pastries have been keeping us fuelled for generations and are the perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or even a cheeky brekkie.

Get ready for the sticky fingers, doughy bellies and warm fuzzies, as you eat your way through our list of Auckland’s best cinnamon buns.

Easter is fast approaching and for the sweet tooths amongst us (me!), this is pleasing news indeed. After all, what other holiday is celebrated by stuffing your face with as much chocolate as humanly possible?

Seafood lovers listen up! A boujee seafood-inspired restaurant has opened at the new-look Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour Hotel and we can’t contain our excitement. 

Chocolate may get most of the attention at Easter, but it isn't the only treat we're coveting once the season for bunnies, eggs and unabashed gluttony rolls round. Yip, that's right fam—we're talking about hot cross buns, or HCBs.

The economy may be in dire straits but your bank account need not be—cheap eats are not a thing of the past. In fact, you can tuck into a lunch that’s quick and healthy for less than twenty bucks, even if you work in Auckland CBD.

Whether it’s Mother’s Day, a special occasion, or you just wanna spoil someone (but also yourself!), high tea is always the answer. Lucky for us, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland has no shortage of spots serving up a swanky high tea with alllll the treats, including tea, cake, and if you're lucky, a cheeky glass of bubbles.

Though long viewed as a luxury destination—cue over indulgence and splashing of cash—Waiheke is literally awash in great options to have you out and about and enjoying the land in many different ways, all without breaking the bank.

The North Shore is as much for eating out and drinking, as it is for hitting the beach. If you don't believe us, check out the more than 55 spots we've carefully curated by suburb below, ranging from old-fashioned pubs, bakeries and burger joints to chic wine bars, cafes, and bistros.

Grab your tickets to this free family-friendly event filled with fireworks, local dance and drum performances, lion dancing and beautiful lanterns lighting up the grounds. With over 60 food stalls and lines out the door each year—we’ve rounded up our top food picks while enjoying the sights and lights.

Hello lovers, Valentine’s Day is just around the corner so if you haven’t made plans yet, you'd better hustle.

Eat a rainbow this Auckland Pride with eight must-try chromatic dishes from local hospo legends. 

There’s really nothing better than smashing back a good burger. It’s salty, it’s satisfying, and it’s what hungry dreams are made of. However, we all know there are many components that go into making a decent burger. Once you weigh up the bun, the patty, the sauce, and the toppings, it can become a very spirited debate. Which begs the question, who IS slinging the best burgers in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland?

Sport is basically a religion here in Aotearoa, and meeting your mates to share a drink and yell sports-themed profanities is a rite of passage. And when you can’t make it to a game, there’s no better way to experience nail-biting sport than with a drink in your hand and plenty of people to create the vibe. 

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.

The North Shore isn't just about sun, sand, and surf, it's also about beautiful food and drink. As a matter of fact, we reckon some of the city's best restaurants reside on this side of the bridge. With that in mind, we've compiled a list of our most-loved spots on the North Shore for a feed.

It's official—Onehunga is one of Auckland's most hip albeit underrated suburbs. Studded with historic buildings and delightful villas, this charming neighbourhood has really amped things up in recent years on the eating-out front, with a host of top-notch bars, restaurants and cafés coming to the fore.

Waiheke Island. A magical getaway, a wine-lover’s paradise, the perfect wedding destination... and a next-level foodie scene. Here are the best and tastiest restaurants on Waiheke Island. 

From Peruvian tacos and schnitzels the size of your face, to perfect coffee and cocktails in bongs (for reals!), this suburb certainly has plenty to eat out on.  

I scream, you scream... well, you know how it goes. Whether it's fresh and fruity or rich and chocolatey, in a cone, on a stick or in a cup, we just can't get enough of the cold stuff. So without further ado, here's our pick of the coolest (yes, we did just do that) ice cream and gelato shops in Auckland.

Piping hot and packed full of flavour, ramen is as good for the soul as it is for the stomach. It's no wonder this drool-worthy dish, which features noodles swimming in a lush savoury broth, topped with goodies like braised or barbecued pork and soft-boiled eggs—is one of Japan's most popular dishes and an absolute fan favourite here in New Zealand.

Fish and chips. They’re pretty much our national tucker. Here are our picks for the best fish and chips shops in Auckland.

Whether you’re diving into the mad scramble that is Boxing Day sales, after a top-tier refuel mid-beach day, or soothing a deathly hangover on New Year’s Day, don’t waste your calories (and dollaz) on shoddy fare. It’s time to celebrate. Come 2025, it’s a new year and a new you, and that new you deserves to be fueled by the finest kai Auckland has to offer.

Wineries are a field that Waiheke have got down pat and it’d be criminal to leave without visiting one. Here’s a list of the best Waiheke wineries. 

To help you tick off your Christmas shopping list and leave you with money in the bank, we’ve put together a Christmas gift guide with a bunch of options for a fiddy dollar note, or less. 

Ho, ho, holy snowball. December is nearly here and it's time to get our Christmas party on. Is it just us, or did this year really sneak up on us?

Finding a restaurant to eat at in Auckland on Christmas Day isn't always easy (the phrase 'needle in a haystack' springs to mind). Well never fear, 'cos we've done the hard yards for you and found out who's open to play host this year so you can sit back, relax and make merry while someone else does all the work.

We love a good market, especially one with the word 'Christmas' attached! So hop in the car, crank up the Mariah (your secret's safe with us) and head along to one of these incredible Christmas markets coming to Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this holiday season.

Legend has it that at summer’s end or ‘Samhain’—the inspiration behind Halloween traditions—the veil between the world of the living and the underworld is at its thinnest. The dead will walk.

We’ve said it before but we’ll say it again: rooftop bars are the shiz. What’s not to love about sitting sky-high, sipping on a beverage and taking in an epic view? Auckland’s best rooftop bars are dotted across the city and come in all shapes in sizes.

If there’s something New Zealanders know how to appreciate, it’s a well-cooked, tender steak. Coupled with roasted vegetables and a cheeky glass of fine red wine, you can’t go wrong with a simple steak dish.

Dive into Urban List's top picks for the best Italian restaurants in Auckland.

Show your pup some love and reward them for being a good boy or girl at these dog-loving establishments.

In this economy, barely anything can top the excitement of free parking. But SkyCity's served us twice over with the holy grail itself, plus an exciting new addition to October and November's epicurean calendar. Enter: Served, two massive months of feasting. 

Whether you're a margherita purist, a meat lover or into a serious deep-dish, we’ve found the best pizza in Auckland for you to devour. These joints offer fresh, quality ingredients that can make the experience feel almost healthy (almost). 

Grab a spot by the water, dig in to a tasty something and let the City of Sails treat you some next-level hospitality at Auckland’s best waterfront eateries.

The only thing worse than staying in on Sunday is being lumped with the responsibility of having to find a good restaurant that’s open on Sunday night. While usually a thankless task we've scoured all our favourite eateries to put together a list of where to eat in Auckland on a Sunday night. 

‘Monday-itis’ can be cured by two things: a good meal and a strong beverage.

Forget everything you thought you knew about vegan and vegetarian food. Far from its can-o’-chickpea origins, vegan fare is now unapologetically delicious.

Juicy, creamy burrata dishes are ripe for the picking in Auckland. Some simple, some jazzed up. Some pocket-sized, some re-imagined as full-size mains. All very, very scrumptious. 

You bring the booze and they’ll take care of the food at any one of these fine Auckland establishments. Read on to discover the best BYO restaurants in Auckland and get ready to eat, drink and be merry!

We’ve tracked down the best all-you-can-eat restaurants for when à la carte just doesn’t cut it. Stretchy pants advised.

Ahhh Karangahape Road. One of the most vibrant, creative, and bangin’ precincts in all of Tāmaki Makaurau.

From creamy kormas and crispy pakora to dry fire-breathing curries and fluffy biryani, here are the best Indian restaurants in Auckland.

Father’s Day is just around the corner (1 September if you’re wondering) and while not all of us have a father we almost certainly all have someone who’s unabashedly cracked dad jokes with reckless abandon.

There's only one thing better than a dumpling and that's a plate of them, along with a generous portion of chilli crisp for dipping. 

There really is no combination more drool-worthy than an oozy serving of good ol’ mac ’n’ cheese. 

There's something about the humble schnitzel that never fails to satisfy. Perhaps it's the crispy golden crumb on the outside, or the juicy, tender meat on the inside—whatever the reason, one thing's for sure, this timeless comfort food that's a favourite amongst the European set is as popular now as it's ever been.

The centrepiece of Auckland’s food events is officially back on the radar: Restaurant Month is here. We’ve never been so grateful to for having 31 whole days.

They say that dogs are like their owners—who’s to say your pooch isn’t also partial to a low-fat puppaccino and a catchup with the crew? 

Whether you slurp them in soups or chew with chilli oil, we’ve rounded up the best hand-pulled noodle spots in Auckland so you can decide which way is best for yourself. 

Nothing cheers us up more on a cold Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland day (any day, to be fair) than wrapping our mitts around a mug of hot chocolate. Whether it’s a classic number done right, or a more adventurous drop laced with peanut butter or peppermint, served in an edible cup or even topped with bright pink fairy floss, sippin’ on a hot choccy is always a good time.

You’ve inevitably stumbled into this friendly neighbourhood cafe at some stage of your life, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee greets you like an old friend, and each bite of the pastries feels like grandma baked it.

Want to challenge your taste buds? Read on as we shine a spotlight on dining in the dark. 

Those in the know frequent Auckland CBD’s best-kept secret: Panacea. The intimate cocktail kitchen can be stumbled upon up an unassuming flight of stairs on O’Connell Street. 

We love wining and dining in Ponsonby at the best of times—but throw in some one-off creations, tasting menus, and special prices, and we really don’t need our arm further twisted. So grab your planner and round up your foodie friends, here are all the best events you need to devour this year at Eat Drink Love Ponsonby 2024:

Ponsonby Central has long been renowned as a vibrant precinct. Its eclectic restaurants and bars serve up everything from Cambodian to Korean and feel-good American fare. 

There’s certainly no shortage of mouth-watering restaurants outside of Auckland, and this poses a delicious problem: where do you eat when you’re surrounded by choices?

When it comes to Ponsonby restaurants, it's a literal smorgasbord—the hardest part about eating out here is narrowing down where to go. Whether you're after bistro classics, a spot of Asian street food or an old-fashioned burger and fries, this inner-city neighbourhood punches well above its weight.

Grab a pie and a pint, put your thinking cap on, and get ready to show off your obscure knowledge. Who knows? You might even come out on top. 

From table-bending BYO banquets to Pad Thai in your pjs, we've got you covered with our pick of the best Thai restaurants in Auckland.

If you’re sticking around Tāmaki Makaurau this Waitangi Day—Tuesday 6 February to be exact—you’ll be delighted to know a bunch of top notch eateries will be open for brunch, lunch, a cheeky tipple or three, or an all-out feast. 

Need a hand navigating your local eats? We’ve teamed up with BNZ to ask local chef Kia Kanuta about his holy grail locations.

From hidden speakeasies to bright and breezy spots with gorgeous courtyards to boot these are the best bars in Ponsonby.

A charming new Italian eatery from hospo dream team Jordan and Sarah MacDonald has recently opened in Birkenhead—and they're serving up your favourite movie meals. 

Spring has sprung—the season of new beginnings as nature wakes up. With it, we’re treated to longer daylight, blossoming flowers, and balmy weather allowing us to be out and about. And there’s no better way to celebrate the magic of the season than a lush garden pop-up at Azabu Mission Bay.

There's nothing quite as good as a long weekend, and this one is no exception. With the weather warming up, there's no need to head out of the City of Sails to feel like you're on holiday. With stunning beaches and plenty to do, some of our favourite bars, restaurants and cafes are remaining open, so there's no need to miss out.

Friends are great. Always there to listen and advise, help you pick out killer outfits and approve romantic partners.

Auckland institution Ada unleashes an epic indigenous-inspired menu under the leadership of a new head and sous chef.

Dine and drink like a local, from bistros and cafes to takeaways and food trucks, tipples enjoyed at home to beverages on tap.

Take yourself on a journey of unparalleled luxury and gastronomic delight. 

Could Devonport be Auckland's most charming suburb? Its old-fashioned villas, picturesque gardens and character buildings are straight out of a storybook, while it also happens to be located right beside the sea and beneath the watchful eye of not one, but two volcanic mountains. 

If we could only eat one dish for the rest of our lives, there's a good chance it'd be fried chicken.

It’s that time of year again when every man and his dog take the solemn oath to give their bodies and brains a break.

​What’s a Sunday without a roast? We’re talking juicy, succulent pieces of meat drowned in gravy, paired with crispy, seasoned veges and—if you’re lucky—a fluffy Yorkshire pud on the side. 

The hot competition where chefs up and down the country cook up their tastiest take on the classic toastie, The Great New Zealand Toastie Takeover, has crowned this year's winner.

The first public holiday celebrating King Charles' birthday has arrived which means three days of rest, relaxation and feasting are on the cards. 

Turns out, we’re rubbish at keeping secrets. But when Auckland’s newest hidden bar is as remarkable as this, it’s a secret worth shouting about. 

As far as baked treats go, cookies are king, and we don't discriminate.

There’s never been a more exciting time to live, work or visit downtown Auckland - and with many chic new openings popping up and so many reinvigorating changes to the way you travel, commute and relax, your biggest issue will be finding enough days in the week to book them all in.

Exciting news fam, Ponsonby's coveted Lucky 8 is getting a hot younger sibling and it's going slap-bang in the middle of a wholly revamped Elliott Stables, set to dazzle the senses and plunge you into an epic world complete with late-night eats, DJs and vibes for days. 

If you need a weekend escape, the most vibrant eateries, best experiences and luxury stays are all just a beat away in the heart of central Auckland. 

Espresso martinis are like the grown-up version of a coffee, a harmonious yet powerful blend of alcohol and caffeine that will see you through the night (and potentially into the next day).

Not a fan of excessive eye contact on the first date? Sick and tired of eating with your eyes and not with your stomach? Or simply looking for a dining experience with a little more excitement? Well, look no further (pun intended...)

Ah, the margarita—one of Mexico's finest exports. There really is nothing better on a sultry summer's evening (or, at any time of year really) than a glass of this thirst-quenching, tequila and lime-laced tonic (especially when enjoyed by the beach, as is often the Mexican custom).

Some secrets are best shared. 

With more eateries than you can shake a stick at, we've rounded up some of the best eateries in New Zealand for you to book a table at, pronto. 

Don’t waste your calories on shoddy fare. It’s a new year, and a new you. And that new you downright deserves to be fuelled by the finest the city has to offer. 

Can we just start by saying what an incredible year of eating (and drinking) it's been? 

“Frosé Your Way” has been dreamt up by everyone’s favourite rooftop bar Dr Rudi’s and will even feature a garnish wall so you can customise your drink to perfection.

Whether you’re a die-hard pickle fan, on the fence or just pickle-curious this week will hit in all the right places.

Is there any better news than a new scoop shop? Well, one that gives out free ice cream of course.

Chef's Josh Barlow and Brody Jenkins' menu deserves the top spot on your NZ eats list.