Amelia WilliamsAuckland CBD is an absolute goldmine for Asian food.
If you’re craving the fiery punch of Sichuan peppers, the comforting fold of a perfect dumpling, or the exciting flavours of modern fusion, it’s all here. But with so many options, where do you even start?
It’s easy to get overwhelmed when you’re just looking for a great lunch spot or the perfect place for a group or family dinner.
We’ve been eating our way through the city to find the spots that truly deliver on flavour, vibe, and that special “wow” factor.
Here are our top 5 picks for the best Asian restaurants in Auckland CBD.
How much does Asian dining cost in Auckland CBD?
Grabbing a quick, casual bite in the CBD? You can find amazing Asian food for around $10 to $20.
For a more relaxed sit-down dinner, expect the main to be in the $25 to $40 range.If you’re planning a full-on date night or a nice three-course meal for two, you’ll likely be looking at a bill between $150 and $200, not including drinks.
Hello Beasty
Website: https://hellobeasty.nz/
Address: 95-97 Customs Street West, Auckland Central, Auckland
Contact: 021 554 496
Schedule: Mon-Sun: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Must-Try: Korean BBQ Chicken
Hello Beasty is all about contemporary New Zealand fusion, pulling its inspiration from Japan, Korea, and China. The entire menu is designed for sharing, which makes it a popular choice for a group.
I went with a group, and we did the ‘Feed Me’ menu. It was flawless and took all the guesswork out of ordering.
The kitchen just sends out a chef’s selection of their best dishes, and every single one was a hit.
The Korean BBQ Chicken was an absolute standout. It was so good and I’ve thought about it weekly.
They also have a completely separate vegetarian and gluten-free menu, which is a huge plus and made it easy for everyone in our group.
The only minor hassle is for larger groups. You have to email them manually to make a booking instead of using an online reservation system.
But given how accommodating they were, it was a small price to pay for such a fantastic meal.
Customer Reviews
Had such a good meal when I ate here during my vacation! I haven’t had a week since without thinking about it! The staff was kind, prices were reasonable, the location is perfect, nothing bad to say; I will come back to New Zealand, and visit Hello Beasty again for sure!
- Ariane S | Google Review
Beautiful restaurant with an excellent selection of food and drinks on their menu.
Great service, and we would definitely be back again to try the food / drinks we didn’t try the first time round.
- Kris | Google Review
Ghost Street
Website: https://ghoststreetakl.nz/
Address: 27 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland
Contact: 09 306 2233
Schedule:
Mon-Wed: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Thu: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
Fri-Sat: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Sun: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Must-Try: Tea-smoked Duck Breast
Walking into Ghost Street feels like discovering a secret. It’s a subterranean Chinese spot designed to feel like a moody, hole-in-the-wall Beijing eatery.
The vibe is just incredible. It’s dark and atmospheric, but at the same time, buzzing. It’s like dining on a movie set with its rough concrete and exposed brick.
The ordering system is part of the fun, too. You tick your choices on the menu card and then hang it on a peg dangling from the ceiling for the staff to collect.
We ordered the Tea-smoked Duck Breast, and watching the open-flame kitchen work its magic was a show in itself. The whole experience feels immersive and exciting.
It’s a popular spot for a reason, so it gets packed. You must book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Customer Reviews
Kind of sad we didn’t visit sooner. All the food we ordered were delicious. The wontons are definitely pricey but they were also very delicious – great sauce. Didn’t expect to be so impressed by the tofu- great flavours. The biang biang noodles are popular for a reason, not too salty and amazing texture. Char siu was a tad dry but not to the point where it affected our overall experience. Really like the open kitchen and overall style of the interior. Very friendly staff! Definitely will be back.
- KC | Google Review
We fell upon this place as visitors to AKL. What fabulous staff firstly! Great service. Then the food, so flavoursome , good value and beautifully presented. The desserts were divine.
- Donna Thomson | Google Review
Little Tiger Dumpling
Website: https://littletigerdumpling.tuckerfox.co.nz/
Address: 62A Federal Street, Auckland Central, Auckland
Contact: 0210 887 1092
Schedule:
Sun-Wed: 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Thu-Sat: 10:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Must-Try: Pork with Cabbage Dumplings
When you just need amazing, no-fuss dumplings, Little Tiger is the place. This spot specialises in one thing and does it incredibly well.
You can get your dumplings fried, steamed, or boiled, and the fillings are classic and delicious.
I would often grab here an order of the Pork with Cabbage dumplings, and you could just tell they were made-to-order. They were always so piping hot and packed with flavour.
They also have daily fried rice specials and great sides like kimchi.
Do note that it’s not a fancy dine-in experience. The setup is much more focused on takeaway or a super quick meal.
But for the quality and price, it’s an unbeatable CBD lunch spot. It’s my go-to when I want high-quality comfort food without the wait.
Customer Reviews
I have to say, my top NYC dumpling spot officially has competition. Every single bite was packed with flavor, and the chili vinegar sauce was absolutely perfect. I’d definitely give this place 5 stars. If you’re in Auckland, make sure to stop by, you won’t regret it!
- Nivializ Perez | Google Review
Little Tiger is such a gem! Their dumplings are absolutely amazing—so fresh, flavorful, and perfectly made. The fried rice is soooo yumz it’s got the perfect wok taste! The staff are super friendly and make the whole experience even better. Definitely a must-visit if you love dumplings!
- Anne de Guzman | Google Review
Pocha
Website: https://pocha.co.nz/
Address: 50 Kitchener Street, Auckland Central, Auckland
Contact: 09 309 2342
Schedule:
Tue-Thu: 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5 pm–12:30 am
Fri & Sat: 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5 pm–2:30 am
Sun: 11:30 am–2:30 pm, 5 pm–12:30 am
Must-Try: Honey Garlic Butter Chicken
Pocha is less a restaurant and more a party. It brings together authentic Korean flavours and modern fusion ideas, and the whole experience is built for social dining.
This is where you go with a group of friends for a fun, loud night of shared plates and drinks. It’s also one of the best late-night spots in the city, open well past midnight.
I’ve been with friends for late-night Honey Garlic Butter Chicken, and the atmosphere was electric. The music is pumping, everyone is laughing, and the food just hits differently that late.
The restaurant has received numerous awards. Just be warned, this is absolutely not the place for a quiet, intimate chat. It’s a vibrant, energetic hub, and the noise level definitely matches that.
Customer Reviews
I came here with CLC two days ago, and had the best time! Food was really good and well portioned, everyone ate their fill. Atmosphere was cosy, although slightly on the warmer side. Is a good place for celebrations and dinner with friends ^^ would definitely come again.
- Molly Zhou | Google Review
Our favourite place out of the 2 dozen we visited. The food is delicious 😋 and yummy. Chicken so fresh and tender. The butter corn is to die for, haha, honestly. A full menu of great sumptuous meals. We went 3 times.
- Roysten Estrop | Google Review
Khu Khu
Website: https://www.khukhu.co.nz/
Address: Snickel Lane Level 7/23 Customs Street East, CBD, Auckland
Contact: 09 883 5166
Schedule:
Mon – Sat: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Mon – Sat: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Must-Try: Ducking Good Curry
Khu Khu is a spot that hits different, serving up Thai-inspired food that is 100% vegan.
The kitchen moves beyond simple vegan options by recreating classic Thai flavours using only plant-based ingredients.
I’m not vegan, but a friend took me, and I was blown away by the flavours. I was sceptical, but the “Ducking Good Curry” and “Beef Up Massaman Curry” were shockingly good and satisfying.
It’s also a fantastic spot for anyone with allergies, as they have many gluten-free options. The menu is designed for sharing.
Of course, if you’re a committed carnivore looking for traditional chicken or beef, this is a hard pass, as everything is plant-based. But for everyone else, it’s an amazing (and delicious) experience.
Customer Reviews
The food was amazing, we couldn’t believe it was all vegan. We particularly loved the spring rolls and the fried tofu. In future though I would order the mild spice level on the mains, as even as someone who is quite comfortable with spice, the medium spice was very hot.
- Hannah Taylor | Google Review
Outstanding Thai food. We’ve visited Khu Khu three times now and every meal was fantastic. The tofu satay is tasty and cooked to perfection. The green curry is equally great. This place is now in our regular rotation whenever we visit Auckland.
- Bruce Polderman | Google Review
