Zoe RocheToday, we’re summoning our inner Scheherazade to spill the beans on the top Middle Eastern restaurants in Auckland — no lamp required!
Middle Eastern cuisine has become all the rage in Auckland, thanks to its mouthwatering flavors, fresh ingredients, and the cultural vibes brought in by the booming Middle Eastern communities.
Now get ready for a flavor-packed journey through Auckland’s culinary wonderland, where every bite is a taste of the exotic. And hey, you can get there in style — whether it’s by car, bike, or even the good old-fashioned transit.
Just don’t expect a magic carpet ride — we’re not that kind of genie!
Gemmayze Street
– Media credit: gemmayze_st
Website: https://www.gemmayzestreet.co.nz/
Address: Shop 16, St Kevin’s Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road, Poynton Terrace, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hours:
- Closed from Sunday to Monday
- Tuesday to Wednesday: 6 PM–9 PM
- Thursday: 6 PM–9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday: 5:30 PM–10 PM
After gallivanting through Lebanon in 2014 and getting a taste of the good life under Ben Bayly at the Grove, our very own Samir Allen decided to bless us, mere mortals, with Gemmayze Street. Yes, that’s right, named after the main dining den in Beirut!
And where did he choose to unleash this culinary delight? None other than the newly spiffed-up St Kevin’s Arcade — talk about a power move!
Now, get this: Samir’s fam bam hightailed it from Lebanon to New Zealand over a century ago, but let’s just say, those Lebanese culinary genes are still going strong in him. And we still can’t get over the vibes at Gemmayze Street.
It’s like minimalist chic collided head-on with Middle Eastern flair — from the swanky hand-hammered copper at the bar to the downright ornate tiling. It’s like walking into a trendy Beirut joint without needing a passport!
Now, onto the menu: we’re talking kibbeh bil sayneyeh, aka Lebanon’s pride and joy. It features tender lamb, pine nuts, and a tender drizzle of pomegranate molasses that’ll make your taste buds sing!
They’re also dishing out mezze boxes loaded with dips, sauces, and homemade bread galore. Just when you think they’ve got a lot to offer, you get to find out that there’s more!
They’ve got make-your-own wrap kits, Middle Eastern pizza (yes, you heard that right), and kebab shop-style wraps that’ll make you rethink your entire existence.
And if you’re all about that at-home indulgence, they’ve got you covered with their jeeb menu – three courses of pure delight, from mezze to mains to dessert.
| Pro Tip: Do yourself a favor and sink your teeth into their dark chocolate and halva brownie or their ricotta, white chocolate, and passionfruit knefe filo tart. Trust us, you won’t regret it! |
Paasha Turkish Kitchen
– Media credit: paasha_turkish_kitchen
Website: https://paasha261turkishkitchen.co.nz/
Address: 261 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 600 1131
Hours:
- Sunday to Tuesday: 10 AM–10 PM
- Wednesday to Thursday: 10 AM–12 AM
- Friday to Saturday: 10 AM–2 AM
We’re so glad Paasha Turkish Kitchen finally landed smack dab in central Auckland after conquering outposts in Glenfield and Pukekohe. And as a foodie insider, their Dominion Road digs are fresher than a gossip column!
Just take a look at their mesmerizing doner machine slow dances with tender, spice-kissed chicken and lamb. All that dreamy goodness just waiting to wrap you up in deliciousness!
Meanwhile, traditional shish kebabs and iskender get cozy over an open flame, adding that smoky allure we all crave.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, dive into the mixed grill! It’s a tantalizing trio of lamb, chicken, and kofta shish that’ll make your taste buds cheer for more.
Paasha’s ingredient game is so fresh, that they make everything from scratch right in-house — even the sauces! So if you’re ready to elevate your Turkish cuisine game, Paasha Turkish Kitchen is your culinary playground.
| Pro Tip: And for all you veggie lovers out there, don’t sleep on the zucchini and feta fritters! They’re the real MVPs of the palate parade. |
Baklawa Cafe (Shefco)
– Media credit: baklawacafe
Website: https://www.facebook.com/BaklawaCafe/
Address: 46 Stoddard Road, Wesley, Auckland 1041, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 553 6333
Hours:
- Closed on Monday
- Tuesday to Sunday: 8:30 AM–9:30 PM
Nestled in an industrial nook is Baklawa Cafe, where the cool cats go for their grub. Found on Stoddard Road, this gem is a spin-off of the Lebanese market Shefco, peddling imported Middle Eastern treasures like bread, sweets, and pastries.
Their menu is simple yet oh-so-tempting! They’ve got the mana’ish — those flatbreads oozing with lamb, cheese, or tantalizingly green za’atar.
Then there’s fattah, a crispy type of bread loaded with yogurt, tahini, chickpeas, and nuts, plus a lineup of legit dips.
| Pro Tip: The real star is their fresh baklava. It’s homemade and downright addictive and trust us, leaving without a bite would be a sweet, sweet tragedy! |
Des Traditions
– Media credit: akl.yummy
Website: https://www.destraditions.co.nz/
Address: 54 Stoddard Road, Mount Roskill, Auckland 1041, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 629 3121
Hours:
- Open daily from 12 PM–9 PM
Authenticity? Pfft, look no further than Des Traditions.
This spot on Stoddard Road is like a Middle Eastern flavor bomb waiting to explode in your mouth. From curries that’ll make you weak in the knees to naan bread so fluffy, it’s practically a cloud, they’ve got it all.
But let’s talk about their pièce de résistance: the arayes. Just imagine pita bread stuffed with spiced lamb mince, grilled to perfection, and served with tender lamb cutlets and creamy hummus.
It’s a taste sensation that’ll have you doing a happy belly dance. And as for their charcoal-grilled meats and kebabs, let’s just say they’re so halal, they’re practically angelic!
| Pro Tip: We know it’s a crowd-pleaser and that it’s no longer a secret, but you’ve got to try their Mixed Charcoal King Platter! |
Ima Cuisine
– Media credit: imacuisine
Website: https://www.imacuisine.co.nz/
Address: 53 Fort Street, Downtown, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 377 5252
Hours:
- Closed on Sunday
- Monday: 7 AM–2:30 PM
- Tuesday to Friday: 7 AM–9 PM
- Saturday: 5:30 PM–9 PM
Ever heard of Yael Shochat? Well, if you haven’t, where have you been?
This culinary wizard is the brains behind Ima — hands down the most kickass Middle Eastern joint in Auckland! Forget fancy schmancy vibes; we’re all about that laid-back, come-as-you-are atmosphere here.
It’s like stepping into a bustling Israeli marketplace, with a side of North African flair just for kicks. Now, if you’re a Middle Eastern cuisine virgin, fear not — Yael’s got your back.
You’ll be greeted with a mezze platter that’ll make your taste buds yell out habibi! We’re talking homemade hummus so creamy you’ll want to bathe in it, alongside a rainbow of veggie delights that’ll have you swearing off meat for good.
But hey, if you’re craving something a bit more substantial, Ima’s got you covered there too. Just sink your teeth into their Lebanese lamb shoulder!
Slow-braised to perfection, it’s so tender you’ll be tempted to propose marriage.
| Pro Tip: Try their weekend roast packs! They’re so popular that they practically fly off the shelves. |
Petra Shwarma
– Media credit: petra_shawarmaltd
Website: https://www.petrashawarma.co.nz/
Address: 482 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 815 8652
Hours:
- Closed on Sunday
- Monday to Saturday: 12 PM–9:30 PM
If you’re craving Jordanian cuisine, Kingsland’s Petra Shwarma is where it’s at. Here, you get to dive into dishes like Jordanian mandi (spiced rice with grilled meat, raisins, and cashew nuts), or indulge in a cheesy Jordanian-style fajita.
And let’s not forget the Jordanian shawarma with pickles. You haven’t had good shawarma til you tried this one!
| Pro Tip: Oh, and vegetarians, rejoice! There’s a whole menu dedicated just for you. You’ll be going gaga with their mixed platter with salads, falafel, haloumi stuffed pita pockets, and hummus. |
Fatima’s
– Media credit: feedmefatimas
Website: https://fatimas.co.nz/
Address: 240 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 376 9303
Hours:
- Open daily from 11 AM–9 PM
It’s time to say mae alsalama to bland takeaways! Fatima’s is your go-to spot for mouthwatering pita and shawarma that’s been satisfying Aucklanders’ cravings since ’95.
Their flagship Ponsonby joint held down the fort for what seems like forever! With a swanky new spot at Commercial Bay’s Harbour Eats, this place is spreading its deliciousness faster than gossip on a reality TV show.
And guess what, you don’t even have to leave your couch to get your Fatima’s fix. Yep, they’ve got online and phone ordering for contactless takeaways at both their Ponsonby and Takapuna digs.
So whether you’re in the mood for their full, fresh menu or wanna whip up some DIY chawarma with their Make Me Chawarma Kits, they’ve got you covered!
| Pro Tip: Oh, and did we mention they do gift vouchers too? Because who wouldn’t wanna gift a slice of shawarma heaven? |
Mezze Bar
– Media credit: mezze_bar
Website: https://mezzebar.co.nz/
Address: Durham Street East, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact: +64 9 307 2029
Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 7 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 7 AM–11 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–11 PM
- Sunday: 10 AM–10 PM
Tucked away above a quiet alley near High Street lies a bar that’s like a hidden diamond straight out of the Arabian Nights.
It’s Mezze, your fevered Middle Eastern dream with a faded red wall, a bar adorned with colorful mosaics, and a chalkboard menu that’s bigger than your weekend plans.
Once you step inside, you’re hit with vibes so inviting, you’ll forget you’re not in Marrakech.
And guess who might greet you? None other than Sally, the owner with more charm than a genie in a bottle!
She’ll not only serve up some killer food but also share tales like Scheherazade that’ll make your brunch more entertaining than a Kardashian saga.
So why Mezze? Well, let’s just say Sally’s been around the world.
After traipsing across the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe, she decided to bring a slice of that magic to Auckland. And boy, did she deliver!
From roasted carrot mezze that’ll make you question your allegiance to potatoes to a ceviche salad that’s fresher than your ex’s excuse for ghosting you, Mezze nails it all.
So if you’re looking for a taste of the Middle East with a side of sass, this is your spot. Trust us, it’s the real deal, no magic carpet required!
| Pro Tip: After such a heavy meal, we like to cleanse our palate with their mint tea. Sometimes, we get coffee (but don’t tell anyone that!) too. |
Bodrum Kitchen
– Media credit: bodrummarket
Website: https://bodrum.co.nz/
Address: 81 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071
Contact: +64 9 578 1265
Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8.30 AM–9 PM
- Saturday: 8 AM–10 pm
- Sunday: 8 AM–9 PM
We’d like you to join us and be transported straight to the shores of Santorini. Well, flavor-wise, that is!
Bodrum is the Greek and Turkish fusion joint at the Brickworks development in LynnMall about to blow your mind. With Alex Isik, the culinary genius behind spots like Nomad and Deco, at the helm, you know you’re in for a treat.
Just go inside and prepare to be dazzled by the massive indoor and outdoor dining areas that’ll make you feel like you’re dining in the lap of luxury. And let’s talk about the food — breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all covered!
| Pro Tip: Let’s be real tough, it’s the pulled lamb souvlaki with tzatziki and sumac-rubbed red onion that steals the show. Trust us, one bite and you’ll be hooked! |
