Amelia WilliamsFinding the best restaurant in Auckland’s CBD feels like a mission sometimes. Maybe you need to impress a client, find a reliable (but amazing) lunch, or just want a truly memorable meal, the city centre has endless options.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed.
We’ve been there.
That’s why we’ve put together this list—our top 5 picks that genuinely deliver on hype, quality, and that special Auckland vibe. From hidden gems to high-end classics, this guide is for you.
How much does dining cost in Auckland CBD?
Let’s talk budget. Dining in the Auckland CBD can really vary. While you can find cheap eats, the spots on this list are definitely in the “premium” and “fine-dining” category.
For a special, multi-course meal, you can expect a set price. Culprit’s tasting menu, for example, is $99 per person, while the “Mr. Morris Experience” is $140.
Places like Onslow work well for an important client lunch, offering incredible value with set menus like their $80 Prix Fixe. Others, like Amano, serve a high-quality breakfast or a pasta lunch (around $39-$46), even if a full dinner is more of a splurge.
1. Onslow
- Website: https://www.onslow.nz/
- Address: 9 Princes Street, Auckland Central
- Contact: 09 930 9123 and [email protected]
- Schedule: Mon-Tue 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Wed-Sat 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM, Sun 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Must-Try: Chatham Islands Crayfish Éclair
Onslow is where you go for sophistication without the stuffiness. It’s Chef Josh Emett’s vision, blending his international experience with a deep love for New Zealand ingredients.
The vibe is “refined but not fine dining,” making it a reliable option for an important business dinner or a quiet celebration. It feels luxurious but still comfortable.
The menu redefines old-world dishes. When I finally tried the famous Chatham Islands Crayfish Éclair, I completely understood the hype—it’s pure elegance.
They also have unique offerings, like their “Prix Fixe Lunch” ($80 last I checked), which delivers amazing value for the quality.
While it’s definitely a high-end experience, and the price point reflects that, the quality and service are undeniable.
Customer Reviews
Fabulous Food!
Enjoyed an outstanding food performance! Waiting staff were welcoming, helpful and friendly. The five treat entrees, PAUA, beef, Oysters, crayfish and Brie. all delicately prepared with a wide spectrum of flavours. Mains were good and the layered chocolate cake was one of the best cakes I have eaten! Overall we felt we were lucky to have the opportunity to taste such fine food. In addition the wine list is comprehensive and the bar staff make great cocktails.
- Kiwi Kiwi | Google Review
Stylish modern ambience complement with exquisite seafood paired with Sauvignon Blanc. The crayfish ecclair was well presented, eleganty flavored and the Fruits of the Sea were fresh, succulent and enhanced with rich tasty sauce. Delicious and satisfying to our palette. Great food, great wine and excellent service
- Maycia Hong | Google Review
2. Amano
- Website: https://savor.co.nz/amano
- Address: 68 Tyler Street, Auckland Central
- Contact: 09 394 1416 and [email protected]
- Schedule: Daily 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Must-Try: Chitarra, Scampi, Nduja & Pangritata
Amano is an absolute CBD workhorse, in the best way possible.
It’s an Italian-inspired bakery, breakfast spot, and rustic restaurant all rolled into one beautiful, historic space.
The passion for local, sustainable produce is legit. Everything tastes incredibly fresh.
Because they’re open all day, every day, I find myself returning for so many occasions. I’ve grabbed coffee and pastries from the in-house bakery for morning meetings and settled in for amazing pasta lunches.
The Chitarra with Scampi is a must-try. It’s always buzzing, so the atmosphere is lively.
Just a heads-up, their menu changes constantly, which is great for freshness, but sad if a favourite disappears!
Customer Reviews
Nice and cozy restaurant/cafe/bakery spot. Tried out their pasta for lunch. A friend recommended their Scampi pasta and did not regret. We also got their Pappardelle, Lamb Ragu. Decent serving portion. We also checked out their bakery section afterwards and got a Creme Brûlée donut as a sweet treat. The donut was packed with creamy custard inside along with the burnt sugar on the outside which balanced out the sweetness. Definitely recommend if you’re visiting Auckland and looking for a chill place for lunch or dinner.
- Danny Li | Google Review
Had breakfast at Amano, an Italian bakery in Auckland, and it was superb. The food was fresh, beautifully presented, and full of flavour. The atmosphere was warm and stylish, with a lovely artisan touch. A perfect spot to start the day—highly recommended
- Sam Chan | Google Review
3. Hello Beasty
- Website: https://hellobeasty.nz/
- Address: 95-97 Customs Street West, Auckland Central
- Contact: 021 554 496 and [email protected]
- Schedule: Daily 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Must-Try: Prawn & Crab Toast
For a group that wants big, bold flavours, Hello Beasty delivers.
This isn’t quiet dining. It’s a vibrant, contemporary fusion spot inspired by the cuisines of Japan, Korea, and China.
The whole menu is “designed for sharing,” making it a more social and popular fare for those dining in groups.
It’s even a popular move to order one of the “FEED ME” or chef’s selection menus, as the kitchen sends out a well-chosen selection, so you don’t have to stress.
The Prawn & Crab Toast, from their Spring/Summer menu, is iconic for a reason.
They also handle dietary needs well, offering a separate veg/GF menu.
It’s super popular, so be aware that early bookings often have a two-hour time limit. Also worth noting that they add a 1.5% surcharge for card payments.
Customer Reviews
The Asian fusion menu was so delicious. They were good at catering to dietaries and even had sake and soju on the menu. We had a great work dinner out and would definitely come back in thefuture. I liked the location on the harbour too.
- Michelle “MishManners” Duke | Google Review
We had a delicious meal at Hello Beasty. We started with the burrata, which was spicy and delicious. This was followed by the shrimp and crab toast with filet mignon on top, which was pretty decadent. The corn was also delicious and we ended with the lamb shoulder, which was excellent. Overall, highly recommend. Good vibe. Good service. Good food.
- Marc Jerome | Google Review
4. Culprit
- Website: https://www.culpritdiningroom.co.nz/
- Address: Level 1, 12 Wyndham Street, Auckland Central
- Contact: 09 377 5992 and [email protected]
- Schedule: Wed-Sat 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM, with daytime and other evenings by request
Must-Try: Culprit’s Pork-Stuffed Roast Duck For Two
Culprit is pure fun and innovation. Adventurous foodies will appreciate this spot because it’s for the person who wants to be surprised.
They don’t do a traditional à la carte menu. Instead, it’s “chef’s choice only,” with a set tasting menu ($99 per person) that changes every two months to capture the season.
You’re putting your trust in the kitchen, and it pays off.
A foodie friend of mine went for a recent menu and said the creativity was just amazing. Because it’s a set menu, it’s not really for picky eaters, but they capably handle dietary needs if you give them notice.
It’s a great value for a tasting menu of this calibre.
Customer Reviews
AMAAAAAZING! The service, the food, the vibe, and the entire atmosphere! Don’t think about it – JUST BOOK! They also change their menu every few months so you best we will be back 🤌🏽 Thank you Culprit!!!
- Leisha Curtis | Google Review
The Sept and Oct tasting menu is awsome! All dishes were great, asian inspired but not overpowering flavours, well balanced., here are few dishes; We started with oyster which came with ice tray with salty ice flakes which enhance the oyster experience. The crunch brussels dish gives a hint of Kakiage. Duck and lamb meat was perfectly cook rare/medium, cant be better! Quite full after all dishees! Funk cocktail was so special and well balanced with scent and sprit. Yuzu cocktail was also very refreshing. Want to come back again for summer menu.
- Sienna Kim | Google Review
5. Mr. Morris
- Website: https://www.mrmorris.nz/
- Address: Excelsior Building, Cnr Galway & Commerce Street, Britomart, Auckland Central
- Contact: 09 869 5522 and [email protected]
- Schedule: Tue, Wed and Sat 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM; Thu-Fri 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM and 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Must-Try: Roasted Duck Breast, or the Mr. Morris Experience Menu (Tasting Menu)
Mr. Morris feels like a personal, heartfelt invitation from Chef Michael Meredith.
It’s a beautiful, warm space in Britomart that serves modern Pacific and New Zealand food, all built around local and seasonal produce.
What stands out most here is the flexibility. You can commit to the full “Mr. Morris Experience” tasting menu (which is $140) or, if you’re there for a business lunch, you can just order from the à la carte menu.
On top of that, the service is also exceptionally warm and nurturing.
Among their notable dishes, my pick would be the roasted duck breast. It’s definitely a strong choice for a sophisticated, soulful meal.
Just remember they’re closed on Sundays and Mondays, so you’ll need to plan ahead.
Customer Reviews
Hands down one of the best restaurants in Auckland rn. Staff were so warm and welcoming and the food was next level! The sommelier and waitress were extremely helpful in choosing our food etc and the pacing of the meal was perfect (no awkward super long waits) we will definitely be back! Ps. Get the chicken skin parfait, squid starter & duck for the main YUMMMM
- Alisa Seth | Google Review
I had an amazing dinner at Mr. Morris with my bestie to celebrate my birthday last night. The staff were welcoming and friendly. We ordered kitchen experience tasting menu. From the snacks to the dessert, every dish was tasty and well presented. Can’t recommend it enough!
- Fiona Ma | Google Review
