Jordan McCraeAuckland is brimming with diverse culinary options with 9,712 cafes and restaurants in the city as of 2024. So, we don’t blame you if you need a handy list of those worth dining in, and that’s exactly what you’re getting today!
Whether you’re into Mexican, French, Italian, or Māori, we’ve got you covered with the top spots in Auckland to satisfy your cravings.
- Savor a Culinary Delight at Tacoteca
- Relish Gourmet Cuisine at Ada Restaurant
- Delight in Exquisite Dining at Duo Eatery
- Feast on Delectable Dishes at Grove Restaurant
- Indulge in Fine Fare at One Tree Grill
- Sample Epicurean Delights at Amano
- Devour Scrumptious Eats at Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar
- Explore Culinary Wonders at Baduzzi
- Treat yourself to a Feast at MASU
- Bask in the Flavors of Le Chef
Savor a Culinary Delight at Tacoteca
Website: http://www.tacoteca.co.nz/
Address: 1/90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 320 1336
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:30am to 9pm
Cuisine type: Mexican
Price Range: $9 to $22
Tacoteca is all about those real-deal Mexican homemade tortillas! But let us tell you, diving into their menu feels like embarking on a flavorful journey through Mexican cuisine.
Now, let’s talk about their standout offering: the DIY taco experience served in a volcanic rock bowl. It’s like, you’re not just eating tacos, you’re creating them right at your table.
And when it comes to the food itself, you absolutely gotta go for the lamb tacos. Trust us, the flavors are out of this world, and that tender meat? It practically melts in your mouth.
| Pro tip: Weekends can get crazy busy, so why not treat yourself to a margarita while soaking in the lively vibe while you wait for your order? |
Relish Gourmet Cuisine at Ada Restaurant
Website: http://www.adarestaurant.co.nz/
Address: 454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 210 909 0101
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday: 8am to 10pm
- Sunday: 8am to 4pm
Cuisine type: Italian and Māori
Price Range: $16 to $55
Ada Restaurant offers a shared-plate menu that’s like a culinary tour of Italy and New Zealand, with something for everyone to savor. And get this – it’s all set in this amazing old church that’s got this kinda spooky vibe going on, which totally adds to the charm.
Now, if you find yourself in Auckland, you absolutely cannot miss their long lunch deal. Seriously, the value they give you is just crazy good. And their wine selection is also top-notch. Plus, the portion sizes hit that sweet spot.
| Pro tip: Make sure you book ahead if you wanna snag a table. They fill up fast, and you definitely don’t wanna risk being turned away at the door. |
Delight in Exquisite Dining at Duo Eatery
Website: http://www.duoeatery.co.nz/
Address: 138 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead, Auckland 0626, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 27 213 8591
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 7am to 9pm
Cuisine type: Māori
Price Range: $3.5 to $30
Duo Eatery is this awesome spot in Birkenhead, up on Auckland’s North Shore. During the day, it’s all about that cozy café vibe, but come evening, it transforms into this chic bistro.
They take your classic café fare and give it just the right amount of oomph to really make it stand out. Some of the crowd favorites here are the raw fish, wagyu, eggs benedict, and clam.
The portions here are also spot on. Every dish is seasoned to perfection, as they have these refined touches that take things up a notch. And their coffee? Oh yeah, it’s definitely worth a mention.
| Pro tip: Make sure you try their exceptional cheese scones. They’re like this magical blend of crunchy and soft that’ll have you coming back for more. |
Feast on Delectable Dishes at Grove Restaurant
Website: https://thegroverestaurant.co.nz/
Address: Saint Patricks Square, Wyndham Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 368 4129
Operating hours: Wednesday to Saturday: 5:30pm to 12am
Cuisine type: Māori
Price Range: $195 to $235
The Grove is this fantastic spot where they blend modern New Zealand cuisine with a French flair. They offer degustation dining that’s all about embracing what’s fresh and in-season.
This elegant restaurant has a menu that’s constantly evolving based on what’s available in the market and the season. They’ve got three tiers of degustation menus, ranging from four to seven courses.
The vibe inside is all about rustic elegance – think warm and inviting décor that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. Though we gotta say, the views might not be the main attraction here, but the food more than makes up for it.
| Pro tip: Their wine list is a real gem, especially if you dive into their “special” wines section. You’ll find some real beauties there. |
Indulge in Fine Fare at One Tree Grill
Website: https://www.onetreegrill.co.nz/
Address: 9 Pah Road, Epsom, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 909 7215
Operating hours: Monday to Saturday: 5:30pm to 11pm
Cuisine type: European
Price Range: $15 to $62
One Tree Grill is this hidden gem in the suburbs of Auckland, where casual meets upscale in the most delightful way.
They’ve got this marinated beef tartare that’s just out of this world. But hey, if raw beef isn’t your thing, don’t worry – their menu’s got plenty of other mouthwatering options like duck, pork belly, and our personal favorite, their lamb belly.
Now, let’s talk about the wine situation – they’ve really outdone themselves with their selection. From local favorites to international gems, their wine list (and that underfloor cellar!) is a wine lover’s dream come true.
| Pro tip: Booking a table is a breeze with their easy online system, and parking? No need to stress, there’s plenty of it nearby. |
Sample Epicurean Delights at Amano
Website: https://savor.co.nz/amano
Address: 66 – 68, Tyler Street, Britomart Place, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 394 1416
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7am to 10pm
Cuisine type: Italian
Price Range: $15 to $100
Right in the heart of Britomart, Amano is all about sharing their love for authentic Italian cuisine. Inside is a 120-seat restaurant that’s just oozing warmth and hospitality.
Now, let’s talk about the food. If you want our insider tip, you’ve gotta try the Monkfish and clam spaghetti, paired with a side of grilled broccolini. They’re absolutely delicious and perfect for seafood lovers.
Seriously, that Monkfish? It’s to die for, and don’t even get us started on the broccolini – absolute perfection. Every flavor just sings together in harmony.
| Pro tip: This place gets busy, like really busy. So, take it from us and make sure you book a table in advance. |
Devour Scrumptious Eats at Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar
Website: https://swashbucklers.co.nz/
Address: 23B Westhaven Drive, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 307 5979
Operating hours: Wednesday to Sunday: 12pm to 10pm
Cuisine type: Māori
Price Range: $5 to $150
Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar has become synonymous with exquisite seafood cuisine. It’s right on the edge of Westhaven Marina, and they’ve pretty much mastered the art of serving up exquisite seafood cuisine.
Seriously, they’ve got it all – from classic fish and chips to indulgent shrimp cocktail and scallops mornay. Be sure to save room for dessert, as their sweet treats are just as delicious as their savory options.
Now, let’s talk about their menu. It’s all about simplicity done right, with a wide selection of dishes that let the flavors of the seafood shine. And the oysters are just so fresh.
But here’s the real kicker – their prawns. They’re big, they’re fresh, and the flavor? Oh, it’s out of this world. Plus, they’re a breeze to eat – all peeled, gutted, and the heads come off easily.
| Pro tip: Make sure you book ahead, especially if you’re planning to dine after 7pm. |
Explore Culinary Wonders at Baduzzi
Website: https://www.baduzzi.co.nz/
Address: 10/26 Jellicoe Street, North Wharf, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 309 9339
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 11:30am to 9:30pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11:30am to 10pm
Cuisine type: Italian
Price Range: $9 to $45
Baduzzi is like this Italian haven in Auckland, and it’s all about bringing a taste of Sicily to the table. Seriously, their meatballs are the stuff of legend.
As you walk in after a rainy stroll across the docklands, it’s like stepping into a warm embrace. The atmosphere is laid back, with plants everywhere giving it this fresh, lively feel. Plus, they’ve got booths inside and even an outside area.
The food is top-notch. Especially that bread with olive oil and olives to start things off. Oh, and here’s the kicker – the bread has this smoked crust that’ll have you coming back for more.
But the real stars of the show for us are the wagyu beef tongue, the squid, and don’t even get us started on the saffron goat cheese tortellini. Trust us, you can’t miss out on those.
| Pro tip: Just a quick heads-up – if you’re looking to elevate your dining experience even further, don’t hesitate to ask your server for wine pairings that perfectly complement your meals. |
Treat yourself to a Feast at MASU
Website: https://skycityauckland.co.nz/restaurants/masu/
Address: 90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 363 6278
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday: 5pm to 10pm
- Sunday: 5pm to 9:30pm
Cuisine type: Japanese
Price Range: $9 to $89
MASU is a Japanese robata joint right smack dab in the heart of Auckland. They’ve got everything from sushi to BBQ dishes, and even some veggie options for those craving something lighter.
They’re all about using the freshest seasonal produce and keeping those flavors as natural as can be. They’ve got some real winners on their menu – think sashimi, crab, scallops, wagyu, and tempura that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
You absolutely gotta try the teriyaki salmon. It’s cooked to perfection, and the sauce? It’s just the right amount of flavorful without being overpowering.
| Pro tip: Try out their six-glass sake tour? It’s the perfect accompaniment to their sashimi. |
Bask in the Flavors of Le Chef
Website: https://www.le-chef.co.nz/
Address: 13 O’Connell Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact details: +64 9 373 4723
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday: 7am to 9pm
- Saturday: 8am to 9pm
- Sunday: 8am to 3pm
Cuisine type: French
Price Range: $8.5 to $43
Le Chef is this charming spot right in the heart of Auckland CBD, nestled in the iconic pedestrian street, Vulcan Lane. Stepping into this place is like entering a little slice of France right in the heart of the city.
Now, let’s talk about the food. They’ve got everything from French breakfast to lunch and dinner, and let us tell you, it’s all absolutely delicious. You’ll find familiar options like croissants and quiches for breakfast, and hearty sandwiches and salads for lunch.
Now, if you’re looking for a standout starter, you absolutely gotta try the Les famous French escargots – they’re a real treat for the taste buds.
| Pro tip: If you’re thinking about ordering the big breakfast, make sure you come hungry because it’s, well, big! |
