Amelia WilliamsAvondale is one of Auckland’s most diverse and vibrant suburbs, and its food scene is no exception.
It’s not about flashy trends here. It’s about real, honest-to-goodness food that brings the community together.
You might be grabbing a bite after visiting the famous Avondale Sunday Market or just looking for a new weekend brunch spot.
This neighbourhood has some incredible hidden gems that locals know and love.
We’re talking authentic international flavours and hearty pub grub, so it can be tough to know where to start.
If you’re ready to explore the best eats in the area, we’ve rounded up our top 5 picks of the best Avodale restaurants that you absolutely need to try.
How much does dining cost in Avondale, Auckland?
Dining in Avondale can be as affordable or as special as you want it to be. You’ll find a great mix of prices.
A casual meal at a café or a takeaway spot will be easier on the wallet.
If you’re planning a mid-range restaurant dinner, a main course will likely sit around $20 to $50 NZD.
For a full dinner for two with drinks, you’ll probably look at $60 to $120 NZD or more.
Keep in mind that lunch menus are often a bit cheaper, and grabbing alcohol will definitely add to the final bill.
1. Mitten Drin
Website: https://mittendrin.co.nz/
Address: 390a Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland 1026
Contact: 09 820 0335 / [email protected]
Schedule: Tue – Fri, 11:30 AM – 9 PM; Sat – Sun, 9 AM – 9 PM
Must-Try: Pork Knuckle
Mitten Drin is where you go for truly authentic German food. It’s run by a German-born chef who brings real European flavour to Avondale.
It’s a super cozy and homely spot, making you feel relaxed the moment you walk in.
They focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and offer huge, hearty portions that are great value.
When I visited, the pork knuckle I got was massive and perfectly cooked, with crispy skin and tender meat. It’s a definite must-try.
They also have a fantastic range of German beers to match the food, and the staff are happy to suggest a good pairing.
I was also impressed by the number of gluten-friendly (NGCI) options.
It’s a small place, so my main warning is that it can get pretty packed during peak dinner times. Booking ahead is definitely a good idea if you don’t want to miss out.
Authentic German meals with matching drinks (German beers and non-alcoholic beverages). Cozy and clean restaurant. Family friendly with toy box for small kids. I very enjoy the pork knuckle, schnitzel, sausages. Simply yummy. Definitely will visit again.
– Pavel Valenta, Google Review
A fantastic experience having dinner at Mitten. Friendly staffs, comfortable dining environment. My kids enjoying it very much too.
– Catherine Chee 卡特林徐, Google Review
2. Browne St.
Website: https://www.brownestreet.co.nz/
Address: 50 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland 1026
Contact: 09 820 8400 / [email protected]
Schedule: Sun – Thu & Sat, 6:30 AM – 4 PM; Fri, 6:30 AM – 8 PM
Must-Try: Eggs Bene
Browne St. is a stunning spot that captures Avondale’s character with a modern vibe, all housed in a beautiful heritage building.
It’s the ultimate all-day venue. It starts with specialty coffee and an amazing brunch in the morning before transforming into a licensed restaurant.
They even have extended hours on some nights.
I tried their eggs bene with fried chicken on a friend’s recommendation, and it was incredible. The chicken was crispy, and the hollandaise was just right.
They also have a fantastic, dedicated space upstairs for private functions, complete with its own bar.
The only hurdle can be parking. It’s a bit tight in the area, so you might need to park a street over during busy lunch rushes.
Super good food and service. We got the eggs bene with fried chicken and it was great. Awesome spot in Avondale. Great music and coffee as well.
– Bonnie, Google Review
Awesome value for the money spent. Got the huntsman for lunch. Beautiful all around brunch dish, highly recommended. Cool and friendly staff as well. Definitely will be back again
– Sonal Batuwangala, Google Review
3. Tonight BBQ
Website: https://tonightbbq.co.nz/
Address: 1790A Great North Road, Avondale, Auckland 1026
Contact: 0274 177 777
Schedule: Open Daily, 11 AM – 11 PM
Must-Try: BBQ Skewers
If you’re craving skillfully-grilled barbecue, Tonight BBQ is your spot.
They specialise in those amazing, flavourful skewers and offer a surprisingly diverse menu with barbecue classics and some new creations. It’s a fantastic, no-frills option right on Great North Road.
A major bonus is that they’re open late every single day until 11 pm, which is a lifesaver for a late-night meal.
When I stopped in, the BBQ skewers arrived hot and fast, which was exactly what I needed. The lamb skewers, in particular, were a highlight.
The menu features a wide selection of meat, seafood, and veggie options.
It’s quite a compact space. During peak dinner hours, you might have a short wait or just opt for takeaway, which is still super convenient anyway.
Dine in for the first time in Tonight BBQ. It’s quite a little gem. Really great service, and food. Spacious environment and light atmosphere.
– Shirlee Bungard, Google Review
Really enjoyed the food and experience. Simple quick and hot food. Clean cutlery and tables. More people should give them a try.
– Jimmy, Google Review
4. The Taphouse
Website: https://www.avondaletaphouse.co.nz/
Address: 2017-2021 Great North Road, Avondale, Auckland 1026
Contact: 09 828 7481 / [email protected]
Schedule: Sun – Mon, 12 PM – 9:30 PM; Tue – Wed, 12 PM – 10:30 PM; Thu – Sat, 12 PM – 12:30 AM
Must-Try: Fisherman’s Platter
The Taphouse is Avondale’s classic, laid-back local pub where you immediately feel welcome. This is the place to go if you love tap beer, as they’ve got a huge selection and great specials.
The atmosphere is always lively, with live sports on the big screens, karaoke nights, and bands. It’s a full social outing.
Their food menu is solid pub grub. Their Fisherman’s basket is a total classic that anyone who stops by should try. It’s well-fried and crispy.
It’s also quite a popular spot, so if you want a quiet chat, this isn’t the place for it. It definitely gets loud and crowded on a Friday night or when a big game is on.
Customer Reviews
Incredible service from Kayla earlier today! We made a reservation to watch the NFL Super Bowl and everything went great. Excellent chicken & waffles, chicken tenders and squid rings. Also appreciated the fantastic 1L drink specials. 🐥🧇🍺
– Jon W, Google Review
My local tavern always has A+ service, have so much fun playing pool, drinking, singing on the karaoke, playing on the pokies or watching the game with friends and family hehe xP the foods good here too
– Nik Sio, Google Review
5. Rosebank Coffee & Kitchen
Website: https://rosebankkitchen.co.nz/
Address: Unit 1/2 Jomac Place, Avondale, Auckland 1026
Contact: 09 828 6110 / [email protected]
Schedule: Mon – Fri, 7 AM – 3 PM; Sat – Sun, 8 AM – 3 PM
Must-Try: Squid Ink Aglio Oilo
Rosebank Coffee & Kitchen is a true community-focused eatery that just feels like home.
The space is light, stylish, and incredibly inviting, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends. It’s such a beautiful cafe, and it’s a perfect spot for your IG feed.
What I like about them is how they offer an innovative and fresh menu that uses locally sourced ingredients, creating a difference you can taste. Their coffee game is also strong, but the full kitchen menu is the real star.
My personal menu pick is their Squid Ink Aglio Olio, and I’m already planning to go back again for it. The pasta was cooked beautifully, and the squid ink was well-balanced and not fishy at all.
The spot is also quite versatile. People gather for a casual brunch or book it out for special events.
It’s no secret how good it is, so the only main drawback to watch out for is that it can get quite busy during the weekend brunch rush.
Such a beautiful cafe. The ladies working here are soo lovely. Love the food, the presentation, food options. Been here twice now and already planning to visit again next month. One of my favourite cafes!!
– Shaz L, Google Review
Great local cafe. The food has been consistently good over the many years that it has been open. You can always get a table here and the tables are always cleared and clean. Staff are super friendly, helpful and knowledgeable of the menu. I love the decor and it has a calm, cool vibe.
– Kimberly Stewart, Google Review
