Amelia WilliamsGlendowie is one of East Auckland’s most charming suburbs, but let’s be honest, finding a great local spot to eat can sometimes mean a drive.
I’ve spent plenty of time exploring the area and found that it has some fantastic hidden gems. This is great for residents who just want a convenient weeknight dinner and for visitors exploring the eastern bays.
It’s not always about driving out. Sometimes the best spots are right under your nose.
We’ve rounded up our favourite local eateries, highlighting spots for elegant dining with a view as well as the best cosy takeaways.
Here are the places we recommend as top restaurants in and near Glendowie, Auckland. Let’s dive in!
How much does dining cost in Glendowie?
Figuring out dining costs in Glendowie is pretty straightforward. For a casual meal out, you’re generally looking at $30 to $40 for a main course.If you’re planning a full dinner with starters, mains, and drinks, a budget of $50 to $70 per person is a safe bet, but it can go higher in more popular spots.To give you an idea, a good pizza might be around $25, while a more substantial seafood dish, like pan-fried snapper, could be closer to $42.
1. The Terraces
Website: https://theterracesrestaurant.co.nz/
Address: 207 Riddell Road, Glendowie, Auckland 1071
Contact: 09 926 7973 / [email protected]
Hours: Mon – Tue, 9 AM – 3 PM; Wed – Sun, 9 AM – 7.30 PM
Must-Try: Savannah Beef Fillet
The Terraces is all about that breathtaking view. It’s easily the most scenic spot in the area, perched perfectly to overlook the Waitematā Harbour.
This restaurant expands beyond a simple cafe and into an elegant dining experience. Their menu is driven by their Head Chef, Ranjit Badwal, who is known for focusing on high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients.
When I last visited, the seasonal menu was fantastic. I tried the Savannah Beef Fillet, and the quality was obvious—perfectly cooked and presented beautifully.
They also offer a high tea service, which is a great choice for a special occasion.
The main drawback I find is its location within St. Andrew’s Village. It makes the place feel a bit exclusive and isn’t the easiest place for a spontaneous walk-in, but the view and food make the planning worthwhile.
Spacious and modern restuarant within a Retirement Village in Glendowie with views of the harbour beyond the buildings.
Excellent food, service and setting. Really innovative and interesting menu.
I really enjoyed the Duck livers and the chocolate caramel banana tart and a lovely Pinot Gris from Marlborough.
– Tamara Freeman, Google Review
Great food and service. Meals arrived quickly and were tasty. Staff were attentive and helpful.
– Lee Sutton, Google Review
2. Curry Palace Indian Eatery & Bar
Website: https://currypalaceglendowie.co.nz/
Address: 17 Roberta Avenue, Glendowie, Auckland 1071
Contact: 09 575 1167
Hours: Open Daily from 12 PM – 10 PM
Must-Try: Butter Chicken
Curry Palace is a true suburban gem, offering a complete restaurant experience right in the neighbourhood.
They offer more than a typical takeaway joint, providing a warm and inviting ambience, making it an ideal spot for a family dinner or a date night.
I also love the idea of having a full bar, so you can pair your meal with a good wine or a cocktail.
The menu is packed with authentic dishes, including fragrant biryanis and tandoori specialities.
I’m a classic butter chicken fan, and their version is rich and exactly what I had hoped for. The naan breads are also fresh and fluffy.
It’s a popular spot, so the main catch is that it can feel a bit small during peak times. I’d definitely recommend booking a table on a busy Friday or Saturday night.
Great food especially the butter chicken and the real fruit ice cream is a go too. Words come back again 5 stars
– Jake Mexted, Google Review
Excellent food and great service. Naan breads are amazing. Korma, Tikka masala and bitter chicken outstanding. Great price. Overall Excellent. Our new favorite place for Curry.
– Elizabeth Bennett, Google Review
3. The Glen
Website: https://www.theglenbar.co.nz/
Address: 3 Roberta Avenue, Glendowie, Auckland 1071
Contact: 09 575 1541
Hours: Sun – Tue, 7:30 AM – 3 PM; Wed, 7:30 AM – 3 PM & 5:30 PM – 9 PM; Thu – Sat, 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Must-Try: Steak Frites
The Glen is the definition of “your local.” It’s the kind of place you can drop into for a coffee at 7:30 AM or settle in for dinner and drinks at night. This all-day availability is its biggest strength.
It’s a reliable spot with a diverse menu that covers all the bases.
The vibe here is super relaxed and welcoming. This setting works well for a family brunch, and groups often gather to watch a game on the big screens with friends.
I would often find myself stopping here for casual dinners when I’m in the area. My go-to would be their Steak Frites, which was a solid, classic pub meal.
The only downside is that the food, while good, sticks to comfort eats and cafe classics. Don’t come here expecting innovative, high-end cuisine.
Other than that, the Glen definitely serves as a dependable, friendly neighbourhood gathering place.
Two delicious regular flat whites. The cafe has lots of good outdoor seating with shade. Nice staff.
– S Biddick, Google Review
Cozy and quiet when we arrived. The staff was attentive and the portion of the food was quitr reasonable. They also cater for functions and a breakfast menu.
– Mona Boon, Google Review
4. Home Thai
Website: https://homethai.co.nz/
Address: 86A Riddell Road, Glendowie, Auckland 1071
Contact: 09 575 6475
Hours: Open Daily from 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Must-Try: Massaman Beef
Home Thai is our go-to for authentic, high-quality Thai takeaway.
The cooking style suggests an experienced chef who knows authentic flavours, rather than just standard takeaway fare. You can taste the difference their focus on ‘fresh ingredients’ makes.
We order from here regularly, and the Massaman Beef is a consistent highlight—the beef is tender and the curry is rich and flavourful. But the best part is their portion sizes, which are always really generous.
It’s incredibly convenient for a weeknight dinner since they’re open seven days. The main limitation is that they are purely focused on takeaway, as there isn’t really a dine-in space.
Their hours are also limited to the evenings, so it’s strictly a dinner option. But for a delicious meal at home, they are a reliable choice.
Authentic Thai takeaway. Super yummy dishes. Sweet Chill Jam Seafood one of my consistent favorites. Ginger beef, red curry duck, cashew nut chicken, pad thai prawns all very yummy dishes. Great for sharing meals.
– onezone mobile, Google Review
Ordered the pad thai, sweet and sour chicken, duck curry, crispy pork & shrimp wontons, and the curry puffs. Portion size was huge and all the food tasted amazing. Was really nice that the duck curry doesn’t have bones you have to pick out and the curry puffs were really out of this world. Definitely will be coming back to try more things off the menu
– tiger4252, Google Review
5. Mood Kitchen
Website: https://lunchtime.co.nz/mood-kitchen-auckland/menu/
Address: 9 Roberta Avenue, Glendowie, Auckland 1071
Contact: 09 575 6168
Hours: Open Daily, 7:30 AM – 10 PM
Must-Try: Margharita Pizza
Mood Kitchen is the ultimate all-day solution. I like that they’re open from early morning until late at night, making them an incredible go-to spot.
If you need a morning coffee or a late-night pizza, they have you covered.
Their menu is massive and diverse, offering pancakes for breakfast, salads for lunch, and a full pizza list.
I’ve grabbed their Margharita Pizza before, and it’s just spot on despite being fast and affordable.
Mood Kitchen’s owner, Mason, is super friendly and seems to know everyone. His interactions make the place feel like a real community hidden gem.
It’s not a fancy restaurant by any means. It’s really a casual, fast-food spot.
The seating is very limited, as it’s mostly geared towards takeaway. But for convenience and value, it’s one of the best options for good food in Glendowie.
If you have never been to this hidden gem then you are missing out!! Mason and his love for everything he does is outstanding! The food, the coffee and amazing hot chocolate. The price for what you get is great allways leave here on a full stomach! And the friendly welcome makes me allways stop in when I’m in the area. You wont be dissapointed!
– Patrick Datlen, Google Review
Consistently good, Mason the owner is a lovely person, knowing snd greeting all his customers on a first name basis. Great coffee and more than adequate food, my wife and I have become regulars.
– Shaun Petterson, Google Review
