Amelia WilliamsTucked between the bustle of the CBD and the academic buzz of the university, Grafton is an area many pass through, but locals know is a quiet goldmine for food.
While convenient for hospital staff, this neighbourhood also hides award-winning fine dining and some of the city’s fluffiest bread.
Grafton appeals to local foodies, visitors needing a reliable meal, and buffet hunters alike.
We’ve rounded up the 5 best restaurants in Grafton, Auckland, that you simply have to try.
How much does dining cost in Grafton?
Dining in Grafton can fit any budget. If you’re grabbing a casual breakfast, expect to spend around NZ$25–$35.
For a sit-down dinner at most restaurants, a main will likely set you back NZ$50–$80 per person before drinks.
If you’re celebrating, high-end spots can go over NZ$100 for a main. Don’t forget drinks.
A coffee is usually NZ$4–$5, a beer NZ$8–$12, and a glass of house wine about NZ$10–$15. It’s pretty standard for Auckland, with options for a quick bite or a full fancy experience.
1. Lillius Restaurant
Website: https://www.lillius.co.nz/
Address: 19 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023
Contact: 09 217 4069 / [email protected]
Hours: Wed – Thu, 6 PM – 10:30 PM; Fri – Sun, 12 PM – 3:30 PM & 6 PM – 10:30 PM
Must-Try: Course Set Menu (menu chosen by the chef)
Lillius is where you go for a truly special, inventive fine-dining experience. It’s run by a chef duo who are obsessed with local, seasonal New Zealand produce, and it shows.
Their menu is creative, often using the whole animal or vegetable to reduce waste, which is a philosophy I really respect.
Even if getting the course set means you wouldn’t know what to expect, I was very much delighted with everything that was served.
Plus, their famous sourdough is genuinely incredible. It’s worth the three-day process they put into it. It’s clear why they have so many awards.
The atmosphere is elegant but thankfully not stuffy, so you can actually relax.
It’s an intimate space, so you absolutely must book in advance. Don’t expect to just walk in on a Friday night. This is a place for planning, but it’s well worth the effort.
Is this one of Auckland’s best dining experiences? I think so. Absolutely incredible food prepared to perfection. Don’t expect a menu with choices galore because you are in the hands of a master chef and his masterpiece and he knows what’s best. Clever decor, delightful people. A true treat.
– Andrew Goldie, Google Review
Delicious! This was never about finding the cheapest meal in town and even though it cost a little bit, this was a dinner that was well worth it. I loved the freshness of all the dishes.
– J M, Google Review
2. FLUFF Cafe
Website: https://www.fluffhouse.co.nz/
Address: Unit 7G/38 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023
Contact: 09 282 1206 / [email protected]
Hours: Mon – Fri, 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM; Sat, 8 AM – 3:30 PM; Sun, 9 AM – 3:30 PM
Must-Try: Cheesy Chicken Katsu
FLUFF Cafe is the “House of the fluffiest bread,” and they aren’t kidding. This spot brings together classic brunch dishes with amazing Asian-Vietnamese flavours.
The pastel-coloured interior is super stylish and welcoming, making it a great spot to meet friends or even get some work done.
While they offer coffee and small bites, the portions for their main dishes are really generous.
I had the Cheesy Chicken Katsu sando here, and I found it very tasty. The bread was soft and matched well with the chicken and cheesy flavours.
It’s no secret spot, so the café can get really packed during peak lunch or weekend brunch.
You might have to wait for a table, but the food is worth it. They also offer online ordering if you’re in a hurry.
I have tried Banh Mi , Pho bo and spring roll noodle… all are tasty and the owners are very friendly… and I love cosy decoration of the shop … worth to try …recommend ❤️ and I will come back to try all the rest of menu
– Tuyen Huynh, Google Review
A very cute cafe with good atmosphere and a Vietnamese fusion food is a plus. I tried the beef noodle. The soup is soooo good and flavorful just like the one I had in Vietnam. Love it 👍
– Nusaba Dernrimlam, Google Review
3. Twenty Three
Website: https://www.twentythree.co.nz/
Address: 23 Mount Eden Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023
Contact: 09 354 4505 / [email protected]
Hours: Mon – Fri, 7 AM – 4 PM; Sat, 8 AM – 4 PM
Must-Try: Halloumi Salad
Twenty Three is a fantastic all-in-one venue in the Uptown area. It’s a relaxed café and a fully-equipped event space.
The menu highlights fresh and handmade items. The vibe is warm and full of character, not like a sterile meeting room, which makes it great for functions.
I often pop in for work meetings here, and my go-to is their Halloumi Salad. I love that they use fresh produce every time.
It wasn’t just a basic salad but was surprisingly hearty and delicious.
Another favourite spot of mine here is the patio out back. It’s a hidden gem, especially on a sunny day.
Being on Mt Eden Road, parking can be a bit of a mission during busy periods, so be prepared.
Great vibes. The mince toast was huge and so filling. Lattes were good. Service was fast but kind. Will be coming back!
– Kennis Dees, Google Review
I’m a regular. I’ve been coming to that café every week for years. The staff are lovely, food is excellent and coffee is great. Staff easily accommodates requests for changes in dishes and is neurodiverse-friendly. The patio at the back is fantastic on a sunny or rainy day. I can only recommend.
– Marie France Daniels, Google Review
4. Eight Restaurant
Website: https://eightrestaurant.co.nz/
Address: 83 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland 1010
Contact: 09 300 2924 / [email protected]
Hours: Mon – Thu, 6 AM – 11 AM & 5:30 PM – 10 PM; Fri – Sun, 6 AM – 11 AM, 12 PM – 2:30 PM & 5:30 PM – 10 PM
Must-Try: Fresh Seafood
Eight Restaurant at the Cordis is the ultimate buffet experience, built around eight interactive kitchens.
If you’re dining with a group that can never agree on a cuisine, this is your solution.
You can wander from the seafood bar to the grill, then to the Indian kitchen, and back for dessert. It’s all high-quality, with chefs cooking many dishes right in front of you.
I always make a beeline for the fresh seafood section, where the oysters and prawns are top-notch. It’s a fantastic choice for a special occasion or celebration.
Because it’s so popular and located in a hotel, it can get quite loud and busy, especially on weekends.
It’s also at a premium price point, so it’s more of a “treat yourself” meal.
Great selection of food, oysters, prawns, fish, sushi, dim sum and a selection of meats venison, ostrich kangaroo etc. Had an enjoyable time and would definitely go back again
– Jacqueline Law, Google Review
I fricken love this place, the food is delicious and the service is amazing.. it is pricey but worth it. Especially if you’re a big eater! There’s a really big variety of foods to pick from which is a plus! I doubt anyone would be able to try every single thing there. Really enjoyed my time there, the food suited my tastes too!
– c h a n t e l l e, Google Review
5. Downlow Burgers
Website: https://www.downlow.co.nz/
Address: 10 Park Road, Grafton, Auckland 1010
Contact: 09 212 3456
Hours: Mon – Wed, 11 AM – 9 PM; Thu, 11 AM – 10 PM; Fri – Sat, 11 AM – 1 AM; Sun, 12 PM – 9 PM
Must-Try: The O.G. Triple Smashed
Downlow is all about indulgent, next-level comfort food. They serve smashed-style burgers that are crispy and just plain epic.
This is not the place for a light meal. This is where you go when you want a proper, satisfying burger, loaded fries, and a thick shake.
The brand has a fun, cheeky personality, and the menu is built for a good time.
I finally got to try the classic Smashed Burger, and for me, it lived up to the hype. The patty I got was perfectly seared, and the whole thing was delicious.
It’s a fantastic, reliable option for a comfort food craving. As you’d expect, the menu is very heavy on indulgent, high-calorie foods.
If you’re looking for a healthy or light option, this isn’t it. But if you’re up for a good-filling meal, this is an easy go-to.
One of the best burgers in Auckland. The burger was juicy and cooked to perfection.The chips were crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and well-seasoned. Portions were generous for the price.I’ll definitely be coming back, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves a proper burger.
– prasobh nair, Google Review
We really enjoyed the burgers we had from there. They have the best burgers which is very tasty and appetizing as there menu says. Fries were also good .No wonder why they are too busy in there.Highly recommended 🤗
– KANAKARANI T, Google Review
