Amelia WilliamsGrey Lynn has a reputation as a cool suburb, but it’s also a serious food destination.
Tucked away from the main city hustle, this area is packed with incredible places to eat, from cozy neighbourhood spots to restaurants serving up unique global flavours.
Locals looking for a new weeknight favourite and visitors exploring near Ponsonby often find it tough to pick just one place.
That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best restaurants in Grey Lynn. We’re guiding you through the must-try dishes and hidden gems that make this one of Auckland’s top dining destinations.
How much does dining cost in Grey Lynn?
Dining in Grey Lynn really depends on the vibe you’re after. You can easily grab a fantastic wood-fired pizza or some shared plates for a casual night out, which will probably set you back about $20 to $40 per person. If you’re feeling a bit fancier or celebrating something special, you might opt for an experience like a high tea, which can sit at a set price around $40 a head. It all comes down to what you order and the kind of experience you want.
1. Lilian
Website: https://www.lilian.co.nz/
Address: 472 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Mon, 6 PM – 10:30 PM; Tue, 5 PM – 10:30 PM; Wed – Thu, 12 PM – 10:30 PM; Fri – Sat, 12 PM – 11 PM; Sun, 12 PM – 8 PM
Must-Try Dish: Woodfired Pizza
Lilian is the definition of a top-tier neighbourhood bistro. It just feels warm and inviting the second you walk in.
They specialise in stunning European-inspired dishes, especially anything that comes out of their wood-fired oven.
The buzzing atmosphere makes it a popular spot for a date or for catching up with friends.
When I went, we shared the pepperoni pizza, and honestly, it might be the best of the many I’ve ever had. Each slice was just perfect to the bite, even the crust!
The menu is flexible, letting you build your own meal or trust the chef with a set menu, which I appreciate.
It’s incredibly popular, so the main drawback is trying to snag a booking. You definitely need to plan ahead, especially for a weekend. Seriously, don’t expect to just walk in.
Customer Reviews:
Can’t fault this place. Attentive service, amazing food. The place was humming and I can see why. Probably the best pizza I’ve ever had (pepperoni), but everything we had was delish. Can’t wait to come back.
– Rachel M | Google Review
Lilian’s private room in the upstairs of the restaurant is first class. Beautiful food, attentive staff, at a reasonable price point. Could not recommend Lilian’s private room enough for a special occasion. Thank you Lilian staff.
– Dominique Cochrane | Google Review
2. Ada Restaurant
Website: https://www.adarestaurant.co.nz/
Address: 454 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
Contact: 0210 909 0101 / [email protected]
Hours: Tue, Wed, & Sat, 5 PM – 10 PM; Thu & Fri, 12 PM – 3 PM & 5 PM – 10 PM; Sun, 11 PM – 5 PM
Must-Try Dish: Spring Lamb, Puttanesca
Ada offers a truly special experience, set inside a beautifully restored heritage building that used to be a convent. It’s got this amazing character that feels both grand and cozy.
The food is inspired by classic French and English bistros but with a clear New Zealand twist, focusing on local, sustainable ingredients.
I highly recommend starting with their fried bread. But the star of the meal was their newest addition to the menu, the Spring Lamb, Puttanesca, which was bursting with umami.
The menu feels refined, but the atmosphere is surprisingly relaxed, like a high-end meal at a good friend’s house.
We also tried their “Sunday Lunch Series,” which was a great way to try something new.
Because it’s a boutique spot, the seating is limited, so it can feel a bit tight when it’s full. It’s worth it, but be prepared to be close to your neighbours.
Customer Reviews:
Such a unique style of food. Incredible take on Māori cuisine. The Rēwana bread with blue cheese is a must have. Beautiful fresh fish to start. The banana pannacotta was the perfect finish to the meal, light with just the right amount of sweetness. Would definitely recommend to a friend and can’t wait for my next trip back!
– Veronica Athy | Google Review
Thank you so much to the Ada team for providing the most wonderful atmosphere and divine dining for my birthday lunch. The service was exquisite from the moment we arrived, we could not fault any dish – a set menu which was creative and incredibly tasty. Great value for money and sublime decor. Highly recommend. 🥂🤩
– Vivien Lynch | Google Review
3. Thirty One
Website: https://www.31.co.nz/
Address: 31 Ponsonby Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1011
Contact: 09 218 5164 / [email protected]
Hours: Mon – Tue, 5 PM – 10 PM; Wed, 5 PM – 10:30 PM; Thu, 12 PM – 2:30 PM & 5 PM – 10:30 PM; Fri – Sat, 12 PM – 3 PM & 4 PM – 11 PM; Sun, 12 PM – 3 PM & 5 PM – 10 PM
Must-Try Dish: Goat Curry
If you’re bored with the same old menus, Thirty One is a must-visit. They serve an amazing fusion of Fijian, Indian, and Asian flavours that you just don’t find everywhere.
Their secret weapon is the “31 masala,” a signature blend of 31 spices they make in-house, and it makes every dish pop.
I was amazed at how fresh and clean the food tasted. It’s amazing how they use less oil and salt without sacrificing flavour!
I recommend trying the Goat Curry was so rich and tender. It was definitely one of their standout main dishes.
The restaurant itself is sleek and intimate, drawing couples for date nights. However, it’s a smaller space, though, so it fills up fast.
I’d recommend booking ahead to avoid missing out. We almost didn’t get a table, even on an early Tuesday dinner.
Customer Reviews:
Amazing Indian food with great flavors and spices! I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for fresh, delicious, made to order dishes with excellent spice profiles!
– J | Google Review
Amazing Food and Good Quantity. Great food palette. Absolutely no creams, no artificial sauces, no thickeners. Loved the chicken makhanee, goat curry and fish moilee. The Fiji Indian dessert is an interesting try for food explorers. Amazing hospitality! The manager explained the menu with a lot of care.
– brahmani tripuraneni | Google Review
4. Lokanta Aegean Eating House & Bar
Website: https://lokanta.nz/
Address: 137A Richmond Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
Contact: 09 360 6355 / [email protected]
Hours: Tue – Fri, 5 PM – 10:30 PM; Sat – Sun, 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Must-Try Dish: Aegean Island Goat
Lokanta brings authentic Turkish and Greek island flavours right to Richmond Road.
The name literally means “local eating house,” and that’s exactly what it feels like: unpretentious and all about amazing, robust food.
The menu is built for sharing, so you’ll often see groups passing plates around. We ordered a bunch of small plates and flatbreads and just passed everything around.
The Aegean Island Goat is a must-try for a main, just full of flavour you don’t get to taste just anywhere.
I also love that the vibe is super warm and the staff are fantastic. They really know the menu and can help you with the best choices if you’re a first-timer and have no idea what to pick!
It’s a popular local spot, so the main challenge is just getting a table during peak dinner hours, but it’s absolutely worth the effort. Just be prepared for a lively, loud atmosphere when it’s packed.
Customer Reviews:
Had a Christmas gathering here. The food was mind blowing. This place has the best food in Auckland, a variety of food for all the tastes on our table. Great portion sizes, the drinks were incredible too. This place is a must visit. It is a little expensive for three courses but well worth it. I would save up and go.
– Etomia Wilson | Google Review
The flambé grilled halloumi is amazing beyong belief. I have been to many places for meals, but it’s been a very long time since I have come across such fresh ingredients so beautifully presented. This is a great place to be at sunset, the light is angled so perfectly you’d think they had arranged that too.
– Pete Mayes | Google Review
5. Thaiger
Website: https://www.thaiger.co.nz/
Address: 2 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021
Contact: 09 360 0695 / [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Sun, 5 PM – 10 PM
Must-Try Dish: Seafood Platter
Thaiger is your spot for modern Thai food that’s both delicious and beautiful. The first thing you’ll notice when you walk in is the vibe.
It’s cozy and warm, with a massive, striking tiger mural that makes the whole place feel special.
The menu sets traditional flavours alongside modern fusion dishes, with plates designed for sharing. When I visited, we couldn’t resist the Seafood Platter, and it was fantastic, especially for sharing.
They also have really clear vegan and gluten-free options, which allows friends with dietary needs to order confidently. My gluten-free friend had plenty to choose from.
It’s right on Surrey Crescent, which is super convenient, but the only downside is that parking in that part of Grey Lynn can be a real pain during busy times. We had to circle for about 10 minutes before we can settle in a slot.
Customer Reviews:
Loved the Thai snapper here rich, flavorful, and unlike anything I’ve tried before. The beef were super fresh too. Great value for money and quick service. Will definitely be back!
– Rao Fu | Google Review
Authentic atmosphere + very yum food!!!!!
We will definitely come back to town for this prawn red curry and crispy snapper~!! Served with very friendly and nice manner. Thank you
– Kim Jay | Google Review
