Amelia WilliamsWhile known for its stunning beach, Takapuna is also a serious hotspot for food lovers on Auckland’s North Shore.
With so many options, finding the right spot for a romantic dinner or a quick brunch with colleagues can be tough. We’ve done the delicious homework for you.
From high-end Mediterranean to next-level Filipino fusion, this list narrows it down. We’re diving into places that create memorable outings that go beyond the plate.
Here are our picks for the 5 best restaurants in Takapuna, Auckland.
How much does dining out in Takapuna cost?
Heading out in Takapuna? Here’s a quick guide to what you might spend on a meal.
For a good breakfast or brunch, you’re generally looking at around NZ$25 to $35 per person. If you’re at a higher-end spot with premium coffees or fresh juices, expect that to be closer to the NZ$35 to $50 range.
Dinner has a wider price spectrum. A main at a casual restaurant will likely run you NZ$25 to $40. Meanwhile, a mid-range to upscale dining experience can cost anywhere from NZ$70 to over $120 per person, especially once you add wine or cocktails.
A casual cafe will feel different on the wallet than a fancy dinner spot, but it gives you a solid idea of what to budget for your meal out.
1. Aubergine Restaurant
Website: https://www.aubergine.co.nz/
Address: 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
Contact: 09 489 3104 / [email protected]
Hours: Mon – Sun, 12 PM – 12 AM
Must-Try: Lamb Shank (GF)
Aubergine is a Takapuna classic. It’s my go-to recommendation for a polished European or Mediterranean meal without any fuss.
Dining here is quite versatile. You can have an intimate dinner or book a big table for a family gathering, and the vibe just works.
Their location near the beach is a huge plus, especially on a sunny day with their outdoor seating.
I’ve been to a set menu event, and the value was impressive for the quality and presentation. The Lamb shank is their star dish for a reason, arriving cooked until it falls off the bone.
They also handle dietary needs really well, which is a relief when you’re with a group. It’s quite a popular spot, so it can get pretty busy on a Saturday night.
This means you might have a bit of a wait even with a booking, but in my experience, the attentive service usually makes up for it.
Customer Reviews
Had Mother’s Day dinner here and absolutely enjoyed it. The lamb shank was cooked perfectly and the staff was amazing. Thank you Aubergine for a wonderful evening. We’ll definitely be coming back soon. 🥰😍
– Melitasin | Google Review
Beautiful Christmas lunch, everyone enjoyed the 3 choices on the set menu for entrees, mains, and desserts. A very relaxing Christmas day outing. The best gift to each other for Christmas. (No cooking or doing dishes). 🎄🍽🥂😊
– Lisa May | Google Review
2. Nanam Restaurant
Website: https://nanam.co.nz/
Address: 178 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
Contact: 09 488 9976 / [email protected]
Hours: Tue – Thur, 5 PM – 10 PM; Fri – Sat, 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM & 5 PM – 10 PM
Must-Try: Grilled Chicken Skewers “Sinigang”
Nanam takes Filipino food and turns it into a modern dining experience. This isn’t your average eatery. It’s where you go to be wowed.
The restaurant itself has a warm, upscale yet relaxed feel. I love that they use fresh New Zealand ingredients to reinvent Filipino classics.
When I first tried their Grilled Chicken skewers “Sinigang,” it completely changed my perspective on the dish. It’s a brilliant, tasty twist on the traditional soup, capturing that sour flavour in a whole new way.
They also offer ‘feast’ menus, which are great for sharing with a group and trying a bit of everything. The service is always on point, with staff who are happy to explain the dishes.
Just know that this modern approach and premium quality mean it’s priced higher than traditional spots. It’s absolutely worth it for a special occasion or when you want to impress someone.
Customer Reviews
Had a great dinner here on a Wednesday night. Staff were really friendly and attentive. I highly recommend the sinigang chicken its a really interesting modern twist on the traditional sinigang soup. The halo-halo is really delicious as well.
– Luke Fraser | Google Review
I’ve never eaten something so good! It’s Filipino food to the next level! We got the Chef’s recommendation. We’re surprised there was no rice but it didn’t need rice at all. We were so full by the end of the course meal. The dessert was the highlight!
– Stella Grace Go | Google Review
3. St Marée
Website: https://www.stmaree.co.nz/
Address: 8/33 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
Contact: 09 484 0005
Hours: Tue – Sun, 7:30 AM – 10 PM
Must-Try: Seafood Chowder
St Marée is all about celebrating the New Zealand ocean. If you love fresh and seasonal seafood, this is the place to go.
The name comes from the French word for “tide,” and that theme of freshness runs through their food. It’s a stylish bistro that works just as well for a morning coffee as it does for a full dinner.
Their “Express Lunch” is especially favourable for busy folks.
Their Seafood Chowder is all the rage and is definitely a must-try. I loved how it was packed with flavour and tasted incredibly fresh.
Another thing I found incredible is their “oyster deck” for oyster lovers, which is a huge draw. Being pet-friendly is another big plus you don’t see often.
The main drawback is that if someone in your group isn’t a fan of seafood, their options will feel pretty limited. But for everyone else, the place is a standout.
Customer Reviews
Nice atmosphere, super friendly staff, fast service, yummy food (full catch, seafood chowder, porridge, lobster omelet) and most of all pet-friendly eatery. My fur baby got a taste of poochacino and dog treats. 10/10. Will try the lunch menu next time.
– Bing Ong | Google Review
Coming from outside Auckland. We called in for brunch the café with under 7 kids. The place was clean and well patronaged. The staff were excellent and so to was the food. The coffee was so good! I would recommend this café as a destination
– Philip Roberts | Google Review
4. Al Forno
Website: https://alforno.co.nz/
Address: 34 Anzac Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
Contact: 09 488 0179
Schedule: Tue – Wed, 5 PM – 10 PM; Thu, 5 PM – 11 PM; Fri, 5 PM – 11:30 PM; Sat, 4 PM – 11:30 PM; Sun, 4 PM – 11 PM
Must-Try: Tortellini di Pollo
Al Forno is that cozy, welcoming Italian spot every neighbourhood needs. It feels authentic and unpretentious, like a true family-run restaurant.
They focus on traditional Italian and Mediterranean recipes using fresh, local ingredients. The restaurant is often filled with families having a casual dinner or couples on a relaxed date night.
You hear people raving about their pasta dishes, especially the Tortellini di Pollo, a creamy and comforting dish. They also have a great wine list and make a mean bruschetta, according to local reviews.
It’s a community favourite for a reason. However, because it’s so popular and has that intimate, welcoming vibe, it gets packed too easily.
You’ll definitely want to book a table in advance, especially on a weekend. Walk-in space is rare, which is the main downside if you just want something spontaneous.
Customer Reviews
Fantastic food ,great atmosphere and quick service ,friendly staff would definitely recommend Al Fornos . Will be back for sure !
– Cindy Gregore | Google Review
Been here a couple of times now and had a great meal both teams. Unpretentious and manages to conjure up an authentic ambience. Went for pizzas both times and they were both excellent. The bruschetta and creme brûlée are must-tries. Friendly service and good value.
– Wayne Fry | Google Review
5. Tok Tok
Website: https://www.toktoktakapuna.co.nz/
Address: 129 Hurstmere Road, Takapuna, Auckland 0622
Contact: 09 489 3988 / [email protected]
Schedule: Mon, 5 PM -9 PM; Tue – Thu, 12 PM – 9 PM; Fri – Sat, 12 PM – 9:30 PM; Sun, 12 PM – 8:30 PM
Must-Try: Shaking Beef
Tok Tok brings vibrant, exciting Asian fusion flavours to Hurstmere Road. Groups of friends often gather here for a fun, lively meal.
I loved the decor, which is modern and stylish, and the atmosphere is always buzzing. The menu is designed for sharing, pulling inspiration from all over Asia.
It’s hard to find anyone who doesn’t have a favourite dish here, but the Shaking Beef is a consistent crowd favourite, being incredibly tender and flavourful.
When you go with a group, the best move is to order a bunch of plates to share, like the popular crispy duck and popping prawns.
Every time I came to visit, the food has always been on point, which is why it’s so beloved. Like many top spots in Takapuna, its popularity is its only real downside.
The place can get quite loud when it’s full. You absolutely need to make a reservation, as getting a table on a whim is tough, but it’s well worth the planning.
Customer Reviews
We ordered a few dishes to share, great portions, highly recommend the crispy duck, shaking beef, and popping prawns.
– Anna Chow | Google Review
Delicious food and excellent service. Have been here many times – highlights for me are the crispy hapuka dry curry (amazing!), the roti and the duck salad. Recently tried the fried rice as well which was delicious.
– Lisa McKinley | Google Review
