Jordan McCraeDid you know that Kiwis are serious about their BBQ culture? This is why lunchtime hangouts in New Zealand often involve firing up the grill for some snags, burgers, or veggies.
Of course, if you’re too busy for all that grilling action, cities like Auckland have heaps of food joints to pick from. If you wanna know which lunch restaurants to check out first, keep reading!
Where can I eat lunch in Auckland?
There are many places where you can eat lunch in Auckland. Some top picks include Federal Delicatessen, Saint Alice, The Lula Inn, Le Chef, and Baduzzi for a hearty midday meal.
Federal Delicatessen
— Media from federaldelicatessen
Website: http://www.thefed.co.nz/
Address: 86 Federal Street, Auckland City, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 21 905 345, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 8 AM to 4 PM
- Wednesday to Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM
Pricing: $20 – $30
Federal Delicatessen captures the spirit of a New York deli in the heart of Auckland. With its lively atmosphere and quirky portraits on the walls, we think it’s a great lunch spot for a taste of the Big Apple in New Zealand.
As you’ll find New York classics on the menu, we recommend getting the poutine fries with cheese or the melt-in-your-mouth milk-fed veal schnitzel (crispy, breaded cutlet)—these offerings steal the spotlight for us!
The delicatessen’s got some killer pies for dessert (dessert Auckland) too! Our faves are the pecan pie with vanilla mascarpone cream and the banoffee pie with caramel popcorn.
Pro tip:
If you’re all about soaking up the kitchen vibes at Federal Delicatessen, why not grab a seat by the counter? For us, it’s also perfect if you’re an introvert looking to treat yourself guilt-free.
Saint Alice
— Media from saint__alice
Website: https://saintalice.co.nz/
Address: Level 1/204 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 9 972 3562, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Wednesday – 11 AM to 12 AM
- Thursday – 11 AM to 3 AM
- Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 3 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Pricing: $50 – $100
Perched above Viaduct Harbour, Saint Alice lures with its seaside vibes and fresh seafood (seafood restaurant Auckland). We dig the wooden tables and bright decor because it adds to the relaxed yet classy atmosphere for your noontime feast.
The menu showcases New Zealand’s coastal treasures, with delectable options like bluff oysters and wood-fired pizzas. Don’t miss the oyster muffin or the tangy raw salmon for a flavor explosion!
We’re also stoked about enjoying a chilled Zeffer red apple cider while basking in the sun with pals, ideal for casual hangouts.
Pro tip:
For the best experience at Saint Alice, visit on a fairly breezy day. Last time we checked, there’s no AC or fans here. So brace yourself for some serious heat if you’re chilling here on a scorching day!
The Lula Inn
— Media from thelulainn
Website: https://www.stargroup.nz/venues/the-lula-inn
Address: 149 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 9 365 2690, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Tuesday – 12 PM to 9 PM
- Wednesday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday – 12 PM to 11 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 2 AM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Pricing: $40 – $50
The Lula Inn is the perfect spot to kick back and have a relaxed lunch with your buddies. Situated right by the waterfront downtown in Auckland, we think it’s super easy to get to and even easier to fall for!
Decked out with lush greenery and a chilled-out atmosphere, this place looks awesome whether you wanna chill inside or soak up some sun on their deck hanging over the water.
The resto’s got everything from yummy grilled fish to crunchy popcorn cauliflower and tasty prawn dumplings. The bottomless brunch is a winner for us too, with goodies like potato rösti (Swiss grated potatoes) and all-you-can-drink mimosas.
Pro tip:
Looking for a cheaper fare (cheap eats Auckland)? Chill at The Lula Inn and stack up those Joylab (a hospitality rewards network) points! With your membership, you can score a cool 10% cashback.
Le Chef
— Media from le_chef_auckland
Website: https://le-chef.co.nz/
Address: 13 O’Connell Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 9 373 4723, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday – 8 AM to 9 PM
- Sunday – 8 AM to 3 PM
Pricing: $15 – $35
Le Chef is a lovely lunch spot in Vulcan Lane, dishing out fresh European and French delights that we think rival a Seine-side stroll in Paris. Its cozy outdoor seating and wooden interiors adorned with portraits give off major Parisian bistro vibes!
The menu’s a tasty journey through France, featuring classics like croque monsieur (grilled ham and cheese sandwich) and escargot. You can also pair those with the restaurant’s extensive wine list or its famous mocha and soy lattes.
Just keep an eye out for their legendary events, where the streets transform into lively hubs of music, laughter, and mouthwatering dishes.
Pro tip:
Heads up! Le Chef’s indoor setup might not be wheelchair-friendly, but you can totally score an outdoor table. Just book in advance and soak up the vibes hassle-free!
Baduzzi
— Media from baduzzi
Website: https://www.baduzzi.co.nz/
Address: 10/26 Jellicoe Street, North Wharf, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 9 309 9339, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Pricing: $70 – $80
Baduzzi rocks retro-chic Italian vibes for a killer afternoon bite! It’s the spot in Auckland for solo bites or group hangs. And those glass doors and lush plants? We love that they bring the sunshine indoors!
What’s more, we appreciate that the menu is Italian indulgence with a modern twist. From wild deer meatballs to heavenly tiramisu, we think every bite has something new to offer other than the usual.
And if you’re tired of chicken and pork, we believe the duck ragout pasta and juicy lamb ribs are must-try stunners!
Pro tip:
Got any fun date ideas (date ideas Auckland) before going to Baduzzi? Catch a flick at the nearby ASB Waterfront Theatre for some pre-dinner fun!
1947 eatery
— Media from 1947.nz
Website: https://1947eatery.co.nz/
Address: 60 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 9 377 0033, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 5 PM to 9 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 12 PM to 11 PM
Pricing: $50 – $70
At 1947 eatery, Indian fusion cuisine gets a creative twist in a hip and contemporary space, including a terrace for soaking up the sun.
The vibes here are super chill, with cozy lighting and tons of space. For lunchtime explorers, the menu goes from loaded curry chips to tender goat curry and smoky tandoori (smoky and spicy grilled) chicken.
Classic Indian dishes go great with fancy cocktails too, balancing flavors just right, in our opinion. We recommend getting a refreshing Long Island iced tea or other colorful cocktails to wash it all down.
Pro tip:
New to bold flavors? Start light! Try 1947 eatery’s malai chicken (with yogurt, cashew paste, and cream cheese) or dal makhani (creamy lentil curry). These options could ease you into the spice game without diving straight in.
DeBretts Kitchen
— Media from hoteldebrett
Website: https://www.debrettskitchen.co.nz/
Address: 3B O’Connell Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 9 925 9000
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 9 PM
Pricing: $60 – $70
At DeBretts Kitchen, it’s all about chic bistro vibes and modern Kiwi grub in the airy atrium of Hotel DeBrett. Situated smack dab in Auckland’s heart, it’s like a skip away from Britomart and Queen Street—perfect for a quick afternoon chow!
We’re happy with the lively scene here. Bright colors and lots of greenery, it’s like a little city oasis. Plus, the modern art deco feel? We feel it totally sets the mood for a chill lunch.
The menu also looks like a winner! From juicy steaks to Mediterranean lamb, every dish is served with generous proportions, so we reckon you’ll be satisfied.
Pro tip:
Visit DeBretts Kitchen on weekends—it’s like stepping back to the 1920s! Think jazz tunes, prohibition cocktails, and high tea (high tea Auckland) with faux pearls.
Ahi
— Media from ahirestaurant
Website: https://ahirestaurant.co.nz/
Address: Commercial Bay Level 2/7 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 22 524 4255, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 10 PM
Pricing: $100+
Ahi shines with its chic setting and stunning views in downtown Auckland (best views in Auckland). This especially through its glass walls, celebrating the best of New Zealand cuisine with a farm-to-table ethos.
For us, the lunch menu at Ahi is a treasure trove of New Zealand flavors. Whether you’re digging into the scampi (a small lobster-like crustacean) corn dog or savoring the wallaby (small marsupial) tartare, each dish looks like a culinary masterpiece!
Seafood fans, we say don’t miss the blue cod, and cap off your meal with the refreshing papaya dessert for a delightful finale!
Pro tip:
Craving a sweet show at Ahi? Don’t miss out on the banana dessert for some seriously Insta-worthy fire theatrics!
Ortolana
— Media from ortolana_
Website: https://savor.co.nz/ortolana
Address: 33 Tyler Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 9 368 9487, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – 7 AM to 3 PM
- Tuesday to Saturday – 9 AM to 9:30 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM
Pricing: $30 – $40
Located in Britomart, Ortolana is a fantastic lunch pick, serving up European-inspired cuisine in a charming setting. With its glass walls, brick accents, and fairy lights, dining here feels like stepping into a fairy tale.
Whether it’s a leisurely lunch or a cozy brunch (brunch Auckland), we believe the open kitchen and patio promise fresh, seasonal delights. The menu features Italian-inspired dishes, with must-tries like the Ricotta Gnocchi (cheese dumplings) stealing the show.
And don’t miss out on dessert! Indulge in the hot apple and cinnamon drink or treat yourself to crispy pain au raisin (raisin bread) in the picturesque outdoor area.
Pro tip:
Ask for sparkling water with your meal at Ortolana—it’s not just about the fizz; it’s a palate cleanser that may also help with your digestion!
The Kimchi Project
— Media from thekimchiproject
Website: https://thekimchiproject.nz/
Address: 20 Lorne Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Contact Details: +64 21 222 7172, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 PM to 8:30 PM
- Monday – Closed
Pricing: $20 – $30
The Kimchi Project in Auckland blends Korean flavors with modern twists. It’s super close to downtown, so it’s great for a quick lunch or a cozy date. Plus, we like that the glass roof adds extra charm, especially when it’s raining (rainy day activities Auckland)!
The menu offers Asian fusion (asian fusion Auckland) delights like kimchi fried rice and spicy chicken. While some items lean towards the pricier side, we think the bold flavors make it worth it.
The spot also offers a chill garden setup with cushions and blankets. It’s the perfect place to kick back with craft brews (brewery Auckland) and munch on crispy waffle fries—now that’s our kind of hangout!
Pro tip:
Ordering iced matcha at The Kimchi Project, but you’re lactose intolerant? Ask for almond milk instead. There are loads of dairy-free options to choose from here!
