Amelia WilliamsCraving the vibrant, sun-soaked flavours of Spain, right? You’re in luck. The city’s dining scene is buzzing with incredible food spots where you can find authentic tapas alongside soulful, flame-cooked dishes.
Dining in the best Spanish restaurants in Auckland can transport you straight to the streets of Andalusia or a cozy Barcelona bar.
I’ve explored some of the most talked-about venues to find the very best options for an authentic experience.
With this list, I hope food explorers find the perfect paella and guide groups toward a relaxed, flavour-packed evening out.
How much does dining in Spanish restaurants cost in Auckland?
Dining out for Spanish food in Auckland can fit various budgets. For a casual meal focused on tapas, you can expect to pay between $15 to $25 per plate. A couple could enjoy a satisfying and varied meal for around $80 to $150, including a glass of wine or sangria. For more upscale experiences or multi-course meals featuring mains like paella, the cost will naturally be higher, reflecting the rich flavours and lively atmosphere of the restaurant.
1. Alma
Website: https://www.alma.nz/
Address: 130 Quay Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Contact: 09 242 1570
Schedule: Monday – Sunday, 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Must-Try: Beef Tongue with olives and preserved lemon
Alma brings the heart of Southern Spain to Auckland with its Andalusian-inspired cuisine, where every dish is touched by fire.
The open wood-fired grill infuses a distinct smoky flavour into local New Zealand ingredients, giving each dish a unique character.
When you walk in, the atmosphere is warm and immersive, with beautiful tiles that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a traditional Spanish home.
I went for a spontaneous lunch and sat at the bar overlooking the kitchen, which was a fantastic experience. The chefs were happy to explain their process, and the anchovies were unlike anything I’ve had before.
The only thing to consider is that the menu is built entirely around sharing plates. The setup encourages a communal feast, but might not suit those who prefer a traditional, individual main course for themselves.
Customer Reviews
Went on a whim for lunch and wasn’t disappointed. We sat at the bar with the chefs, who were happy to explain things. Great service, super tasty food (the anchovy is unlike what we usually get here in NZ), and a reasonable Champagne price (for a restaurant). Menu is seasonal but see pics for the food we enjoyed—lighting wasn’t the best where we were, but you get the idea. We’ll be back!
– Ben I Google Review
Hands down the best food I’ve had in Auckland! So creative and everything was delicious. Loved the octopus, beef tongue with olives, seviche, and pork pinchitos. 100% a must-visit when you’re in NZ!
– Arella Ho I Google Review
2. Tasca
Website: https://tasca.co.nz/dominion.php
Address: 338 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024
Contact: 09 630 6345
Schedule: Tuesday – Thursday, 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM I Friday, 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM I Saturday – Sunday, 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Must-Try: Spanish Paella Rice
Tasca captures the spirit of a classic back-street Spanish tapas bar, offering a charming and relaxed escape. It’s the kind of place I love for a casual catch-up with friends over delicious food without any fuss.
Their menu is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients, with a clear focus on tapas and paella that taste genuinely authentic.
I took some friends to the Dominion Road spot, and we sat in the back garden area, which is a total hidden gem on a sunny day.
The sangria was fantastic, and the chicken skewers were a real standout, tender and perfectly charred. Because the restaurant is so dedicated to Spanish food, its menu is quite specific.
This is a huge plus for anyone craving authentic dishes, but it may not be the best fit if your group is looking for a wider variety of international cuisines.
Customer Reviews
The food here is SO delicious! It doesn’t look like much from the outside, and the front part of the restaurant isn’t as vibey, but if the weather is good, head to the back and hang out in the garden. The menu is great, with heaps of options, and the sangria is delicious. Will definitely be back!
– Nicole McGeorge I Google Review
Absolutely love the atmosphere there. Food was delicious, tender chicken skewers. We also ordered my favourite paella. Very filling. Knowledgable staff about the menu help us to decide our order! Thank you for opening this lovely restaurant in central auckland!
– simmy z I Google Review
3. Mezze Bar
Website: http://mezzebar.co.nz/
Address: Durham Street East, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Contact: 09 307 2029
Schedule: Monday – Tuesday, 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM I Wednesday, 7:00 AM – 10:30 PM I Thursday, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM I Friday, 7:00 AM – 11:30 PM I Saturday, 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM I Sunday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Must-Try: Mezze Lamb Burger
Mezze Bar is a true Auckland icon, having served locals and visitors since 1992. Its menu is inspired by extensive travels across the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Spain, bringing authentic flavours from these regions to its dishes.
It has a relaxed, unpretentious vibe that feels instantly familiar. You can start your day with one of their coffees or drop in for a late-night snack.
I’ve been coming here for years, and it has never disappointed. The lamb burger is consistently one of the best I’ve ever had.
One thing to note for accessibility is that the entrance is up a flight of stairs, which could be a challenge for some visitors, especially those who may need wheelchair access.
Nevertheless, it’s a nice go-to spot before a show at the theatre, conveniently located in the heart of the city.
Customer Reviews
It was a nice treat finding this ambient place in the city. We had mezze lamb burger and ceviche, which are both delicious! Paired with a cocktail and beer was the good choice.
– R.C. Mendoza I Google Review
We ordered kebab, chicken risotto and lamb shank. All those meats were so tender and well seasoned. The lamb was amazing and it comes with potatoes and aubergine. The kebab went well with hummus and bread. The risotto itself was a bit bland, but good with chicken. The service is fast paced and the atmosphere is lovely.
– Lauren Son I Google Review
4. Carmen Jones
Website: https://carmenjones.nz/
Address: 382 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Contact: 09 974 5500
Schedule: Tuesday – Thursday, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM I Friday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM I Sunday, 3:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Must-Try: Granada Pork
At Carmen Jones, the menu pairs Spanish tapas with modern Middle Eastern spices in exciting combinations.
The restaurant’s bohemian interior is inspired by Seville and Havana, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere on a sunny corner of Karangahape Road.
It’s a place designed for conviviality, with a motto of “My House is Your House.”
We booked a table for a group dinner, and the menu designed for sharing was just what our party was looking for.
The Granada Pork was a standout dish, and the extended happy hour is also a big draw.
Its location on K’ Road gives it a lively, energetic vibe, but this might be a downside for those seeking a quiet or more tranquil dining setting.
Customer Reviews
The food and service were both outstanding, definitely 5 stars!
We ordered a variety of dishes, including the calamares, Granada pork, Caravanserai lamb, cataplana mussels, and the baklava ice cream dessert. Everything was delicious, fresh, and beautifully presented. The sangria was also a great touch, refreshing and well-balanced.
– Danilo Albertini I Google Review
Was our first time and it was terrific! Highly recommend the Granada pork. The baklava ice cream sandwich was a great way to end the meal. Can’t wait to come back and try more.
– Jemimah I Google Review
5. La Vista Cafe & Restaurant
Website: http://www.lavista.nz/
Address: 417 Tamaki Drive, St Heliers, Auckland 1071
Contact: 09 575 8093
Schedule: Monday – Sunday, 7:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Must-Try: Paella del Oceano
For authentic Spanish Mediterranean food with a stunning view, La Vista is hard to beat. Located right on the St Heliers beachfront, it offers majestic, panoramic views of Rangitoto Island that become a memorable part of the meal.
The menu has a distinct Catalan charm, and the restaurant’s ambience cleverly adapts to the seasons. It feels cozy in the winter and becomes bright and breezy in the summer.
My partner and I had dinner here on a warm evening, and watching the sunset over the water was incredible. The seafood paella was rich, flavourful, and loaded with fresh ingredients.
The only drawback is that the tables are quite close together. During peak hours, it can feel a bit crowded, and private conversations might be difficult.
Customer Reviews
I had a good time at here and lovely to had lunch at this beautiful place. I feel energetic for my work. Thanks for the owner providing me a cup of drink. I am really homesick recently 😞 feel so touched. Thanks for the lovely smile, that’s the amazing part of Auckland.
– Siming Liu I Google Review
100% recommend this wonderful café! We had an amazing time there with my wife, drinking some NZ’s finest wines with super tasty fresh market fish! I also had a perfect steak! Dessert tiramisu was a top notch as well – the best we tasted in Auckland so far. The personnel were so lovely and served us well – Tanya is the best! Here I say it – this is the best place in St.Helliers and the Mission Bay area ❤️❤️❤️
– Aslan Juas I Google Review
