William SmithAuckland’s skyline is stunning, but it’s even better with a great meal in hand. Finding the perfect spot by the water can be tough.
You want amazing views and delicious food with an atmosphere that feels special. A romantic dinner or showing a client the best of the city.
The waterfront is where the magic happens.
We’ve explored the Viaduct, Wynyard Quarter, and beyond to find the absolute best waterfront restaurants in Auckland CBD. Get ready to find your new favourite spot.
How much does waterfront dining cost in Auckland CBD?
Planning your budget for a meal with a view in Auckland’s CBD? For a comfortable and tasty meal out, including a drink or two, you can expect to spend around NZD $60 to $100 per person.
If you’re pushing the boat out for a special occasion at a high-end venue, a budget of NZD $150 to $250+ for two is a realistic starting point.
Soul Bar & Bistro
Website: https://soulbar.co.nz/
Address: Unit 16-18, Corner of Lower Hobson & Customs St West Viaduct Harbour, CBD, Auckland
Contact: 09 356 7249
Schedule:
Sun – Thu: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Must-Try: Beef Short Rib Ragù, Pappardelle, Chilli, Raclette
Soul Bar & Bistro is the definition of an Auckland icon and a great choice for almost any occasion. It’s a spot that manages to be elegant and fun all at once, right on the Viaduct Harbour.
You can go for a business lunch or just cocktails with friends as the sun sets. The atmosphere is always buzzing, especially on weekends when DJs play.
I had the Beef Short Rib Ragù on my last visit, and it was incredibly rich and comforting. I understood the hype immediately.
The service is always on point. They’re attentive without ever feeling fussy.
It’s a true destination for a good time. One small thing for planners: if you’re booking a cocktail function, just know that you’ll be required to order food as part of the deal.
Customer Reviews
Our first time dining here and won’t be our last! It was a wonderful experience, from start to finish! The gorgeous welcoming staff, the delectable dishes, the ambience, comfortable seats, the company we kept, everything was perfect!
- Cam Tsui | Google Review
The food and drink at Soul Bar is exceptional. We ordered a variety of starters, which were all unique and delicious. My favourite starter was the tuna with wasabi mayo. For my main, I ordered the lamb rack. The lamb was tender and flavourful. Kumara was also served with the lamb, providing a soft and crunchy texture to the meal. Additionally, my cocktail, the Soul Punch, was delicious. The service is also great. The wait staff were kind and enthusiastic.
- Anushka | Google Review
The Conservatory
Website: https://theconservatory.co.nz/
Address: 1-17 Jellicoe Street, North Wharf, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland
Contact: 09 307 2222
Schedule:
Mon, Tue & Thu: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Wed: 11:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri & Sat: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sun: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Must-Try: Fish of the Day
The Conservatory stands out with its unique “living bar,” a wall of thriving plants that makes the whole place feel fresh and different.
It’s located right on the wharf in Wynyard Quarter, offering some of the most direct, “literally on the water” views you can get.
The vibe is intentionally casual and unpretentious. They welcome a wide range of visitors, including big groups and those just stopping by for a drink.
I was so impressed when I saw staff bringing out hot water bottles and blankets for guests on a chilly evening. It shows they really care.
It’s a fantastic, versatile spot for all seasons, with a cozy fire in winter and open-air seating in summer.
Just be aware, they have a strict policy of only splitting bills two ways, which can be a hassle for large groups.
Customer Reviews
An incredible evening with my grandmother thanks to Berta and Daniel. Was quite chilly outside with no space inside for two inside, so he brought around a heater, hot water bottles, and blankets for us to keep warm at sunset. Food was impeccable, and the sweet potato fries are a must. Great service and wonderful food with a prime location right on the wharf.
- Morgan Prather | Google Review
Had lunch and Flat White Espresso Martinis. Loved the drinks and adored the baked brie, fish bites, and prawns, which had a surprising presentation. Outlook over the water was an added bonus.
Thank you Daniel and team for looking after us.
- Sindy Jones | Google Review
Hello Beasty
Website: https://hellobeasty.nz/
Address: 95-97 Customs Street West, Viaduct Harbour, Auckland
Contact: 021 554 496
Schedule: Mon – Sun: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Must-Try: Chilli Sichuan Noodles
If you love bold, exciting flavours, Hello Beasty is your spot.
This isn’t your average waterfront restaurant. It’s a “contemporary New Zealand fusion” experience that draws inspiration from Japan, Korea, and China.
The entire menu is designed for sharing, which makes it a fun, social place to eat. Their “Feed Me” menu is a great option if you can’t decide.
The Chilli Sichuan Noodles are a must-try and have an amazing kick. I also love that they have a completely separate, dedicated menu for vegetarian and gluten-free diners, which makes group dinners so much easier.
They always welcome walk-ins, but it can get busy. The one snag is their “one bill per table” policy, so make sure you’re prepared to sort out the split on your own.
Customer Reviews
Georgina was a lovely host. The food does take a while to come out but it was absolutely delicious. The chicken was flavorful and juicy, the cheesecake had just the right amount of sweetness without being overly sugary and the dumplings with the sauce…. it hit the spot. I like that some items can be reduced in size to accommodate a person who is eating by themselves.
- Zola Brown | Google Review
We looked for restaurant for light lunch after walking beside the harbour side, this restaurant rates the highest among. We picked sashimi & lamb and asked if portion are fine with 2 people, staff recommended prawn toast which I forgot to take picture😫 it’s crispy and tasty too!
Highly recommend this restaurant!
- Rainbow Leung | Google Review
Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar
Website: https://swashbucklers.co.nz/
Address: 23B Westhaven Drive, Auckland Central, Auckland
Contact: 09 307 5979
Schedule: Tue – Sun: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Must-Try: Ginger’s Fish of the Day
Swashbucklers is a true Auckland institution, and it’s all about classic seafood done right. This is the place you go for postcard-perfect views of the marina and the Harbour Bridge.
It’s been around since 1997 and has a wonderfully unpretentious, old-school charm. You can have a proper meal in the restaurant or just grab a casual drink and bar snacks at the Boatshed Bar.
Diners and critics consistently praise the seafood as some of the best in Auckland. I had Ginger’s Fish of the Day, and it was unbelievably fresh and perfectly cooked.
While they have steak and chicken, the seafood is the real star.
A quick tip: those amazing outdoor deck tables are first-come, first-served, so you can’t reserve them. Get there early to snag one.
Customer Reviews
Such an amazing restaurant overlooking the Harbour. The staff were amazing and attentive on a very busy Saturday. I got the calamari and the fish and chips and the fish was cooked to perfection. It was super fresh and so delicate that it just melted in your mouth and the batter crispy and not oily. Having eaten calamari in Europe, where it is very delicious, the calamari here was amazing too. Delicate with really good garlic flavor. I can’t wait to be back for oysters and prawns
- Shabana Begum | Google Review
Fresh seafood, we ordered the oysters, sashimi and fried fish and they were all delightful. Love the theme of the restaurant and overall the staff were all friendly and attentive. A perfect restaurant for a nightout with friends and family, I like how they have different areas for cozy vibes or drinking vibes. Would definitely come back again.
- Tan Napisara | Google Review
Origine Bistro
Website: https://origine.nz/
Address: Level 2 of Commercial Bay, Auckland CBD
Contact: 027 674 4463
Schedule:
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sat: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Must-Try: Beef Bourguignon
For a more polished, upscale experience, Origine Bistro delivers French-inspired flair with a clear Kiwi heart. Located in Commercial Bay, it has breathtaking views over the Waitematā Harbour.
It’s run by famed chef Ben Bayly, and you can taste the quality and care in every dish, many of which use produce from their own organic garden.
The menu feels classic yet modern. I tried the Beef Bourguignon, and it was a masterpiece: so rich and flavourful, it was fine dining comfort food.
The atmosphere is well-suited to a corporate lunch or a celebratory dinner. The only thing to note is its location.
Being on Level 2 of a commercial complex means you don’t just walk in off the street. It feels a bit “mall-like” on arrival, but the view from inside quickly makes you forget that.
Customer Reviews
Came very close to opening time so not bustling by any means, but lovely calm venue, great view. Staff are awesome. Food was incredible, had the Bacon’d beans and the naughty croissant. The croissant is possibly the greatest dessert I have had at a restaurant.
- Ben Thatcher | Google Review
We arrived at about 8pm and they found a table for us straight away. Not all places in Auckland accommodate so easily. The service was polite and friendly and attentative. The food was awesome. Especially the steak. The place was lively but easy enough to have a conversation. The menu is great and I really enjoyed coming here.
- Kelv | Google Review
