Katy RosserAh, the thrill of prowling Auckland’s streets in the dead of night, fueled by a potent mix of hunger and adventure! As a self-proclaimed night owl, I’ve spent countless evenings wandering the city’s alleys and avenues in search of that perfect late-night bite.
There’s an undeniable magic in the air when the rest of the world is tucked away in bed and the city comes alive with the sizzle of grills and the aroma of freshly cooked delights.
You see, for me, late-night food isn’t just about filling an empty stomach; it’s a ritual, a sacred quest for culinary satisfaction. It’s about indulging in guilty pleasures, sharing laughs with friends, and forging memories that linger long after the last bite is gone.
In this guide, I’ll be your nocturnal navigator, sharing my personal favorites and hidden gems scattered across Auckland’s nocturnal landscape. So, let’s embark on a gastronomic adventure under the cloak of darkness.
The city awaits, and the feast begins now!
1. Denny’s Manukau Restaurant
– Media credit: afa.seumanu
| Website | https://dennys.co.nz/ |
| Address | 19 Lakewood Court, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 263 6211 |
| Operating hours | Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Must order menu items | Premium Burger Chicken Bacon Burger Hawaiian Burger |
| Price range | $$ – average |
If you’re craving some late-night munchies in Auckland, Denny’s in Manukau has got your back. Their Premium Burger is like the Picasso of burgers — a masterpiece of flavor!
We’re talking about mouthwatering beef patties piled high with all sorts of premium toppings like gourmet cheeses, specialty sauces, and fresh veggies.
And as per the sides, you’ve got classic fries, golden and crispy, the perfect companion to any burger adventure.
But if fries aren’t your thing (although, who doesn’t love fries?), Denny’s has got you covered with a variety of other options to choose from.
2. Ichiban Ramen Original
| Website | https://ichiban-japanese-restaurant-japanese-restaurant.business.site/ |
| Address | 17 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 303 4372 |
| Operating hours | Monday: 11:30 – 3 pm; 5 – 9 pm Tuesday to Friday: 11:30 – 12 am Saturday: 5:30 – 12 am |
| Must order menu items | Chashu Tonkotsu Ramen Jigoku Chashu Ramen Shio Lemon Ramen |
| Price range | $$ – average |
Ichiban Ramen Original is one of the go-tos when you want to satisfy your late-night hunger in style. Their Chashu Tonkotsu Ramen is the epitome of comfort food perfection.
You’ve got a rich, soul-soothing pork bone broth that’s been simmering away for hours, paired with perfectly springy egg noodles. But that’s not all; they crown this bowl with slices of pork belly (aka chashu) so tender, they practically melt in your mouth.
It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds after a long night out.
3. Flavour House Chinese Dumplings
| Address | 614 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Balmoral 1041, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 630 7034 |
| Operating hours | Sunday to Thursday: 5 – 1 am Friday and Saturday: 5 – 2 am |
| Must order menu items | Beef Noodle Soup Steam Dumpling Beef and Celery Dumpling |
| Price range | $$ – average |
Flavour House Chinese Dumplings is perfect for those winter late-night cravings.
If I were to recommend, I’d go for their Beef Noodle Soup. This bowl of goodness is like a warm hug on a chilly night.
I’m talking about tender chunks of beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and a broth that’s so rich and flavorful.
And for its toppings, they throw in some crunchy bok choy, crisp lettuce, fresh bean sprouts, and a sprinkle of spring onions to take it to the next level.
4. Little Turkish Cafe
| Website | https://www.ordermeal.co.nz/little-turkish-cafe-k-road/ |
| Address | 217 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 302 0353 |
| Operating hours | Sunday to Thursday: 10 – 5 am Friday and Saturday: 10 – 6 am |
| Must order menu items | Turkish Chicken Pizza Chef Special Pizza Meat Lovers |
| Price range | $$ – average |
It’s worth coming to Little Turkish Cafe for their Turkish Chicken Pizza alone. Just the name itself is enough to make your mouth water.
Imagine a crispy base topped with succulent chicken breast fillet, earthy mushrooms, caramelized onions, and sticky cheese. It’s truly appetizing, isn’t it?
5. Lord Of The Fries – Snickel Lane
| Website | https://lordofthefries.co.nz/ |
| Address | Shop 10, Snickle Lane, 18 Commerce Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 600 1987 |
| Operating hours | Sunday to Wednesday: 12 – 8 pm Thursday: 12 – 9 pm Friday to Saturday: 12 – 1 am |
| Must order menu items | The Biggie Burger Chick-Fil-Yay Classic The Original Burger |
| Price range | $$ – average |
Another great option for burgers is the Lord of the Fries at Snickel Lane.
Their Biggie Burger isn’t your run-of-the-mill, greasy fast food fix. It’s a towering creation that’s a work of art in its own right.
It features not one, but two patties that are better than beef — because, let’s face it, sometimes veggies deserve to steal the spotlight, too.
And then it comes with freshly chopped onions, crunchy pickles, and crisp lettuce, all coming together in perfect harmony, topped with their secret weapon, the Biggie sauce.
6. Lowbrow. Krd
| Website | https://www.lowbrow.co.nz/ |
| Address | 18/183 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 300 6410 |
| Operating hours | Sunday to Monday: 12 – 7 pm Tuesday to Thursday: 12 – 9 pm Friday to Saturday: 12 – 11 pm |
| Must order menu items | Macdaddy Burger OG Chicken Sando Onion Rings |
| Price range | $$ – average |
If you find yourself wandering the streets of Karangahape Road (K Rd. for the locals), Lowbrow is your beacon of hope amidst the nocturnal food scene.
I’ve heard the buzz and seen the lines – this place is the real deal when it comes to fulfilling those midnight grubs.
Their Macdaddy Burger is really a must-try! It’s a juicy brisket patty nestled between two buns, topped with crisp iceberg lettuce and cheese, and slathered generously with their secret recipe – the infamous mac sauce.
7. New Flavour Restaurant
| Website | https://www.newflavourauckland.com/ |
| Address | 537 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1041, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 21 396 880 |
| Operating hours | Sunday to Thursday: 5 – 1:45 am Friday to Saturday: 5 – 2:45 am |
| Must order menu items | Pork Mince with Chives And Prawn Dumpling Sizzling Tofu Fried Shredded Pork with Fish Flavoured Sauce on Noodles |
| Price range | $$ – average |
New Flavour Restaurant has been dishing out mouthwatering northern-style Chinese cuisine since 2002, and let me tell you, it’s a local favorite for a reason.
If there’s one dish that’s stealing the spotlight here, it’s got to be their Pork Mince with Chives and Prawn. Just saying those words makes my stomach grumble in anticipation!
It features juicy pork mince, fresh chives, and juicy prawns, all snugly wrapped up in handmade dumplings.
8. The Proper Pizza Company
| Website | https://theproperpizzacompany.com/ |
| Address | 12 O’Connell Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 303 0526 |
| Operating hours | Monday to Sunday: 11:30 – 6 am |
| Must order menu items | Mediterranean Seafood Pizza Meaty Macho Black Truffle Pizza |
| Price range | $$ – average |
I’ve got the scoop on where to satisfy those hunger pangs, especially when the clock strikes way past bedtime: The Proper Pizza Company.
If it’s your first time, go for their Mediterranean Seafood Pizza. It’s topped with proper cheese, melting into spicy chili sauce, mingling with plump shrimp, fresh mushrooms, and sweet red onions.
And here’s the kicker: every bite comes with that sesame seed crust and their signature marinade sauce.
9. Spicy House
– Media credit: eatlitfood
| Address | 557 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1041, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 9 631 5128 |
| Operating hours | Tuesday to Thursday: 5 – 11 pm Friday: 5 – 12 am Saturday: 12 – 12 am |
| Must order menu items | Hot and Spicy Chicken Squid with Spicy Sauce Stewed with Pork |
| Price range | $$ – average |
Another Chinese cuisine recommendation for your late-night snack is Spicy House. If you’re a chicken lover, go for their Hot and Spicy Chicken, which is legendary!
Crispy, golden chicken, drenched in a sweet chili sauce that’s got just the right kick. One bite and it’s like fireworks going off in your mouth – in the best possible way, of course.
They have Squid with Spicy Sauce on the menu, too (for seafood lovers out there!). While the exact recipe might be shrouded in mystery, one thing’s for sure: it’s a dish that packs a punch.
Tender squid, bathed in a spicy sauce that’s equal parts sweet, tangy, and fiery — it’s the kind of dish that whispers sweet promises of culinary bliss with every forkful.
10. The White Lady
| Website | https://thewhitelady.co.nz/ |
| Address | Corner Commerce Street &, Fort Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand |
| Phone | 64 800 843 944 |
| Operating hours | Monday to Thursday: 6:30 – 4 am Friday: 6:30 – 12 am Saturday to Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Must order menu items | The White Lady Chicken Cheese Burger Beef Bacon Cheese Burger |
| Price range | $$ – average |
For over 70 years, The White Lady has proven itself to be a well-known food truck that serves all the freshest and premium ingredients you’ll ever taste in all of Auckland (or maybe in all of New Zealand)!
Yeah, you heard that right — 70 years! Indeed, an OG of late-night munchies in our city!
And speaking of grubs, one of their signature dishes is the White Lady Burger, which has been gracing their menu for close to four decades, and for good reason.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft 300-gram medium-rare scotch fillet, perfectly grilled and nestled between a toasted wheat bun.
You’ve also got fried onions, adding that irresistible crunch, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and just the right amount of tangy tomato sauce to tie it all together.
