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Catch of the Day at Auckland’s Finest Seafood Joints

Catch of the Day at Auckland's Finest Seafood Joints

Did you know that the waters surrounding New Zealand are home to over 7500 species of fish, mollusk, and crustaceans? It’s a maritime marinade that’s a perfect recipe for seafood dining.

Auckland, nestled between two harbors, boasts a seafood scene as diverse as its aquatic inhabitants. From the bustling Fish Market through the city’s most luxurious seafood establishments, it’s a celebration of Auckland’s oceanic bounty. 

If you’re craving for some food from the deep, then grab a seat, and let’s dive into the flavors that make Auckland’s seafood restaurants a true maritime marvel.

Savor Japanese Sushi and Sashimi at &Sushi

Address: 10-12 Teed Street, Newmarket, Auckland 1023, New Zealand

Phone number: +64 9 523 4223 

Website

Hours: 

  • Open from Saturday to Wednesday from 10:30 am to 3 pm 
  • Open from Thursday to Friday from 10:30 am to 3 pm and from 5:30 pm to 7:45 pm 

If you’re craving for some fresh seafood with a more exotic taste to it, then maybe you’re in need of some authentic Japanese sushi and sashimi. At & Sushi, the main star of the show is their sashimi platter. 

The platter includes huge slices of the freshest salmon sashimi you can get. They always ship in their fish the day off serving, so you can expect only high quality food. 

The teriyaki king salmon don is another seafood masterpiece in this restaurant. It’s a huge chunk of salmon marinated and fried in special house sauce and served with seasonal vegetables and gluten free mayo. 

Pro Tip: 

Although & Sushi prides itself with their selection of sushi plates, they also have other non seafood dishes that are worth a try! Definitely don’t miss out on their teriyaki tofu yakisoba which are stir fried fresh noodles with vegetables and pickled ginger. 

Relish in Good Views and Even Better Food at Fish Restaurant

Address: 147 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Phone number: +64 9 978 2020

Website

Hours: 

  • Open from Monday to Friday from 6:30 am to 9 pm 
  • Open from Saturday to Sunday from 7 am to 9 pm 

Fish Restaurant is located on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour which means you can expect panoramic views of the ocean if you sit on one of their outside tables. But, the view isn’t the only thing that sells here. Their menu features a lot of seafood choices. 

We like to start with the natural oysters with mignonette dressing for appetizers and choose between the market fish in gremolata sauce or the beer battered Chatham Islands blue cod for our mains.  

During dinner service, you get even more options like grilled Mills Bay mussels, kingfish pani puri, grilled octopus, alpine salmon, and grilled crayfish tail. 

Pro Tip: 

If you’d rather not be bothered with choosing what to eat, but you’ve got a one track mind on eating seafood, then we suggest going for their Taste of the Sea menu. You get cured kingfish, prawn toast, grilled octopus, market fish, and pork belly for $75!

Have Endless Seafood Options at the Harbourside Ocean Bar and Grill

Address: Ferry Building Level 1/99 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1001, New Zealand

Phone number: +64 9 307 0556

Website

Hours: Open everyday from 12 pm to 10 pm 

In business since 1988, Harbourside Ocean Bar and Grill has been serving the freshest and best tasting food in the area for a very long time. Although they have great meat dishes like beef, lamb, duck, and venison, it’s their seafood that really stands out. 

We especially enjoy their seared Hokkaido Scallops with panna cotta and mussel mouse. They have a portion of their menu dedicated to the sea with all kinds of seafood dishes from salmon aburi to char grilled game fish. 

The must try items here though, are the Classics which include their seafood chowder, Harbourside prawn cocktail, fish and chips, and the New Zealand fish pie. 

Pro Tip: 

After you finish your meal, head down to the bar where you can enjoy some cocktails and drinks. They have regional wine and a wide array of champagne. Their line of signature cocktails are also pretty unique and serve as great cappers for the meal!

Indulge in Elevated Seafood Dishes French Style at La Marée

Address: 21 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Phone number: +64 9 354 7478

Website

Hours: 

  • Open from Monday to Friday from 6 am to 10:30 am, 12 pm to 3 pm, and 6 pm to 10:30 pm 
  • Open from Saturday to Sunday from 6 am to 11 am, 12 pm to 3 pm, and 6 pm to 10:30 pm 

What do you get when you combine exquisite French cooking techniques and the freshest seafood choices in the city? La Marée perfectly executes the combination and produces some fine dining dishes to satisfy your seafood cravings. 

 La Marée’s lunch menu is headed by entrees like the Little Barrier Island Scallops and Nelson Paddle Crab in serrano aioli and the Banks Peninsula Kingfish Ceviche. For mains, we suggest you try the Cape Maria Market Fish. 

The dinner menu features these as well but also have Marlborough Oysters. Our favorite dish is the octopus and prawn tostada and anchovies adodo. 

Pro Tip: 

Yes the food here is amazing, but if you have any self control, we highly suggest saving room for dessert. They have a great salted caramel brownie and vanilla ice cream dish. You can also opt for the macadamia and raspberry vegan cheesecake!

Get the Best and Freshest at the Lobster & Tap

Address: 22 Jellicoe Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Website

Hours: 

  • Open from Monday to Wednesday from 11 am to 5 pm 
  • Open from Thursday to Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm 

Located in Auckland Fish Market, Lobster & Tap is a stand out amongst the other restaurants and seafood eateries in the vicinity. With a menu completely designed for lobster lovers, this place won’t disappoint. 

Their best sellers are their lobster rolls which you can get in 2 variations. The classic is topped with New England mayonnaise while the hot buttered roll is topped with lemon and chives. They only use premium Canadian wild lobsters so expect only the best. 

If you’re not a fan of bread or rolls, you can choose to get the chilled lobster salad or the lobster kiwi dip with crisps instead! 

Pro Tip: 

For a more casual meal, we suggest getting the lobster mac n’ cheese. This elevated version of the classic includes chopped lobster meat with Gruyere cheese, lemon herb crumb. Plus, it pairs so well with the many beers they have on tap!

Get Great Sushi at an Affordable Price Point at Oji Sushi 

Address: 21 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Website

Hours: 

  • Open from Monday to Wednesday from 11 am to 7:30 pm 
  • Open from Thursday to Saturday from 11 am to 8:30 pm 

One of the things we like the most about Oji Sushi is their commitment to supporting locals. This philosophy is evident in their ingredients that they only source from within the area. Aside from being a noble choice, it also means the freshest seafood choices. 

Their menu features different kinds of sushi with subsets dedicated to each kind. The salmon section is headed by heir salmon and avocado sushi while the spicy mayo tuna is the best seller in its category. 

They also have crab mayo California rolls, krispy prawn, tuna ceviche, ebi mayo, and an assorted seafood platter. 

Pro Tip: 

The non seafood options at Oji Sushi are also worth a try. They have teriyaki chicken with avocado and chicken katsu. The vegetarian combo with 3 kinds of sushi made with fresh and cooked vegetables are also worth getting. 

Savor in French Inspired Seafood Delights at the Origine Restaurant

Address: Commercial Bay Level 2/172 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Phone number: +64 27 674 4463 

Website

Hours: Open from Monday to Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm 

Origine, located in Auckland’s Commercial Bay is headed by Chef Ben Bayly who was inspired by the seasons and terrain of France during his time there. 

He learned from master chefs in Haute-Savoie, Jura, and Paris, and decided to integrate all of his new knowledge into the menu at Origin. He decided to combine French cuisine with New Zealand’s abundant seafood choices. 

On the menu are dishes like the Huitre or Te Matuku Oyster, Poisson Cru or Tahitian style raw fish, and Saumon Fume or Akaroa cold smoked salmon. Popular entrees and mains include the Les Moules or green lipped mussels and the pan roasted salmon. 

Pro Tip: 

The Origine Restaurant is also known for their extensive drinks menu that ranges from champagne, blanc, rose, and wines. We suggest you test out some of the signature cocktails too like The Old Fling made with beeswax gin and honey. 

Get a Taste of the Freshest Oysters Auckland Has to Offer at Oyster & Chop

Address: Market Place, Viaduct, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Phone number:  +64 9 377 0125

Website

Hours: Open everyday from 11:30 am to 10 pm 

Oyster & Chop is the place to be if all you ever enjoy in seafood platters are the oysters. There’s a section of the menu dedicated to different ways to enjoy them from the Natural with lemon and champagne mignonette to the beer battered ones.  

They also serve oysters poached in garlic butter or kilpatrick which has the oysters wrapped in manuka smoked bacon and topped with shallots and worcestershire sauce.  

Other seafood items to try are the Tahitian ceviche, pan roasted Hokkaido scallops, crispy calamari, grilled tiger prawns, New Zealand crayfish, crispy skin ora king salmon, snapper and chips, or their fish of the day. 

Pro Tip: 

The Oyster & Chop team takes customer satisfaction to another level by offering happy hour everyday for visitors who come from 3 to 5 pm. During this time, you can enjoy rock oysters for $2 each and enjoy drink specials too. 

Grab Some Casual Seafood Eats at The Seafood Collective 

Address: 55 Tamaki Drive, Mission Bay, Auckland 1071, New Zealand

Phone number: +64 9 521 3532

Website

Hours: Open everyday from 11:30 am to 8 pm 

If you enjoy seafood, but you’re on a budget or just don’t like fine dining, then The Seafood Collective might be a good match for you. 

They have different takes on fish and chips using a variety of fish like market fish, Tarakihi fish, snapper, grilled salmon, and gurnard. They also have seafood tacos where you can choose between salt and pepper squid, battered fish, or crispy prawns. 

Our main go to item here are their platters. Seafood items that you can choose from range from grilled prawns, green lipped mussels in garlic, fish filet, grilled calamari, squid rings, crumbed fish, battered mussels, scallops, and prawn twisters.

Pro Tip: 

The Seafood Collective regularly organizes contests with ocean themed rewards like a free fishing trip for you and your buddies. Be sure to stay updated on their websites. It usually involves dining or buying something from them to be able to enter. 

Get Seafood and Sweets in One Go at the Soul Bar and Bistro 

– Media Credit: dani.penney

Address: Corner of Lower Hobson Street, Customs Street West, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Phone number: +64 9 356 7249

Website

Hours: 

  • Open from Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 11 pm 
  • Open from Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 1 am 

For those of you who are looking for the next hip thing to try in Auckland, the Soul Bar and Bistro is among one of the top picks for both locals and visitors alike. But, don’t let its fresh reputation fool you. They’ve been in the business for over 2 decades. 

For good reason too. Their menu features a wide array of dishes and among the best ones are the seafood plates. From their snacks, the natural oysters and beer battered ones in sriracha aioli stand out the most. 

They also have yellowfin tuna, black tiger prawns, crayfish crumpet, salt and pepper squid, west coast whitebait fritters, beer battered tarakihi, and market fish. 

Pro Tip: 

For those with a big sweet tooth, their dessert selection features both reinvented classics like strawberry meringue and warm chocolate pudding, as well as unique ones like the mandarin and apricot ice cream cake. 

Ravage the Seafood Pirate Feast at Swashbucklers Restaurant and Bar

– Media Credit: foodies2travel

Address:  23B Westhaven Drive, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Phone number: +64 9 307 5979

Website

Hours: Open from Wednesday to Sunday from 12 pm to 10 pm 

For a casual night out where you can embrace your inner pirate, we suggest you head to the Swashbucklers Restaurant & Bar. The decor of the place sets the stage for a night of fun and relaxation at the waterfront of the Westhaven Marina.

Some of our repeat orders here are the Swashbucklers Famous Seafood Chowder, Pacific Rock Oysters, Shrimp Calamari, Smoke Salmon, and the Long John Dory.

If you’re out with friends, which is common here, we suggest getting one of their pirate platters instead, especially the one for four which includes prawns, steam mussels, and battered fish. You can add $10 for an extra helping of calamari. 

Pro Tip: 

One hack we discovered here to save more money is ordering from the kids menu. For around $13 to $15, you can get a smaller portion of the regular menu items. This way, you can order more items. It’s extra handy if you’re with just 1 friend or alone. 

Taste Fresh and High Quality Seafood at The Shucker Brothers Oyster Bar

Address: Ferry Building, West Side, 99 Quay St, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Phone number: +64 22 358 5092

Website

Hours: 

  • Open from Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm 
  • Open from Friday to Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm 

Nestled in the historic Ferry Building on the city’s waterfront, The Shucker Brothers Oyster Bar offers an oyster menu 3 ways. One is natural oysters, another is Kilpatrick with basil pesto, bacon, and parmigiano, and a tempura oyster with wasabi mayo. 

The menu has a large plates section with Shucker fish burger, Te Matuku oyster fritters, beer battered fish, pan fried market fish, and crab and prawn pasta. 

They also have a small plates menu with more varied options like calamari fritti, miso cured Akaroa salmon, black tiger prawns, octopus in butter bean, smoked kahawai croquettes, Nelson Bay cockles, and a fresh catch of the day dish. 

Pro Tip: 

The dishes and atmosphere at the Shucker Brothers Oyster Bar is best enhanced with some spirits. They have a selection of champagne, white and red wines, and rose to choose from. They also have 4 beers on tap and 5 kinds in cans and bottles. 

Take on a Seafood Diet Without the Guilt at Yeah Bowl

Address: Under Westpac & EY, Atrium on Takutai Britomart Place, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

Phone number:  +64 21 252 3889

Website

Hours: 

  • Open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm 
  • Open on Saturday from 11:30 am to 4 pm 

Yeah Bowl with 2 locations now in Auckland offers a healthier and fresher take on seafood with their poke bowls. The entire menu features items that are low on carbohydrates and calories and high in protein. There are even gluten free options. 

Their Tuna Loka bowl with fresh tuna sashimi, mango, sesame, almond flakes, and vegetables are just what I need after a long day of working. 

The Tsunami made with fresh salmon and tuna which are topped with nori, pickled ginger, chili oil, wasabi peas, and radish is another favorite.  For something with a bit of sweetness and tang, the Salmon Supreme with pineapple and Yeah sauce is our go to. 

Pro Tip: 

If none of these sound like your ideal bowl to enjoy, then you’ll be glad to hear that they allow you to build your own bowl. Essentially, you can pick and choose which mains and toppings you want added and then they’ll price it accordingly.