My recommendations span central Auckland, including Karangahape Road at the top of Queen Street, as well as the inner-city suburbs of Ponsonby and Parnell. These areas are renowned for their exceptional restaurants and bars and are easily accessible from the city center. I update these lists every few months, based on reviews I hear and read, personal experiences and recommendations from friends and family.
If you happen to be in Auckland during the wintery month of August, you're in for a treat as it's Restaurant Month. You can sample a variety of superb eateries across the city with great specials. I may be biased, but from the countries I’ve visited, I think Auckland's food scene is among the very best in the world. Two personal favorites I return to year after year are Baduzzi in Wynyard Quarter and Soul Bar in the Viaduct Harbour. It’s tricky to choose and categorise eateries, so many are excellent and have fabulous wine selections too. I’ve done my best!
Affordable and yummy
Sri Pinang (Malaysian) 356 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central
Swashbucklers (Fish n Chips) 23B Westhaven Drive, Auckland Central
Tanpopo Ramen (Japanese) 13 Anzac Avenue, Auckland Central
Elmo’s Pizza Bar (Italian) 151 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
The Blue Breeze Inn (Pacific/Chinese) 146 Ponsonby Road, Auckland
Gemmayze Street (Lebanese) Shop 16, St Kevin's Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road, Poynton Terrace, Auckland Central
Hugo’s Bistro, 67 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD
Odettes Eatery (Mediterranean/North African) 90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland Central
Mekong Baby (South East Asian) 262 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Pici (Italian) Shop 22, St Kevin's Arcade, 183 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central
Elliot Stables (charming food court, lots of options) 39-41 Elliott Street, Auckland Central
Hotel Ponsonby (pub) 1 Saint Marys Road, St Marys Bay, Auckland
Casual to Upscale Casual
East Vegetarian Restaurant (63-67 Nelson Street, Auckland Central)
Gerome (Modern Greek) 269 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Cassia (Modern Indian) 90 Federal Street, Auckland Central
Hello Beasty (East Asian/New Zealand fusion)
Culprit (Innovative Global) Level 1/12 Wyndham Street, Auckland Central
Advieh (Middle Eastern/Greek) Commercial Bay, 1 Queen Street, Auckland Central
Gilt (Mediterranean) 2 Chancery St, Auckland Central
Soul Bar & Bistro - Viaduct Harbour, Auckland Central
Alma (Andalusion) 130 Quay Street, Auckland Central
Baduzzi (Modern Italian) 10/26 Jellicoe Street, North Wharf, Auckland Central
Bossi (Italian) 10 Commerce Street, Auckland Central
Bar Magda (Modern Filipino) 25b Cross Street, Auckland Central
Rhu (Modern bistro) 235 Parnell Rd, Parnell, Auckland
Amano (Italian) 66 - 68, Tyler Street, Britomart Place, Auckland
Tempero (pan Latin) 352 Karangahape Road, Auckland Central
Milenta (South American) 210-218 Victoria St West, Auckland Central
Masu (Japanese) 90 Federal Street, Auckland Central
Kingi (Sustainable seafood) Tuawhiti Lane, 29 Galway Street, Auckland Central
Tala (Samoan) 235 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland
Depot Eatery (NZ) 86 Federal Street, Auckland Central
Metita at Sky City (Modern Pacific) Level 3/90 Federal Street, Auckland Central
Farina (Italian) 244 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby, Auckland
First Mates, Last Laugh, 121 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven, Marina (waterfront)
1947 Eatery (Indian fusion) 60 Federal Street, Auckland Central
Fine to Very Fine Dining
Onslow (French/NZ) 9 Princes Street, Auckland Central
Paris Butter (NZ) - 166 Jervois Road, Herne Bay (close to the city)
Origine (French/NZ) Commercial Bay Level 2/172 Quay Street, Auckland Central
Mr Morris (NZ/International) Corner of Galway & Commerce St Britomart, Auckland Central
Cibo (Italian/NZ) 91 Saint Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland
Ahi (NZ) Commercial Bay Level 2/7 Queen Street, Auckland Central
Cassia (Modern Indian) 90 Federal Street, Auckland Central
Sidart (NZ/Indian) 283 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Forest (Vegetarian) 243 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden, Auckland (note: this is a suburb near the city but worth the trip if you’re looking specifically for excellent vegetarian food)
Ice Cream & Treats:
Giapo
12 Gore St, Auckland Central
Creative and artistic ice cream creations
Island Gelato Company
Ferry Building, Queens Wharf, Auckland Central
Handcrafted gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Miann Chocolate Factory
57 Fort St, Auckland Central
Handcrafted chocolates, pastries, and desserts.
Little ‘Lato
119 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland
Imaginative and award-winning flavors.
Charlie’s Gelato
Millers Coffee, 31 Cross Street, Auckland Central
Real fruit ice cream and gelato.
Cocoa Wilds
12 O'Connell Street, Auckland Central
Handmade chocolates and their signature marshmallow hot chocolate.
Sneaky Snacky Donuts, 35 High Street, Auckland Central
Oh My Croffle
5 High St, Auckland Central
Croffles—croissant and waffle hybrids with various toppings.
Scrunchy Millers Real Fruit Ice Cream
31 Cross Street, Auckland Central
Known for real fruit ice cream and Charlie's handmade gelato
Duck Island Icecream, 18 Te Ara Tahuhu, Britomart, Auckland Central