Exploring Auckland is bound to work up an appetite, and luckily, New Zealand’s largest city has plenty to entice hungry travellers. From laid-back cafés serving freshly brewed coffee and hearty breakfasts to restaurants showcasing local produce and flavours from around the world, there’s something for every taste and occasion. Whether you’re visiting as part of a cruise holiday or have longer to explore the city, narrowing down where to eat can be tricky when there are so many tempting options. Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best restaurants in Auckland to add to your list.
Breakfast in Auckland
Amano
66 - 68, Tyler Street, Britomart Place, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
A popular Italian eatery and bakery in Auckland’s historic Britomart district, Amano champions seasonal, sustainable and locally sourced produce from New Zealand growers and farmers. For breakfast, choose from dishes such as poached eggs on sourdough with toppings including avocado, truffle and chilli, or salsa verde. If you fancy something from the bakery, tuck into a flaky pain au chocolat, almond croissant or cinnamon brioche, while savoury options include a prosciutto croissant. Sip a freshly brewed coffee or opt for a classic breakfast cocktail like a Bellini or Bloody Mary, or try something a little different with a breakfast martini.
Chuffed
43 High Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Tucked away on High Street, Chuffed is an independent café serving a tempting selection of breakfast, brunch and lunch dishes. Start the day with Eggs Your Way, which could be poached, fried or scrambled and served with sourdough and butter, or try the Smash & Fabulous, featuring smashed avocado on sourdough with pumpkin purée, a poached egg, shichimi, and Padano. For something sweeter, tuck into French toast served with espresso mascarpone, berry compote, maple, cocoa and seasonal fruit. Choose from a selection of coffees, teas and fresh juices to drink. On a warm day, cool down with an iced coffee or a refreshing fruit smoothie.
The Pantry
Park Hyatt Auckland 99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Located within the Park Hyatt Auckland in Wynyard Quarter, The Pantry is a relaxed waterfront venue serving freshly baked pastries, speciality coffee and a tempting selection of breakfast dishes. This all-day eatery, coffee house and wine lounge also offers an enticing selection of cakes and sweet treats. For a hearty start to the day, try the Pantry Big Breakfast, complete with fried eggs, pork sausages, bacon, mushrooms, hash browns, baked beans and sourdough, or the Beef Brisket Benedict, served with chipotle BBQ sauce, pickled onions, paprika hollandaise and sourdough. If you’d prefer something a little lighter, choose the homemade granola with yoghurt, seasonal fruit, strawberry purée and honey, or a warming bowl of coconut milk porridge topped with dates, espresso maple syrup and candied hazelnuts. Travelling with little ones? You’ll also find a selection of child-friendly dishes on the menu.
Lunch in Auckland
Hello Beasty
95-97 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Hello Beasty is an independent, family-owned restaurant serving a range of mouthwatering fusion dishes bursting with fresh ingredients and bold flavours inspired by Japanese, Korean and Chinese cuisines. The menu changes seasonally, with dishes designed for sharing, making it a great choice if you want to sample several different flavours over lunch. Depending on the menu, you might find everything from dumplings and crispy chicken to fresh seafood and creative vegetable dishes. If you’d rather leave the decisions to the experts, opt for one of the popular ‘Feed Me’ menus, featuring a chef’s selection of dishes.
Depot
86 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Depot is a lively, laid-back eatery from renowned New Zealand chef Al Brown, where the focus is on seasonal ingredients and dishes made for sharing. Seafood lovers can tuck into freshly shucked oysters or wood-fired New Zealand green-lip mussels, while other menu favourites include snapper sliders, grilled octopus and wood-roasted fish. For something heartier, choose from larger plates such as perfectly cooked steak or pork hock, accompanied by tempting sides like potato skins with pecorino and truffle oil.
Onslow
9 Princes Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
For a more sophisticated lunch experience, pay a visit to Onslow. Celebrating seasonal New Zealand ingredients in an elegant yet relaxed setting, it’s a popular spot with locals and visitors alike. Led by chef Josh Emett, whose culinary career has taken him from London to New York back to New Zealand, the restaurant is proud to work closely with local producers. Depending on the season, dishes might include kingfish crudo, butter-poached snapper, wild venison or braised beef cheek, alongside beautifully prepared vegetable dishes and indulgent desserts such as chocolate soufflé. If your visit falls on the weekend, look out for Onslow’s dedicated lunch experiences, including its four-course Sunday Long Lunch. Designed to encourage guests to slow down and savour the experience, it’s an indulgent way to round off a morning exploring in Auckland.
Dinner in Auckland
- Alma
- Ahi
- Ortolana
- Café Hanoi
Alma
130 Quay Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
If you’re in the mood for bold Spanish flavours, make your way to Alma. This popular restaurant is nestled in Auckland’s historic Britomart district and boasts a menu featuring dishes inspired by the flavours of Andalusia in southern Spain. Fire plays an important role in the cooking, with seasonal ingredients grilled and charred to add rich, smoky flavours to many of the dishes. What’s available on the menu changes with the seasons, giving you the chance to discover different flavours depending on when you visit. To accompany your meal, choose from Spanish wines and New Zealand-grown Spanish varietals, or explore the selection of sherries, vermouths and gins.
Ahi
Level 2, Commercial Bay, 7 Queen Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
For a sophisticated dinner that celebrates the flavours of New Zealand, book a table at Ahi. Led by renowned chef Ben Bayly, the restaurant showcases seasonal ingredients sourced from growers, farmers and producers from across the country. There’s a real focus on where the food comes from, with some of the vegetables and herbs even grown at Ahi’s own organic kitchen in South Auckland. The menu changes throughout the year, but you can expect beautifully presented dishes featuring quality New Zealand meat, seafood and fresh produce. If you’re struggling to choose, opt for the tasting menu and enjoy a selection of dishes chosen by the chefs. Pair your meal with a glass of New Zealand wine or one of the creative cocktails and enjoy views towards Waitematā Harbour while you dine.
Ortolana
33 Tyler Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
If you’d prefer something a little more relaxed, head to Ortolana in Auckland’s Britomart district. Meaning ‘market gardener’ in Italian, the restaurant takes inspiration from Italian cuisine while placing seasonal produce at the heart of its menu. What’s available changes throughout the year, but you might find fresh pasta, market fish and meat dishes alongside smaller plates and vegetable-focused options. Save some room for dessert if you can, with a selection of sweet treats offering the perfect way to finish your meal.
Café Hanoi
27 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
For something packed with fragrant herbs, spices and plenty of flavour, pay a visit to Café Hanoi. Located in Auckland’s Britomart district, this popular restaurant takes inspiration from the flavours and cooking traditions of Vietnam, particularly those found in the north of the country. The menu combines Vietnamese influences with New Zealand produce, with a selection of dishes that are perfect for sharing around the table. There’s also a dedicated plant-based set menu, making Café Hanoi a good option if you’re travelling with someone who prefers meat-free dishes.
