If I had to pick one word to describe the restaurant scene in Auckland, it would be underrated. Maybe it’s because it’s essentially in the middle of nowhere (NZ is far from everything), but It deserves more credit. Not only are there a ton of restaurants to choose from, but the quality of food is really incredible. To give the Auckland food scene more of the attention it deserves, I’ve compiled what I believe to be the best restaurants in Auckland after living here for 6 months (split out by cuisine type!).
Italian
Bossi
my favorite restaurant in Auckland. must orders: the garlic bread, meatballs, Fettuccine alla Ruota, and lasagne. Book the chef’s table if it’s available!
Elmo’s
Great pizza and pasta spot in a fun atmosphere. their spicy margs are great.
Farina
an Awesome Southern Italian restaurant, great pizzas and pastas.
Non Solo Pizza
As the name suggests, this place has Great pizza, but their pastas are also not to be skipped. fun with a group!
Napoli Contemporanea
Some of the best pizza I’ve ever had.
Amano
More of a modern Italian restaurant. Well-loved in Auckland!
Pici
A cozy, intimate spot with a small menu done impeccably. Their cacio e pepe is to die for!
Bivacco
A fun, upbeat spot in the viaduct. Great for a happy hour or dinner.
Asian
Hello Beasty
The best sashimi ever!
Azabu
an excellent Japanese-Peruvian fusion spot. Their spicy pork gyoza are unreal. I prefer the mission Bay location over the Ponsonby one.
Ghost Street
A unique Chinese restaurant in the basement of a building in the Britomart area. The atmosphere is really cool – dark, intimate, relaxing – and the food is pretty good, too!
Cafe Hanoi
A Vietnamese restaurant right above Ghost Street. Very nice ambiance and the food is incredible.
Spanish
Alma
This place is actually unreal. Some of my favorite food… ever? The potatoes, empanada, and pork pinchitos are must order items!
Indian
Spice Club
My go-to Indian takeaway spot. Love all of the chicken curries I’ve tried. Naan is very good.
GOAT
A more upscale Indian spot. Really incredible food. Atmosphere could be a bit more lively, but the food makes up for it.
Eclectic
Ragtag
I’ve often heard Ragtag noted as the best restaurant in Auckland, and for good reason. Their menu is a “ragtag” of items, so you can’t really classify them into one cuisine. Everything I’ve had from here has been delicious, and I’ll be spending the rest of my life trying to recreate their sriracha carrots.
Cafes
Chuffed
Great casual breakfast spot.
Chur Bae
Love this spot! Their croffle is next levellll and the nduja hash was excellent.
Young Dandy
Innovative and creative cafe fare that never disappoints!
Burgers
Parade
incredible smash burgers and a fun atmosphere! the perfect Saturday afternoon spot.
Urbanaut
Another amazing smash burger spot, but this time in a brewery. What could be better? get the marshmallow IPA!
Burgerfuel
This is more of a fast casual place, but their burgers are very good for something quicker.
Sandwiches
Bodega
the closest you’ll get to a deli style sandwich in Auckland.
Deli di Bossi
Much like their sister restaurant, this place does food incredibly. Their focaccia paninis are unbelievably good – the Al Proscuitto is my fav.
Fitzroy Deli
Great little sandwich spot!
Gloria’s
Another incredible focaccia sandwich place. You should also get one of their cookies… just trust.
Did you try any of these spots?
Let me know below!
Leave a Reply