30 Best Restaurants In Auckland, New Zealand
Updated: February 1, 2025
Keywords: Best Restaurants Auckland CBD, Fine Dining Auckland NZ, Best Restaurants Auckland Viaduct, Best Auckland NZ Restaurants Right Now, Auckland NZ Best Eats, Best Restaurants Ponsonby Auckland, Auckland NZ Must Eat Restaurants, Auckland NZ Best Lunch Restaurants
Questions This Blog Answers:
The Best Restaurants In Auckland Central?
The Best Happy Hours In Auckland, New Zealand?
Auckland, New Zealand Best Lunch Restaurants?
Best Brunch Restaurants In Auckland, New Zealand?
Gluten-Free Restaurants In Auckland, New Zealand?
Must Eats In Auckland?
The Number 1 Most Popular Restaurant Auckland?
Best Fine Dining Auckland?
Best Asian Restaurants In Auckland, New Zealand?
Best Local Restaurants In Auckland, New Zealand?
Auckland NZ Best Eats?
Auckland, New Zealand Best Steak Restaurants?
Auckland, New Zealand Best Thai Restaurant?
What Is Your Favourite Place To Eat At In Auckland, NZ?
Quick Picks: The Best Auckland Restaurants By Theme
Best Happy Hour - Mexican Cafe
Best Sushi and Japanese Cuisine - MASU
Best Special - Mussel Mania @ The Occidental
Most Creative Sushi - Volcano Roll @ AZABU
Best Mediterranean Restaurant - Mezze Bar
Best Oyster Happy Hour - Oyster and Chop
Best Mexican - Mexican Cafe
Best Gluten-Free Sushi - Mr Tanaka’s
Best Local Restaurant - KINGI
Best Vietnamese & Pho - Cafe Hanoi
Best Dedicated Gluten-Free Kitchen - JANKEN
Best French Restaurant - Le Garde-Manger
Best Thai Restaurant - NAHM
Most Authentic Japanese Restaurant - GION
Best Cafe - The Shelf
Best Cocktail Bar - Deadshot & The Caretaker
Best View - Skybar
Cheapest Pub - Mr Murdoch’s
Best Poutine/Loaded Fries - The Fed
Listed below are OUR PICKS for the 30 Best Restaruants in Auckland. We are returning to Auckland next month to re-try a couple places and try some new ones! Please comment any feedback or suggestions at the bottom of blog!
#1) MASU by Nic Watt
MASU sushi and sashimi
Overview: Our recommendation for the best sushi and Japanese cuisine in Auckland!
We have been multiple times, and the flavour and quality of food never fail to disappoint. We recommend booking a table with a view of the open kitchen and watching the chefs at work.
One of multiple award-winning restaurants by chef Nic Watt, Masu is ranked the #43 restaurant in central Auckland on Trip Advisor.
More Info: Japanese, Fine dining, Vegetarian-friendly, Vegan options, Gluten-free options, Expensive
MASU Address: 90 Federal Street, Auckland 1010
#2) The Occidental
Occidental BBQ New Zealand Muscles
Overview: This is a very popular restaurant in Vulcan Lane, well known by locals and airline staff! They are famous for their New Zealand muscles.
Muscle Mania, 1-kilo muscle deals ($18) (Mondays). Our favourite sauce is the coconut cream and curry or try the BBQ muscles.
Cheap pitcher deals. Cheap vodka/Jager bombs. Large selection of New Zealand beers and ciders on tap.
Make sure to come early or book a reservation! After 7 pm it gets extremely busy with lines forming.
Occidental is ranked #66 on Tripadvisor’s central Auckland restaurant rankings.
Occidental Address: 6/8 Vulcan Lane, Auckland 1010
#3) AZABU
AZABU Volcano Roll
Overview: Peruvian-Japanese fusion serving delicious sushi and seafood dishes.
We have AZABU ranked so high because writer Brady is obsessed with the Volcano Roll. A tower of delicious sushi topped with fish roe and then torched right in front of you by the server. Honestly my favourite sushi roll in the entire world!
The Piri Piri tuna roll is also very creative; a delicious combo of flavours wrapped in perfectly prepared rice.
We also recommend the snapper ceviche, which is very yummy and fresh. It is so damn good that you will want to wipe up the sauce with some sushi.
The cocktails are great too! Try a Peruvian liquor sour.
AZABU is ranked #44 on Tripadvisor’s central Auckland restaurant rankings.
2 Locations: Ponsonby and Mission Bay
AZABU Address: 26 Ponsonby Road, Auckland 1011
#4) EBISU
EBISU South Island Salmon Sashimi
Overview: As you can tell by these rankings we love seafood and Auckland is a seafood lover’s paradise! We have been to EBISU many times, here are our thoughts:
The Signature Sushi Roll is delicious, the rice is perfect. The South Island salmon sashimi is mouthwatering, the sauce was so good that we poured it over top of a sushi roll. They can cater to your allergies, they asked us if there were any allergies when we ordered.
Sometimes EBISU hosts all-you-can-eat lunches for $80. When we went there was an extraordinary selection of sushi, sashimi, salmon, meats, desserts, etc. All you can eat Sushi is back in February 2025!
Japanese ambiance: a large dining room, with a mix of small and large tables. The restaurant books out around 7 pm for dinner time, so make a reservation. Service slows down when it gets busy.
EBISU Address: 116 – 118 Quay Street, Auckland 1010
#5) Hello Beasty
Hello Beasty Gluten-Free Crab Tempura
Overview: Creative East Asian fusion cuisine located in Viaduct Harbour.
We absolutely loved the Gluten-Free Crab Tempura!
Ranked #7 on Tripadvisor Auckland. Awarded a 2024 Traveller’s Choice award.
More Info: Asian, Fusion, Vegetarian-friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-free options
Hello Beasty Address: 95-97 Customs Street W, 1010
#6) Mexican Cafe
Overview: You won’t find the Mexican Cafe in other website’s top 10s. HOWEVER, Mexican Cafe is our go-to happy hour restaurant in Auckland!
1L $20 frozen margaritas, $6 cervezas, $6 tequila shots, $11 glasses of wine. Free tortilla and chips and salsa for the table.
The kitchen serves many authentic Mexican dishes that are naturally gluten-free. Mexican Cafe serves one of our favourite gluten-free Calamari dishes in the city. The Enchiladas are small but extremely flavourful and very cheesy. Served with tasty sides of rice and beans.
Extensive margarita menu: we recommend the classic margarita over the rocks, with lots of tequila flavour. $16 Espresso martinis.
Ranked #129 on Tripadvisor’s central Auckland rankings.
Mexican Cafe Address: 67 Victoria Street W, 1010
#7) Mr Tanaka’s
Mr Tanaka’s Gluten-Free Scallop Tempura
Overview: Mr Tanaka’s is one of our personal favourites. A great restaurant for those with celiac, Mr Tanaka’s has dozens of gluten-free alternatives to dishes you normally could not get like teriyaki chicken sushi, chilli fried squid, tempura soft shell crab.
Mr Tanaka’s Address: 120 Main Ellerslie Highway, 1051
#8) Mezze Bar
Overview: A great restaurant for international food options! Mezze Bar is known for their Mediterranean, European, Spanish, and Middle Eastern dishes.
They have a gluten-aware menu with lots of options and affordable starters.
Ranked #70 on Tripadvisor Central Auckland
The lentil soup is very flavourful, served in a metal bowl to keep it hot for a long time.
Not hungry? Check out Mezze’s happy hour for a great selection of drinks on tap and cocktails. The Hot Toddy is very tasty and only $13. All cocktails are less than 20$. We recommend trying the Rhubarb Royale cocktail.
It usually gets busy around 5 pm. They have a convenient electronic tab system for fast payment.
Mezze Bar Address: 9 Durham Street East, 1010
#9) Oyster & Chop
Oyster and Chop NZ Oysters
Overview: Local cuisine, Steakhouse, Seafood, New Zealand, Vegetarian-friendly, Gluten-free options.
Best Oyster Happy Hour In The City!
Ranked #11 on Tripadvisor Auckland. Awarded a 2024 Traveller’s Choice award.
Oyster and Chop Address: Viaduct Harbour, 1010
#10) KINGI
Overview: Kingi is a sustainable seafood restaurant serving unique dishes and New Zealand staples.
Large dining room with indoor and outdoor seating
KINGI Address: Tuawhiti Lane, 29 Galway Street, 1010
#11) The Glass Goose
Overview: An elevated rooftop restaurant found at the base of Auckland’s Sky Tower.
Duck-fat potato skins: so yummy, crispy, salty skins, served with delicious dipping sauce, good price for serving size.
Tasty and creative signature cocktails
Glass Goose Address: 78 Federal Street, Auckland 1010
The Bodersology Map of Auckland will help plan your visit! View all of our recommendations in Google Maps. Easily navigate the city using G-Maps and our tips!
#12) Cafe Hanoi
Overview: Elevated Vietnamese cuisine with stellar reviews. Relaxing ambiance and with lots of seating.
No GF labelling, ask the waiter what can be made GF.
We got the chicken pho and the pork rice paper rolls. Rolls taste extremely fresh and tasty. Pho served with stock overtop and bowls for sharing. Good flavour, the stock could be richer.
Ranked #37 on Tripadvisor Auckland. Awarded a 2024 Traveller’s Choice award.
More Info: Asian, Vietnamese, Healthy, Vegetarian-friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten-free options
Cafe Hanoi Address: Tuawhiti Lane, 27 Galway St, 1010
#13) Le Garde-Manger
Overview: Authentic French restaurant serving French staples. Great for brunch or dinner!
We loved the gluten-free galettes which were stuffed with delicious local ingredients and flavourful sauces!
New set dinner menus every night!
Le Garde-Manger Address: 466 Queen Street, 1010
#14) JANKEN
GF Spicy Seafood Ramen Bowl @ JANKEN
Overview: Gluten-free everything! We are in love with the chicken teriyaki sushi roll: warm and perfectly cooked rice, flavourful bites, and large rolls. Comes with tasty gluten-free soy sauce and teriyaki sauce.
Spicy seafood ramen bowl: beautiful presentation and smell, interesting flavours, spicy.
Cafe ambiance with limited seating. Make a reservation if you don’t want to wait for a table.
Janken Address: 158 Jervois Road, Auckland 1011
#15) GION
GION sashimi platter
Overview: Authentic Japanese cuisine, with staff wearing traditional kimonos.
Amazing prices and shareable dishes: hot pots, sashimi, apps, sushi. Sushi rice is perfect with a sweet taste. Deals on sashimi combos.
Plum wine is amazing. Excellent selection of sake and NZ wines.
GION Address: 1/168 Parnell Road, Auckland 1052
#16) Ponsonby Food Hall
Overview: There is something for everyone at Ponsonby Central! Also a great place for those with celiac, with multiple gluten-free options!
We love Olas Arepas! They serve multiple styles of arepas (essentially gluten-free hot pockets).
Ponsonby Crepes serves normal and gluten-free crepes. Choose from sweet or savoury. We got the salmon & spinach GF crepe.
Try the Unique cocktails at Chop Chop, we loved the Blueberry cocktail.
Other restaurants in Ponsonby Central are El Sizzling Chorizo, WATDA, The Hidden Village, GAJA, Blue Breeze Inn, and INCA by Nic Watt.
Ponsonby Central Address: 136 Ponsonby Road, 1011
#17) Auckland Fish Market
Overview: Multiple stalls selling catch-of-the-day seafood. Local restaurants prepare fresh catch-of-the-day meals.
About a dozen restaurants/pubs along the boardwalk.
Shout out to Wynyard Pavilion where we ate: gluten-free breaded calamari and gluten-free butterfly shrimp.
Auckland Fish Market Address: 22 Jellicoe St, 1010
#18) Nahm
Overview: Nahm is a very popular Thai restaurant. The dining room has a trendy underground ambiance with neon lighting and Thai modern art.
Nahm has stellar reviews on Tripadvisor, Find Me Gluten Free, and Google reviews. Go try it for yourself!
Allergy labels on the menu so those with allergies like celiac can safely order their meals!
We recommend: Tom Yum fried rice (perfectly spicy) and gluten-free fish balls.
17$ cocktails + cheap beer options.
Nahm Address: 39 Elliott Street, Auckland, 1010
#19) Federal Delicatessen aka “The Fed”
The Fed - Montreal Smoked Meat Poutine
Overview: You can find the famous eatery “The Fed” near the base of Auckland’s Sky Tower. Ranked #48 on Trip Advisor for Auckland Central restaurants.
New York Style, American, Cafe, Deli, Diner, Street Food, Vegetarian friendly
Searching for a Poutine in Auckland? Federal Delicatessen is your answer! We love the Montreal Smoked Meat Poutine! An authentic poutine with cheese curds and rich gravy. Cheese curds are placed at the bottom so they melt. Brisket on top, nice and crispy.
The Fed Address: 86 Federal Street, Auckland 1010
#20) The Garden Shed
Overview: Cafe, Dinner. Vegetarian-friendly, Vegan options, Gluten-free options
Ranked #27 on Tripadvisor Auckland.
We highly recommend stopping by for the DIY S'mores. Roast your marshmallows over a top-table flame.
The Garden Shed Address: 470 Mt Eden Rd, 1024
#21) Frida Cocina Mexicana & Tequila Bar
Overview: A great Mexican restaurant with a sunny outdoor dining space overlooking Viaduct Harbour.
Delicious gluten-free enchiladas and Mexican staples.
$10 margarita happy hour from 5-7 pm.
Frida Cocina Address: 85/89 Customs Street W, 1010
#22) Dear Jervois
Dear Jervois Turkish Eggs
Overview: A solid Brunch option with great smoothies and coffee. . Small servings.
Decent gluten-free options.
We got the Turkish eggs on gluten-free bread
Dear Jervois Address: 234 Jervois Road
#23) The Shelf
Overview: Our pick for The Best Cafe to work/study at! A great selection of juices, lemonades, and cold drinks. Cheap coffee. Smoothie options. Gluten-free options for food.
Large selection of pastries, sandwiches and desserts. Brunch options are pricey but large servings.
Free wifi, works fine but has slow upload speeds.
We tried: Jack Daniel’s Pork belly with a side salad and hash browns: affordable, delicious pork and sauce.
Many large, elevated tables with plug-ins. Japanese-style booths with privacy.
The Shelf Address: 50 High Street, Auckland CBD
#24) Ghost Donkey
Ghost Donkey Tacos
Overview: Mexican food and drinks at a central location! Located steps from Britomart station. Tasty tacos and appetizers!
We love the margaritas and special cocktails. We also love that the cocktails menu ranks drinks by spice level.
GD Address: Commercial Bay L2/1 Queen Street
#25) Chuffed Cafe
Overview: A popular cafe for breakfast and brunch.
Good coffee. Gluten-free options for food. No wifi. Small tables in a crowded courtyard.
Chuffed Cafe Address: 43 High Street, 1010
#26) Commercial Bay Food Court
Overview: Amazing and delicious options just steps away from Britomart station.
H&T Kitchen: dedicated gluten-free kitchen. Build your bowl, we got bang bang cauliflower with Moroccan cinnamon grains (excellent) garlic spuds, spinach and nuts, and hot sauce on top. Tasty, small size is pretty big. Design your gluten-free power bowl. Paper bowl and utensils.
Fatima’s: shawarma place with no-added gluten options.
Wise Boys: gluten-free burger options $16-18 dollars. Vegan burgers
Burgerfuel CN Cheese (Beef) burger, on a gluten-free bun. ASKED if it is celiac. Rescue cherry lemonade, save NZ cherries. Huge gluten-free bun that stays together. Great burger!
Other CB Options Include: Ghost Donkey, Burgers, Sushi, Pho, and multiple Asian takeout options.
Commercial Bay Address: 7 Queen Street, 1010
#27) The Good Luck Coconut
Overview: A popular restaurant and cocktail bar near Auckland Fish Market. Great selection of appetizers, seafood, and drinks.
We loved the cocktails we got when we came here. But the menu would benefit from having more gluten-free options!
#77 on Trip Advisor Auckland rankings.
The Good Luck Coconut Address: 39 Jellicoe St, 1010
#28) Skybar
Overview: THE BEST VIEW over Auckland CBD and the surrounding area. Minimum $40 spent for reservation.
Great cocktail selection! Creative signature cocktails.
Excellent cheese board of NZ cheeses + appetizers.
Skybar Address: Sky Tower L 50/78, Victoria Street W
#29) Mr. Murdoch’s Pub
Overview: A very affordable pub option in Auckland CBD! Very good drink deals, maybe the best in town?
$12 margaritas, mojitos, espresso martinis. $6 beer of the week pints. Daily happy hour specials offer even cheaper prices.
The kitchen has only a few gluten free options but the duck fat potatoes and gluten-free pizza are superb. We had the Buffalo chicken pizza. The pizza was a great late-night snack, spicy and loaded with sauce!
Mr Murdoch’s Address: Level 1, 16 Fort Street, 1010
#30) Deadshot or Caretaker Cocktail Bar
Overview: The two Best Cocktail Bars are run by the same management!
Dead Shot: our favourite bar in Auckland! Instead of having a set menu, you tell them what you like, and they make it. Dive bar ambiance. Our go-to drinks are a boozy old fashioned, or a spicy egg white margarita with Carolina Reaper bitters.
Caretaker: make a reservation, and bring your passport. Choose your cocktail, and describe what you like. Excellent waiters and service. Good prices for what you are getting. Exclusive feel to it.
Deadshot Address: 45 Ponsonby Road, 1011
Caretaker Address: 40 Customs Street, 1010
Honourable Mentions
Wynyard Pavilion - Located in Fish Market, GF options
Giapo (dessert)
Ghost Town
Tokki - gluten-free long noodles
Sushi Train - choose sushi from a conveyor belt
Best Ugly Bagels
Amaranto Pasta & Cucina - GF pasta food truck
Restaurants To Try When We Return To Auckland In March
Comment your recommendations below!
Soul - very popular, #46 on Trip Advisor
Ima Cuisine - #81 on Trip Advisor, Shawarma Saturdays
Thaiger
Tala - Samoan
Our Land
