When in Auckland, you will find plenty of things to do. From exploring its beautiful natural beauty and participating in its fun-filled outdoor activities. However, Auckland is also blessed with some fantastic restaurants that are sure to delight.
There are plenty of different cuisines on offering, providing plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds. With so many top-notch eateries around the city, it truly was a challenge to pick out the very best places to go.
We have saved you the trouble of having to do this yourself, so you can go and taste your way throughout the city and experience the very best from cheap eats to fine dining. This list of Auckland restaurants was put together from experienced local knowledge.
COCORO
Restaurant, Contemporary, Japanese, $$$
Cocoro, which means ‘the heart and soul’ in Japanese, provides customers with a very trendy, fine-dining restaurant. Its menu has some of the very best contemporary Japanese cuisine, making it a must when in Auckland. It is well known for its amazing seafood, providing freshly caught fish that can be eaten as sashimi.
The restaurant can seat up to 40 guests in a very funky and intimate setting. Its layout is quite unique, with seating lined up on the walls and communal table sets in the middle of the restaurant, which provides the vibe of an up-market sushi train eatery.
56a Brown St, Ponsonby, Auckland 1021
CAZADOR
Restaurant, Oceanian, $$$
Cazador is a very unique restaurant, staying true to its tagline of ‘Hunt. Gather. Feed.’ – providing some of the best wild food and game cooking in Auckland.
As you walk in, you’ll notice taxidermies birds and mounted stagehands on the walls, which truly reflects the food provided at the restaurant.
The menu includes very different meat options that can not be usually found in the supermarket, which offers its guests with a wide range of foods to choose from. All food at Cazador is known to hit the spot and you’ll be equally impressed by the fantastic craft beer selection on offer.
854 Dominion Rd, Mount Eden, Auckland 1041
DEPOT
Bar, Restaurant, Seafood, Oceanian, $$$
Depot is a very quirky restaurant, providing delicious seafood that is cooked over charcoal and hardwood fires. This style of cooking gives the food a distinct taste and real depth of flavour that you’ll be sure to love.
It is also a well regarded oyster bar, providing some of the most fresh and salty little beauties that you’ve ever tried.
86 Federal St, Auckland, 1010
ORBIT 360° DINING
Restaurant, European, Fusion
Being occupied on the 72nd floor of Sky Tower, Orbit 360 dining provides a truly amazing dining experience with some of the best panoramic views in Auckland.
This restaurant is hugely popular, as it is 190 metres above the ground allowing customers to take in some of New Zealand’s best sights, while indulging in some magnificent mediterranean cuisine.
Sky Tower, 72 – 78 Victoria St W, Auckland, 1010
CASSIA
Restaurant, Indian, Contemporary, $$$
If you’re a massive fan of Indian cuisine, then Cassia is the place for you. Its menu boasts authentic meals that are known to ‘nourish the soul’.
Cassia provides an award-winning combination of classic Indian favourites complemented by a contemporary twist.
Some of the go-to meals are of course it famous curries, crisp popadoms, delicious butter chicken and range of delectable naan breads. Whatever you try at Cassia, you can be sure to delight the taste buds.
5 Fort Ln, Auckland, 1010
EIGHT RESTAURANT AT CORDIS
Restaurant, Dessert, Seafood, Polish
Located in Auckland’s Langham Hotel, Eight Restaurant at Cordis provides a collection of eight different kitchens in the one restaurant. Each kitchen provides different cuisines from all over the world, with Seafood, Sushi and New York style grill just some examples of the food that you can indulge.
With heaps of different menu options in the one place, there are infinite possibilities and you can be sure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. As a result, this lavish restaurant has become on of the most popular places to dine in Auckland.
83 Symonds Street, Grafton, Auckland 1010
THE FRENCH CAFÉ
Cafe, Restaurant, Contemporary, Vegetarian
This homestyle Auckland restaurant is run by a husband and wife team and has managed to win many awards, both locally and on the international stage. The French Cafe has combined everything you’d expect in a French restaurant, with an amazing atmosphere and service which is second to none.
Some examples of the amazing food at The French Cafe are butter-poached crayfish and smoked duck with caramelised apricots. You can be sure that the decade and service at this Auckland restaurant will provide you with a very memorable experience.
210 Symonds St, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010
BADUZZI
Restaurant, Cafe, Italian, $$$
Another Auckland restaurant that is sure to make your mouth water is Baduzzi, which incorporates classic French techniques into fine modern Italian cuisine.
Located in Auckland’s North Wharf, Baduzzi is a fantastic restaurant that has the look and feel of a gorgeous European bistro. It is one of the most popular restaurants in Auckland and is sure to amaze you with its elegant fine-dining experience.
10-26 Jellicoe St, North Wharf, Auckland 1010
THE GROVE
Restaurant, French, European, Fusion
No matter the occasion, if you’re wanting to have an amazing dinner and go all out, this is the place!
The Grove is one of the finest high-end dining restaurants in Auckland, providing french-inspired food that is to die for.
It famous seven course degustation has received rave reviews, and is one of the main reasons why people can’t stay away. nIt might cost you an arm and a leg, but you can be sure to have one of the best dinners you’ve ever had.
Saint Patricks Square Wyndham St, Auckland, 1010
THE PONSONBY ROAD BISTRO
Bistro, Restaurant, Fusion, Oceanian, $$$
Another one of Auckland’s staples is the Ponsonby Road Bistro. It has remained as a hot spot, with its delectable menu providing a new surprise for its guests every few weeks. Whenever you go, you can expect to experience something new.
It provides an international taste by incorporating a host of fusion dishes in its menu. With a very relaxed and stylish environment, The Ponsonby Road Bistro is always a great choice.
165 Ponsonby Rd, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011
When it comes to cheap eats or fine dining, Auckland has an abundance of choice. No matter what cuisine you’re feeling, there is something to suit everyone’s taste.
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