Coco's Cantina





MondayClosed.
Tuesday4:00 – 9:30 pm.
Wednesday4:00 – 9:30 pm.
Thursday4:00 – 10:00 pm.
Friday4:00 – 10:00 pm.
Saturday4:00 – 10:00 pm.
SundayClosed.
Coco’s has been around as long as anyone can remember – the kind of restaurant that has become so cemented in its neighbourhood that without it would be as noticeable as the corner dairy shutting down.
Run not by Coco, but by Renee Coulter, Coco’s is nothing but a family affair. Food wise, think rustic Italian fare, but not just any old spaghetti and meatballs (in fact, they’re so good they have a cult like following and numerous accolades for being various food writers’ favourite Auckland dish) – the menu features only the finest produce that is lovingly sourced from producers who actually give a damn about what they do. Seafood is all line caught and sustainable. Chicken and pork are free range. Simply put, it’s done properly here.
Décor is quirky – a mismatched collection of oddities and eclectic bits and bobs. But it’s homely too – Frankie posters hung in the bathrooms (as you might expect in a nearby Ponsonby flat), framed black and white photos of relatives and an open kitchen prep area. However, at Coco’s it’s the vibe and the staff that really set the tone. The music is good and loud and the staff are ridiculously friendly, achingly cool and dapper in red lipstick.
At Coco’s the motto is “Be Kind”, so basically just don’t bother going if you’re not, since everyone that works there is. Service is everything you want it to be and more – locals are known by name and happy hour drinks flow from 5.00 – 7.00pm everyday. Coco’s is infectious; the kind of place you return to without fail, regardless of the constant flux of restaurant closings and re-openings in Auckland. It might be the prossecco. It could be the cheap jugs of sangria. It might be the prime people watching spot, or maybe the quintessentially red and white checked tablecloths. But probably it all comes down to the polenta fries. Don’t for the life of you leave without eating them.
Words by Grace Hall & Photography by Sable Heath
Information not correct? Report an error
Location
374 Karangahape Road, Newton, Auckland
Nearby Places
Eighthirty

This little endeavour has carved out an enviable spot amongst Auckland’s booming coffee scene.
Bar Céleste

No matter the shape of your night, Céleste should be a feature.
Daily Bread Ponsonby

It’s hard to think of sourdough or hot cross buns in Auckland without conjuring up an image of Daily Bread and its iconic croissant logo.
Tür Studio

A creative space continually merging and progressing to match the ever growing importance of art in Auckland’s culture.
Similar Places
Ozone Coffee Grey Lynn

Tucked away in Grey Lynn, Ozone Coffee is more than just a specialty coffee roastery, they’re your Ultimate Coffee Host.
Little Bird Kitchen

100 percent plant based 100 percent whole foods 100 percent of the time.
Tiger Burger

If Korean quirk and good ol’ western burgers once bumped into each other, they've most certainly made themselves at home here on Great N’ Road.