If ever this city is seen to come to life, it’s evening time when the last of the office workers have made their way to the central city to unwind and enjoy a meal at an Auckland restaurant.
Big on variation of price, cuisine and taste, Auckland restaurants truly do cater to all when it comes to dinner time. A melting pot of tastes from over 1.5 million different people, means restaurants in Auckland are inspired by any number of countries and recipes. Try Asian style noodle houses, Spanish style sharing plates, big meat dishes of South American inspiration, or book in for something fancy from the European style restaurants.
When a country has no real ‘staple dish’, it means Kiwis are free to absorb and take on whichever cuisine most suits us individually, so no wonder Auckland is home to both a huge number of takeaway restaurants, fine-dining bistros and everything in between. Meat, vegetarian or vegan, fried, baked or raw, Auckland restaurants leave nothing behind when it comes to impressing customers and making sure those who visit leave well fed and satisfied.
Dine Al Fresco-Style in Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau
![Plates of food on an outdoor table at Bandung Cafe.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=720,fit=cover,format=auto,height=460//media/uploads/stories/feature/dine_al_fresco_in_auckland/Bandung_Cafe_Auckland.jpg)
Tala
![A male chef working behind the counter inside an open kitchen.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/tala/Tala_Restaurant_Auckland_2.jpg)
What started out as a pop-up restaurant at Karangahape Road’s Bar Magda in 2022 saw subsequent success for TALA, which has now permanently relocated to Parnell Road.
Roses Dining Room
![The tiny restaurant inside Roses Dining Room in Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/roses_dining_room/Roses_Dining_Room_8.jpg)
Roses Dining Room may seem a little unconventional, but they’ve certainly got the recipe right.
Culprit
![Plates of food next to a menu that sees 'Culprit' in black and white.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/culprit/Culprit_Auckland_10.jpg)
Tucked away up a narrow central Auckland staircase lies Culprit, a trendy and sophisticated inner city hideout serving nostalgic New Zealand cuisine with a modern global edge.
Forest
![A calming seating area decorated with plants inside Forest.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/forest/Forest_restaurant_Auckland_6.jpg)
Forest may be one of Auckland’s only semi-formal vegetarian restaurants, but owner and chef Plabita Florence hopes it is so much more than that.
OOH-FA
![Pizza and wine on a table at OOH-FA.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=720,fit=cover,format=auto,height=640//media/uploads/places/place/oohfa/OOH-FA_Auckland_1.jpg)
Anyone who appreciates the genius behind Auckland’s Pici - an intimate space with a limited offering, is going to love Ooh Fa: the same owners, the same philosophy and...
Amano
![The cream interior of a large restaurant space.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/amano/Amano_Auckland_2.jpg)
Very few big city eateries pull the masses all hours of the day, seven days a week, but at much loved Amano, this is simply the reality.
Sen Vietnamese Kitchen & Bar
![A Banh Mi sitting on a table at Sen restaurant In Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/sen/Sen_Auckland.jpg)
SEN, meaning lotus flower, is an authentic Vietnamese kitchen and bar that has long been a mainstay in Mount Eden.
Cocoro
![The wooden slated entrance to Cocoro in Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/cocoro/Cocoro_Auckland_4.jpg)
Japanese cuisine comprises a whole lot more than just sushi rolls and tempura, and more fish types than simply salmon and tuna.
Ebisu
![Japanese food on a table.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/ebisu/Ebisu_Auckland_10.jpg)
Located on the waterfront in the city centre, Ebisu also lies at the heart of Japanese cuisine in Auckland.
Pizza Pilgrim: The Best Places for Pizza in Auckland
![A pizza coming out of a hot oven.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=580,fit=cover,format=auto,height=730//media/uploads/stories/feature/pizza_pilgrim_the_best_places_for_pizza_in_auckland/A_pizza.jpg)
Azabu Ponsonby
![The black and wooden interior of Azabu restaurant in Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/azabu_ponsonby/Azabu_restaurant_Auckland_7.jpg)
Azabu has long been considered a mainstay in Auckland's culinary scene, for good reason.
Tanuki's Cave
![A packed restaurant on a dark night.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/tanukis_cave/Tanukis_Cave_Auckland_5.jpg)
Tucked away on Queen Street (in the middle of Auckland’s arts precinct) lies Tanuki’s Cave: a not-so-secret, gem of a yakitori bar.
Tempero
![Two men and a woman standing in the bright blue entrance to Tempero restaurant in Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/tempero/Tempero_Auckland_1.jpg)
We all know that Karangahape Road is a melting pot of global cuisines, but until recently Latin-influenced options were notably lacking from the scene.
kingi
![A staff member working behind at the bar inside a lush restaurant.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/kingi/King_Restaurant_Auckland_1.jpg)
With a name short for ‘kingfish’ and an ethos committed to sustainability, kingi is representative of a brighter future for New Zealand’s fisheries.
Homeland
![A staff member holding three plates of food.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/homeland/Homeland_Auckland_7.jpg)
Built on the concept of being an embassy for all things food, Auckland’s Homeland is about appreciating local, sustainable produce, creating a sense of community and...
Tianze Dumpling House
![The bright orange exterior of a dumpling house on a sunny day.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/tianze_dumpling_house/Tianze_Dumpling_House_Auckland_1.jpg)
Thanks to its suburban Sandringham location, Tianze Dumpling House may feel like something of a secret.
Green Party: Where to find the best plant-based food in Auckland
![The entrance to a restaurant on a sunny day.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=720,fit=cover,format=auto,height=460//media/uploads/stories/feature/where_to_find_the_best_plantbased_food_in_auckland/Shubh_Auckland_70bHymm.jpg)
Cassia
![The black entrance to Cassia restaurant on a rainy day.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/cassia/Cassia_restaurant_Auckland_2.jpg)
Fans of one of Auckland’s finest restaurants, Cassia, breathed a sigh of relief when the much loved contemporary Indian restaurant reopened within the SkyCity precinct.
KOL
![A long table with chairs sitting against a blue wall inside KOL.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/kol/KOL_restaurant_Auckland_7.jpg)
KOL (pronounced ‘coal’ and inspired by the same word) is all about fire, food and cocktails. Cue: vibrant colours, bold flavours and interesting concepts and dishes.
Annabel's Wine Bar
![A lady sitting at the leather bench seating inside Annabels wine bar.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/annabels_wine_bar/Annabels_Wine_Bar_Auckland_1_MagZec4.jpg)
Sitting pretty along the main strip, a trip to Annabel’s is mandatory when hanging around Ponsonby.
Pici Pasta
![Exterior image looking through the big glass windows into Pici Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/pici_pasta/Pici_Pasta_Auckland_1_B4WbctW.jpg)
Pasta fiends unite; you simply can’t miss a meal at Auckland institution, Pici.
Swings
![Bird eye view image of a tray of food from Swings on a tiled surface.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/swings/Swings_restaurant_Auckland_2.jpg)
Tastebuds at the ready, the Korean cuisine legends behind OCKHEE have opened up their new venture on Kitchener Street; Swings.
Bandung Café
![Woman holding cocktail and plates of food at Bandung Café, Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/bandung_caf%C3%A9/Woman_holding_two_plates_of_food_and_cocktail_from_Bandung.jpg)
Inspired by home cooking from the team’s roots in Java, Parnell’s Bandung Café boasts a fresh take on Indonesian cuisine.
Simon & Lee
![Meals on the table at Simon and Lee, Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/simon__lee/Meals_on_the_table_at_Simon_and_Lee.jpg)
When you’re looking for big Korean flavours and solid staples in Auckland, look no further than Simon & Lee.
The Taco Lowdown: Where To Find Auckland's Tastiest Tacos
![A hand holding a taco.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=580,fit=cover,format=auto,height=730//media/uploads/stories/feature/the_taco_lowdown_where_to_find_aucklands_tasties/Tacos_Auckland.jpg)
Hello Beasty
![View of bar and dining area at Hello Beasty, Auckland Viaduct Harbour.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/hello_beasty/View_of_the_bar_and_dining_area_at_Hello_Beasty.jpg)
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with foodie offerings around Viaduct Harbour, but spots like
Peach's Hot Chicken
![Chicken burger and side from Peach's Hot Chicken, Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/peachs_hot_chicken/Chicken_burger_and_side_from_Peachs_Hot_Chicken.jpg)
Don’t fact-check us on this, but we’d say a mouthful of Nashville Hot Chicken has been proven to send serotonin levels through the roof.
Cotto
![Bench top dining with palm tree in the background at Cotto, Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/cotto/Bench_top_dining_at_Cotto.jpg)
You simply can’t talk about the best of Auckland’s dining scene without mentioning Cotto.
Bar Céleste
![Chef preparing food in the kitchen at Bar Celeste.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/bar_c%C3%A9leste/Chef_preparing_food_in_the_kitchen_at_Bar_Celeste.jpg)
No matter the shape of your night, Céleste should be a feature.
Gemmayze Street
![Close up of seating area and old photographs and artwork on the wall at Gemmayze Street.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/gemmayze_street/Close_up_of_seating_area_and_artwork_on_the_wall.jpg)
Don’t head here looking for something you’re familiar with, go to be taken somewhere completely new.
East Street Hall
![A view of the bar from inside the restaurant with its orange walls and bright blue furniture.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/east_street_hall/east-street-hall-auckland-10.jpg)
The place to be to experience Auckland’s diverse creative scene.
Tokyo on a Plate: Exploring Auckland's Best Japanese Cuisine
![A hand holding a plate of food.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=720,fit=cover,format=auto,height=460//media/uploads/stories/feature/tokyo_on_a_plate_exploring_aucklands_best_japanese_cuisine/azabu_web-41.jpg)
Kiss Kiss
![A bao bun.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/kiss_kiss/a_bao.jpg)
Pad Thai and fries? Bao bun and a cocktail? Whether you’re out for a flat dinner or looking for a place to hide behind your dark sunglasses on a Sunday lunch, Kiss Kiss has all the Thai treats you need.
Cazador
![Bar area at Cazador.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/cazador/Bar_area_at_Cazador.jpg)
Cazador’s location is a little off the beaten track, and they like it that way.
Ponsonby Central
![Exterior view of Ponsonby Central from the lane entrance.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/ponsonby_central/Ponsonby_Auckland.jpg)
There are a tonne of fresh and hip eateries and cafés hidden within, that tantalise with their extensive menus.
The Lucky Taco
![The taco truck.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/the_lucky_taco/taco_truck.jpg)
The Lucky Taco have created a truly unique eating experience for New Zealanders.
Dantes Pizzeria
![Pizza in oven.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/dantes_pizzeria/pizza-in-oven.jpg)
An authentic Italian pizzeria with the freshest ingredients – right down to the mozzarella which strings its way throughout the melting pot of flavours each topping provides.
Depot Eatery
![Green bar stools.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/depot_eatery/green-chairs.jpg)
Al Brown’s Depot has the foot traffic to keep their tables stocked, but not the clamor of the main drag so you can actually hear yourself think.
Brothers Juke Joint BBQ
![Food on a tray on a white and wooden table.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/brothers_juke_joint_bbq/food-on-tray_jiNk8iD.jpg)
From the kings of the Auckland craft beer scene, Brothers Beer, comes its edible equivalent.
Coco's Cantina
![Holding a plate of food.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/cocos_cantina/holding-food_hoS4Enq.jpg)
Coco’s has been around as long as anyone can remember - the kind of restaurant that has become so cemented in its neighbourhood.
Our Picks of the Best Indian Food in Auckland
![A staff member scooping up curry from a buffet behind glass.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=580,fit=cover,format=auto,height=730//media/uploads/stories/feature/best_indian_food_in_auckland/Bawarchi_Indian_Restaurant_4.jpg)
Tiger Burger
![Outside windows at Tiger Burger.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/tiger_burger/outside-windows.jpg)
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.
Chinoiserie
![Cutlery in white mugs on a colourful table.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/chinoiserie/cutlery.jpg)
Chinoiserie is a Taiwanese street food joint that has made quite the impact on the Auckland dining scene.
Bird on a Wire
![Bowls of food.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/bird_on_a_wire/bowls-of-food_uCarlH9.jpg)
The guys at Bird on a Wire crisp up some of the best beer battered chips around. An easy companion to one of their Dirty Bird burgers.
Baduzzi
![Plant pots hanging from roof.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/baduzzi/plants_zxPsCcT.jpg)
Baduzzi is a stylish and slick operation, a hybrid: a cross between the traditions of authentic Italia and what you’d expect to find in one of the more stylish parts of NYC.
Seoulful Delights ... Auckland's Finest Korean Cuisine
![A group of customers sitting at a table inside Hello Beasty in Auckland.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=720,fit=cover,format=auto,height=460//media/uploads/stories/feature/seoulful_delights_..._aucklands_finest_korean_cuisine/Hello_Beasty_Auckland_1.jpg)
Orphans Kitchen
![Interior of restaurant.](https://neatplaces.co.nz/cdn-cgi/image/width=288,fit=cover,format=auto,height=184//media/uploads/places/place/orphans_kitchen/interior.jpg)
Effortlessly cool and utterly lacking in pretension, Orphans Kitchen is one of the greatest contributions to the Ponsonby Road renaissance.