A Foodie's Guide to Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau

Housed in the back of historic St. Kevin’s on Karangahape Road, Bestie is the perfect spot to start your day in Auckland. With incredible views of Meyer Park and a vintage-meets-modern interior, you’ll want to linger for hours.

Sip a warm cup of coffee roasted using local’s favourite Eight Thirty roasters, and peruse the menu. You’ll be delighted to see some fun twists mixed in with new classics. Their menu changes with the season too, which gives us a great excuse to go more often. 

Locally-sourced Italian cuisine almost sounds oxymoronic in New Zealand, but you’ll find just that at Amano.

Located in Auckland’s CBD, Amano’s patina-ed brick and exposed ceiling beams are nestled up nicely to the sleek black seats and marble countertops, providing a relaxing atmosphere for all. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, but we recommend stopping in for a Sunday breakfast if you only have time to eat there just once.

Image supplied by: Amano

You’d be forgiven if you walk past Daily Daily’s tiny spot on K Road, but we promise you it’s worth doubling back. Step inside the minimalist — but gorgeous — interior to find pour-over coffees served in beautiful pottery, as well as espresso-based drinks. You’d be remiss to walk out without grabbing yourself a pastry, so don’t skimp on the sweets. 

A gorgeous spot for lunch or dinner, Mr. Morris takes fine dining to another level. Enjoy a clean, modern atmosphere and choose between entrees like quail or kingfish and mains featuring snapper, lamb or free-range chicken. Mr. Morris also does a tasting menu, so if you can’t decide, go for that.

Owners Leslie and Mo opened Apéro on Karangahape Road with the goal to serve incredible food and wine in an inviting space. They’ve worked tirelessly to create a cosy atmosphere perfect for lingering, and with an impressive wine list to boot!

Leslie, head chef and hailing from France, brings an incredible talent for homemade fare using local and sustainably sourced ingredients. The wine list features drops from around the world and, even better, most are available by the glass. 

On Sandringham Road, you’ll find authentic Sri Lankan spot 7 Siri. Dishing up incredible Sri Lankan food and meal packs, should you want to take your food home, all for a reasonable price. You’ll find beautiful Mas Roti meals with spicy meat and egg lling, Kottu Rotis — a Sri Lankan street-food favourite, uthappams and so much more from their extensive menu. 

Satya serves Southern Indian delicacies such as dosas, curries and idli in a fun, street food-style atmosphere. Their chai lounge also has over 220 beers to choose from, so try something a little different for your next big night out and chow down on authentic Indian. 

A feast for the eyes as much as the stomach, Gochu celebrates Korean food with local ingredients. Choose from their à la carte menu or ‘leave it to the chef’ for a five-course menu that showcases the best of Gochu.

Remember Bestie Café from breakfast? It turns into Gemmayze Street, a beautiful Lebanese-inspired restaurant at night. Serving stunningly delicious and traditional food alongside inspired cocktails, you’ll want to stay all night.

The osteria and wine bar in Grey Lynn features woodfired pizzas, octopus, salads and more, all with a fresh, Italian spin. With an impressive wine list and refreshing cocktails, we suggest ordering more than just one pizza. 

Located on Dominion Road in Mount Eden, Cazador is not to be missed. Opened in 1987, their aim then and now is to showcase wild, organic and free-range ingredients from hunters and producers on their menu. Their charcuterie menu reflects this, as does their set menu with additional beverage pairing. For a unique experience that truly represents origin and respect for food, head to Cazador. 

With four locations across Auckland, you’ll surely find a place to enjoy Shaolin’s Kung Fu Noodles. Traditional Chinese hand-pulled noodles, kebabs and chicken wings (why not) grace the massive menu, making this a great spot to satisfy a large group who all want something different.