8 Mouth-Watering Foodie Destinations To Discover In Parnell

Table of delicious dishes from Simon & Lee in Parnell.

Whatever you do, come hungry.

Words by: Jess Willemse

Photography by: Neat Places & Mike Hinson

For those seeking a feast of flavours, look no further—we’ve curated the best places to eat and drink in Parnell. This city-fringe suburb has it all, offering plenty of mouth-watering moments throughout the historical village, as well as the stylish industrial quarter. 

So whether you’re in need of an early morning coffee fix, a lazy weekend brunch, happy-hour cocktail or bougie dining experience, Parnell has got you—and your tastebuds—well and truly sorted.

A bowl of sizzling bibimbap slathered in house-made gochujang sauce from Simon and Lee.

Simon & Lee

115 St Georges Bay Road, Parnell, Auckland

For a modern take on Korean flavours, send Simon & Lee to the top of your dining list. They serve breakfast and lunch all week long, and dinner Wednesday through to Friday. A bowl of sizzling bibimbap slathered in house-made gochujang sauce will cure your mid-day cravings for sure. Or opt for their legendary Korean fried chicken lunchbox pimped out with slaw, pickles and fries. Prepare your taste buds—there are five sauce flavours to choose from, including wasabi and danger spicy.

Flatlay of patisserie cakes from Vaniyé Pâtisserie.

Vaniyé Pâtisserie

1/7 Windsor Street, Parnell, Auckland

Those with a penchant for French food won’t want to miss a decadent trip to Vaniyé Pâtisserie. This award-winning patisserie is the passion project of husband-and-wife team, Sonia and Laurent Haumonté. You'll be dazzled by the colourful, eye-catching selection of sweet treats as soon as you step inside. Whether you’re craving a classic pain au chocolat, a lunchtime baguette or an epic birthday cake to impress your guests, you’ll find it here.

Flatlay of food from NEM.

NEM

311 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

NEM, a lively restaurant in the heart of Parnell Road, will transport your taste buds to Vietnam. Featuring cosy, eclectic decor, show-stopping dishes and a creative cocktail menu, it’s the ideal spot for your next group hang. Whatever you do, don’t miss out on their signature dish, the flaming coconut prawn curry. This feast of flavours is served inside a coconut that has been set on fire. Now that’s impressive.

Exterior of Rosie in Parnell.

Rosie

82 Gladstone Road, Parnell, Auckland

Just up from the picturesque Parnell Rose Gardens you’ll find one of the suburb’s most buzzing eateries—aptly named Rosie. Slinging breakfast, lunch and dinner, their seasonally curated menu is designed to share. Because let’s be honest, we want to eat it all. And if you can’t score a seat at this ever-popular spot, don’t fret, head next door to Little Rosie for a moreish selection of takeaway goods.

Exterior of Barulho.

Barulho

2-16 Watt Street, Parnell, Auckland

Moody lighting, cosy bench seats and top-notch cocktails are just a few reasons why we love Barulho for a date night dinner. The Mediterranean-style cuisine comes alive through a mouth-watering tapas menu—think marinated warm olives, croquetas, ceviche and empanadas. And we can’t forget the Portuguese custard tart dessert, a contemporary take on this well-loved sweet delight. 

A plate of sushi from Momo Sushi.

Moto Sushi Bar

305 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

For your sushi fix, Moto Sushi Bar—quite literally tucked away along Parnell Road—is the local’s go-to place. You could easily walk straight past this one, as it’s hidden down a flight of brick stairs beneath one of the main street’s heritage buildings. Expect all your favourite sushi bites, from sashimi and nigiri to bento boxes, ramen and udon bowls.

A woman holding a plate of Indonesian flavoured ribs.

Bandung Café

119 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

Inspired by home cooking from the team’s roots in Bali and Java, Bandung Café boasts a fresh take on Indonesian cuisine, with classic touches throughout. Set in plain sight along Parnell road, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the colourful decor and the cute patio tucked away out the back. With breakfast, lunch and dinner up for grabs, stop in any time of the day for a foodie fix.

Pineapple on Parnell

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207 Parnell Road, Parnell, Auckland

For a moody late-night sip, Pineapple on Parnell bar is the place to be. This regal hideaway offers an opulent escape from city life, encouraging patrons to unwind with good company and even better cocktails. Expect dramatic dark green walls accented with luxurious velvet curtains and cosy leather booths, plus an equally stunning drinks list to match.

Neat Auckland Places

Bar Martin

Exterior of Bar Martin, Auckland.
Place Auckland
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After a long week, there’s something extremely comforting about pulling up to your local for a pint.

Ebisu

Japanese food on a table.
Place Auckland
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Located on the waterfront in the city centre, Ebisu also lies at the heart of Japanese cuisine in Auckland.

Huckleberry

An aisle.
Place Auckland
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Riffing on the whole organic health craze sweeping Auckland, Harvest Wholefoods is a veteran of nourishment.

Georgia Jay

The front of the shop.
Place Auckland
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There is no staple more important to a person’s wardrobe than a quality leather bag, and Georgia Jay sure knows how to make them.