Auckland Restaurants

It’s no secret that seafood is the main focus of many of Auckland’s best restaurants. And it should be when you consider the sheer variety of fresh fish, shellfish and other tasty swimmers that call the coastal waters of New Zealand home. It can be an extra treat if you’re visiting from the Northern Hemisphere because you’ll have the chance to sample culinary treats that you likely never had before. There are still amazing steakhouses and vegetarian extravaganzas to be had here, but it is best to bring a taste for the briny deep if you’re on your way to Auckland.

1. Agnes Curran - 181 Ponsonby Rd - website

Every great city must have a spot or two that is the perfect lunch destination. With a tasty selection of quiches, pastries and other light fare, Agnes Curran is Auckland’s perfect lunch café.

2. Antoines Restaurant - 333 Parnell Rd - website

While it may not be on par with the similarly titled restaurant in New Orleans, Antoines is a fine choice for a memorable night out in Auckland. Old fashioned service and large portions are the order of the day here. The catch of the day is a great choice.

3. Brazil - 256 K Rd - website

What Agnes Curran is to lunch, Brazil is to breakfast. This is truly no frills dining with the walls looking like the place is ready for demolition. But the coffee is roasted on site and the pastries are to die for. A great day in Auckland likely starts here.

4. Canton Café - 477 New North Rd - website

The Canton in the name is a nod to Cantonese dishes, not the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Although the line out the door may seem like ones at sporting events. The Chinese dishes here are worth it, even if you have to take it back to your hotel. A cheap, and fun choice.

5. Esplanade Restaurant - 1 Victoria Rd - website

Located inside the hotel with the same name, the Esplanade Restaurant is maybe the best place in Auckland to get a cocktail or cold beer, enjoy some seared tuna or salmon and bask in the best restaurant view in the city. The food is only slightly above average, but the view makes this place a must visit.

6. Iguacu - 269 Parnell Rd - website

This is one of the more fashionable places to be seen in Auckland, but, thankfully, the chefs here don’t just rest of their reputation. The menu is often inventive and exciting and the food more than backs it up. A good night out and a fun place to be seen.

7. Logos Café - 265 Ponsonby Rd - website

If you’re looking for an adventurous and super fashionable spot to eat, and if you’re dying for excellently prepared vegetarian cuisine, than Logos is for you. With a unique look that sets it apart from any other restaurant in the city, Logos delivers great food in a bizarre environment.

8. Manuka - 49 Victoria Rd - website

A super casual spot that is perfect for lunch or a bite to eat before bar hopping. One of the best pizzas in Auckland is available here around the clock and it is also a perfect spot to simply relax and watch the endless flow of foot traffic out front.

9. Mentatz - 28 Lorne St - website

It shouldn’t come as any surprise that a city with so much beachfront property would spawn so many good Japanese restaurants. Mentatz is one of the best, with donburi bowls and traditional Japanese favorites available here most of the day.

10. Zigana - 46 Victoria Rd - website

One of the most consistent quick service spots in the city. Famous for their own special blend of coffee, as well as entrees like lamp, pork and chicken. Think a world class coffee house and a great café all in one.