Best Restaurants in Auckland 2026

Bluff Oysters

The world's finest oysters from the deep cold waters of Foveaux Strait, available fresh in Auckland restaurants during the May-August season

Where to try: Depot Eatery, Harbourside Ocean Bar, most fine dining restaurants

Price: NZD $4-6 each

Kumara (Sweet Potato)

New Zealand's beloved root vegetable prepared in dozens of ways; Māori kumara is richer and more flavourful than imported varieties

Where to try: Ahi restaurant, Orphans Kitchen, New World supermarkets

Price: NZD $10-18 as side dish

Paua (Abalone)

New Zealand's endemic giant abalone, a Māori delicacy with an intense oceanic flavour, often served in fritters or with butter

Where to try: High-end seafood restaurants; paua fritters at fish and chip shops

Price: NZD $18-28

Hangi

Traditional Māori cooking method using heated rocks in an underground pit, producing succulent slow-cooked meats and vegetables with a unique earthy flavour

Where to try: Otara Market (Saturday morning), Māori cultural events

Price: NZD $15-25

Fish and Chips

New Zealand's most beloved takeaway — battered snapper or tarakihi served with chips. Auckland's proximity to the sea ensures exceptionally fresh fish

Where to try: Any coastal suburb; The Fishmonger in Mission Bay is excellent

Price: NZD $10-20

The French Café

Consistently rated among Auckland's very best restaurants, The French Café offers an exquisite tasting menu showcasing New Zealand's finest seasonal ingredients prepared with classical French technique. Chef Simon Wright's kitchen has earned numerous awards and the restaurant is essential dining for serious food lovers.

Known for: Award-winning tasting menus with NZ seasonal produce

210 Symonds Street, Eden Terrace, Auckland 1010

Clooney

An intimate, design-forward fine dining restaurant offering creative contemporary cuisine in an elegant setting. Chef Tony Stewart crafts imaginative seasonal menus that push culinary boundaries while remaining deeply connected to New Zealand's exceptional produce.

Known for: Creative fine dining and innovative cocktail programme

33 Sale Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland 1010

Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill

Perched above the Ferry Building with breathtaking harbour views, Harbourside serves the finest New Zealand seafood in one of the city's most spectacular settings. The menu focuses on sustainable New Zealand fish, oysters, and shellfish alongside premium meats.

Known for: Premium New Zealand seafood with harbour views

Level 1, Ferry Building, 99 Quay Street, Auckland CBD 1010

Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar

Chef Al Brown's acclaimed no-reservations restaurant is one of Auckland's most beloved eating experiences, offering fresh New Zealand seafood and honest comfort food in a lively, communal setting. The raw bar featuring Bluff oysters and Cloudy Bay clams is unmissable.

Known for: Raw bar and New Zealand seafood in communal setting

86 Federal Street, Auckland CBD 1010

O'Connell Street Bistro

A beloved institution in Auckland's CBD, O'Connell Street Bistro has been delivering exceptional modern New Zealand cuisine for over two decades. The elegant bistro setting, outstanding wine list, and consistently superb food make it a perennial favourite for business lunches and special occasions.

Known for: Classic Auckland fine dining with exceptional wine list

3 O'Connell Street, Auckland CBD 1010

Ahi

Chef Ben Bayly's flagship restaurant in the Britomart precinct celebrates New Zealand's extraordinary food produce with a creative and deeply personal menu. The intimate dining room and exceptional service create a memorable experience showcasing kai Māori concepts.

Known for: Celebrating New Zealand produce with Māori kai influence

15 Galway Street, Britomart, Auckland 1010

Baduzzi

Auckland's finest Italian restaurant brings the soul of Italy to the Wynyard Quarter waterfront. Chef Michael Dearth sources outstanding New Zealand ingredients and imports the finest Italian produce to create authentic, deeply satisfying Italian cuisine.

Known for: Artisanal Italian pasta and antipasto with NZ produce

21 Jellicoe Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland 1010

Orphans Kitchen

A Ponsonby institution with a fervent local following, Orphans Kitchen is committed to nose-to-tail and root-to-leaf cooking using organic and biodynamic producers. The relaxed, plant-filled dining room and natural wine list create an authentic neighbourhood restaurant experience.

Known for: Farm-to-table ethos with outstanding natural wine list

118 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011

Hangi kai

Traditional Māori earth-oven cooked meats and vegetables

Find it at: Otara Flea Market, Saturday mornings

Pacific Island food

Samoan chop suey, Tongan umu-cooked meats, Niuean dishes

Find it at: Otara Flea Market, various Pacific Island churches and events

Asian food truck fare

Rotating selection of Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese dishes

Find it at: SkyCity Food Trucks, Takapuna Night Market (Thu)

La Cigale French Market

Auckland's most beloved market with French-inspired produce, artisan goods, and superb café

Hours: Saturday 8AM-1PM, Sunday 8AM-1:30PM

Otara Flea Market

Vibrant Pacific community market with ethnic food, produce, and crafts

Hours: Saturday 6AM-12PM

Grey Lynn Farmers Market

Excellent local produce market in a charming inner-city park

Hours: Saturday 8AM-12PM

Clevedon Village Farmers Market

Outstanding rural market 45 minutes from Auckland with exceptional artisan produce

Hours: Sunday 8:30AM-12:30PM