7 Auckland restaurants serving the best of New Zealand cuisine

From upscale dining hotspots and relaxed harbourfront eateries to island culinary treasures, diversity underpins Auckland’s food scene. Global influences, the impact of migration and seasonal local produce all combine in New Zealand’s largest, most exciting city. Here are the best restaurants in Auckland to experience its glorious cultural and culinary diversity. 

Where to eat in Auckland

1. Gemmayze Street 

Inspired by his family’s traditional recipes, Samir Allen’s contemporary Lebanese dishes at Gemmayze Street  are best enjoyed as an assortment of mezze, or through the multi-course Jeeb tasting menu. Standouts include shish barak, delicate dumplings of potato and chard; and samak nayeh, fresh fish served crudo-style with sumac and preserved lemon. Leave room at the end for knefe, shredded pastry with baked ricotta cheese and fragrant orange blossom-infused ice cream. The high-ceilinged Art Deco design of St Kevins Arcade lends a polished ambience to the eatery, which shares the elegant space with Bestie , a hip daytime café dishing up breakfast, brunch and excellent coffee.

2. Bar Magda 

Working the pass at his intimate, subterranean restaurant just off raffish Karangahape Road, Bar Magda 's chef and owner, Carlo Buenaventura, is usually up for a chat as he plates dishes inspired by his southern Filipino heritage. Arrive early for a craft beer or cocktail in the adjacent lounge bar, before enjoying dishes such as crab and prawn lumpia (spring rolls), and suglaw, a ceviche-like amalgam of grilled pork belly and tuna. The set menus are a great way to sample the innovation and diversity of Buenaventura’s cooking, while Bar Magda’s well-curated wine list showcases interesting varietals and natural wines from smaller New Zealand vineyards.

3. Tala

With large Pacific Island communities originally from Samoa, Tonga and the Cook Islands, Auckland is known as the capital of Polynesia – and Parnell’s multi-award-winning Tala  is a stunningly innovative showcase of the South Pacific’s culinary heritage. Inspired by memories of his childhood in Samoa, Henry Onesemo’s multi-course tasting menus are grounded in fine dining, while also incorporating personal and more humble recollections of island life. Tala translates to “story”, and the restaurant concept is expressed through a contemporary take on traditional Samoan roadside barbecue. Our pick? Don’t miss the pisupo (corned beef) reimagined as a delicate tartare with prime New Zealand dry-aged sirloin. Booking is essential.

4. Cazador 

Wild, organic, sustainable and free-range ingredients take centre stage at Cazador , an unassuming but surprising restaurant around 5km south of downtown Auckland. Co-owners Dariush Lolaiy and Rebecca Smidt regularly procure venison, boar and duck from their preferred hunters, harnessing the fare for house-made charcuterie and menus inspired by Lolaiy’s Iranian heritage. Spanning more than 10 sharing courses – including grilled venison with pistachio salsa – the Feast menu is a great-value showcase of the Cazador approach. During the day, the restaurant’s adjacent delicatessen serves up coffee and baked treats. The wagyu pie is an elevated spin on a classic New Zealand steak and cheese pie.

5. Ragtag 

Building on a successful backstory as a pop-up venue around town, Ragtag’s suburban Westmere location reinvents Mexican cuisine with a global spin. Chef Dan Freeman proclaims his relaxed eatery is “100 per cent Not Authentic”, but there’s no trade-off in flavour in dishes like quesadillas with burnt butter custard, duck fat tortillas with grilled aubergine and black garlic, or smoky lamb and sesame and cucumber salsa. Freeman’s creations are soulful and made for sharing, while a savvy drinks list includes classic cocktails and frosty pints of Brave Brewing’s Tiger Milk IPA, one of New Zealand’s best beers. It’s an experience wholly worth the 15-minute cab ride from downtown Auckland.

6. Hello Beasty 

Order up a storm amid the super yachts at Hello Beasty 's Viaduct Harbour location. Either secure a sunny outside table – perfect for people-watching – or sit at the bar and take in all the action in the kitchen. Japanese, Korean and Chinese flavours seamlessly co-exist on a diverse menu, with several dishes considered essential for both loyal regulars and one-off visitors to Auckland’s bustling waterfront precinct. Be sure to order the pork and ginger potsticker dumplings, as well as the slow-cooked lamb shoulder with a fiery Sichuan sauce. The bistro’s fun and sociable vibe is further enhanced by Asian-inspired cocktails, infused with unique flavours from cherry blossom to kimchi.

7. The Heke 

Just 45 minutes by ferry from downtown, Waiheke is a favourite retreat for Aucklanders, drawn by a Mediterranean-style microclimate and the island’s beaches, wineries and coastal walks. A sign near the ferry docks reads “Slow Down. You’re Here” – sound advice that feels perfectly suited to The Heke . Owned by a quartet of friends, this laid-back garden restaurant, brewery and distillery is the ideal introduction to relaxed Kiwi-style dining. Seasonal shared plates, smash burgers and wood-fired pizza are paired with house-brewed craft beer and wine from nearby vineyards, while tasting flights of award-winning Waiheke Whisky reflect the island’s maritime provenance. Look for the vintage Land Rover out front and you’re in the right place.

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