Dining Guide
We've taken some of the guess work out of Auckland’s dining scene and you'll find our Dining Guide below. We strongly recommend reservations and have hyperlinked the booking page where applicable. Monday 26 January is a public holiday - we have noted where a restaurant may be closed to help with your planning.
Near Karaka
ETHEREAL KITCHEN - Onsite at DoubleTree by Hilton Karaka, Ethereal is easily one of the most convenient spots to eat and relax after a busy day on the Sales grounds. There's also the Horseshoe Bar and, weather permitting, the terrace and pool area on sunny summer evenings. Speak to the front desk or restaurant team to reserve your table - recommended on Sale days.
VOLARE – Just 10 minutes from the Karaka Sales Centre, Volare Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria brings you the finest Italian cuisine in a relaxed, inviting dining environment. The menu features classic dishes assembled from the freshest ingredients. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Find them ar 91 Charles Provost Dr., The Gardens, Manurewa.
IZU – Papakura. Located on the main street, Izu offers a rich experience of Japanese dining with a European influence. Reservations recommended on 09 296 0499. Address: 170 Great South Rd, Papakura. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
BROADWAY LOUNGE - Papakura. A new-comer to the local bar and dining scene, family owned and operated Broadway Lounge is your go-to for a range of refreshing and tasty snacks and cocktails that are perfect for cooling off on a hot day or celebrating a special occasion (like selling your yearlings at Karaka!) Address: 10 - 12 Broadway, Papakura. Open Thursday to Sunday from 4pm.
Auckland Central
AHI - Commercial Bay. A menu to celebrate authentic New Zealand food, wine and spirits - our tip is to try the 'A New Zealand Food Story' menu and let the chef surprise you. Reservations essential - Book online or text +64 225 244 255.
Mr MORRIS - Britomart. "A place to be served, nourished, and indulged." Book a seat at the Kitchen Counter for an interactive dining experience, and don't miss the salt & pepper oyster mushrooms! Book online or by phone on 09 869 5522. Closed Sunday 25 and Monday 26 January.
ORIGINE - Commercial Bay. A modern French brasserie that marries phenomenal New Zealand produce and laidback service to bring you an entirely unique French-Kiwi dining experience. Located within Commercial Bay, the stunning floor to celiling windows offer city and harbour views. Open 7 days.
THE LODGE BAR & DINING - Ground Floor, Commercial Bay. The menu is brimming with simple, honest, hearty food. Closed Sunday 25 and Monday 26 January. Reservations online or phone 09 884 4200.
BIVACCO - Viaduct. On a huge corner site in the heart of the Viaduct, Bivacco promises "a bold restaurant serving simple, unfussy Italian food". Reservations phone: 09 801 6505 or book online. Open 7 days.
CAFE HANOI - Britomart. Busy, bustling Vietnamese eating house in the heart of Britomart. Great food and cocktails. Reservations essential, it's that popular. Book online or on 09 302 3478. Closed Monday 26 January.
ALMA - Quay St, Britomart. Delicious, Andalusian influenced tapas-style dining. We love the anchovy and tomato tostada or the pork pinchitos. Food and service here are top notch. Book online or call 09 242 1570. Closed Monday 26 January.
NON SOLO PIZZA - Parnell. Let's call it 'city fringe' - just 7 to 10 mins in an uber from the Viaduct - Non Solo Pizza (NSP) has a street-side bar and a rear courtyard for dining, a buzzy vibe, and great staff. Good for groups and for a casual dinner after a long day at Karaka. Walk ins welcome but reservations recommended.
CIBO - Parnell. An old classic but still one of the best Bistros in town. If you're looking for relaxed dining with five-star food and service, go here. Closed Sunday 25 and Monday 26 January. Book online.
BOSSI - Commerce St, CBD. Bringing a warm, luxurious taste of Italy to the city, just a few minutes from the Viaduct and Britomart. The cotoletta and baby calamari are standouts. Great wine list. Bookings recommended. Closed Sunday 25 and Monday 26 January.
HEADQUARTERS – Viaduct. Great food, great location, great host, HQ blends high end sports bar with casual waterside dining. Book online or call the team to reserve your table: 09 3947300. Open 7 days.
Some recommendations from left-field. You'll need an uber, but it's worth it!
THE COLLEGE HILL WINE ROOM - As the name suggests, there's an extensive wine list with a wide variety of wines by the glass and bottle, plus you can raid their retail section and enjoy some special wines onsite. Co-owner Dave Nash will be happy to make recommendations, and he's often opening interesting wines to try! The icing on the cake is their delicious menu, created by executive chef and co-owner Ryan Moore. The tuna rosti and the comté cheese tart are standouts, but you won't be disappointed. There's a stunning private dining room for groups up to 20 if you're looking to host friends or clients. Highly recommended (plus Dave is a friend and I love sending business his way!)
PICI - St Kevin's Arcade, Karangahape Rd (inside the arcade, no street frontage). Buzzy, simple, delicious. Thank us later! You'll love this uncomplicated menu of hearty and delicious pasta, simple salads, and decadent desserts. Excellent gluten free options too. Bookings essential. Closed Sunday 25 and Monday 26 January.
GEMMAYZE ST - next door to Pici also in St Kevin's Arcade, Gemmayze St offers delicious Lebanese mezze alongside three excellent set menus, starting at just $65pp. Walk ins are accepted but reservations are strongly recommended. Limited menu Sundays. Closed Monday 26 January.
BISTRO SAINE - For those staying at, or near, the new Hotel Indigo, you're in for a treat. Bistro Saine is a casual, classic french bistro blending the warmth of a neighbourhood favourite with elegant dining. From possibly Auckland's best 'steak frites', to a butterbean cassoulet that is rich and delicious, as well as classics like steak tartare and comté tart. Reservations recommended.
FLUSH GOLF - Britomart. Don't let the name fool you. Flush is a new, high tech, indoor golf club with five simulator bays offering some of the best courses in the world, as well as fun games for the less fanatical golfers. Food from the team behind NSP means the pizzas are exceptional! Reservations recommended with bays starting at $60/hour. Clubs are also available to hire. Closed Monday 26 January.
FIRST MATES, LAST LAUGH - From the famous face behind one of Auckland's most beloved establishments, Soul Bar, this new waterfront gem is a suntrap during the day and a fabulous spot to watch the city lights shimmer at night. The menu takes its direction from Japanese and Latin American, Nikkei, flavours.
There are many more great spots around Auckland including Ebisu and Azabu for excellent Japanese, Grand Harbour and Ghost Street for traditional Chinese, White + Wongs for busy, vibrant Asian cuisine, and Gochu for the best Korean Fried Chicken in town. Esther and Daphne's both offer Mediterranean fare, while the new Queens Rooftop has breathtaking views of the Waitemata Harbour. Last but by no means least, there's a large food court within Commercial Bay which is great for a quick bite, and the iconic The White Lady for your late night cravings (also making an appearance on the Garden Bar Lawn at Karaka this summer.)
For all of your hospitality, hotel bookings and travel enquiries, contact travel@nzb.co.nz