There’s gourmet heaven less than an hour from the CBD in any direction.
Auckland’s world-class food and drink scene just gets better and better. There’s gourmet heaven less than an hour from the CBD in any direction.
Auckland’s food and drink experiences just keep upping the ante – as we keep seeing more worldclass venues open, it’s clear the city’s culinary scene is thriving. And that scene extends far beyond the CBD; greater Auckland boasts fabulous destinations for day trips filled with winery tours and long lunches.
Less than an hour from the city centre in any direction you’ll find foodie destinations that feel worlds away from hectic urban life. So don’t restrict yourself to the city limits next time you’re seeking out a special restaurant experience in Auckland.
HOTEL RESTAURANTS
While Auckland’s dining scene has been steadily trending upwards, the city’s hotels have tended to lack first-rate restaurants. Yet recently there’s been an influx of fine dining and bar options to coincide with the opening of several high-end hotels. With the QT Hotel Auckland came Sean Connelly-helmed Esther and the uber-trendy Rooftop At QT. Meanwhile, Asian-vegetarian restaurant East has opened at the new Sudima Hotel, the Park Hyatt includes four food and drink offerings including signature restaurant Onemata, The Hotel Britomart has Kingi from the lads behind Orphans Kitchen, La Marée is a celebration of seafood at the Sofitel, Ada is making waves at The Convent Hotel and then there’s the most recently opened Our Land is Alive at Cordis Auckland ... phew!
CITY CENTRE PRODUCE MARKET
Designed to provide a sense of community and fresh produce for CBD residents, the City Centre Produce Market in Freyberg Place is a recent addition to Auckland’s food scene, taking place every Saturday. Here you can purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, breads of the world, baked goods, cheese and much more. citycentremarket.co.nz
GHOST STREET
The husband-and-wife team behind Auckland hotspots Cafe Hanoi, Saan and XuXu Dumpling Bar – Krishna Botica and Tony McGeorge – have opened Ghost Street, pitched as a reimagining of the hole-in-the-wall eateries found on the Beijing food street of the same name. Guests will enjoy rustic seasonal dishes with punchy flavours from across China, with an emphasis on food from the western cities of Chengdu and Xi’an. ghoststreetakl.nz
4 RESTAURANTS WORTH A DAY TRIP THE TASTING SHED, KUMEU
Frequently named as one of Auckland’s best restaurants, it offers fine food in the rustic surrounds of a converted cidery. 609 State Highway 16, Kumeu thetastingshed.co.nz
THE OYSTER INN, WAIHEKE
This iconic Waiheke restaurant has had the Josh Emett treatment since the renowned Kiwi chef bought the bistro. 124 Ocean View Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island theoysterinn.co.nz
BRACU, BOMBAY
Make your way to Bombay to eat beautiful food among an olive grove at Bracu. Enjoy some exciting activities like clay-bird shooting and archery.
49 Main Road, Bombay bracu.co.nz
THE SMOKO ROOM, MATAKANA
With tasty sharing dishes and plenty of brews to sample, you’ll never want to leave once you arrive at the Smoko Room at Sawmill Brewery.
1004 Leigh Road, Matakana sawmillbrewery.co.nz
KAI TIME ELEMENTAL AKL
14 July - 1 August
Elemental AKL returns to celebrate the culture, cuisine and creativity of Auckland. There are a host of amazing experiences that let you discover the ‘arts, eats and beats’ of New Zealand’s biggest city. Some of the food-related events include ‘The Travelling Fare’, a progressive dinner taking place across restaurants in Devonport; ‘An Auckland Food Story’, an interactive dining experience at Ben Bayly’s Ahi; ‘Blinis & Bellinis’, a luxurious four-course brunch at Josh Emett’s Onslow (above), plus many more events. aucklandnz.com/elementalfestival
ICONIC EATS OF AUCKLAND
Now you can see Auckland’s favourite dishes, chosen from the city’s eateries. Last year, Auckland Unlimited released its first list of the top 100 Iconic Auckland Eats, showcasing timeless classics, signature dishes and hidden gems from much-loved restaurants. Some of the more quintessential Kiwi offerings include the Pulled Lamb Shoulder from Amano and Traditional Hāngi from The Hāngi Master. But Auckland being a multicultural city, the list mainly consists of dishes inspired from all over the world like at Indian restaurant Satya (above). iconiceats.co.nz
THE BEST WINERY RESTAURANTS IN AUCKLAND
See incredible country and enjoy spectacular food and wine.
The Hunting Lodge, Kumeu
The restaurant in this historic 19th-century lodge serves up spectacular fare, while the vineyard is the site of New Zealand’s first sauvignon blanc.
307 Waikoukou Valley Road, Waimauku. thehuntinglodge.com
Rothko at Sculptureum, Matakana
Rothko’s cuisine celebrates the flavours of the region and the season, to be enjoyed with award-winning Sculptureum wine. Then take a stroll around the art-filled gardens and galleries on the property. 40 Omaha Flats Road, Matakana. sculptureum.nz
Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant, Waiheke
With views overlooking the Hauraki Gulf, Mudbrick is a must-visit for wine and fine food. A degustation with matched wines makes for a perfect long lunch.
126 Church Bay Road, Oneroa, Waiheke Island. mudbrick.co.nz
Tantalus Estate, Waiheke
Tantalus has long been a favourite for a boozy lunch on Waiheke. The expansive, light-filled dining room is a great location to while away an afternoon.
70-72 Onetangi Road, Waiheke Island. tantalus.co.nz
Casita Miro, Waiheke
Be transported to Spain at Casita Miro, famous for fantastic tapas. The glass-walled dining room overlooks the vineyard, providing a stunning location for a special occasion.
3 Brown Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island. casitamiro.co.nz
The Shed at Te Motu
There’s a focus on ethical and sustainable cuisine at The Shed, which uses ingredients grown onsite and from local producers. 76 Onetangi Road, Onetangi, Waiheke Island. temotu.co.nz/the-shed
Poderi Crisci
You’ll feel as though you’ve arrived in Tuscany when you eat traditional Italian dishes while looking out across the vines at Poderi Crisci.
205 Awaawaroa Road, Awaawaroa Bay, Waiheke Island. podericrisci.co.nz
Cable Bay
The outlook is breathtaking, the wine is world-class and the food is fantastic – what more could you ask for?
12 Nick Johnstone Drive, Oneroa, Waiheke Island. cablebay.nz